Sierra Leone’s Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Amara Kallon, has held high-level discussions with global technology firm Oracle on the margins of the World Governments Summit in Dubai, as part of efforts to modernize and strengthen public service delivery in the country.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, brought the Minister together with Simon de Montfort Walker, Executive Vice President of Oracle Industry Applications. Discussions centred on leveraging digital innovation and e-governance solutions to reform Sierra Leone’s public sector architecture and improve efficiency, accountability and professionalism.

Minister Amara Kallon told his interlocutors that Sierra Leone’s current national development drive is anchored on the Government’s “Big 5” priorities, with public service reform recognized as a critical pillar. He recalled the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which identified the failure of effective service delivery as one of the root causes of the country’s civil war. Against such a backdrop, he noted that President Julius Maada Bio has prioritized the transformation of the public sector to better meet citizens’ needs.

According to the Minister, his Ministry has developed a comprehensive Public Service Transformative Roadmap Strategy aimed at aligning Ministries, Departments and Agencies with national priorities. The strategy focuses on key areas including human resource management and manpower planning, coordination and performance management, monitoring and evaluation, pay and incentives, e-governance, gender and social inclusion and enhanced communication and citizen engagement.

“There is a very strong political will in Sierra Leone to strengthen our public sector architecture,” Minister Amara Kallon said. “We want to use digital systems to develop our public service and to improve attendance as a basis for appraisal. Government is also working to transform our universities digitally, allowing for increased enrolment and broader access to higher education within safe spaces. There are significant opportunities for investment and we are willing to work with credible partners.”

Oracle Industry Applications works with Governments around the world to deliver secure, AI-powered digital services designed to safeguard national data sovereignty while accelerating innovation across the public sector. Responding to the Minister’s presentation, Simon de Montfort Walker thanked him for the engagement and expressed Oracle’s interest in supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to deploy modern digital solutions that enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for citizens.

The engagement signals Sierra Leone’s growing push to harness global expertise and technology partnerships in pursuit of an efficient, responsive and citizen-centred public service. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/public-affairs-minister-woos-oracle-support-for-e-governance-and-public-sector-reform-in-dubai/

By Ibrahim Sesay

The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has strongly condemned what it described as hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric directed at His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, while expressing full support for an ongoing criminal investigation by the Sierra Leone Police into incidents that occurred at a recent opposition gathering.

In a Press Statement issued on Thursday February 5, 2026, the ruling party said the remarks were made during an All People’s Congress (APC) meeting held on January 31, 2026, at the Attouga Mini Stadium, where senior opposition figures and supporters allegedly made statements intended to vilify, humiliate and incite hatred against the President of the Republic and Leader of the SLPP .

The SLPP described the rhetoric as deeply regrettable and warned that such conduct undermines democratic values, fuels political polarization and risks inciting violence. While reaffirming its commitment to freedom of expression, the party stressed that this right is not absolute and does not extend to speech that attacks, insults, degrades or encourages violence against constitutional authorities.

“The conduct of APC representatives on January 31 transcended acceptable democratic boundaries,” the statement said, noting that political criticism must remain constructive and lawful rather than inflammatory and divisive .

The SLPP further rejected a Press Release issued by the APC National Secretariat on February 4, 2026, which sought to justify the statements made at the meeting. According to the ruling party, the opposition failed to lawfully challenge the outcome of the June 24, 2023 presidential election within the constitutionally mandated seven-day period, rendering its claims legally baseless.

“These allegations cannot withstand scrutiny before the Supreme Court,” the statement asserted, adding that continued attempts to promote unsubstantiated narratives or propose unauthorized political actions amounted to deliberate efforts to sow instability.

Despite the political tensions, the SLPP highlighted President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership in initiating dialogue with the opposition, which has led to the ongoing implementation of recommendations from the Tripartite Committee involving the Government, the APC and international partners.

The party also acknowledged the important role of the opposition in a democratic society but emphasized that political engagement must be guided by the rule of law, responsible conduct and a commitment to national cohesion.

In that regard, the SLPP said it fully supports the Sierra Leone Police in continuing their criminal investigation into the conduct and expressions displayed at the January 31 APC meeting, describing the probe as necessary to ensure accountability and prevent political violence.

The party further called on all stakeholders, including moral guarantors, to collectively condemn hate speech, incitement to violence and obscenity in public discourse. It also commended the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) for its swift action regarding alleged contraventions of the Political Parties Act 2022 by the APC.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the SLPP’s commitment to peaceful, lawful and democratic governance in the interest of national unity and prosperity.

