By Fatima Kpaka

Freetown, March 5, 2026 — The High Court in Freetown has sentenced Monica Kumba Kaiwandi to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 165 tablets of tramadol.

Justice Mark Ngegba delivered the ruling after finding Kaiwandi guilty of violating Section 8a of the National Drugs Control Act No. 10 of 2008. According to the indictment, she was arrested on July 29, 2025, in Freetown with 800 grams of tramadol without lawful authority.

The prosecution, led by State Counsel A. Jalloh, argued that the evidence clearly established the offence. Jalloh noted that Kaiwandi had no prior criminal record.

In her plea for leniency, the defendant, a mother of three, told the court she was the sole breadwinner of her family and begged for mercy.

Justice Ngegba, however, ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. “It is very clear that the defendant was unlawfully in possession of the drugs,” he stated, before handing down the 20-year sentence.

Kaiwandi was represented by defense counsel M. Y. Conteh.

By George M.O. Williams

Freetown, March 5, 2026: Street Child Sierra Leone has announced that its flagship initiative, the Education For Every Child Today (EFFECT) project, has successfully enrolled more than 35,000 vulnerable children into primary schools since its launch in 2022.

The disclosure was made by Country Director Kelfa Kargbo during a press conference at the organization’s headquarters in Congo Cross, Freetown. He explained that the four-year, $4 million project is being implemented in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation through its Educate A Child Programme, with support from the Qatar Fund for Development.

Expanding Access to Education

Kargbo highlighted that the project has reached underserved communities in districts including Kono, Magburaka, Lunsar, and Kenema. Of the children enrolled, 52 percent—over 18,000—are girls. He emphasized that this reflects Street Child’s deliberate focus on gender equity, ensuring that girls, who often face greater barriers to education, are not left behind.

Tackling Poverty Through Family Empowerment

Beyond enrolment, the initiative addresses poverty, a major factor keeping children out of school. Through its Family Business for Education (FBE) scheme, Street Child has supported about 11,500 caregivers with enterprise training, cash grants, and tailored business support. Notably, 92 percent of these grants were given to women, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to empowering mothers and female caregivers.

“By empowering mothers financially, we strengthen their ability to keep children in school and support their learning,” Kargbo said.

Community Impact and Sustainability

Project Manager Mohamed S. Turay described the enrolment milestone as “an inspiring achievement,” noting that many of the children previously lived in remote communities where schools were dilapidated and families struggled to afford basic necessities.

Turay explained that the EFFECT project delivers a comprehensive support package, tackling social, economic, and institutional barriers to education. This includes psychosocial support, identification of vulnerable children living or working on the streets, and structured schemes to strengthen caregivers’ financial capacity.

He stressed that the approach is designed to ensure sustainability: “Even after the project ends, caregivers will have the means to continue supporting their children’s education.”

By Sallieu S. Kanu

New York, March 4, 2026: Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, joined global leaders and advocates at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) to lead a high-level discussion on accelerating efforts to end child marriage.

The event, titled “Accelerating Efforts to End Child Marriage,” was organized by the Institute of Global Politics Women’s Initiative. It brought together distinguished voices including former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sheryl Sandberg, Mabel van Oranje, and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

Dr. Bio emphasized the urgent need for stronger policies, sustained investment in girls’ education, and global collaboration to protect girls from child marriage. She reaffirmed her commitment as both First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), noting that the fight against child marriage is central to advancing gender equality and safeguarding the future of young girls.

“The discussion reinforced our shared commitment to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive free from child marriage,” she said.

Child marriage remains a pressing issue worldwide, with UNICEF estimating that over 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each year. In Sierra Leone, Dr. Bio has championed initiatives to strengthen laws against child marriage, expand access to education, and empower communities to protect girls.

Her leadership through OAFLAD has also amplified African voices in global advocacy, aligning with international partners to accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.

The Columbia University dialogue highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, with participants calling for governments, civil society, and international organizations to intensify efforts. The presence of high-profile advocates underscored the global momentum behind ending child marriage and advancing girls’ rights.

Freetown, Sierra Leone: The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio, has rolled out sweeping reforms aimed at easing congestion at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Cline Town, Freetown.

Through robust monitoring exercises, improved container handling procedures, streamlined stacking systems, and enhanced coordination among terminal operators, the Authority has significantly reduced turnaround time. Cargo is now moving more swiftly from ship to shore and onwards to final destinations, minimizing delays that previously plagued the port.

Speaking to Satellite press, DG Bio emphasized the strengthening of port security, adherence to international maritime safety standards, and compliance protocols designed to boost confidence among shipping lines and international partners.

