By Elizabeth Johnson The government of be Guinea has arrested a huge substances suspected to be Cocaine in the the vehicle belonging to the embassy of Sierra Leone in Guinea . Reports in Guinea said. The driver of the vehicle and another Sierra Leonean have been arrested by the Guinean authorities and are being detained in an unknown location. The government of Sierra Leone has in a press release confirmed the incident and has recalled its Ambassador to Guinea Alimamy Bangura who is also said to have been placed under house arrest by the Guinean government. His deputy , Fatmata Sawaneh is also being held in custody by the authorities in Guinea . A source in Guinea told the Public Review. Bangura  who is the Dean of the African Ambassadors in Guinea at the Chancery building in Conakry has not said anything yet about the incident and his whereabouts is still unknown. The quantity of the Cocaine is said to be around 380 Kilogram and thousands of dollars were also apprehended in the vehicle belonging to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Guinea . The vehicle is said to have been driven by the official driver to the Ambassador . He had drove the vehicle from Kambia in the northern part of Sierra Leone towards the Sierra Leone Embassy in Guinea . Report said that the vehicle had a diplomatic number plate while the driver was having his diplomatic identity on him when the Guinean authorities intercepted him and insisted that the vehicle would be forcefully searched . Reports suggest that they were acting on a reliable tip off so they pushed for a thorough search of the vehicle forcefully . The substances  which are said to have been bundled in different seals are said to have been tested by the Guinean authorities and have proven to be Cocaine. Reports also added . It continued that a Laissez Passé ( an official travel documents) fixed , signed and stamped by the Sierra Leone embassy in Guinea was found in the possession of the driver . This means , the vehicle was authorized to travel from Guinea to; into Sierra Leone and back to Guinea.  According to the reports , the Laissez Passe showed that the vehicle had entered Sierra Leone and then returned into Guinea and that it was on return trip that it was intercepted. This latest development could be termed the worst diplomatic debacle in the recent history of bilateral relations between the two sister countries. Neighboring Sierra Leone and Guinea have partnered as members of the Mano River Union Basin since . In recent months , the two countries were at loggerheads over alleged deportation and harassment of either citizens .

By Amadu Daramy & Mohamed Plato Koroma in Maryland, USA In an effort to move from lethargy to a fast-tracked development strides in the chiefdom, the Lower Bambara Diaspora Development Association (LoBDDA) has reached an agreement with the local authorities for a series of interface outreach moving forward in 2025. Anthony Quee from London, who apparently is the Vice Chairman and Edmund Quee Nyagua from the US who is the Public Relations Officer made the trip to Panguma, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District to have the first face-to-face meeting. Including in the delegation were Gbonda Sei,  retired Colonel Musa Gbassa, former Member of Parliament Festus Lansana and current Member of Parliament Mrs. Rugiatu Tarawally Mussafa respectively. The meeting was moderated by Sheku Farma who is the constituency Chairman. On the local front, the Paramount Chief was in attendance including four Section Chiefs: Panguma Town Chief Mugbay, a representative of the speaker, Youth Chairman and Panguma Women’s Leader. The first item on the agenda was handing over of the constructed Panguma Cemetery. Chief Barrie, on behalf of the chiefdom was grateful. In this regard, an appeal was made to the authorities to stop people being buried within the township except chiefs. The deliberations further focused on the way forward and a recommendation was made to re-institute the Chiefdom Development Committee (CDC), which is different from the mining CDC. This chiefdom development has been in existence and was at some point headed by the late Alfred Sandy-RIP. The aim is to give the committee the mandate to monitor all development projects including funds and implementation. On the mining CDC, it was recommended that its composition be reviewed to include all sectors in the chiefdom. A rumour was also circulated about a pending sale of the mining company to a Chinese outfit but the Paramount Chief stated that he has no knowledge about that. A recommendation was then made to the Paramount Chief not to append his signature to any future document until he confers with the Chiefdom Development Committee which is about to be re-instituted. The welfare of the Paramount Chief was also discussed especially with regards his challenged physical health. A suggestion was made to raise funds for a customized vehicle for which an initial pledge was made to the tune of $500 for the vehicle purchase. On that same note, it was reported that the American Ambassador will be visiting the Dodo Hydro-Electric Dam and will be a guest in the chiefdom. The current Member of Parliament was tasked in facilitating a proposal to the Ambassador for the provision of a customized vehicle to the Paramount Chief. The focus of LoBDDA now is to ensure that all funds are utilized for the development of the chiefdom. The Member of Parliament spoke about the pending road construction project and requested that everyone, especially the youths, should be on-board and further assured that the project is imminent.

