By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to aviation advancement during his address at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Facilitation Panel (#FALC2025) held in Doha. Representing Sierra Leone on the global stage, Minister Turay highlighted key milestones in the country’s aviation sector and called for collective action in shaping the future of global air travel.

Speaking to delegates from around the world, Minister Turay proudly shared Sierra Leone’s significant progress in aviation facilitation, including the successful commissioning of a new international airport, enhanced national coordination efforts, and a growing number of international airline partners now operating in the country.

“The future of aviation is now, and Sierra Leone is ready to lead with action and collaboration,” he stated. Emphasizing the importance of moving beyond discussion, Minister Turay urged his counterparts to embrace decisive action: “We should not be content with dialogue alone—let us commit to action. The skies we share demand bold vision, unwavering integrity, and collective resolve. The time for delay is over. The future of aviation is now, and it is ours to shape!”

Minister Turay also underscored the alignment of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) with ICAO’s global facilitation priorities. These include improving passenger experience, streamlining border procedures, enhancing aviation security, and fostering seamless cross-sector collaboration.

“We are not just investing in infrastructure,” he explained. “We are investing in people, in systems, and in partnerships that will ensure sustainability, security, and resilience in our aviation landscape.”

Sierra Leone’s participation at the ICAO FALC 2025 reaffirms its proactive stance in contributing to international aviation standards and development. Minister Turay’s message was one of unity, forward-thinking, and action-oriented leadership—a call to fellow member states to match ambition with tangible results in creating a safer, more efficient, and more inclusive global aviation system.

The ICAO Facilitation Panel serves as a platform for member states to collaborate on standards and practices that streamline air travel, reduce bottlenecks, and promote sustainable development in aviation. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/transport-minister-showcases-sierra-leones-aviation-progress-at-icao-falc-2025-in-doha/

A quiet but growing wave of dissatisfaction is building within Sierra Leone’s security sector as prolonged delays in the supply of their entitled bags of rice threaten to erode morale and compromise operational effectiveness. Personnel from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Prisons Department are expressing increasing frustration over what they describe as a deepening crisis linked to the non-disbursement of funds by the Ministry of Finance.

The issue, which began as sporadic delays, has now escalated into what security experts warn could become a serious threat to national stability. For several months, rice allocations, a long-standing staple entitlement for security forces, have either been delayed or halted entirely.

According to police sources, rice supplies have been delivered intermittently over the last five months, but arrears dating back three months remain unsettled. “The rice we receive is neither consistent nor adequate,” said a senior police officer. “Despite numerous engagements with both the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Internal Affairs, the problem remains unresolved. Officers are losing patience.”

The situation within the military is reported to be even more severe. Reliable sources within the armed forces reveal that soldiers have gone without rice supplies for a cumulative four months 2024. While the Ministry of Defence has reportedly fulfilled its obligations by processing and forwarding vouchers for nine months (2023-2024) to the Ministry of Finance, the funds necessary for disbursement to contractors remain unreleased. “Many soldiers feel disillusioned and abandoned,” one military source disclosed. “There’s a growing sense of neglect from the Government.”

Equally troubling is the status of the Prisons Department. In 2023, the Government owed five months' worth of rice supply for inmates. That figure has now risen to seven months in 2024, affecting not only the prison population but also correctional officers. “We are operating in a volatile environment. The absence of basic food provisions is a recipe for chaos,” one prison staff member lamented. “This situation is unsustainable.”

Insiders from across the security sector cite bureaucratic bottlenecks and a lack of urgency within the Ministry of Finance as the primary reasons for the delays. Despite meeting all administrative requirements, including the submission of duly processed payment vouchers, suppliers remain unpaid, leading to widespread shortages.

Inquiries to the Ministry of Finance yielded little clarity. A spokesperson confirmed that the Government is indebted to various contractors but declined to comment specifically on the rice supply issue. “High-level discussions are ongoing,” the spokesperson said, without providing a timeline for resolution, a response that has done little to ease tensions.

Security analysts warn that the implications go far beyond the lack of bags of rice. “This is not just about rice; it’s about the welfare and readiness of the forces responsible for protecting the country,” one analyst noted. “Prolonged neglect of their basic needs risks weakening the pillars of national security.”

