The Centre for CSR, West Africa, on 12 October 2026, announced a strategic partnership with the organisers of the inaugural Climate x Culture Summit 2026 in Accra, Ghana, aimed at promoting corporate sustainability, strengthening climate awareness and encouraging environmentally responsible practices within Ghana’s growing creative, cultural and events industries.

The partnership forms part of a broader effort to encourage businesses, creative professionals, event organisers and other stakeholders to adopt practical sustainability measures that contribute to environmental protection while supporting economic growth and community development.

Scheduled for Thursday, 22 October 2026, at the Google Artificial Intelligence Community Centre in Accra, the summit will be held under the theme, “Designing Sustainable Creative Experiences for Africa.” It is expected to bring together stakeholders from the creative industry, corporate institutions and environmental organisations to explore practical approaches to climate-conscious production and sustainable business operations.

The Centre for CSR, West Africa, which has spent the past 14 years promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability across the sub-region, considers the partnership an important opportunity to extend responsible business practices into the creative and cultural sectors.

Over the years, the organisation has facilitated national and regional sustainability conferences, stakeholder engagements and strategic partnerships involving academic institutions, regulatory agencies, civil society organisations, media institutions, business associations, international sustainability organisations and community leaders.

Through these engagements, the Centre has continued to encourage businesses to move beyond corporate declarations and demonstrate measurable commitments to environmental protection, social responsibility and sustainable development.

Speaking on the partnership, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of the Centre for CSR, West Africa, John Kojo Williams, who is also pursuing doctoral research in Corporate Sustainability at a leading university in the United Kingdom, stressed that climate change has become a serious challenge affecting communities, economies and future development opportunities.

According to John Kojo Williams, businesses and institutions must recognise that sustainability is no longer simply about maintaining a positive corporate image but requires deliberate action, measurable results and long-term responsibility.

“Climate change is no longer an abstract warning from the figment of anyone’s imagination; it is the reality shaping our lives, economies, communities and creative futures. Corporate sustainability is no longer a badge of good intentions or imitation of enviable business practices, it is the discipline of turning responsibility into measurable action,” he stated.

John Kojo Williams further emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, noting that governments, businesses and communities must demonstrate greater commitment to addressing environmental and development challenges.

“Our collective commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals is not just a checklist for tomorrow, but a shared promise we must keep today, so that we can have a ‘tomorrow’. The question is no longer whether we can afford to act, but whether we can afford the cost of doing nothing or not doing enough,” he added.

The Climate x Culture Summit 2026 is designed to broaden discussions on climate change by moving beyond conventional policy debates and scientific reports to engage individuals and businesses whose daily activities influence environmental sustainability.

Particular attention will be given to event producers, artists, influencers, creative entrepreneurs and other industry professionals, with discussions expected to focus on practical measures for reducing environmental impact and introducing sustainable production methods.

John Kojo Williams explained that the Centre for CSR, West Africa has consistently worked with businesses to develop responsible practices that respond to community needs while improving corporate performance and public recognition.

He described the partnership with the Climate x Culture Summit as a natural extension of the Centre’s longstanding commitment to promoting sustainable development across different sectors of the economy.

“The Centre for CSR, West Africa has been dedicated to guiding businesses toward practical, impactful, and sustainable practices that align with community needs, rewarding their efforts with positive mentions and recognition,” he explained.

He maintained that sustainability must become an integral part of cultural expression, artistic production and everyday activities rather than remain limited to corporate policies and institutional discussions.

“Supporting the Climate and Culture Summit is a natural evolution of our mission. We recognise that true sustainability must be integrated into the fabric of our culture, art and daily lives. By equipping the creative and events industries with the tools for sustainable production, we are not just talking about change; we are infusing it into our future,” John Kojo Williams stated.

Meanwhile, the Founder of the Climate x Culture Summit, Kenneth Awotwe Darko, disclosed that the gathering is expected to produce practical outcomes that will help strengthen environmental responsibility within Ghana’s creative and events industries.

Among the major initiatives planned for the summit are the signing of the Accra Climate Culture Accord and the development of a Sustainable Event Production Guide for Ghana, which will provide guidance on incorporating environmentally responsible practices into event planning and production.