His reform agenda is steadily transforming Sierra Leone’s ports into efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly gateways for trade. These changes have not only improved Sierra Leone’s standing in the sub-region but also positioned the country to benefit more from initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mr. Bio’s leadership has focused on removing bottlenecks, modernizing policies, and strengthening institutional governance to support national economic growth. His efforts have already attracted admiration from industrial nations including China, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

Benefits of Decongesting the Port

The ongoing decongestion drive brings multiple advantages:

• Faster cargo clearance – reducing waiting times for importers and exporters.
• Boost to trade efficiency – making Sierra Leone’s ports more competitive in the region.
• Economic growth – lowering costs for businesses and encouraging foreign investment.
• Minimization of accidents – less overcrowding of containers and smoother traffic flow reduce risks of workplace injuries and cargo damage.
• Improved international reputation – compliance with global maritime standards builds trust among shipping lines and investors.

Since his appointment by President Julius Maada Bio, DG Yankuba Askia Bio has remained determined to instill discipline across every facet of the Authority. His early interventions, particularly in easing container operations, set the tone for a transformation that continues to reshape Sierra Leone’s maritime sector.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Freetown, Sierra Leone – Dr. Richard Konteh, popularly known as D-Unifier, has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Standard Bearer of the All People’s Congress (APC). He made the announcement during an interactive session with fifty-two APC Members of Parliament, delivering his message with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

In a notable gesture, Dr. Konteh was accompanied by his wife, underscoring transparency, family support, and commitment to the political journey ahead. His decision to involve his spouse was described as unprecedented among flag bearer aspirants.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Opposition Leader in Parliament, expressed appreciation for Dr. Konteh’s declaration and commended him for bringing his wife to witness the engagement. Hon. Kargbo emphasized that Dr. Konteh’s long-standing service and contributions to the APC are well recognized across the country, noting that his track record speaks for itself.

While acknowledging that Members of Parliament cannot officially endorse a flag bearer aspirant, Hon. Kargbo stressed that the APC stands at a critical crossroads. He highlighted the need for a leader with proven experience, a strong track record, and the capacity not only to secure electoral victory but also to provide sound governance capable of addressing Sierra Leone’s pressing economic challenges.

The engagement marks another significant step in the APC’s journey toward the 2028 elections, with Dr. Konteh positioning his campaign on the pillars of unity, experience, and responsible leadership.

By Fatima Kpaka

Freetown, March 5, 2026: Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 has admitted video evidence in the ongoing trial of actress and activist Yabu Zainab Sheriff, who faces charges of incitement and threatening language.

Prosecution witness Sheku Turay, a detective attached to the Cyber Crime Syndicate at CID Headquarters, testified that the video allegedly involving the defendant was discovered during routine cyber surveillance on January 31, 2026. The video, published on the Born2blog Facebook page and Liberty TV Online, was downloaded, stored on a pen drive, and tendered as Exhibit A.

Turay explained that after forensic analysis, the video was confirmed and linked to Sheriff, who later admitted during police interviews that she was the speaker in the footage. Her statement was tendered as Exhibit F1–F27.

Defence Objection Overruled

Defence Counsel Roland Wright objected to the admissibility of the pen drive, arguing that the witness was not competent to tender downloaded material and that the original publisher should be called.

State Counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay countered, citing Section 92(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, which allows investigators to tender evidence they handled. Magistrate Jah ruled in favor of the prosecution, declaring the video admissible.

Arrest and Bail Application

Turay testified that Sheriff was arrested on February 20, 2026, at LOR Gym Facility in Juba following a warrant issued earlier that month. She was taken to Lumley Police Station and later transferred to CID Headquarters, where her iPhone 15 Pro Max was seized for forensic examination.

Under cross-examination, Turay confirmed that no individual had lodged a complaint regarding the video, though names such as Foday Sankoh were mentioned in it.

Defence Counsel Wright renewed his bail application, describing Sheriff as a resilient public figure who has represented Sierra Leone internationally and supports women nationwide. He argued that she poses no flight risk, is a mother of two, and is currently unwell.

The State Prosecutor opposed the application, stressing the seriousness of the charges. Magistrate Jah adjourned the matter for ruling on bail.

By Fatima Kpaka

Kono, Sierra Leone – Justice Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura of the High Court in Kono has sentenced Alusine Kemoh to 15 years imprisonment after finding him guilty of unlawful possession of drugs, specifically kush. The ruling was delivered on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Kemoh faced a single count charge under Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008. According to the indictment, he was arrested on November 11, 2025, in the Kono Judicial District with 47 wraps of kush in his possession without lawful authority.

The case was committed to the High Court following preliminary investigations. In his judgment, Justice Bangura stated that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to Kemoh’s conviction.

State Prosecutor Charles Foday Sesay noted that the defendant had no prior criminal record. During allocutus, Kemoh pleaded for mercy. His defense counsel, Alpha Osman Kamara, also appealed for leniency, stressing that Kemoh was a first-time offender and a young man with potential for reform.