The National Social Protection Bill 2024 has officially advanced to the legislative stage, with its first and second readings in Parliament completed today. This development represents a pivotal step towards establishing a comprehensive social protection framework aimed at improving the welfare of all Sierra Leoneans. The bill’s progression follows extensive regional consultations spearheaded by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation. Funded by the World Bank, these consultations engaged a diverse array of stakeholders to ensure the proposed legislation is both inclusive and robust. A key feature of the bill is the establishment of a Social Protection Authority, tasked with managing the Social Protection Bread Basket—a fund designed to support various social protection initiatives. This initiative seeks to foster coordination between public and private sector efforts, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to social welfare. Today’s parliamentary readings were led by the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, with the support of the Ministry’s social partners and key social protection agencies, including the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) and the National Social Safety Net (NSSN). The minister underscored the collaborative efforts behind the bill, which now proceeds to the committee stage for further deliberation and eventual enactment by the House of Parliament. Credit : Information Unit Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security.

Following his relentless effort in engaging the Ministry’s Agencies and Departmental Heads, Minister Lengor Esq also held an interactive session with the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), and the National Fireforce (NFF) Management Team, on chatting the way forward on their plans, activities, operations and challenges. The Director General of the SLCS Brig. Gen. STD Ngauijah in his explicit powerpoint presentation outlined the institutions operations, successes, challenges and proffer recommendations. Brig. Gen. Ngauijah  emphasised that their operations has been a tough one due to numerous challenges facing the institution. He stated that the SLCS is a key institution with specific and huge responsibilities, and therefore need to be given the utmost priority interms of support. He further delved into the conditions of service of Personnel, and pleaded with the Minister to use his good will office  through the  authorities concerned to tackle some of their challenges. Updating the Minister on their plans, activities, operations,  accomplishments and challenges, the Chief Fire Officer Nazir Alie Kamanda Bongay emphasised on the constraints they faced in executing their operations in the most challenging environment, in saving lives and properties. Also stressing on the poor conditions of service of his dedicated personnel. Noting that his team has consistently demonstrated their commitment to national duty, making significant contributions to the institution. He called on the Minister to use his lobbying  power in order to strengthen their fire control safety laws and mechanisms. Responding, the Minister acknowledged their presentations, stating that the discussions marks a way forward in boosting the security Agencies,  stressing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in strengthening security across the Country.  Minister Lengor Esq further provided relevant information, admonishing the team to be committed to open dialogue with the Ministry in order to heighten the activities of the Ministry. “I believe in teamwork and cooperation and i need cooperation between the Ministry and its Agencies, because with cooperation and teamwork we will be able to effectively deliver on our mandates” Minister Lengor Esq stated. Concluding, the Minister committed to coordinating and lobbying to key partners and relevant authorities, assuring the team of Governments support to strengthening the security Agencies. He however, applauded the SLCS and the NFF Team for their steadfastness and commitment, despite the numerous challenges, noting that their dedication and commitment to transforming their institutions is commendable. Credit : Ministry of Internal Affairs *Communications unit.