Kenneth Awotwe Darko explained that these initiatives are consistent with the Centre for CSR, West Africa’s experience in sustainability policy development, corporate responsibility advocacy and the implementation of practical environmental strategies.

He expressed optimism that the collaboration would help establish stronger connections among creative professionals, businesses and sustainability advocates while encouraging the adoption of environmentally responsible practices throughout the industry.

Both organisations are also working towards establishing a permanent network of climate-culture practitioners to sustain engagement, promote knowledge-sharing and support the integration of sustainability into the region’s expanding creative and events sector.

The proposed network is expected to provide a platform for continued collaboration among industry professionals and sustainability stakeholders beyond the inaugural summit.

The Centre for CSR, West Africa continues to promote responsible corporate behaviour through advocacy, training, policy development and sustainability strategy implementation. Its work includes providing guidance on Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices and sustainable business development.

Through its partnership with the Climate x Culture Summit 2026, the organisation hopes to strengthen the connection between environmental responsibility and creative innovation while encouraging businesses and industry professionals to contribute meaningfully to climate action.

The summit is expected to provide an important platform for advancing discussions on how Africa’s creative and cultural industries can support environmental protection, responsible business practices and long-term sustainable development.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65340

 

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone has concluded its 2026 Customer Service Week celebrations with a colourful display of creativity, cultural diversity, teamwork and customer appreciation, reaffirming its commitment to delivering exceptional banking experiences and strengthening relationships with its customers.

The five-day celebration, held under the theme “Go the Extra Mile,” provided an opportunity for the bank to recognize the loyalty and continued support of its customers while encouraging employees to demonstrate greater professionalism, empathy, innovation and dedication in their daily interactions.

Rather than limiting the celebration to conventional customer service activities, UBA Sierra Leone introduced five distinctive themes that allowed staff to express their creativity, embrace different experiences and reinforce the importance of placing customers at the centre of the bank’s operations.

The activities combined fashion, entertainment, cultural expression and direct customer engagement, creating an atmosphere of excitement across the bank while promoting the values of respect, understanding and service excellence.

The celebration commenced with an elegant display of classic fashion under the theme “Old Money,” as employees appeared in sophisticated outfits reflecting timeless style and professionalism. Beyond the fashionable appearance, the opening day's message centred on maintaining high standards in customer service and ensuring that every interaction leaves a positive and lasting impression.

On the second day, employees embraced “The Matrix,” adopting futuristic fashion styles to highlight the growing importance of innovation and adaptability in the banking industry. The theme reflected UBA Sierra Leone's determination to respond to changing customer expectations by continuously improving its services and embracing modern banking solutions.

The third day introduced one of the most significant aspects of the celebration through the theme “A Walk in Their Shoes.” Employees dressed to represent people working in different professions, including construction workers and other essential service providers, as part of an initiative designed to promote empathy and a better understanding of customers from diverse backgrounds.

The exercise reinforced the principle that effective customer service requires more than attending to banking transactions. It involves recognizing the different circumstances, challenges and expectations of individuals who depend on financial institutions for their daily personal and business activities.

The day's activities also featured a special Lucky Dip promotion organized by the bank's Customer Experience (CX) team, offering customers an opportunity to receive various gifts in appreciation of their continued patronage.

Among the items presented were UBA-branded notebooks, pens, provisions and other gifts, bringing excitement to customers who participated in the initiative.

Adding significance to the occasion, the bank's Executive Director, who is also serving as Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, personally presented gifts to customers, exchanged handshakes and interacted with beneficiaries.

The gesture reflected the institution's emphasis on building stronger personal relationships with customers and ensuring that appreciation extends beyond routine banking services.

The fourth day brought a nostalgic atmosphere as employees celebrated the “Y2K” theme, drawing inspiration from the fashion and popular culture of the early 2000s. Staff appeared in colourful and distinctive outfits, creating a lively working environment while demonstrating that professionalism and excellent customer service can be accompanied by warmth, creativity and positive engagement.

The celebration reached its climax on the fifth day with “African Heritage,” which featured employees proudly displaying traditional and African-inspired clothing.