The press statement was signed by Jimmy Batilo Songa, National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slpp-raises-alarm-over-hate-speech-calls-for-accountability-after-apc-meeting/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed indictments against Emmanuel Mannah, former Director General of the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC), along with Isatu Mariama Bah and Richard Anthony Success Lahai Goba, over alleged corruption offences linked to procurement activities under donor-funded projects.

According to a Press Release issued by the Commission on 6 February 2026, the indictments follow investigations into two World Bank–sponsored projects implemented in 2024 by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). The projects include the review of the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Act of 2011 and a nationwide sensitization campaign on the use of electricity.

The ACC disclosed that Emmanuel Mannah is charged with six counts under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008, as amended in 2019. The charges include one count of using his position for advantage, one count of failure to disclose interest in a company, three counts of failure to give information to the Anti-Corruption Commission when required and one count of conspiracy to commit a corruption offence.

Isatu Mariama Bah, a Procurement Officer at SLEWRC and Richard Anthony Success Lahai Goba, a Procurement Officer attached to the PIU at EDSA, are jointly charged with four counts. These include two counts of failure to comply with applicable procurement procedures and guidelines and two counts of conspiracy to commit a corruption offence, contrary to the same legislation.

Investigations conducted by the ACC revealed that the two projects were awarded in violation of the applicable procurement laws and regulations. The Commission stated that the contracts exceeded the financial threshold allowed under the Request for Quotation (RFQ) procurement method as provided for in the Public Procurement Regulations of 2016.

The contract for the review of the SLEWRC Act was valued at Le1,182,288.08, while the nationwide sensitization campaign contract was valued at Le1,300,000. Both amounts, according to the ACC, were significantly above the RFQ ceiling, rendering the procurement process non-compliant with established procedures.

Further findings by the Commission indicated that Emmanuel Mannah, while serving as Director General of SLEWRC, allegedly used his position and insider knowledge of available project funding to influence the procurement process. The ACC alleged that he strategically positioned FAME Consultancy Services, a company in which he reportedly held an interest, to benefit from the contracts.

The Commission emphasized that the alleged actions undermined procurement integrity and transparency, particularly within donor-funded projects, where strict adherence to procurement rules is required to safeguard public and development partner resources.

The ACC noted that the indictments form part of its broader mandate to prevent, investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences in both public and private sector institutions. It reiterated its commitment to holding public officials accountable and ensuring that public procurement processes are conducted in accordance with the law.

The matter is expected to proceed through the judicial process, where the accused persons will have the opportunity to respond to the charges in court.

The Commission encouraged members of the public to continue supporting the fight against corruption by reporting suspected cases, reaffirming its slogan that fighting corruption remains a national concern. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/anti-corruption-commission-drags-former-slewrc-dg-procurement-officers-to-court/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The High Court sitting in Kabala has concluded a Special Criminal Session presided over by Justice Abu Bakarr Sannoh, marking a significant judicial exercise aimed at addressing a growing backlog of criminal matters and curbing rising crime trends in the northern districts. The special session was held between Monday 26 January and Saturday 31 January 2026 in Kabala, Koinadugu District.

The session handled a total of 41 matters, comprising 37 fresh cases and four old cases carried over from previous sittings. At the close of proceedings, the court recorded 10 convictions, seven files withdrawn for judgment, four murder cases referred to the next criminal session and two manslaughter cases similarly deferred. The majority of cases heard during the session involved offences of burglary and larceny, house breaking and larceny, shop breaking and office breaking and larceny, reflecting what the court described as an alarming rise in property-related crimes in both Koinadugu and neighbouring Falaba Districts.

The State was represented throughout the session by Augustine Y.S. Mansaray Esq. and A.R. Fofanah Esq., while all defendants were represented by A.T. Jalloh Esq. from the Legal Aid Board, ensuring legal representation for accused persons who could not afford private counsel.

Among the notable convictions was that of Morlai Turay, a 28-year-old man arrested on 29 September 2025 and charged under Criminal Summons No. 142/2025 with burglary and larceny contrary to sections 25 and 13 of the Larceny Act 1916, as well as malicious damage contrary to section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861. Morlai Turay pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on the burglary count and five years on the malicious damage count, to be served concurrently. His co-accused, Mohamed Kamara, arrested on the same date and charged with receiving stolen goods contrary to section 33 of the Larceny Act 1916, also pleaded guilty. Evidence before the court revealed that he was induced by Morlai Turay to purchase a Samsung A05 mobile phone under the false claim that it belonged to Morlai Turay’s wife. Mohamed Kamara was convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, effective from the date of his arrest.