Following the commencement of its public hearings on Monday 13/01/2025 by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh on the Auditor General’s Report for 2023 on the accounts of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Management of Zoodlabs was stood down and on Tuesday 14/01/2025 the Management of LEONE ROCK METAL GROUP was absolved by the PAC of any financial wrongdoing to the State. In light of an audit query on page 8 of the said Report relating to Zoodlabs owing Government over $ 700,000 in respect of a contractual agreement, after extensive probing by the PAC for the production of documents relating to same, the Management of Zoodlabs conceded to the concerns raised by the PAC and appealed for a stand down which was granted by the PAC pending a compilation and submission of the payment schedules, subject to verification by the Auditors and the Public Accounts Committee. Following a query on the same page 8 of the same Report relating to LEONE ROCK METAL GROUP owing Government over $ 5 Million outstanding payments for the agreement regarding the operations of the rail and port, after much deliberations and documents submitted, the Public Accounts Committee has cleared and absolved the Management of the said Company of any financial wrongdoing to the State. The PAC further praised LEONE ROCK METAL GROUP for being adherent and compliant to the legal and regulatory frameworks guiding the operations of business entities in the country. Furthermore, given its corporate social responsibility, the Public Accounts Committee recognized LEONE ROCK METAL GROUP for supporting the LEONE ROCK PREMIER LEAGUE and called on them to expand support to other sporting disciplines in the country including golf, cricket and volleyball. Tomorrow being the 15/01/2025, the PAC will be having a long day with the Accountant General’s Office relating to the General Purpose Financial Statements in respect of queries raised in the Auditor General’s Report for 2023 on the accounts of Sierra Leone. Credit : Parliamentary and Public Relations Department Parliament of Sierra Leone.

By Abubakarr Bah Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, is currently leading a technical delegation to the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The three-day event, which kicked off on January 14, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, brings together government representatives, international organizations, and stakeholders to shape the future of minerals. Sierra Leone’s delegation includes Ing. Hadji Dabo, Director-General, National Minerals Agency (NMA); Joseph Lebbie, Acting Director of Geological Survey, NMA; and Alusine Timbo, Deputy Director of Mines, NMA. The Sierra Leone delegation was  accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary in Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Mohammed S. Barrie. On January 14, the delegation participated in the 4th FMF’s Ministerial Roundtable (MRT) discussions, moderated by Hon. Dr Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security of the Republic of Sierra Leone. During the MRT session, Minister Mattai highlighted Sierra Leone’s exceptional geology and diverse mineral resources. He emphasized the importance of critical minerals, such as lithium, nickel, and graphite, for modern technologies, economies, and national security. Mattai also discussed the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s mining sector, including the lack of value addition, limited exploration investments, and inadequate infrastructure. He stressed the need for international collaboration to address these challenges and unlock investment opportunities. The FMF provides a platform for Sierra Leone to engage with global stakeholders, discuss policy and investment opportunities, and build partnerships to support its national development. In addition to the MRT, the Sierra Leone delegation participated in the annual International Geological Survey Meeting (IGSM), which aims to promote international collaboration in geological surveying. The outcomes of the FMF are expected to enable Sierra Leone to unlock investment in critical minerals supply, accelerate infrastructure partnerships, and create resilient value chains.

The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, alongside his deputy, Lansana Mohamed Dumbuya, the Senior Permanent Secretary, Joseph Tekman Kanu, and the Acting Commissioner of Labour, Chiblee Francis Kamara, held an interactive session with owners of Overseas Private Recruitment Agencies (PRAs) to set a collaborative tone for the year, explore the challenges faced by PRAs, and discuss the path forward in overseas recruitment deployment. In his address, Minister Swaray emphasized the importance of understanding the hurdles faced by the agencies and encouraged open dialogue. He highlighted his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, expressing his commitment to meeting deployed migrants to assess their welfare firsthand. This, he noted, is crucial for ensuring that the ministry is fully aligned with the realities faced by Sierra Leonean workers abroad. The Minister announced that going forward, the licenses of PRAs that have not conducted any recruitments will not be renewed, stressing the need for active engagement in their operations. He also admonished the commissioner’s office to ensure that bank statements are obtained from licensed PRAs to verify the availability of surety funds, emphasizing financial security and accountability. To foster growth and improve service delivery, he encouraged the agencies to consider mergers and consolidate resources to secure larger contracts. He also highlighted the importance of being business-minded and leveraging collective strengths for greater impact. Additionally, PRAs were advised to intensify their recruitment campaigns across the country, enhancing visibility through media engagements to build credibility and attract potential recruits. The meeting sets a foundation for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and PRAs, aiming to improve the recruitment landscape and ensure the well-being of Sierra Leoneans seeking overseas employment opportunities. Credit : Information Unit *Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security.

