By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Government of Sierra Leone has announced significant progress in maternal and child healthcare during the first 100 days of its ambitious 300 Days of Activism campaign, recording major reductions in maternal and infant mortality while expanding access to essential health services across the country.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education's Weekly Press Briefing on Tuesday, 9th June 2026, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, disclosed that maternal mortality has declined by 31 percent, while infant mortality has reduced by 11 percent since the launch of the campaign.

The Minister also revealed that approximately 5,000 children who had never received routine immunization were identified and vaccinated during the first phase of the campaign. According to him, that represents a 55 percent increase in new childhood vaccinations and has reduced the number of zero-dose children by nearly half.

"We have about 9,000 children in this country who have never received a vaccine. Within the first 100 days, we identified 5,000 of those children and ensured they received their first dose," Dr. Austin Demby said.

He attributed the achievements to strong collaboration among healthcare workers, traditional leaders, local authorities, communities, development partners, mothers and families across the country, noting that the success was driven by effective mobilization rather than additional financial resources.

Dr. Austin Demby reaffirmed the Government's commitment to achieving three key objectives under the campaign: zero preventable maternal deaths, zero preventable child deaths and universal protection of children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

While acknowledging the encouraging results, he stressed that the next phase of the campaign would involve intensive action in communities across Sierra Leone to ensure that every mother and child receives essential healthcare services.

"The next 100 days will be days of action. We are going everywhere to ensure that every mother and every child receives the healthcare services they need," he stated, calling on community leaders, journalists, Civil Society Organisations, development partners and citizens to support the initiative.

The Health Minister also highlighted major investments in healthcare infrastructure aimed at improving service delivery nationwide. He announced that 18 of Sierra Leone's 20 major hospitals are now energy-independent through solar power systems developed in partnership with the Ministry of Energy.

Connaught Hospital now operates on a 1.2-megawatt solar energy system, while approximately 380 health facilities across the country have been equipped with solar power installations to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.

He further disclosed that Government plans include the construction of a 300-bed hospital in Kerry Town, a modern cancer diagnosis and treatment centre and a large-scale oxygen production facility to strengthen healthcare services in the Western Area.

Speaking on broader healthcare reforms, Dr. Austin Demby emphasized that Sierra Leone is moving from disease-specific interventions to a people-centred healthcare system as part of its Universal Health Coverage agenda.

"Universal Health Coverage is fundamentally about people. We cannot continue to focus only on individual diseases because one person can suffer from several illnesses at the same time," he said.

According to the Minister, Government is adopting a life-stage approach to healthcare delivery, covering pregnancy, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. Significant investments are also being made in primary healthcare through the construction and rehabilitation of health facilities, recruitment of health workers and improved availability of medicines and medical equipment.

Dr. Austin Demby announced that Government is constructing new 100-bed hospitals in Karene, Pujehun and Moyamba to strengthen secondary healthcare services. He also highlighted investments in advanced medical technologies, including CT scanners, dialysis machines and ultrasound equipment.

Emergency healthcare services have also been enhanced through improved ambulance systems equipped with GPS tracking, oxygen support, trained personnel and essential medical supplies, all linked to the national 117 emergency hotline.

On human resource development, the Minister revealed that the annual number of doctors being trained has increased from about 30 to approximately 250, with plans to expand the figure to 300 annually. Similar investments, he said, are being made in the training of nurses and midwives to strengthen the country's healthcare workforce.

Dr. Austin Demby stressed that the success of the reforms would ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in health outcomes, including reductions in maternal and infant mortality, lower teenage pregnancy rates, increased survival rates and better overall wellbeing for the people of Sierra Leone.

He concluded that early indicators demonstrate that the country's health sector is moving in the right direction as investments in infrastructure, personnel and service delivery continue to produce positive results. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-records-major-health-gains-as-300-days-of-activism-campaign-delivers-results/

By Ibrahim Sesay

Madam Hawa Sally Samai, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), has represented Sierra Leone at the Global Power Women Forum London 2026, a high-level international gathering of senior women leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners from more than 40 countries.