In another case, Ibrahim Bundu was arrested on 23 July 2024 at Thunder Hill Market in Kabala and charged with shop breaking and larceny contrary to section 26(1) of the Larceny Act 1916, involving items stolen from a charging shop along Teacher Street. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, effective from the date of his arrest.

Tibu Jalloh also pleaded guilty to a charge of store breaking and larceny involving items belonging to Pavi-Fort Construction Company in Kabala. In mitigation, defence counsel referred the court to the case of Aron Salia v. The State. State counsel, however, urged the court to take judicial notice of the widespread increase in larceny cases across Koinadugu and Falaba Districts. Tibu Jalloh was subsequently convicted and sentenced accordingly.

Several other defendants, including Mohamed Kamara, Abu Bakarr and Osman Jalloh, were convicted for offences ranging from receiving stolen goods to burglary, house breaking and malicious damage, with sentences ranging between two and five years’ imprisonment, most of which took effect from the dates of arrest.

The court also heard the case of Mustapha George, also known as “Clean Salone,” a 24-year-old arrested on 2 September 2025 at Thunder Hill Market and charged with store breaking and larceny. In sentencing him to two years’ imprisonment, Justice Abu Bakarr Sannoh considered mitigation submissions that the defendant did not benefit from the stolen items, which were perishable goods recovered and returned to the complainant.

Another conviction involved Mohamed Larmin Denkeh, aged 25, arrested at Jadia Town on 16 August 2025 and charged with house breaking, larceny and malicious damage. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

In a separate matter, Mohamed Alie Shaw, a 33-year-old okada rider and Sidikie Kamara, a 29-year-old power saw operator, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a crime and killing an animal with intent to steal, contrary to Section 4 of the Larceny Act 1916. The offences occurred on 26 December 2024 at Njaia Ranch in Dogolia Town, Falaba District. Taking into account the time already spent in detention, the court sentenced both men to one year imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently from the date of arrest.

The session also saw several discharges. Bailor Shaw, a former police officer charged with robbery with aggravation, was discharged after the complainant declined to pursue the matter. Kadiatu Sankoh, who had been standing trial for murder across three special criminal sessions, was discharged due to the prosecution’s difficulty in securing witnesses from a remote village and in consideration of her physical and health condition. Justice Abu Bakarr Sannoh emphasized that such a discharge was not a bar to future prosecution.

Similarly, Osman Keita Jalloh, along with Mohamed Samura, Brima Jawara, and Lansana Jabbie, who were charged with house breaking, conspiracy and office breaking and larceny, were all discharged. The judge warned that their discharge did not absolve them permanently and that they remained under observation.

At the close of the session, Justice Abu Bakarr Sannoh withdrew all drug-related cases charged under section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act No. 10 of 2008 for judgment to be delivered at a later date. Two additional cases involving aggravated sexual assault and sexual penetration of minors were also withdrawn for judgment. In his concluding remarks, the judge echoed submissions by state counsel regarding the sharp increase in theft-related offences in Koinadugu and Falaba Districts, noting that other serious matters, including murder, manslaughter and sexual offences, would be addressed in the next special criminal session of the High Court of Sierra Leone sitting in Kabala.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/kabala-high-court-records-10-convictions-withdraws-key-cases-in-week-long-special-criminal-session/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

A new governance report has reignited national debate over Sierra Leone’s electronic passport contract, raising serious concerns about revenue leakages, high passport fees and weak oversight in the long-standing contractual arrangement between the Government and a private passport supplier, Netpage.

The report, released by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), questions whether the State is deriving fair value from the e-passport contract awarded to Netpage, the company responsible for the production and sale of Sierra Leonean passports. According to IGR, the arrangement reflects deeper structural weaknesses in how lucrative public contracts are negotiated, renewed and monitored.

Titled: “Di hade’ pa di case’: Politics and Revenue Failures in Sierra Leone”, a Krio expression meaning “the heart of the matter,” the report examines revenue-generating state concessions and argues that many are structured in ways that disproportionately benefit private interests rather than the public purse. The e-passport deal is cited as a prominent example of how weak contract governance can undermine domestic revenue mobilization.