The colourful cultural showcase highlighted the continent's rich traditions, diverse identities and shared heritage while reinforcing UBA's corporate identity as Africa's Global Bank.

Through the African Heritage celebration, the bank also demonstrated its connection to the communities it serves and its appreciation of the cultural values that unite people across the continent.

Throughout the week, UBA Sierra Leone used the various activities to emphasize the importance of customer satisfaction, effective communication, responsiveness and the continuous improvement of banking services.

The celebration also provided an opportunity to strengthen teamwork among employees and remind staff that every customer deserves attention, courtesy and professional assistance, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.

Customer Service Week is an important occasion for organisations worldwide to recognize the contribution of customer service professionals and appreciate the individuals and businesses whose loyalty supports their operations.

For UBA Sierra Leone, the 2026 observance went beyond colourful outfits and entertaining activities. It served as a reminder that customer confidence and long-term relationships depend on consistent service delivery, mutual respect and a willingness to exceed expectations.

The bank's decision to combine customer appreciation with employee participation also reflected its commitment to promoting a workplace culture in which service excellence remains a shared responsibility.

With the weeklong activities came to an end on Friday, October 9, 2026, UBA Sierra Leone reaffirmed its determination to continue improving customer experiences, responding to emerging needs and maintaining the trust of the individuals and businesses it serves.

The central message of the celebration remained clear: going the extra mile should not be limited to a special occasion but should form part of the bank's everyday approach to serving its customers.

With its continued emphasis on innovation, professionalism, cultural identity and customer satisfaction, UBA Sierra Leone seeks to strengthen its position as a financial institution committed to delivering meaningful banking experiences.

UBA Sierra Leone — Africa's Global Bank. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65333

The Minister of Finance, Karefa A. F. Kargbo, has assured the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Sierra Leone (ICASL) of continued Government support following discussions on annual funding, a proposed cooperation agreement and the Institute’s need for permanent office accommodation.

The assurances came during a courtesy visit by the ICASL Executive to the Minister’s office on George Street, Freetown, on Monday, October 5, 2026. The delegation congratulated him on his appointment and outlined several priorities aimed at strengthening the accounting profession and its contribution to public financial management.

Leading the delegation, ICASL President, Leslie Williams, described the appointment of a member of the Institute to oversee the country’s economic management as a source of pride for the profession. He congratulated Karefa A. F. Kargbo and expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s longstanding support.

Leslie Williams said the annual Government subvention had made a significant contribution to the Institute’s operations. He appealed for the timely completion and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ICASL and the Ministry of Finance to formalize their working relationship.

The ICASL President also briefed the Minister on efforts to review the legislation governing the Institute. He explained that the proposed review seeks to strengthen ICASL’s mandate and ensure that all Chartered Accountants practicing in Sierra Leone are appropriately incorporated into its membership.

Opportunities for local accounting professionals were another focus of the discussions. Leslie Williams called for greater participation by local audit firms in the auditing of donor-funded projects, saying such involvement would help build their capacity and broaden their professional experience.

He further requested Government assistance in securing permanent office space, stressing the importance of suitable accommodation for the Institute’s operations and services to its members.

Responding to the delegation, Karefa A. F. Kargbo welcomed the visit and acknowledged his close association with ICASL as a Fellow Chartered Accountant. He assured the Executive that the Government’s annual subvention would continue and pledge to follow up on the outstanding Memorandum of Understanding.

The Minister said he would engage Financial Secretary, Matthew Dingie and Accountant General Richard Williams, both members of ICASL, to advance the completion and signing of the agreement.

Addressing the request for permanent accommodation, Karefa A. F. Kargbo also assured the delegation of Government’s commitment to supporting the Institute’s efforts to secure a permanent structure that would provide a conducive working environment for its members. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65328

The continued detention of prominent Sierra Leonean lawyer and former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, popularly known as JFK, has generated widespread reactions from the parliamentary Opposition, legal institutions, senior lawyers, Civil Society Organisations and public commentators, with growing appeals for the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision.

Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, who is representing the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) in ongoing constitutional proceedings, was ordered detained on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, following a disagreement over remarks made during proceedings the previous day.