By Ishmail Saidu Kanu Last season’s Premier League Player of the Year Musa ‘Tombo’ Kamara has dedicated his outstanding performance against Freetown City FC on Wednesday to his wife. The East End Lions striker netted a brace that helped the Killers secure their third consecutive win of the season, moving to second place in the table. “I firstly want to thank God for winning the Man of the Match award, and I also thank the coach for his encouraging words and his training. I would like to thank my wife for her support; she has contributed a lot to my performance so far. “I assure my fans of more goals in subsequent matches. Let me also thank them for their belief and courage. We always need their support to succeed. It’s teamwork that led us to this win.” Musa scored 15 goals last season for Ports Authority, winning the Golden Boot, Best Striker, and Best Player awards. He is in his second stint with Lions. He helped them win the 2019 Sierra Leone Premier League title.

A Press Release from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned the parliament of Sierra Leone for placing a ban on a journalist from entering parliament. The Speaker of Parliament, Solomon Thomas announced last Friday that parliamentary journalist, Melvin Tejan Mansaray has been banned to enter the house for what he described as “ engaging several media houses houses maliciously criticizing the decision of the House of Parliament “ a stark from parliament said . SLAJ said it “is deeply concerned about the decision of the Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to bar journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray from accessing the precincts of Parliament. This action, reportedly based on allegations of “malicious criticism” of parliamentary decisions, is a troubling development for press freedom and the principles of accountability in our democracy.” The statement noted . It added that “”While SLAJ acknowledges the Speaker’s concerns regarding journalistic standards, we strongly believe that barring a journalist from covering parliamentary proceedings undermines the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression and the press. Such actions set a dangerous precedent and could erode public trust in the commitment of Parliament to transparency and accountability. We call on Parliament to reconsider this decision and refer the matter to SLAJ and the Independent Media Commission (IMC), as suggested by the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo. SLAJ is the professional body to address concerns regarding the professional conduct of journalists in the country while the IMC is the statutory body to regulate the conduct of the media. ‘’ the statement further noted The statement which was signed by the Sexual General of SLAJ said they will soon engage the  leadership of Parliament to better understand the circumstances surrounding this decision. “”At the same time, we are launching an internal investigation to assess the allegations against Mnsaray. We urge all journalists to adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional journalism. At the same time, we remind public institutions of their duty to uphold the rights of journalists to report freely and without intimidation.” It said . SLAJ remains committed to defending press freedom and promoting responsible journalism in Sierra Leone.” Said Alhaji Manika Kamara , Secretary General of SLAJ said in the statement. A statement from the parliamentary Press gallery has also condemned the decision of parliament especially the utterances of the Speaker who has emphasized his stance on the action. “ as a key stakeholder in promoting transparency and accountability through accurate and balanced reporting, the Press Gallery is dedicated to fostering a constructive and cordial relationship with Parliament.” The statement said . It continued that “ we therefore kindly requests parliament to reconsider its decision “” Several rights groups and civil society organizations have also condemned the decision of parliament barring the  Journalist from entering parliament. The it could be recalled that parliament on the 20th of December 2024 took a decision to remove the revered and most respected Auditor General of Sierra Leone Lara Taylor Pearce . This action taken by Parliament raised huge public outcry and criticisms from all sectors across the country . A decision which many Sierra Leoneans including Melvin Mansaray have been criticizing on the basis that due process was not followed and that the decision of parliament to remove the Auditor General Lara Taylor Pearce was against democracy standards and parliamentary rules and procedures. These criticisms have not gone down well with some members of parliament especially the Speaker Thomas and members of his rulling party in parliament who say the journalist Mansaray has been misleading the public on the decision.  But many Sierra Leoneans believe that the Auditor General Lara is a woman of integrity and a model to reckon with in ensuring transparency and accountability for public funds . Her work has been exemplary and professional; according to many Sierra Leoneans. For many people, her only crime , was because she audited the President”s office and exposed blatant corrupt practices. She has been held high for standing stall in the against fight corruption in the country; which is why mostly people believe she was removed un procedurally.