One senior officer summed up the gravity of the crisis: “A hungry force is a weak force. And a weak force puts the whole country at risk.”

As murmurs of discontent echo through barracks, police stations and correctional facilities, the need for urgent intervention has become critical. Investigations into the issue are ongoing, but with pressure mounting, the Government faces increasing calls to take immediate and decisive action before the situation spirals beyond control.

 

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/finance-ministrys-delays-put-strain-on-sierra-leones-security-sector/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP Sierra Leone Limited, the nation’s leading petroleum marketing company, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first oil marketing company in Sierra Leone to be awarded triple ISO certification. On Friday, April 11, 2025, the company was officially certified in three internationally acclaimed standards: ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management).

This landmark achievement underscores NP (SL)’s unwavering commitment to service excellence, environmental stewardship and employee welfare. By attaining those globally recognized standards, the company has further solidified its reputation as a forward-thinking and responsible corporate entity in Sierra Leone’s energy sector.

Speaking on the achievement, Chief Executive Officer of NP (SL), Saidu Mansaray, expressed immense pride and gratitude. “This achievement serves as a reminder of our unwavering dedication to our customers, whose trust inspires us to conduct our business with greater passion and excellence. We remain steadfast in our promise to always be 1st for Customer Care,” he stated.

The three ISO certifications reflect the company’s deep-rooted values and operational philosophy:

- ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System): Demonstrates NP (SL)’s consistent ability to provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements, while also enhancing customer satisfaction through continual process improvements.


- ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System): Highlights the company’s proactive measures to minimize environmental impact, promote sustainability and ensure efficient use of resources in compliance with environmental laws and regulations.


- ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System): Underscores NP (SL)’s firm commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy workplace, mitigating risks and fostering a culture of safety and well-being for all employees.

These certifications are a testament to NP (SL)’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation, setting the company apart not just in Sierra Leone, but within the wider West African petroleum industry.

By aligning with global best practices, NP (SL) is reinforcing trust with its stakeholders; customers, partners, regulators and the wider community. The triple certification serves as a strong foundation for the company’s continued growth and leadership, as it charts a path towards an even more sustainable and customer-focused future.

With this milestone, NP (SL) continues to raise the bar in the oil and gas sector, demonstrating that indigenous companies can compete at the highest international standards, while contributing meaningfully to national development.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/np-sl-sets-new-industry-standard-with-triple-iso-certification/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a well-attended ceremony held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, the family of the late Ishmael Byne Taylor-Kamara officially launched the Ishmael Byne Taylor-Kamara Foundation. The Foundation aims to empower youth and uplift communities across Sierra Leone, reflecting the late statesman's lifelong dedication to education, community service and youth development.

The late Ishmael Byne Taylor-Kamara, who passed away 51 years ago, was a British-trained lawyer, civil servant and diplomat. He served as a Senior Minister in Sierra Leone’s first cabinet, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, President of the UN Security Council in 1971 and Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Canada.

During the launch, Hawa Taylor-Kamara Diallor, CEO of the Foundation, described the initiative as a dynamic and impact-driven organization committed to empowering communities, advancing sustainable development and promoting social change. She highlighted its focus on women's empowerment, youth leadership, education, climate action and entrepreneurship, with the overall goal of building resilient communities in Sierra Leone and beyond.

“Our father firmly believed that empowering the next generation is crucial for the development of a stronger, more resilient society,” she stated. “Following his passing, our family recognized the need to continue the work he so passionately pursued.”

Hawa Taylor-Kamara Diallor disclosed that the Foundation’s programs will include educational scholarships and mentorship opportunities designed to help young people develop the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive world.

She also highlighted the Foundation’s flagship initiative, the SheRises Project, an ambitious women's empowerment program that provides economic assistance and mentorship to women entrepreneurs and supports university students. The project aims to empower at least 500 women through intensive entrepreneurship training, offer direct investment in 50 small women-led businesses and promote economic independence.

The SheRises Project is currently being expanded to other African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya and additional West African nations.

