By Amin Kef (Ranger)

During a press conference held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Choithram Memorial Hospital, the hospital unveiled its 2026 Free Cataract Surgery Outreach Programme, aimed at providing free eye screenings and cataract surgeries to eligible patients across Sierra Leone as part of national efforts to eliminate preventable blindness. The programme, which commenced on April 10, 2026, is scheduled to run until June 8, 2026, at the hospital’s Hill Station facility in Freetown.

The outreach is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, in association with Choithram Netralaya, the Noor Dubai Foundation a member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and the Choithram International Foundation.

The well-attended event brought together key stakeholders in the health sector, including Head of the Choithrams Group, Harish Agnani; Medical Superintendent, Dr. George; Deputy Chief Medical Officer (Clinical) at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mustapha Kabba; Deputy Programme Manager of the National Eye Health Programme, Sheku A. Koroma; as well as cataract surgeon Dr. Abhishek Patel and eye surgeons Dr. Meghna Shrishrimal and Dr. Akash Kathole, all from Choithram Netralaya in India, in addition to 3 Operation Theatre Staff also from India to support the camp alongside nurses from the hospital’s Eye Unit and members of the media.

Addressing the gathering, Harish Agnani officially announced the commencement of the 2026 Cataract Surgery Outreach Programme, a large-scale humanitarian initiative aimed at providing free eye care services to at least 3,000 people across the country. He disclosed that the programme, which began on April 14, will run for approximately eight weeks, with a team of specialist doctors from India expected to remain in Sierra Leone until June 8, 2026.

Emphasizing the inclusivity of the initiative, Harish Agnani reiterated that the outreach is entirely free for all beneficiaries. He revealed that within the first week, about 4,000 patients had already been screened, with nearly 200 successful surgeries completed, while the medical team continues to perform an average of 40 surgeries daily. By the end of the programme, the team is targeting between 1,500 and 1,800 cataract operations.

He described cataract surgery as life-changing, particularly for individuals who have lost their sight and independence, noting that restoring vision enables people to return to productive lives and regain their dignity. Reflecting on the success of the 2025 outreach, Harish Agnani stated that over 8,000 patients were screened nationwide, resulting in 1,542 successful surgeries with positive outcomes.

According to him, the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Choithram Netralaya in India, the Noor Dubai Foundation, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and the Choithram International Foundation. Harish Agnani explained that screening is not limited to Freetown, as district hospitals across the country are actively involved in identifying patients, who are then transported to the capital for surgery. Beneficiaries are provided with transportation, accommodation and feeding, all fully funded by Choithram and its partners.

In addition to delivering critical services, the programme also focuses on capacity building. Harish Agnani disclosed that seven nurses from Choithram Memorial Hospital were sent to India in 2025 for specialized training at Choithram Netralaya, urging them to cascade the knowledge acquired to strengthen local expertise in eye care.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer (Clinical) at the Ministry of Health, commended the outreach programme as a life-changing intervention that is significantly improving access to quality eye care services in Sierra Leone. He praised the visiting medical team for their dedication and described their continued engagement as a reflection of strong international collaboration.

Dr. Mustapha Kabba highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening the healthcare system, noting that such collaborations are essential in addressing gaps in service delivery. He further revealed that the thousands of free surgeries conducted under similar initiatives represent a substantial financial investment in the country’s health sector, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

He underscored the broader impact of the programme, explaining that patients are screened in district hospitals, transported to Freetown, treated and monitored, all at no cost. He also pointed to ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health to strengthen specialist training locally, including the development of ophthalmology programmes under the national postgraduate medical framework.

Dr. Mustapha Kabba acknowledged improvements in medical infrastructure nationwide but stressed the need to build public confidence in local healthcare services, encouraging citizens to utilize available facilities rather than seeking treatment abroad. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining quality standards and supporting initiatives that expand access to healthcare.

Also speaking, Sheku A. Koroma emphasized the critical role of the National Eye Health Programme in supporting the outreach, particularly in conducting initial screenings in the provinces and ensuring follow-up care for patients after surgery. He noted that affordability and fear of surgical outcomes have long been barriers to eye care, but the success of previous outreach programmes has helped build trust and increase participation.

Sheku A. Koroma assured that all procedures carried out under the programme meet international standards, with surgeons utilizing the Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery technique, known globally for its safety and effectiveness. He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to take advantage of the opportunity, describing the outreach as a significant step toward improving eye health outcomes nationwide.