The disagreement reportedly arose after Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara declined to withdraw a statement when directed by the Chief Justice. Although he subsequently tendered an apology before the Court, he was ordered to remain in detention until Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Adding its voice to the growing appeals, the Opposition in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, in a Press Release dated Saturday, October 10, 2026, and signed by the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Abdul Kargbo, expressed deep concern over the lawyer’s continued detention and called on the Supreme Court to consider his apology and order his release.

Honourable Abdul Kargbo emphasized that while the authority and dignity of the Judiciary must be respected, lawyers should equally be allowed to discharge their professional responsibilities independently and represent their clients firmly within the law.

The Opposition maintained that the matter could be resolved without undermining judicial authority, allowing attention to return to the substantive constitutional questions before the Supreme Court. It also expressed solidarity with Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara and his family, while urging supporters and the public to remain calm and pursue their concerns peacefully.

Similarly, the Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone, in a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, appealed for the reconsideration of the contempt proceedings and the unconditional release of Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara.

The Society acknowledged the Supreme Court’s authority to maintain discipline during proceedings but argued that the lawyer’s public apology, professional standing and longstanding contributions to Sierra Leone’s justice system deserved consideration.

It highlighted his previous service as Deputy Prosecutor of the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, maintaining that accepting his apology would help resolve the disagreement without diminishing the Court’s dignity.

The General Legal Council, in a statement dated Thursday, October 8, 2026, signed by its Secretary, Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq., and authorized by its Chairman, Ibrahim Kanneh Esq., also appealed for reconsideration of the custodial punishment.

However, the Council expressed concern over Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s conduct, describing it as discourteous and inconsistent with Rule 4(2) of the Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) Rules, 2010, which requires lawyers to demonstrate courtesy and respect towards judicial officers and other participants in court proceedings.

Despite its criticism, the Council stressed the importance of maintaining constructive relations between the Bench and the Bar, suggesting that professional discipline and reconsideration of the detention could be pursued together.

Reports have also linked several senior legal practitioners to efforts to secure Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s release, including Charles Francis Margai, President of the African Bar Association, Dr. Abdulai O. Conteh and Sulaiman Borbor Kabba.

Although conflicting reports have emerged concerning possible bail arrangements, no final bail order could be independently established from the available accounts.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law – Sierra Leone (CARL-SL), in a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, called for judicial independence, professional restraint and respect for constitutional processes.

While stopping short of demanding Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s release, CARL-SL urged judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities impartially and appealed to politicians, Civil Society Organisations and the media to avoid inflammatory statements capable of undermining public confidence in the Judiciary.

Osman Abdal Timbo, who is associated with the ongoing constitutional proceedings, also reportedly expressed confidence in Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s legal representation while raising concerns that the detention controversy was overshadowing the constitutional questions before the Court.

However, public commentator Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden took a different position, criticizing remarks attributed to Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, particularly the statement, "You are showing your hand too early," which she considered inappropriate when directed at the Court.

Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden maintained that lawyers must respect judicial authority regardless of disagreements during proceedings and argued that the Chief Justice would have been justified in citing Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara for contempt.

The contrasting reactions have renewed public discussion about courtroom discipline, judicial independence, the professional responsibilities of lawyers and the exercise of contempt powers.

While the parliamentary Opposition, Lawyers’ Society and General Legal Council have appealed for reconsideration of the detention, other commentators have emphasized the importance of maintaining respect for the Judiciary.

The controversy has also drawn attention to the constitutional proceedings concerning the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025, with stakeholders stressing that the substantive legal questions deserve careful and impartial consideration.

With Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s detention reportedly extending until Tuesday, October 13, 2026, attention remains focused on whether the Supreme Court will reconsider its decision following his apology and the appeals from political and legal institutions.

The growing calls for restraint and dialogue underscore the importance of resolving the matter in a manner that preserves the dignity of the Judiciary, respects the independence of the legal profession and allows the constitutional proceedings to continue without further distractions. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65325

The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation has confirmed that Sierra Leone was among several countries affected by a major international cybersecurity breach that compromised the management system responsible for internet domain names, exposing 44 Sierra Leonean website addresses to potential fraudulent redirection.