Ishmael Taylor-Kamara, son of the late statesman, remarked that the Foundation is not only a tribute to their father’s legacy but also a vehicle for real, transformative impact. “We are not just remembering our father; we are taking actionable steps to ensure that his dreams of a better future for Sierra Leonean youth live on,” he said.

Several beneficiaries of the SheRises Project, including Zainab Kamara, a pepper, groundnut and rice farmer; Tity Kargbo, a seamstress; Zainab Konneh, a makeup artist and Snowsha Mariatu Taylor-Kamara, a university student, shared heartfelt testimonies about how the project has transformed their lives and expressed deep gratitude to the Foundation.

Closing the ceremony, Lois Sarah Taylor-Kamara, the 90-year-old widow of Ishmael Byne Taylor-Kamara, expressed joy and pride at seeing her children honor their father’s legacy through such a meaningful initiative. She encouraged young people and beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunities provided by the Foundation.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/i-b-taylor-kamara-foundation-officially-launched-in-freetown/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

In a groundbreaking step toward modernizing urban transportation and fostering environmentally conscious development, the Freetown City Council (FCC) convened a public consultation and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) session for the highly anticipated Freetown Cable Car Project. Held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Freetown City Hall Auditorium on Wallace Johnson Street, the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including community residents, traditional leaders, Government officials and representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPA-SL).

The gathering marked a pivotal moment in the progression of the project, offering the public a direct platform to interact with technical experts, voice concerns and gain deeper insight into the cable car’s expected impact. Central to the discussions was a feasibility study undertaken by Integrated Geo-information and Environmental Management Services (INTEGEMS) Limited, which laid the groundwork for assessing the initiative’s environmental and socio-economic viability.

At its core, the Freetown Cable Car Project envisions a dramatic shift in the city’s transportation landscape, aimed at alleviating long-standing urban challenges and bridging socio-economic divides. The pilot phase features a 3.6-kilometre route linking Government Wharf in the Central Business District to the Kissy Ferry Terminal in the East, with five strategically located stations: Government Wharf, East-End Police, Mountain Cut, Up Gun and Ferry Junction. The full journey is projected to last just 15 minutes, offering a swift and reliable commuting option for thousands of residents.

Proponents of the project underscore its transformative potential, particularly in providing vital access to underserved hillside communities. By easing movement to key areas such as schools, markets, hospitals and workplaces, the system is expected to drive inclusive growth and reduce urban inequality. The cable cars will be entirely solar-powered, backed by generators and support from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to ensure uninterrupted operation. With an affordable fare of NLe16 for the full ride, the project aims to remain accessible to all.

Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Denise Aki-Sawyerr, addressed attendees with gratitude and optimism, acknowledging the community’s enthusiasm and support. She emphasized that what once seemed an ambitious dream is now on a clear path to reality, bolstered by its tangible benefits and growing international investment. Citing the $1 million funding from C40 Cities that enabled the detailed feasibility study, the Mayor reiterated that the cable car is more than an aspiration; it is a viable, bankable solution to the city’s chronic transportation woes.

She noted that the system is poised to deliver fast, clean and inclusive mobility, particularly benefiting school children, persons with disabilities and market women. By aligning with Freetown’s broader climate goals, the solar-powered infrastructure will not only provide convenience but also significantly reduce emissions and promote a healthier urban environment.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr also revealed that technical representatives from global cable car manufacturers Doppelmayr of Austria and Poma of France are expected in Freetown later this year. In a major development, the French Government has pledged to cover half the cost of the equipment, while ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Finance and interest from international bodies such as the World Bank and African Development Bank further underscore the credibility and promise of the project.

Deputy Mayor, Kweku Lisk, emphasized the critical role of public participation and transparency in infrastructure development. He highlighted the consultation as part of a strategic approach rooted in international best practices, calling attention to the need for open engagement with communities affected by the proposed towers, stations and routes. According to him, building such a system is not only about physical infrastructure but about creating trust and fostering a sustainable future for all.

He reaffirmed the project’s inclusive design, pointing to its potential to enhance mobility for vulnerable populations including girls, school children and business operators. He also credited the vital support of C40 Cities, a global network of cities committed to climate leadership, in advancing the initiative.