The Press Conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to sustain the initiative and expand access to quality healthcare services, as the programme continues to restore sight and offer renewed hope to thousands across Sierra Leone.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/choithram-rolls-out-2026-free-cataract-outreach-targeting-3000-beneficiaries-nationwide/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Government of Sierra Leone has approved a strategic partnership between Africell Sierra Leone and Sierratel aimed at reviving and modernizing the country’s national telecommunications provider through a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model.

The announcement was made during a weekly press briefing hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at the Mattai Conference Centre in Freetown on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Chairing the session, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, stated that the main purpose of the briefing was to deliberate on a major development in the country’s telecommunications landscape.

He disclosed that to unveil the transition, the panel included the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Abdul Rahman Swaray and the Acting Managing Director of Sierratel, Mr. Matturi.

Providing details of the agreement, the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, confirmed that Cabinet had endorsed Africell as the strategic investment partner for Sierratel’s relaunch under the MVNO framework. She explained that the model would enable Sierratel to resume operations without the heavy financial burden of building and maintaining its own telecommunications infrastructure.

According to the Minister, Sierratel will leverage Africell’s existing network infrastructure to deliver voice, data and other digital services nationwide while maintaining its identity as a consumer-facing brand. Africell, on the other hand, will manage the underlying infrastructure, ensuring operational efficiency and service delivery.

“This partnership represents a practical and sustainable approach to restoring Sierratel,” she stated, emphasizing that the model allows for immediate service rollout, reduced operational costs and improved competitiveness within the sector.

According to the Minister, under the agreement, Sierratel will remain 100 percent owned by the Government of Sierra Leone, while both entities will operate under a revenue-sharing arrangement and maintain distinct brand identities. Officials stressed that the initiative does not involve direct Government funding but is structured to generate revenue from the onset while preserving national ownership.

As part of the initial phase, Africell is expected to inject approximately $2 million to address outstanding staff liabilities, including salary arrears and benefits. That intervention follows concerns raised earlier this year by Sierratel employees over unpaid salaries amounting to Le326 million, alongside unresolved entitlements. Total staff-related obligations are estimated at about $6.3 million.

Minister Salima Monorma Bah noted that the Government inherited longstanding challenges at Sierratel, including deteriorating infrastructure, unresolved staff issues and a significant loss of market share. She revealed that previous attempts to privatize the company failed due to the high capital investment required to rehabilitate infrastructure and settle liabilities in a competitive market.

Speaking at the briefing, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Abdul Rahman Swaray, highlighted that the new operational model is expected to transition Sierratel from sustained financial losses to immediate revenue generation once services commence. He indicated that rollout under the MVNO structure is expected within days.

He further explained that the arrangement allows the Government to retain ownership while leveraging private sector expertise to manage operations and resolve long-standing obligations, particularly staff welfare concerns. He also pointed out that Sierratel had been operating on outdated CDMA technology, limiting its ability to compete effectively in the modern telecommunications environment.

Officials emphasized that the agreement is anchored on key principles, including clear brand separation, affordability through regulatory pricing structures and the introduction of differentiated services to enhance market competition. The partnership is expected to facilitate faster service rollout, reduce operational costs, improve service quality and expand access to affordable telecommunications services nationwide.

Industry observers have described the move as a pragmatic solution to longstanding inefficiencies within the state-owned operator. The MVNO model, they note, significantly reduces capital expenditure while accelerating market re-entry, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and competitive pricing.

Authorities also believe that leveraging Sierratel’s established brand recognition alongside Africell’s modern network capabilities will stabilize operations, restore consumer confidence and reposition the company as a viable competitor in Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector.

Government officials expressed optimism that the initiative will not only restore Sierratel’s relevance but also contribute significantly to the country’s broader digital transformation agenda. If successfully implemented, the partnership is expected to mark a turning point in the revival of one of Sierra Leone’s most historic public enterprises, reinforcing efforts to strengthen digital connectivity and support economic growth through technology. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierratel-set-for-comeback-as-government-adopts-mvno-model-with-africell/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has commended the Sethi Group of Companies for its expanding industrial footprint across West Africa, highlighting its growing investments in both Liberia and Sierra Leone as a major boost to regional economic transformation and job creation.

Speaking on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia during the ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremony of the Phase II Steel Plant, President Boakai described the company’s operations as a model of impactful private sector investment. The event, which included a tour of the company’s processing facilities, underscored Liberia’s ambition to strengthen its industrial base while fostering cross-border economic cooperation.