IGR estimates that between 60,000 and 70,000 passports are issued annually in Sierra Leone and notes that, based on prevailing fees, this volume should generate between USD 7 million and USD 9 million each year. Despite the significant earning potential, the report states that it found no clear evidence of royalty payments or similar revenues from the e-passport operation being paid into the Government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, describing the absence of traceable income as a major fiscal gap in a country facing persistent budgetary pressures.

The report further draws attention to the high cost of acquiring a Sierra Leonean passport, with fees ranging from USD 100 to USD 180, making it one of the most expensive travel documents in the West African region. IGR argues that such pricing places an undue burden on citizens, particularly low-income earners and is difficult to justify in the absence of transparent disclosure on revenue-sharing arrangements or clarity on how proceeds are reinvested into public services.

Beyond pricing and revenue flows, IGR raises concerns about the procurement and renewal processes underpinning the e-passport contract, noting that the agreement has reportedly been renewed multiple times without open competitive bidding or a comprehensive value-for-money assessment. Such practices, the report argues, undermine established public procurement principles and weaken the State’s ability to renegotiate improved terms that could increase Government revenue or reduce costs to citizens.

Situating those findings within a broader critique of Sierra Leone’s economic governance framework, IGR contends that while corruption, political instability and ethnic politics are often cited as drivers of weak public finances, inadequate scrutiny of high-value contracts plays an equally damaging role. The report warns that when critical revenue streams are structured to limit state benefits, the long-term consequence is reduced fiscal space for essential services such as health, education and infrastructure.

Drawing on data from approximately 3,400 state contracts and interviews with current and former officials across successive administrations, IGR concludes that the challenges highlighted by the e-passport deal cut across political cycles. The contract, it observes, has spanned multiple Governments, suggesting that the problem lies less with any single administration and more with entrenched institutional practices.

IGR further alleges that powerful business actors often employ strategies to retain control over lucrative concessions, including cultivating relationships across political parties, anchoring agreements in institutions rather than individuals to ensure continuity and exploiting periods of political transition when oversight may be weaker. It also suggests that influence over sections of the media can sometimes be used to blunt sustained public scrutiny of controversial contracts.

While acknowledging the presence of ethical public servants and reform-minded business leaders, the report warns that a system has emerged in which large public revenue losses are effectively normalized, with weak accountability mechanisms and the absence of strong political platforms focused on economic governance reform continuing to entrench the problem.

Despite the claims against Netpage, the issue has also drawn a public response from the Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, who has defended the company by stating that his Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, waived the royalties Netpage was required to pay to the Government. The Minister, however, provided no documentary evidence to support that claim and did not specify the years to which such waivers allegedly applied. That defence appears to sit uneasily alongside the terms of the passport production contract, which stipulate that royalties were set at 8 per cent on the sale of each e-passport between January and December 2022 and increased to 10 per cent between January and December 2023, with arrangements from January 2024 onwards described as “open to negotiation with authorities.” Auditors’ records further complicate the Minister’s position, as they reportedly show no royalty payments from Netpage into Government accounts over the past five years and no indication that any formal waiver was granted.

Ultimately, the report frames the e-passport contract as more than an administrative issue, presenting it as a clear illustration of how flawed contractual arrangements can quietly drain national resources over time. Without greater transparency, competitive procurement processes and firm political will to safeguard public revenue, IGR cautions that Sierra Leone risks perpetuating a cycle in which private interests benefit disproportionately while citizens bear the cost. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/as-internal-affairs-ministers-defence-backfires-netpage-profits-while-the-state-loses-igr-sounds-alarm-on-sierra-leones-e-passport-contract/

Shalimar Trading Company Limited is further entrenching its influence within Sierra Leone’s transportation sector as TVS motorcycles continue to record strong uptake among commercial riders, commuters and small-scale entrepreneurs nationwide.

Across urban centres and remote communities alike, motorcycles have become an essential means of movement, supporting trade, delivery services and everyday commuting. Within this evolving landscape, TVS-branded motorcycles have emerged as a dominant presence, with users pointing to their durability, fuel economy and suitability for both paved and rugged road networks as key advantages.

Industry analysts note that this sustained growth is closely linked to Shalimar Trading’s strategic alliance with TVS Motor Company. The partnership has allowed for consistent product availability, supported by an organized distribution system and reliable after-sales service, helping to build long-term trust among riders whose incomes depend on dependable transport.

As the exclusive authorized distributor of TVS motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and three-wheelers in Sierra Leone, Shalimar Trading Company Limited has become a central player in a market shaped by rising demand for affordable and efficient mobility. With commercial riding and informal logistics expanding, operators are increasingly favouring motorcycles that can withstand heavy daily use while keeping running costs low.