The invitation-only Forum, held across London and Cambridge, served as a platform for strengthening global collaboration and translating high-level dialogue into practical policy and development outcomes. The event focused on advancing women's leadership in governance, investment and sustainable development while promoting inclusive growth and institutional reform.

During the Forum, Madam Hawa Sally Samai shared Sierra Leone's experiences in peace building, governance and national cohesion, highlighting the critical role women play in fostering stability and sustainable development. She stressed that lasting peace is not simply the absence of conflict but a system built on trust, justice and strong institutions capable of supporting recovery, economic growth and investment.

Drawing on Sierra Leone's post-conflict journey, she explained how the country's civil war disrupted trade networks, weakened institutions and eroded social trust. She noted that continued peace building initiatives remain essential to restoring stability, rebuilding investor confidence and creating the conditions necessary for long-term national development.

Madam Hawa Sally Samai also underscored the importance of women's participation in peace and development processes, stating that women have consistently played vital roles in mediation, community engagement and governance. According to her, empowering women is not only an issue of inclusion but also a strategic approach to strengthening economic resilience, institutional capacity and social cohesion.

The Forum further provided opportunities for engagement with global stakeholders committed to advancing gender equality, expanding leadership opportunities for women and building partnerships that support socio-economic transformation across different regions of the world.

Her participation reflects Sierra Leone's continued engagement in international discussions on peace building, governance and inclusive development, while reinforcing the country's presence in global policy dialogue.

Madam Hawa Sally Samai's contribution also aligns with broader national efforts to position peace as a foundation for economic growth and social progress, particularly in post-conflict societies where institutional trust and cohesion are essential for sustainable development.

Her engagement at the Global Power Women Forum London 2026 further strengthens her growing international profile as a peace building practitioner and advocate for inclusive governance, while highlighting Sierra Leone's contribution to global conversations on women, peace and sustainable development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/icpnc-es-champions-peace-and-womens-leadership-at-global-power-women-forum-london-2026/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Madam Hawa Sally Samai, has been honoured by the South Carolina House of Representatives in the United States of America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to peacebuilding, democratic governance, national cohesion and the protection of vulnerable communities.

The honour was conferred through a special resolution adopted by the South Carolina House of Representatives, which commended Madam Hawa Sally Samai for her decades of dedicated service in promoting peace, justice, inclusion and social development in Sierra Leone and beyond.

According to the citation, Madam Hawa Sally Samai has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing peacebuilding initiatives, strengthening democratic processes and fostering national unity. The resolution also acknowledged her efforts in championing the rights and welfare of women, children and vulnerable groups, as well as her commitment to building resilient and inclusive communities.

As Executive Secretary of the ICPNC, Madam Hawa Sally Samai has played a pivotal role in promoting dialogue, conflict prevention, mediation and reconciliation across Sierra Leone. Under her leadership, the Commission continues to engage stakeholders at both national and community levels to encourage peaceful coexistence and strengthen social cohesion.

The South Carolina House of Representatives also recognized her contribution to international peacebuilding efforts, highlighting her active participation on global platforms where she has consistently advocated for sustainable peace, inclusive governance and the meaningful participation of women in peace and security processes.

The recognition further acknowledged her longstanding service to Civil Society through the Advocacy Movement Network, an organisation she founded and has led in promoting human rights, citizen participation and democratic accountability.

The resolution was introduced by Representative Rosalyn D. Henderson-Myers and was formally adopted by members of the South Carolina House of Representatives on 8 June 2026 at the State House in Columbia, South Carolina.

The honour reflects the growing international recognition of the role Sierra Leoneans continue to play in promoting peace, democracy and social cohesion on both national and global stages.

Many observers believe Madam Hawa Sally Samai's achievement will serve as an inspiration to peacebuilders across Sierra Leone and further reinforce the importance of dialogue, inclusion and collective action in building peaceful and prosperous societies. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/icpnc-executive-secretary-honoured-by-south-carolina-house-for-outstanding-peacebuilding-efforts/

 By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The High Court of Sierra Leone has commenced hearing the appeal filed by the defence team of popular musician, reality television personality and politician Zainab Sheriff, challenging her conviction and four-year, two-month prison sentence imposed earlier this year by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Magistrate Court No. 1.