In a Press Release issued in Freetown on Friday, October 9, 2026, the Ministry disclosed that the security incident occurred on September 25, 2026, when unauthorized individuals gained access to the CoCCA domain management system, an international platform used to administer internet domain names.

The breach affected Sierra Leone’s national internet domain system, which manages website addresses ending in “.sl”, including those belonging to Government institutions, private businesses and other organisations operating within the country.

According to the Ministry, 44 website addresses registered under Sierra Leone’s national domain were affected, including one Government website and several commercial websites. The unauthorized access created a potential risk of internet users being redirected from legitimate websites to fraudulent platforms controlled by cybercriminals.

The Ministry explained that the incident formed part of a wider series of cyberattacks affecting multiple countries that rely on the same international domain management infrastructure.

Citing a security report published by Google on October 6, 2026, the Ministry revealed that Sierra Leone was among several affected countries, including Ghana and American Samoa.

Despite the seriousness of the breach, the Government reassured the public that the incident was detected and contained on the same day it occurred, with all 44 affected website addresses restored to their correct configurations within hours.

The Ministry further disclosed that immediate security measures were implemented to prevent additional unauthorized access, eliminate the identified threat and strengthen protection of the affected domain management infrastructure.

A subsequent security assessment conducted after the incident found no evidence of continuing unauthorized access as of October 8, 2026, providing reassurance that the immediate threat had been successfully addressed.

However, the Government acknowledged that investigations remain ongoing to determine exactly how the attackers gained access to the international domain management system and whether any additional vulnerabilities could expose Sierra Leone’s digital infrastructure to future attacks.

The Ministry stated that it is working closely with local and international partners to monitor the system, assess emerging security risks and introduce additional safeguards aimed at preventing similar incidents.

The development has highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in protecting Sierra Leone’s expanding digital environment, particularly as Government institutions, businesses and other organisations increasingly depend on internet-based platforms to deliver essential services and communicate with the public.

The security of the country’s national domain system remains particularly important because website addresses ending in “.sl” are used by institutions and businesses whose online credibility depends on users being able to access legitimate websites without interference.

Although the Ministry confirmed that the affected website addresses had been restored, it emphasized that continued monitoring and further security improvements remain necessary to strengthen the country’s protection against future cyber threats.

The Government of Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the country’s digital infrastructure and ensuring that the national internet domain system remains secure and reliable.

It also assured citizens, businesses and other stakeholders that the public would be kept informed of any significant developments arising from the ongoing investigations.

The Ministry maintained that protecting Sierra Leone’s digital infrastructure remains a Government priority as the country continues to advance its technological development and digital transformation agenda. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65322

The National Communications Authority (NatCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting telecommunications consumers and promoting a safer digital environment in Sierra Leone through its active participation in a nationwide campaign against mobile money fraud, WhatsApp scams, identity theft and other forms of cybercrime.

The initiative, launched on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the NatCA Auditorium in Freetown, represents another important step in the Authority's efforts to strengthen consumer awareness, encourage responsible use of telecommunications services and safeguard subscribers against emerging digital threats.

Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) and the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, the National Awareness-Raising Programme on Mobile Money Fraud, WhatsApp Scams, Cyber Hygiene and Online Safety seeks to equip citizens with practical knowledge to protect their personal information and financial accounts.

The programme attracted representatives from Government institutions, mobile network operators, civil society organisations, religious bodies, schools and community groups. Commercial motorbike riders, kekeh operators, market women, teachers and school pupils were also represented, demonstrating the importance of extending digital safety education to every section of society.

At the centre of the engagement was NatCA's renewed emphasis on consumer protection, particularly as mobile phones, mobile money platforms and internet-based communication services become increasingly important in the daily lives of Sierra Leoneans.

Speaking during the launch, the Director General of NatCA, Amara Brewah, delivered a strong message on the need for subscribers to take personal responsibility for protecting their digital identities and financial information.

He cautioned consumers against sharing passwords and other confidential account details with unauthorized individuals, warning that such practices could expose them to cybercriminals seeking to gain access to private information and financial resources.

