By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The University of Sierra Leone (USL) has confirmed the appointment of Associate Professor Duramani Lakoh as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), succeeding Professor Mariam Conteh-Morgan.

The announcement, which forms part of a wider leadership restructuring across USL, has been widely welcomed within the academic community, with many describing Associate Professor Duramani Lakoh’s appointment as timely and strategic for IPAM’s continued growth.

Duramani Lakoh, an accomplished academic and administrator, brings with him a wealth of experience in teaching, research and institutional development. His reputation as a reform-driven scholar makes him well-placed to lead IPAM at a time when the university is seeking to deepen its role in shaping future leaders in public administration, governance and business management.

Observers note that his appointment is not only a recognition of his academic credentials but also of his commitment to innovation and excellence. As IPAM continues to play a critical role in providing practical and policy-oriented education, many expect Associate Professor Duramani Lakoh to reinforce its status as Sierra Leone’s premier management training institution.

Speaking after the announcement, senior colleagues at IPAM expressed confidence that he would build on the foundation laid by his predecessor while spearheading reforms that align the college with global standards. His focus, they say, will likely include modernizing academic programs, strengthening partnerships with the private and public sectors and expanding opportunities for students to gain relevant skills for today’s competitive job market.

The University of Sierra Leone (USL) has also appointed three new Deputy Vice Chancellors following a recruitment process that commenced in August 2025, a move aimed at strengthening leadership across its constituent colleges. At Fourah Bay College (FBC), Professor Andrew Baio has been named Deputy Vice Chancellor. A renowned specialist in Aquatic Resource Economics and Governance, Professor Baio currently serves as Director of the Institute of Marine Biology and Oceanography and his international expertise in natural resource economics is widely respected.

The College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) has appointed Associate Professor James Russell as its new Deputy Vice Chancellor. His leadership is expected to further enhance COMAHS’s training of medical professionals and expand vital healthcare partnerships.

In addition, USL confirmed the appointment of  Munda Lebbie as Registrar, a position critical to ensuring smooth administrative operations across the university system.

For IPAM, however, the spotlight remains firmly on Associate Professor Duramani Lakoh, whose leadership is expected to usher in a new era of innovation, discipline and academic excellence. His appointment is widely seen as a turning point that will strengthen IPAM’s reputation and extend its impact on Sierra Leone’s higher education and professional development landscape. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/associate-professor-duramani-lakoh-appointed-deputy-vice-chancellor-of-ipam/

China has issued a landmark position paper on its role within the World Trade Organization (WTO), declaring it will no longer pursue new claims for Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) in current and future trade negotiations. The announcement, delivered by Premier Li Qiang during a United Nations General Assembly side event on 23 September, marks a pivotal moment in China’s evolving role as a leading developing country and an advocate of multilateralism.

The statement comes at a time when the global trading system is under severe strain from rising protectionism, unilateral tariff impositions, and disputes over fair treatment for developing economies. China’s decision, therefore, is being seen as both a political signal and a concrete step to preserve the WTO’s authority and strengthen international cooperation.

Special and Differential Treatment has long been enshrined in WTO agreements as a mechanism to ensure that developing and least-developed countries secure a fair share of the benefits of international trade. The Marrakesh Agreement, which established the WTO in 1995, explicitly recognized the need for such provisions to support development needs.

In its newly circulated position paper, China reaffirmed its identity as the world’s largest developing country and as an enduring member of the Global South. The document warned that any attempt to strip developing nations of SDT rights would erode the fairness and inclusiveness of the multilateral trading system.

“SDT is not a privilege,” the paper emphasized, “but an institutional right of developing members. Without it, the balance of the WTO framework would be compromised.”

China’s accession to the WTO in 2001 was accompanied by fewer SDT benefits than those granted to many other developing members. Since then, Beijing has demonstrated a consistent willingness to take on broader responsibilities, often beyond its formal obligations.

The position paper outlined several instances where China refrained from claiming SDT despite being entitled to do so. These included the Trade Facilitation Agreement, where China voluntarily committed to 94 percent of obligations under Category A, and the negotiations on services regulation and COVID-19 vaccine intellectual property waivers, where Beijing declined to invoke SDT at all.