INTEGEMS Managing Director, Samuella Faulkner, delivered an overview of the ESIA process, describing it as an essential statutory requirement for a development of this magnitude. She explained that the assessment evaluates both the benefits and possible risks of the project, with a focus on environmental and social concerns such as noise levels, air quality, waste management and biodiversity, particularly the impact on urban birdlife.

One significant challenge identified in the assessment is land acquisition, which may necessitate relocation for residents living along the proposed route. Samuella Faulkner assured the audience that comprehensive planning and inclusive stakeholder dialogue are being prioritized to address such issues responsibly. She concluded by reaffirming the environmentally friendly design and the commitment to passenger safety and comfort as cornerstones of the project.

With Freetown facing the growing pressures of urbanization, congestion and pollution, the cable car project stands out as a bold and innovative intervention. As the FCC and its partners press forward, the city is positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainable urban mobility in West Africa, with aspirations for the project to serve as a model for similar initiatives across the region. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/fcc-holds-environmental-assessment-and-consultation-on-cable-car-project/

By Ibrahim Sesay

As Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads marked by economic strain, political polarization and a growing yearning for visionary leadership, the question dominating public discourse is simple yet profound: Who can lead us toward national unity and renewal?

For many citizens, analysts, and political observers, the answer is increasingly evident, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, widely known as Chericoco.

In a political landscape where trust in leadership has waned and populist rhetoric often overshadows principle, Chericoco emerges as a figure of calm resolve and consistent service. His track record is not built on empty promises or fleeting popularity but on substantive leadership, earned through years of experience and dedication.

Having served three terms in Parliament, held the esteemed role of Deputy Speaker, led the Opposition in the House and chaired Sierra Leone’s delegation to ECOWAS, Chericoco is no political neophyte. His political maturity is complemented by a unique humility and a statesmanlike temperament that has endeared him across party lines and social divides.

What further distinguishes Chericoco is his close mentorship under H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma (EBK), former President of Sierra Leone and a transformative figure in the country’s recent political history. Under EBK’s stewardship, Sierra Leone made significant strides in infrastructure, energy, international diplomacy and political stabilization. The late President not only reshaped the country’s development agenda but also modernized the All People’s Congress (APC), instilling strategic coherence and institutional discipline.

Chericoco is widely seen as the custodian of that legacy; a man who has internalized EBK’s vision while developing his own identity as a forward-thinking, people-centered leader. His rise has not been propelled by showmanship or opportunism but by commitment to national service, emotional intelligence and a deep understanding of governance dynamics.

In an era where many leaders prioritize noise over nuance, Chericoco stands out for his quiet effectiveness and consistent engagement with the grassroots. Through initiatives such as scholarship programs, women’s empowerment, youth mentorship and community development, he has established himself as a true servant of the people. His leadership model is anchored in empathy, not entitlement.

Within the APC, Chericoco is increasingly regarded as the candidate most capable of unifying the party’s divergent wings and ushering in a period of disciplined renewal. He commands trust among both elders and the youth, drawing respect from across the political spectrum. More importantly, he speaks the language of reconciliation, inclusivity and hope; elements sorely needed in a fragmented national climate.

He has demonstrated a rare ability to listen more than he speaks, to build rather than to boast and to lead without arrogance. At a time when politics often rewards populism over principle, Chericoco has held firm to values of unity, competence and nation-first governance.

Crucially, he understands the real and pressing challenges facing Sierra Leoneans; youth unemployment, failing health systems, inadequate infrastructure and rising inequality. Yet he has never resorted to weaponizing those issues for personal gain. Instead, he has spent years engaging with communities, crafting policy ideas and preparing to govern with both vision and pragmatism.

If given the mandate, Chericoco is expected to surround himself not with praise-singers, but with credible, capable and patriotic minds from all regions of Sierra Leone. He is seen as someone who will govern not with vengeance but with vision and not through ego but principled leadership.

This is the leadership Sierra Leone urgently needs—measured, mature and mission-driven. A leader, who can protect the gains of the past while boldly confronting the challenges of the present. A leader, who not only evokes applause but earns genuine, lasting respect. A leader prepared to govern on day one, because he has already demonstrated what effective leadership looks like; in conduct, character and community service.