Sheriff was convicted of incitement and using threatening language under Section 3(2) of the Public Order Act, 1965, following remarks she allegedly made during a political rally in January.

During proceedings before Justice Mark Ngegba of High Court No. 8, Lead Prosecution Counsel Ibrahim Tholley Esq. raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the Defence had failed to comply with the Appeal Rules.

Tholley submitted that the appeal documents did not adequately set out or explain the judgment being challenged, maintaining that appeals must strictly adhere to procedural requirements. He urged the court to invoke Rule 8 of the Appeal Rules and dismiss the application.

Lead Defence Counsel R. S. Wright Esq. opposed the objection, describing it as premature. He argued that Rule 8 provides guidance but does not require absolute compliance with every statutory provision. Wright further contended that the Prosecution's argument lacked legislative foundation, insisting that the admissibility of an appeal is a matter for judicial determination rather than prosecutorial discretion.

After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Ngegba adjourned the matter to June 18, 2026, when he is expected to rule on whether the appeal will proceed or be dismissed at the preliminary stage.

Sheriff's conviction arose from statements prosecutors said she made during a political rally, where video evidence allegedly showed her describing election rigging as treason and stating that those responsible "and their families should be killed." The trial court ruled that the remarks constituted incitement and threatening language.

The appeal has attracted widespread public interest, with many observers viewing the matter as one of the country's most significant legal cases involving political speech and the application of Sierra Leone's public order laws.

Meanwhile, calls for Zainab Sheriff's release have continued to grow among lawyers, opposition politicians and civil society activists, many of whom argue that the sentence raises broader concerns about freedom of expression and political dissent.

Freetown Mayor and senior All People's Congress (APC) member, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, questioned the severity of the sentence, suggesting that the matter extends beyond the actual words spoken by Sheriff.

"A lot of us feel this isn't about Zainab Sheriff's words," she said. "This is about Zainab Sheriff being used as a very visible, high-profile example of what you must not do in this society now. You must not speak your mind or you can be charged and end up in jail."

Willietta Hughes, Legal Manager for AdvocAid, also expressed concern over the case, describing the sentence as excessive. She argued that no evidence had been presented to demonstrate that Sheriff's remarks had provoked public unrest and cautioned that such prosecutions could discourage citizens from exercising their right to free expression.

Women's rights advocates have also voiced concerns, warning that the case could discourage women from participating actively in political discourse and speaking openly on national issues.

Sheriff was arrested on February 20, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was repeatedly denied bail before being sentenced on April 14. She is currently being held at a maximum-security correctional facility in Freetown.

The High Court proceedings have also revived discussions about the possibility of a presidential pardon or other forms of executive clemency at a later stage, although there has been no official indication that such measures are under consideration.

The outcome of the appeal could have significant legal and political implications. Depending on the court's decision, the conviction and sentence could be upheld, reduced, amended or overturned.

Many Sierra Leoneans are expected to follow the June 18 proceedings closely, with the High Court's ruling likely to shape public debate on the rule of law, freedom of expression, civic space and confidence in the country's justice system. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/calls-for-zainab-sheriffs-release-grow-ahead-of-high-court-review-hearing/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

During the World Bank Fragility Forum 2026, Sierra Leone's Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, called on the international community to strengthen its support for fragile and developing countries by prioritizing resilience, stronger institutions and youth employment, warning that growing global pressures are threatening hard-won development gains.

Speaking virtually during the World Bank Fragility Forum 2026 held on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh joined policymakers, development experts and governance specialists from around the world to discuss the impact of shifting global dynamics on countries affected by conflict, economic shocks and institutional fragility.

Addressing the forum, the Vice President said Sierra Leone's experience demonstrates that sustainable development depends on strong partnerships that build long-term institutional capacity and deliver practical benefits to citizens.

He stressed that international assistance to fragile states must move beyond short-term interventions and focus on strengthening the foundations for lasting stability and economic growth.

"International support in fragile settings must focus on building resilience, strengthening institutions and creating jobs for young people," Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stated.

He noted that many developing countries are facing mounting challenges as traditional development assistance declines while geopolitical tensions and climate-related disasters become more frequent.