In fisheries subsidies talks, China pledged not to seek exemptions in the final package of rules as long as its core concerns were addressed. It also made clear it would not utilize SDT proposals advanced by the G90 group of developing members, signaling a pragmatic approach that balances its national interests with global progress.

The timing of this policy shift is significant. With the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference scheduled for March 2026 in Cameroon, negotiations are intensifying on issues ranging from subsidy disciplines to digital trade. Analysts suggest that China’s announcement will improve the atmosphere for constructive dialogue and bolster the likelihood of development-oriented outcomes.

The paper directly linked China’s decision to the growing threats posed by protectionism and unilateral measures, particularly the “arbitrary imposition of tariffs by a certain member.” Such actions, Beijing argued, have severely tested the credibility of the WTO and undermined the interests of developing nations.

By voluntarily limiting its future SDT claims, China aims to send a strong message: that it is prepared to shoulder greater responsibility to defend the integrity of the global trading system.

While the move represents a forward-looking adjustment, China was careful to stress that it does not alter its legal status as a developing member of the WTO. Beijing will continue to enjoy SDT benefits under existing agreements and in ongoing negotiations where consensus has already been reached.

Moreover, the decision is confined strictly to the WTO framework. China clarified that it does not set a precedent for its classification or entitlements in other international organizations or treaties.

At its core, the paper presents China’s strategy for balancing national development needs with global responsibilities. Premier Li Qiang framed the decision as a contribution to bridging the North-South divide, strengthening global economic governance, and advancing initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

China also tied its move to the Global Development Initiative, a program championed by Beijing to support inclusive growth in the developing world. By stepping back from new SDT demands, China argues it is creating space for the least-developed countries to push for stronger support within the WTO framework.

Observers note that China’s decision reflects both its growing economic weight and its desire to be seen as a stabilizing force in global trade. While Beijing remains firm in its identification as a developing country, it is signaling a willingness to lead by example in safeguarding multilateralism.

“China has always been a member of the Global South and will always be a part of the developing world,” the paper concluded. “We will continue to practice true multilateralism, defend the rights of developing members, and contribute to building an open and inclusive world economy.”

As WTO members prepare for next year’s ministerial conference in Cameroon, China’s stance could prove instrumental in reshaping the dynamics of trade negotiations and in restoring confidence in the multilateral trading order. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/premier-li-qiang-announces-chinas-new-trade-policy-at-unga/

China has issued a landmark position paper on its role within the World Trade Organization (WTO), declaring it will no longer pursue new claims for Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) in current and future trade negotiations. The announcement, delivered by Premier Li Qiang during a United Nations General Assembly side event on 23 September, marks a pivotal moment in China’s evolving role as a leading developing country and an advocate of multilateralism.

The statement comes at a time when the global trading system is under severe strain from rising protectionism, unilateral tariff impositions, and disputes over fair treatment for developing economies. China’s decision, therefore, is being seen as both a political signal and a concrete step to preserve the WTO’s authority and strengthen international cooperation.

Special and Differential Treatment has long been enshrined in WTO agreements as a mechanism to ensure that developing and least-developed countries secure a fair share of the benefits of international trade. The Marrakesh Agreement, which established the WTO in 1995, explicitly recognized the need for such provisions to support development needs.

In its newly circulated position paper, China reaffirmed its identity as the world’s largest developing country and as an enduring member of the Global South. The document warned that any attempt to strip developing nations of SDT rights would erode the fairness and inclusiveness of the multilateral trading system.

“SDT is not a privilege,” the paper emphasized, “but an institutional right of developing members. Without it, the balance of the WTO framework would be compromised.”

China’s accession to the WTO in 2001 was accompanied by fewer SDT benefits than those granted to many other developing members. Since then, Beijing has demonstrated a consistent willingness to take on broader responsibilities, often beyond its formal obligations.