In the grand narrative of Sierra Leone’s political evolution, few figures embody the clarity, competence and compassion of Chericoco. He is the bridge between the APC’s historic legacy and its future relevance. More than that, he is the glue that can hold a divided nation together.

As the country prepares for a new chapter, Sierra Leone must rise above distractions and divisions. It must choose maturity over noise, unity over partisanship and leadership over theatrics.

This moment calls for foresight. The people deserve a better path. And Chericoco may well be the leader to take us there.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/the-apcs-unifying-force-chericoco-gains-momentum-ahead-of-party-decisions/

A serious allegation of exploitation has been leveled against FG Gold Limited by a Sierra Leonean construction company, CL Group Limited, over unresolved claims including inflated cement prices, non-payment for imported materials and prolonged equipment downtime.

According to documents and statements obtained by this medium, CL Group alleges that FG Gold, in 2023, sold cement to them at a staggering cost of NLe190 per bag, far above the prevailing market price at the time, which ranged between NLe125 and NLe160 even in the remotest parts of the country. That, the company claims, was unjustifiable and may have been a tactic by FG Gold to offset financial constraints affecting their Baomahun operation.

“It is unacceptable for an international mining company to exploit its local contractor under the guise of material supply,” a representative of CL Group stated. “What FG Gold did amounts to profiteering at our expense.”

The issue stems from a contract signed on April 5, 2023, for the construction of FG Gold’s New Camp Site in Baomahun, Bo District. Under the agreement, CL Group was responsible for providing management, labor, materials and equipment to execute the project. However, tensions grew when certified invoices submitted by CL Group were not paid on time, with delays reportedly exceeding 200 days in some cases.

The project contract was eventually terminated in November 2024 after both parties failed to reach a renegotiated agreement. Despite the termination, CL Group claims that in January 2025, FG Gold requested access to five (5) containers of imported finishing materials, originally procured for the camp project, promising that payment would follow shortly.

“They asked us to release our materials to help them finish some camp structures ahead of a site visit by their Board of Directors,” said the Managing Director of CL Group. “They needed to impress their stakeholders and we acted in good faith. But since then, we have not been paid and it has left us in a financially precarious position.”

The company further states that the delay in receiving payment, combined with equipment left idle and exposed at the project site, has had devastating consequences for their operations.

“This has been a strategic act of deception,” the Managing Director added. “FG Gold has used our resources to project an image of progress and financial credibility to their board and investors without fulfilling their own obligations to us. It is both unethical and economically harmful to local businesses like ours.”

These allegations come just months after press reports in November 2024 exposed FG Gold’s mistreatment of local workers and raised concerns over the company’s employment practices.

Many observers are now questioning the due diligence process employed by Government authorities before granting FG Gold the license to mine in Baomahun. There are renewed calls for the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as well as other relevant ministries, to investigate not only the claims made by CL Group but also FG Gold’s overall operations and compliance with corporate governance standards.

Efforts to get FG Gold’s side of the story have been largely unfruitful. When contacted, Project Director, Bolaji Okubajo, declined to comment, instead referring this medium to the company’s Freetown head office. He stated, “You can forward all your demands for clarifications to our Head Office in Freetown. We have a department that normally responds to any concerns.”

Finance Director, Francis Boateng also declined to comment directly, instead pointing to the company’s website and asking that inquiries be submitted through an online form. As of press time, no official response has been received from FG Gold Limited regarding the specific allegations made by CL Group.

The situation has raised broader questions about whether FG Gold’s Management, particularly its Executive Chairman, Oliver Andrews and the Board are using the company as a façade to impress shareholders while exploiting local firms and resources. In light of the growing number of complaints against the company, stakeholders are calling for a thorough and independent investigation into its conduct.

As the allegations pile up, many are left wondering: Can FG Gold be trusted to operate ethically in Sierra Leone? And how many more local businesses must suffer before action is taken?

This medium remains open to publishing FG Gold’s official response should it be made available.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/fg-gold-accused-of-withholding-payments-misusing-contractor-resources/