Director General Amara Brewah also advised members of the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving unfamiliar links through WhatsApp, text messages, emails and other digital platforms.

He explained that suspicious links could be used by hackers and online fraudsters to compromise personal information, making it necessary for consumers to verify messages before responding or clicking.

The NatCA Director General reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to effectively regulating mobile network operators and ensuring that consumer protection remains an important consideration in the delivery of telecommunications services across the country.

He further encouraged participants to become ambassadors for cybersecurity awareness by sharing the knowledge acquired during the programme with their families, colleagues and communities.

His message reinforced NatCA's position that telecommunications regulation must be complemented by continuous public education to help subscribers understand their rights, responsibilities and the potential dangers associated with digital services.

The Authority's involvement in the campaign is particularly significant at a time when mobile money transactions and online communication have become essential tools for business operations, family support, education and everyday financial activities.

By promoting greater awareness of cyber threats, NatCA is helping consumers recognize warning signs associated with fraudulent transactions, suspicious account verification requests, deceptive messages and attempts to obtain confidential information.

The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah, commended the importance of sustained cybersecurity awareness while highlighting the growing risks associated with technological advancement.

She identified phishing, impersonation, ransomware, data breaches, cyber espionage and attacks on critical infrastructure as serious threats confronting countries around the world.

According to the Minister, even technologically advanced nations, including the United States and countries in Europe, continue to face significant cybersecurity challenges.

She therefore called for stronger public vigilance and encouraged consumers to safeguard their personal information against individuals seeking to exploit digital platforms for criminal purposes.

The Coordinator of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, Madam Mariama Yormah, similarly emphasized the importance of public education in preventing online fraud.

She explained that cybercriminals frequently use convincing messages, emotional appeals and digital applications to manipulate unsuspecting consumers into revealing confidential information or participating in fraudulent transactions.

Madam Mariama Yormah warned members of the public against online advertisements and promotions that appear unusually attractive, encouraging them to verify such offers before making financial commitments.

The awareness campaign also promotes practical digital safety measures, including protecting passwords and mobile money PINs, enabling multi-factor authentication, examining suspicious links and keeping sensitive personal information private.

Those preventive measures complement NatCA's consumer protection responsibilities by encouraging subscribers to adopt safer habits when using telecommunications networks and digital financial services.

The programme further draws public attention to Sierra Leone's Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021, which criminalizes various forms of cyber misconduct, including computer-related fraud, identity theft,  unlawful disclosure of access credentials, cyberstalking and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

Members of the public who experience suspected cybercrime are encouraged to preserve relevant evidence, including screenshots, suspicious messages and transaction records, and report incidents to the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre through +232 30 952027 or reporting@nc3.gov.sl.

For NatCA, the campaign provides an opportunity to strengthen engagement with consumers while reinforcing the importance of responsible telecommunications practices and cooperation among regulators, service providers and the general public.

The Authority's participation also underscores the value of bringing cybersecurity education directly to communities, particularly individuals who depend heavily on mobile phones and digital payment systems but may have limited awareness of the methods used by online fraudsters.

With Amara Brewah at the helm, NatCA continues to place emphasis on effective telecommunications regulation, consumer awareness and collaboration with relevant institutions to address challenges affecting subscribers.

The nationwide initiative is expected to help build public confidence in digital services, promote safer online behaviour and encourage greater vigilance against mobile money fraud and other cyber-related offences.

Through its collaboration with MoCTI, NC3 and other stakeholders, NatCA is demonstrating that protecting telecommunications consumers goes beyond regulating service providers. It also requires empowering citizens with the knowledge to make informed decisions and protect themselves in an increasingly connected society.

The campaign reinforces NatCA's commitment to supporting a telecommunications environment in which consumer safety, public awareness and responsible digital participation remain central priorities as Sierra Leone advances its digital transformation agenda. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65318

The Publisher and Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, Amin Kef, has been recognized among the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders of 2026 for his outstanding leadership, professional dedication and contributions to national development.

The prestigious recognition was presented by the West Africa Youth and Children’s Advocacy Network (WAYCAN) during the maiden edition of the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders Awards, held on Friday, 9th October 2026, at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.