The position paper outlined several instances where China refrained from claiming SDT despite being entitled to do so. These included the Trade Facilitation Agreement, where China voluntarily committed to 94 percent of obligations under Category A, and the negotiations on services regulation and COVID-19 vaccine intellectual property waivers, where Beijing declined to invoke SDT at all.

In fisheries subsidies talks, China pledged not to seek exemptions in the final package of rules as long as its core concerns were addressed. It also made clear it would not utilize SDT proposals advanced by the G90 group of developing members, signaling a pragmatic approach that balances its national interests with global progress.

The timing of this policy shift is significant. With the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference scheduled for March 2026 in Cameroon, negotiations are intensifying on issues ranging from subsidy disciplines to digital trade. Analysts suggest that China’s announcement will improve the atmosphere for constructive dialogue and bolster the likelihood of development-oriented outcomes.

The paper directly linked China’s decision to the growing threats posed by protectionism and unilateral measures, particularly the “arbitrary imposition of tariffs by a certain member.” Such actions, Beijing argued, have severely tested the credibility of the WTO and undermined the interests of developing nations.

By voluntarily limiting its future SDT claims, China aims to send a strong message: that it is prepared to shoulder greater responsibility to defend the integrity of the global trading system.

While the move represents a forward-looking adjustment, China was careful to stress that it does not alter its legal status as a developing member of the WTO. Beijing will continue to enjoy SDT benefits under existing agreements and in ongoing negotiations where consensus has already been reached.

Moreover, the decision is confined strictly to the WTO framework. China clarified that it does not set a precedent for its classification or entitlements in other international organizations or treaties.

At its core, the paper presents China’s strategy for balancing national development needs with global responsibilities. Premier Li Qiang framed the decision as a contribution to bridging the North-South divide, strengthening global economic governance, and advancing initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

China also tied its move to the Global Development Initiative, a program championed by Beijing to support inclusive growth in the developing world. By stepping back from new SDT demands, China argues it is creating space for the least-developed countries to push for stronger support within the WTO framework.

Observers note that China’s decision reflects both its growing economic weight and its desire to be seen as a stabilizing force in global trade. While Beijing remains firm in its identification as a developing country, it is signaling a willingness to lead by example in safeguarding multilateralism.

“China has always been a member of the Global South and will always be a part of the developing world,” the paper concluded. “We will continue to practice true multilateralism, defend the rights of developing members, and contribute to building an open and inclusive world economy.”

As WTO members prepare for next year’s ministerial conference in Cameroon, China’s stance could prove instrumental in reshaping the dynamics of trade negotiations and in restoring confidence in the multilateral trading order. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/premier-li-qiang-announces-chinas-new-trade-policy-at-unga/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Africell Sierra Leone has made history by becoming the first company from the country to advertise at the world-famous Times Square in New York City. This milestone achievement not only underscores Africell’s reputation as the leading telecommunications company in Sierra Leone but also demonstrates its determination to connect the nation with the global stage and showcase the strength of local enterprise at an international level.

The iconic campaign came at a defining moment when Sierra Leone took center stage at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with the Sierra Leone Innovation Showcase, held on Friday, September 26, 2025, in New York. Organized by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, the event attracted policymakers, private sector leaders and development partners who engaged in discussions on building resilient digital ecosystems to drive sustainable development.

In her opening remarks, Nicky Spencer-Coker, Spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the UN, emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to leveraging innovation as a pathway for growth. Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, introduced the Sierra Leone Innovation Investment Fund (SLIIF), describing it as a bold step to boost startups and strengthen the nation’s position in the global digital economy.

Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Al-Gerjawi, was a key participant in a high-level panel discussion titled: “The Role of the Private Sector in Building a Digital Future.” Speaking alongside Oswald Osaretin Guobadia of DigitA and Mathias Esmann of AI Education, Shadi Al-Gerjawi underscored Africell’s role in expanding affordable connectivity, mentoring innovators and supporting education. He stressed that Africell is not just a telecommunications operator but also a trusted development partner committed to empowering youth and fostering innovation.