According to the Vice President, "As aid flows decline, geopolitical competition intensifies and climate shocks become more frequent, the challenge before us is not only how to finance development, but how to sustain the gains we have already made."

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized that preserving development progress requires stronger collaboration between Governments, international financial institutions and development partners. He maintained that partnerships should be designed to produce measurable outcomes that improve the lives of ordinary people and create broader economic opportunities.

"The task ahead is to ensure that our partnerships deliver practical solutions that improve lives and expand opportunity for every Sierra Leonean," he said.

The Vice President also highlighted the importance of investing in young people, describing employment creation as a critical pillar for peace, stability and long-term national development. He observed that stronger public institutions and inclusive economic policies are essential for helping fragile states withstand external shocks and adapt to an increasingly uncertain global environment.

The annual World Bank Fragility Forum serves as a global platform for discussions on policies and strategies aimed at supporting countries affected by conflict, economic instability and governance challenges. The event brings together Governments, international organisations and development practitioners to explore innovative approaches to sustaining peace and promoting inclusive growth.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, whose public service career has included leading governance reforms, peacebuilding initiatives and national development coordination efforts, participated in the discussions as Governments and international institutions seek more effective ways to protect development gains amid evolving economic, security and climate challenges.

His intervention reaffirmed Sierra Leone's commitment to strengthening international partnerships that promote resilience, expand opportunities for young people and build stronger institutions capable of delivering sustainable development for future generations. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-calls-for-resilient-partnerships-as-global-pressures-test-fragile-economies/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Baptist Convention of Sierra Leone (BCSL) has officially bid farewell to its outgoing Executive President and Head of Missions, Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah and his wife, Mariama Khai Fornah, in recognition of their decade of dedicated service, visionary leadership and contributions to the growth and development of the Convention.

The thanksgiving and farewell ceremony was held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, drawing clergy, church members, development partners and invited guests from across Sierra Leone who gathered to celebrate ten years of leadership marked by spiritual growth, institutional development and humanitarian service.

Speakers at the event described Rev Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah’s tenure as one characterized by stability, discipline, compassion and a strong commitment to strengthening the Baptist Convention and expanding its impact across communities nationwide. Many paid tribute to his efforts in promoting leadership development, community transformation and institutional sustainability.

During his time in office, Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah was credited with supporting a range of social and educational initiatives, including scholarship opportunities for pastors, teachers and theological students as well as humanitarian interventions that provided food and non-food assistance to vulnerable communities during emergencies and periods of hardship.

One of the landmark achievements highlighted during the ceremony was the construction of the BCSL Multipurpose Building in Lunsar, which has since been named the Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah Multipurpose Building in recognition of his contributions. The facility has hosted the Convention’s annual conferences since 2024 and is regarded as a major step toward institutional self-reliance and sustainability.

Church leaders noted that the facility has significantly reduced the Convention’s expenditure on rented conference venues, allowing more resources to be directed toward missions, evangelism and community outreach programmes.

Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah’s administration was also commended for overseeing the rehabilitation of the Lunsar Eye Clinic, improving access to healthcare services for residents in the region and surrounding communities. In the education sector, his leadership supported the distribution of learning materials to pupils in Baptist schools across Sierra Leone while also extending assistance to selected non-Baptist schools.

Delivering the sermon, Prof. Dr. Momolu Massaquoi of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary preached on the theme: “Service and Legacy,” drawing lessons from Acts 20:17–35. He emphasized the importance of servant leadership, humility, sacrifice and leaving a lasting impact through service to God and humanity.

In his farewell address, Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah expressed gratitude to God, mission partners, donors and members of the Baptist Convention for the opportunity to serve over the past ten years. He described his tenure as both a privilege and a profound responsibility, attributing the achievements recorded during his administration to divine grace and collective effort.

He also encouraged the incoming Executive President, Rev. Dr. Samuel G. A. Kargbo and the Convention’s leadership to continue building on the foundation that has been laid to ensure sustained growth and impact across Sierra Leone.

The ceremony featured musical performances and tributes from various Baptist congregations and church groups. A special presentation by members of the Baptist Mission in Kenema drew emotional responses from attendees as they celebrated the outgoing president’s years of service and dedication.