The event, organized under the theme of recognizing excellence, leadership and social impact, celebrated distinguished Sierra Leoneans whose professional achievements, leadership qualities and contributions to society have made a positive difference in their respective fields and communities.

Amin Kef, an investigative journalist, Publisher and Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper and media consultant, was recognized for his commitment to responsible leadership, professional excellence, community development and the advancement of Sierra Leone.

According to the citation accompanying his award, the recognition acknowledges his outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the country's development.

The citation further highlighted his commitment to excellence, service and positive social progress, describing his efforts as a demonstration of responsible leadership and dedication to national development.

It stated that through his professional and community engagements, Amin Kef has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating opportunities, inspiring others, strengthening communities and contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous society.

The organizers also acknowledged his achievements, character and continued determination to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, noting that his leadership reflects the important role individuals can play in advancing Sierra Leone and building a better future for coming generations.

Reacting to the recognition, Amin Kef expressed profound appreciation to WAYCAN for considering him worthy of the prestigious national honour.

"I am proud and deeply honoured to be recognized among the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders of 2026. This prestigious recognition is a testament to dedication, hard work, perseverance and a continued commitment to making a positive difference in society. I am truly grateful for this honour," he stated.

He described the award as an important milestone in his professional journey, emphasizing that recognition of that nature provides additional motivation to remain committed to excellence, responsible journalism and meaningful contributions to society.

For Amin Kef, the recognition represents not only a personal achievement but also an encouragement to continue using journalism and media platforms to promote public awareness, accountability, national development and positive social change.

His work in the media industry, particularly through The Calabash Newspaper, has been centred on providing information to the public, highlighting national development issues and giving visibility to matters affecting communities across Sierra Leone.

The latest recognition adds to his growing record of professional achievements and acknowledges the role of media practitioners in contributing to national progress.

It should be recalled that WAYCAN, in an official letter dated 20th August 2026, formally informed Amin Kef of his selection among the distinguished recipients of the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders Award 2026.

The congratulatory letter, signed by the Chairman of the Awards Committee, Dr. Alimatu Deen Kamara, explained that his selection followed a competitive nomination and assessment process involving outstanding individuals from different professional and social backgrounds across Sierra Leone.

According to the letter, the organizers considered his leadership record, dedication, professional achievements, community contributions and commitment to national advancement in determining his suitability for the recognition.

The Awards Committee described the honour as more than a ceremonial presentation, explaining that it celebrates leadership, service, excellence, influence, innovation and positive impact.

WAYCAN further stated that the initiative was established to recognize individuals whose activities have positively influenced communities, institutions, industries and the broader development of Sierra Leone.

The organisation emphasized that Amin Kef's selection reflected the significance of his contributions and the positive influence of his professional and community engagements.

In its official communication, the Awards Committee stated that among the numerous nominations received, his record of leadership, dedication, professional achievement and commitment to the advancement of the country distinguished him as a worthy recipient of the national recognition.

The letter also extended an invitation for him to attend the awards ceremony and dinner at the Bintumani Hotel, where exceptional leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, public servants, change-makers and community builders were to be celebrated.

The first edition of the awards provided a platform for recognizing Sierra Leoneans whose dedication and accomplishments continue to inspire others and contribute to national development.

The Executive Director of WAYCAN Sierra Leone, Mohamed Amidu Koroma, was identified on the award certificate presented to Amin Kef, which formally acknowledged his leadership, achievements and contributions to society.

The recognition comes as Amin Kef continues his professional engagements in investigative journalism, newspaper publishing, media management and consultancy, with a focus on informing the public and contributing to national discourse.

His selection among the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders of 2026 highlights the importance of recognizing professionals whose work extends beyond their immediate responsibilities to influence society positively.

Expressing gratitude once again, Amin Kef described the honour as a reminder that dedication, perseverance and consistent efforts towards meaningful goals can earn recognition and inspire others.

He maintained that the award would serve as further encouragement to remain focused on professional excellence, responsible leadership and making a positive difference in society.

The 2026 recognition marks another significant achievement in his journalism and media career, reinforcing the value of commitment, service and sustained contributions to Sierra Leone's development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65314