The showcase also featured a second panel on: “Driving Sustainable Development through Digital Transformation,” which brought together key Ministers including Attorney-General and Minister of Justice-Alpha Sesay, Minister of Education-Conrad Sackey, Minister of Information and Civic Education- Chernor Bah, Minister of Youth Affairs- Ibrahim Sannoh, Minister of Technical and Higher Education-Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie and Minister Salima Bah.

Chief Minister-Dr. David Sengeh delivered the keynote address, outlining the Government’s vision for inclusive digital transformation aligned with Sierra Leone’s human capital development goals.

Africell’s international presence was further reinforced at a special cultural reception hosted by the company at the prestigious Times Square Garden in New York. The event brought together Sierra Leoneans and friends of Africa in the diaspora, with the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, delivering heartfelt remarks.

“I was delighted to attend Africell’s evening reception in New York, which was not only a celebration of culture and community but also an opportunity to connect with Sierra Leoneans and our partners abroad,” Dr. Fatima Maada Bio said. “I remain grateful to Africell for creating spaces that celebrate our identity while fostering unity and collaboration. It is through such initiatives that we continue to uplift our people and strengthen Sierra Leone’s image on the global stage.”

As the only U.S.-owned mobile company operating in Africa, Africell continues to redefine telecommunications across the continent. Since launching in Sierra Leone in 2005, the company has grown to become the nation’s most trusted mobile operator, providing millions with affordable voice, data, SMS and mobile money services. Africell also invests heavily in social impact initiatives, supporting education, entertainment and environmental projects nationwide. With a workforce of more than 350 skilled professionals, the company continues to set industry standards for innovation and service delivery.

Through its bold Times Square campaign, leadership role in the UNGA Innovation Showcase and ongoing investments in Sierra Leone, Africell has reaffirmed its status as a market leader and development partner. By empowering local talent, connecting communities and championing digital inclusion, Africell is not only shaping Sierra Leone’s telecommunications landscape but also helping to position the country as an emerging hub for innovation in Africa. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/africell-ceo-shadi-al-gerjawi-champions-digital-future-at-unga-innovation-showcase/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

SHE4Peace, in collaboration with other youth-led organizations, commemorated International Peace Day on Saturday 27th September,  2025, with a Peace Walk from PZ to Cotton Tree under the theme: “Act Now, Lead Together: Building Peace through Youth and Women’s Voices.”

The initiative brought together hundreds of young people, Civil Society representatives and peace advocates, all calling for unity, tolerance and non-violence in Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the event, Nyanda Emma Hamilton the legal representative of SHE4Peace said the walk was intended to promote a culture of peace and unity, particularly among young people. She stressed that Sierra Leone’s history of conflict remains a reminder of why peace must be safeguarded by all, not just the Government.  Nyanda Emma Hamilton noted that participants carried placards bearing messages of peace, with the aim of taking those messages back into homes, schools, communities and workplaces.

“When peace prevails, people can move freely, businesses thrive and children can go to school,” she said. “But when peace is absent, fear and disruption take over, undermining development.” She also recommended that future peace walks be decentralized, allowing districts outside Freetown to organize simultaneous events.

Desrica Taylor of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-SL) commended SHE4Peace for leading the celebration. She said Peace Day is a reminder of Sierra Leone’s shared humanity at a time when the nation faces political polarization, unemployment, gender inequality and climate-induced challenges.

“Peace is not only the absence of war but also the presence of justice, fairness and opportunity,” Desrica Taylor said, emphasizing the need for education, employment and non-violent conflict resolution. She highlighted WANEP-SL’s work in dialogue, mediation and civic education, and called for greater investment in preventive peacebuilding and youth and women’s participation in national decision-making.

Alie Barrie, President of the Freetown Peace Club, underscored the importance of cultivating inner peace as a foundation for reconciliation. He noted that young people face immense social pressures, including drug misuse, which can push them away from realizing their full potential.

“Without peace, nothing is possible,” Ali Barrie said, urging young people to embrace peace in their daily lives and communities.