The TVS Star HLX range remains one of the most common choices among riders. Available in several engine variants, the model is widely regarded for its robustness, making it suitable for long-distance routes and challenging terrain. Its consistent performance has earned it a reputation as a workhorse within the country’s transport system.

Meanwhile, the TVS XL 100 moped is finding favour among traders and household users who require simple, economical transport for short-distance activities. Its fuel efficiency and practical build have made it particularly popular for market deliveries and small-scale commercial operations in densely populated areas.

Riders seeking a blend of comfort and efficiency are increasingly turning to the TVS Victor motorcycle, while urban commuters are showing growing interest in the TVS Jupiter scooter. In traffic-heavy cities such as Freetown, the scooter’s manoeuvrability and ease of use are seen as major advantages for navigating congested streets.

Younger riders and new entrants into commercial riding are also contributing to market expansion through interest in models such as the TVS NEO XR and TVS ZT 125. These motorcycles are attracting attention for their modern design and economical performance, reflecting changing consumer preferences within the sector. At the higher end of the market, performance-focused riders continue to embrace the TVS Apache range, including the Apache RTR 200, valued for its responsive handling and sport-oriented features.

In shared transport services, the TVS King Deluxe three-wheeler is playing an increasingly visible role. With the capacity to carry multiple passengers, it has become a practical option for operators providing affordable transport within towns and along short intercity routes.

Beyond product sales, stakeholders highlight Shalimar Trading’s investment in after-sales support as a critical factor in sustaining market confidence. Access to genuine spare parts and professional maintenance through service points in Lumley, Bai Bureh Road and Siaka Stevens Street has strengthened customer loyalty and improved vehicle longevity.

In addition to TVS products, the company distributes other international automotive and industrial brands, including Suzuki, Sonalika International, Isuzu, CFMOTO and Leyland. Its regional expansion, including operations in Liberia, is contributing to employment creation and skills development.

With demand for reliable and cost-effective transport on the rise, Shalimar Trading’s role in shaping Sierra Leone’s mobility landscape is becoming increasingly pronounced, with TVS motorcycles firmly at the centre of everyday transport and commerce. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/shalimar-trading-expands-market-influence-as-demand-for-affordable-mobility-rises/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to hold a bilateral meeting with the Competent National Authority and key stakeholders in Sierra Leone to review the status of enforcement of its judgments in the country.

The engagement, scheduled to take place from 9 to 13 February 2026, forms part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS and is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the regional court and national authorities on the effective implementation of its decisions.

According to the Court, the meeting seeks to establish a structured framework for collaboration, promote the exchange of best practices and address challenges affecting the enforcement of ECOWAS Court judgments at the national level. The initiative is expected to enhance compliance, improve coordination and foster sustainable cooperation between the Court and relevant institutions in Sierra Leone.

The programme will provide a platform for in-depth dialogue between the ECOWAS Court and the Competent National Authority, focusing on improving enforcement procedures, ensuring greater uniformity across jurisdictions and building institutional capacity for effective implementation of judgments. Discussions will also centre on identifying existing constraints to enforcement and developing practical strategies to address them.

A special forum will be held on the current status of enforcement of ECOWAS Court judgments in Sierra Leone, alongside presentations on the Court’s enforcement mechanisms and perspectives from Government authorities. The programme will also include a bilateral engagement with Civil Society Organisations, as well as deliberations on next steps and future cooperation.

Stakeholder engagement sessions, presentations and discussions throughout the week-long programme are designed to promote inclusive participation, constructive dialogue and shared ownership of solutions aimed at strengthening the enforcement process.

As part of the visit, the ECOWAS Court delegation will pay courtesy calls on senior Government officials, including the Minister of Planning and Development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone and the Speaker of Parliament. Meetings are also scheduled with the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone and the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association.

The delegation will be led by the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, and includes the Vice President, Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, as well as directors and other staff of the Court.

The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, was established under Articles 6 and 15 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty. Although the Protocol relating to the Court was adopted in 1991, the pioneer judges were appointed in 2001. The Court has four core mandates: interpretation and application of ECOWAS legal instruments, adjudication of administrative disputes involving ECOWAS institutions, arbitration and the protection of human rights within the Community. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ecowas-court-to-hold-high-level-engagement-in-sierra-leone-on-enforcement-of-judgments/