However, Justice Bangura described the defendant’s conduct as “despicable,” emphasizing that drug-related offenses have severely impacted Sierra Leone’s youth. He insisted that the court must take firm action against offenders to deter further crimes.

“I therefore sentence him to fifteen (15) years imprisonment and order the substance found with him to be destroyed,” Justice Bangura ruled.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Sierra Leone — A damning investigation into Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) has revealed widespread irregularities in the recruitment and appointment of academic staff, raising serious questions about integrity and accountability within the institution.

The MMTU Investigation Report, commissioned after mounting allegations, found evidence of tampered score sheets, selective interview invitations, and questionable appointment letters. The committee concluded that the process was “discredited by intentional and criminal acts,” urging immediate reforms and legal action against those responsible.

Key Findings

• Tampering of Documents: Original score sheets were altered, changing candidate rankings and eligibility.
• Selective Invitations: Qualified candidates were deliberately excluded from interviews, undermining fairness.
• Compromised Appointments: Letters of appointment were issued outside standard procedures, with lecturers re-categorized without consultation.
• No Grievance Mechanism: Staff had no independent body to appeal to, forcing them to seek intervention from the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education.
• Culture of Resignation: Witnesses admitted awareness of tampering but expressed little surprise, reflecting low expectations for procedural integrity.

Recommendations

The committee urged:

• Nullification of compromised appointments
• Creation of an independent grievance body
• Reinstatement of staff based on original scores
• Legal action against perpetrators
• Transparent, merit-based recruitment going forward

Vice Chancellor’s Response

Professor Philip Kanu, Vice Chancellor of MMTU, acknowledged administrative lapses but defended the recruitment exercise as intended to be merit-based. He denied personal involvement in tampering, attributing discrepancies to clerical errors.

While refuting claims of selective invitations, he admitted communication breakdowns may have caused confusion. He pledged to support reforms, including the establishment of a grievance committee, and called for unity among staff to restore trust.

Implications

The revelations have shaken confidence in MMTU’s governance, with staff expressing frustration and distrust. The report paints a picture of systemic manipulation and weak oversight, warning that without urgent reforms, the university’s credibility and academic standards remain at risk.

Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Chief Executive Officer of Media Tech Company, Mr. Walid, has donated solar lights to the Sierra Leone Police Training School, enhancing visibility and safety within the facility, particularly during nighttime hours.

The donation was formally handed over during a brief ceremony attended by senior police officials.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Walid reaffirmed his company’s commitment to supporting the Sierra Leone Police in various ways. He emphasized that the solar lights would play a vital role in improving security and training conditions.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu expressed gratitude to Media Tech and its CEO for their continued partnership. He highlighted that the company has consistently supported the force, noting that Mr. Walid recently funded the installation of 30 surveillance cameras, significantly strengthening security monitoring.

The IGP further urged other private companies and individuals to emulate Media Tech’s example, stressing that supporting national institutions like the police should not be left solely to the government.

Senior police officials present at the ceremony included Deputy Inspector General of Police Sahr Yomba Senesie and Principal Staff Officer Mr. Ishmael Ketta.

By Sallieu S. Kanu

Sierra Leone — March 3, 2026:   The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has successfully convened a landmark roundtable discussion between the Government of Sierra Leone and the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC), aimed at easing political tensions and advancing electoral reforms.

The meeting, held at the New Brookefields Hotel in Freetown, brought together senior APC executives and Hon. Alpha Sesay, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, alongside his team. Discussions centered on recommendations from the Tripartite Committee established after the disputed June 24, 2023 Presidential Election, with focus areas including census credibility, voter registration challenges, transparency in electoral processes, and cartographic exercises.

Electoral Concerns Raised: APC representatives voiced concerns over the credibility of census data and transparency in voter registration.

Appointment of Electoral Commissioner: The recent swearing-in of Mr. Edmund Sylvester Alpha as Chief Electoral Commissioner was debated, with APC questioning the timing and process.

Government’s Position: Attorney General Sesay emphasized dialogue as the most effective path forward, warning that “boycotts should not be a solution.”

International Observers Present: Representatives from the United Nations, UNDP, and ECOWAS attended as observers, underscoring the global importance of Sierra Leone’s democratic stability.

ICPNC’s Role

Ms. Hawa Samai, Executive Secretary of ICPNC, stressed the need to sustain momentum through follow-up dialogues and inclusive mechanisms. The Commission pledged to facilitate further engagements with relevant institutions to ensure transparency and inclusivity in reform processes.

The ICPNC’s mediation is seen as a crucial step in preventing political disputes from escalating, while reinforcing Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions. By fostering dialogue between government and opposition, the Commission continues to uphold its mandate of promoting peace, national cohesion, and conflict resolution.