The Convention announced that Rev. Dr. Samuel G. A. Kargbo is expected to continue advancing the institution’s development agenda by strengthening governance structures, expanding outreach programmes and promoting sustainable growth within the Baptist community.

The event attracted more than a thousand participants from religious, professional and social backgrounds, reflecting the widespread respect and admiration Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah has earned throughout his ministry.

The transition to new leadership marks the beginning of another important chapter for the Baptist Convention of Sierra Leone, while the contributions of Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah are expected to remain a lasting testament to visionary leadership, institutional growth and dedicated Christian service. Members and stakeholders believe his legacy will continue to inspire the Convention's mission and future generations of faith leaders across Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/baptist-convention-bids-farewell-to-rev-dr-joseph-s-fornah-after-10-years-of-service/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone has reinforced its commitment to sustainable mining, foreign investment and international cooperation through its participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026, where the country joined world leaders, investors and industry experts to promote its growing mineral sector and strengthen global partnerships.

The high-profile Forum, which was held from 3 to 6 June 2026 in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, served as one of the world's foremost platforms for economic dialogue, investment promotion and international collaboration. The event brought together heads of state, senior Government officials, business executives, development partners and investors from across the world to explore emerging economic opportunities and strategic alliances.

Sierra Leone's delegation was led by the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius D. Mattai and included the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the Russian Federation, the Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), the Director of Policy and Research, the Director of Geological Surveys, together with other senior officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency.

One of the major highlights of the country's participation was the role played by Julius D. Mattai as a panelist during a high-level discussion themed : "Rare and Strategic: Sovereignty and International Cooperation in the Field of Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals."

The session brought together Government representatives and industry experts from different regions of the world to examine the growing strategic significance of rare earth elements and critical minerals in driving the global energy transition, technological innovation and industrial growth.

During the discussion, Julius D. Mattai underscored Sierra Leone's commitment to responsible mineral resource governance and the sustainable development of the country's expanding portfolio of critical minerals. He noted that the increasing global demand for those resources presents an important opportunity for mineral-rich nations to diversify their economies and achieve long-term prosperity.

The Minister stressed that countries endowed with mineral wealth should secure greater benefits from their natural resources through local content policies, value addition, skills development and industrialization. He emphasized that those measures are vital to ensuring that the mining sector makes a meaningful contribution to national development and sustainable economic growth.

He further observed that the rapidly growing international demand for critical minerals calls for stronger global cooperation to establish transparent, resilient and sustainable supply chains. While advocating for the protection of national sovereignty over natural resources, he maintained that effective collaboration between producing and consuming nations remains essential to creating mutual benefits and ensuring long-term stability across the sector.

Julius D. Mattai also called for increased investment in Africa's mining infrastructure, geological research, human capital development and downstream mineral processing industries. According to him, such investments are necessary to unlock the continent's vast mineral potential and strengthen Africa's position within the global critical minerals value chain.

The high-level panel further explored strategies for balancing national interests with international partnerships while promoting responsible sourcing standards, improving supply chain security and encouraging innovation in the extraction and processing of critical minerals.

Beyond the panel discussion, the Sierra Leone delegation participated in a series of bilateral meetings, strategic engagements and investment discussions designed to deepen cooperation with Governments, development partners, investors and industry stakeholders. The engagements focused on attracting new investments, strengthening technical partnerships, expanding geological knowledge and promoting downstream mineral development and value addition.

SPIEF 2026 also provided Sierra Leone with a valuable opportunity to showcase its growing potential in critical minerals, geological exploration and mineral processing while engaging international stakeholders on issues relating to economic development and the sustainable management of the country's natural resources.

Sierra Leone's participation at the Forum reflected the Government's determination to leverage the mining sector as a key driver of economic transformation, industrialization, employment creation and sustainable development. It also demonstrated the country's continued efforts to position itself as a competitive, reliable and responsible destination for global mining investment while playing an increasingly significant role in international conversations on the future of critical minerals. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/mines-minister-pushes-for-greater-investment-in-africas-critical-minerals-sector-at-spief-2026/