National Youth Ambassador, Amb. Bilkisu Jalloh praised the collaborative spirit of the Peace Walk. She reminded participants that global and regional bodies, including the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS, continue to underscore the value of living in harmony.

“Peace begins with the individual. If we all commit to it, Sierra Leone can thrive,” she said. Amb. Bilkisu Jalloh also stressed the role of education in peacebuilding, adding that unity between men and women is critical to national development.

The Peace Walk concluded with renewed calls for Sierra Leoneans to embrace tolerance, dialogue and solidarity as the foundation for a stable and prosperous future. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/she4peace-leads-international-peace-day-walk-calls-for-unity-and-non-violence/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

SHE4Peace, in collaboration with other youth-led organizations, commemorated International Peace Day on Saturday 27th September,  2025, with a Peace Walk from PZ to Cotton Tree under the theme: “Act Now, Lead Together: Building Peace through Youth and Women’s Voices.”

The initiative brought together hundreds of young people, Civil Society representatives and peace advocates, all calling for unity, tolerance and non-violence in Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the event, Nyanda Emma Hamilton the legal representative of SHE4Peace said the walk was intended to promote a culture of peace and unity, particularly among young people. She stressed that Sierra Leone’s history of conflict remains a reminder of why peace must be safeguarded by all, not just the Government.  Nyanda Emma Hamilton noted that participants carried placards bearing messages of peace, with the aim of taking those messages back into homes, schools, communities and workplaces.

“When peace prevails, people can move freely, businesses thrive and children can go to school,” she said. “But when peace is absent, fear and disruption take over, undermining development.” She also recommended that future peace walks be decentralized, allowing districts outside Freetown to organize simultaneous events.

Desrica Taylor of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-SL) commended SHE4Peace for leading the celebration. She said Peace Day is a reminder of Sierra Leone’s shared humanity at a time when the nation faces political polarization, unemployment, gender inequality and climate-induced challenges.

“Peace is not only the absence of war but also the presence of justice, fairness and opportunity,” Desrica Taylor said, emphasizing the need for education, employment and non-violent conflict resolution. She highlighted WANEP-SL’s work in dialogue, mediation and civic education, and called for greater investment in preventive peacebuilding and youth and women’s participation in national decision-making.

Alie Barrie, President of the Freetown Peace Club, underscored the importance of cultivating inner peace as a foundation for reconciliation. He noted that young people face immense social pressures, including drug misuse, which can push them away from realizing their full potential.

“Without peace, nothing is possible,” Ali Barrie said, urging young people to embrace peace in their daily lives and communities.

National Youth Ambassador, Amb. Bilkisu Jalloh praised the collaborative spirit of the Peace Walk. She reminded participants that global and regional bodies, including the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS, continue to underscore the value of living in harmony.

“Peace begins with the individual. If we all commit to it, Sierra Leone can thrive,” she said. Amb. Bilkisu Jalloh also stressed the role of education in peacebuilding, adding that unity between men and women is critical to national development.

The Peace Walk concluded with renewed calls for Sierra Leoneans to embrace tolerance, dialogue and solidarity as the foundation for a stable and prosperous future. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/she4peace-leads-international-peace-day-walk-calls-for-unity-and-non-violence/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Sierra Leone Women Engineers (SLWE) on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th September, 2025 successfully concluded their inaugural Career Fest & Innovation Expo 2025, held under the theme: “Empowering Women – Inspiring Innovation.” The two-day event, hosted at the FSSG School Hall in Brookfields, Freetown, brought together young innovators, students and future STEM leaders for a dynamic Quiz and Innovation Competition, as well as an inspiring career-focused forum. The program was supported by The WhiteHill Chase Foundation UK, Africell Sierra Leone, Sierra Rutile, Centurion Engineering Ltd, Luminix Energy Solutions, CEMMATS, Metro Cable, among other partners.

The Quiz Competition featured two schools; Methodist Girls High School and Beacon High School. Methodist Girls High School emerged champions with 16 points, while Beacon High School secured second place with 12 points.

The Innovation Competition attracted four groups two each from Fourah Bay College and Milton Margai Technical University. Group 1 from Milton Margai Technical University claimed first place with their project, a “filter fence” along the Samba Gutter to prevent flooding, winning a cash prize of 10,000 Leones.

In her address, Ing. Magdalene Remilekun Peters, President of SLWE, reflected on the talent and innovation showcased during the event, noting that “the future of engineering in Sierra Leone is being shaped by bright young minds prepared to lead.” She emphasized that opportunities for growth are not distant prospects but are available now, requiring courage, preparation and support to seize them.

The programme featured a diverse line-up of sessions, including:

- An Employer Panel, which highlighted the skills and qualities industries seek in engineers.


- A Women Engineers’ Panel, under the theme: “We Made It Through,” where female engineers shared their journeys of overcoming barriers in the profession.


- A Fireside Chat with Female Student Engineers, offering a platform for the next generation to voice their aspirations and concerns.

Ing. Magdalene Remilekun Peters reaffirmed SLWE’s commitment to fostering pathways for women engineers to enter, thrive and expand their presence nationally and globally. She urged participants to turn knowledge into action, encouraging them to “learn, share and connect” in pursuing engineering opportunities for Sierra Leone and beyond. She officially declared the Career Fest and Innovation Expo 2025 closed, marking a milestone for women in engineering.

The President of SLWE explained that the initiative was conceived to empower young professional engineers to explore opportunities and build competence in a male-dominated field. She stressed that women engineers must break barriers by strengthening their skills and supporting one another further revealing SLWE’s plans to expand mentorship programmes and establish chapters in other institutions, including the Eastern Polytechnic, to further nurture talent in STEM.

“With the Career Fest & Innovation Expo 2025, SLWE has set a precedent for empowering women in engineering, fostering innovation and creating platforms for knowledge-sharing that will inspire generations to come” she concluded.

Commenting on their victory in the Quiz Competition, Mariana Emila Conteh, a pupil of Methodist Girls High School, expressed her delight at being crowned champions of the maiden Career Fest & Innovation Expo Quiz Competition. “This win reflects not only our brilliance and commitment but also the dedication of our teachers and the support of our school community,” she stated.

She added that their achievement demonstrated that with focus and determination, excellence can be attained. “Beyond the trophy, this victory has ignited in us a stronger passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM),” she concluded.

Commenting on behalf of participants, Fredcilia Akiebo-Cole, a final-year Engineering student and Public Relations Officer of the Sierra Leone Women Engineers FBC Chapter, commended SLWE for organizing the Career Fest & Innovation Expo 2025, noting that the event has made a significant impact on them.

She explained that over the two days, the program opened their eyes to many issues, including breaking down barriers in the engineering field and encouraging them to pursue greater competence in their work.

Fredcilia Akiebo-Cole further noted that as female engineers, they sometimes find it challenging to thrive in a male-dominated profession. However, she said the inspiring testimonies shared by women engineers who have successfully overcome such barriers have motivated them and reinforced their passion and commitment to engineering.

Sarah Samuels, a final-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at Milton Margai Technical University and Public Relations Officer of the Sierra Leone Women Engineers FBC Chapter, also applauded SLWE for the opportunity to participate in the Career Fest & Innovation Expo 2025.

She noted that the event not only allowed them to showcase their talents but also exposed them to real opportunities within the engineering field in Sierra Leone.

Sarah Samuels expressed pride in the performance of the participants, highlighting that the Innovation Competition featured four groups two each from Fourah Bay College and Milton Margai Technical University. She proudly stated that Group 1 from Milton Margai Technical University claimed first place with their innovative project, a “filter fence” designed along the Samba Gutter to help prevent flooding.

The maiden Career Fest & Innovation Expo 2025 not only showcased the brilliance of Sierra Leone’s young innovators but also underscored the growing opportunities for women in engineering. With inspiring testimonies, competitive showcases and practical exposure to industry expectations, the two-day event left participants motivated to break barriers, pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development through STEM. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-women-engineers-concludes-two-day-maiden-career-fest-innovation-expo-2025/