“This is not just about investment; it is about improving people’s lives, equipping them with skills, building their confidence, and strengthening the economy,” President Boakai stated, emphasizing that the initiative represents far more than profit-driven enterprise.

The ceremony also spotlighted the company’s regional expansion strategy, with Managing Director Jay Sethi revealing that a state-of-the-art steel plant has been installed in Sierra Leone and is expected to be officially launched in the coming months. The development is anticipated to significantly enhance Sierra Leone’s manufacturing capacity, reduce reliance on imports, and create new employment opportunities within the country’s industrial sector.

Describing Liberia as “home,” Mr. Sethi noted that his family has lived in the country for over five decades, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to national development. He explained that the Sethi Group has evolved from a trading enterprise into a major manufacturing player, contributing meaningfully to Liberia’s economic diversification.

According to him, the company currently employs more than 2,500 people directly, while generating over 500 indirect jobs through the steel scrap value chain—supporting both economic activity and environmental sustainability. With the Phase II expansion underway, direct employment is projected to exceed 4,000 jobs within the next two years, alongside continued investments in corporate social responsibility initiatives.

President Boakai, visibly impressed by the scale of operations, assured the company of his administration’s support, stressing that businesses operating within the legal framework and contributing to national growth would continue to receive government backing.

“From what I see here—the cement business and other activities—this means jobs and income for our people,” he said, noting that the company’s impact extends beyond its immediate workforce to include distributors and related enterprises.

He further urged workers and citizens to take ownership of such investments, cautioning against practices that undermine economic progress. “The stronger this investment becomes, the better it will be for you, your children, and the future of this country,” he added.

Also addressing the gathering, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence called for the decentralization of industrial operations to other parts of Liberia, particularly in areas such as waste management, to improve sanitation and support sustainable urban development.

Meanwhile, Manoj Bihari Verma, India’s Ambassador to Liberia, praised the Liberian Government for creating an enabling environment for private sector growth. He highlighted the growing role of Indian businesses in Liberia’s economy and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through trade, investment, and capacity building.

Ambassador Verma also commended the Sethi Group for its sustained contribution to Liberia’s development, noting that such investments are instrumental in driving inclusive growth across the region.

The dual expansion in Liberia and Sierra Leone signals a new phase of industrial cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, positioning the Mano River region as an emerging hub for steel production and manufacturing. Analysts believe that with the upcoming launch of the Sierra Leone plant and the expansion in Liberia, the Sethi Group is set to play a pivotal role in reshaping the sub-region’s industrial landscape.

The event underscored the growing role of private sector investment in Liberia and Sierra Leone development agenda, with stakeholders highlighting the importance of partnerships that drive inclusive growth, job creation and sustainable economic progress.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/president-boakai-applauds-industrial-investment-sethi-group-expands-regional-footprint-with-new-steel-plant-in-sierra-leone-and-phase-ii-launch-in-liberia/

World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana and International Monetary Fund Director for African Affairs, Abebe Aemro Selassie, have commended Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, for his transformational leadership in driving the country’s impressive macroeconomic performance during high-level engagements held in Washington DC, United States of America, on Friday 17 April 2026.

The commendations were made as Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura met with global economic leaders to position Sierra Leone’s economic outlook in line with the development agenda of Dr. Julius Maada Bio. In separate meetings, the international financial leaders not only praised the Minister’s efforts but also signaled their continued commitment to support the country’s economic growth and stability.

During a meeting with Ousmane Diagana and senior sector Directors of the World Bank Group, the Vice President highlighted Sierra Leone’s strong macroeconomic performance and the wide-ranging reforms undertaken by the Government, emphasizing that sustaining economic stability remains critical to consolidating democratic gains. He assured that the World Bank would look favorably on the recommendations presented by the Minister of Finance, particularly those aimed at mitigating the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The World Bank’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, Indermit Gill, also praised Sierra Leone’s economic progress and aligned with the Minister’s assessment of the potential transmission effects of the Middle East crisis. He encouraged the Government to maintain macroeconomic stability while implementing targeted policies that protect the most vulnerable populations, cautioning against broad, untargeted subsidies.

In a separate engagement with the International Monetary Fund, Abebe Aemro Selassie described the meeting as productive and acknowledged that although the IMF does not routinely offer praise, he was impressed by the economic results achieved by the Government of Sierra Leone. He noted that while the Fund remains aware of the challenges posed by the Middle East crisis, it is working with development partners to support member countries in mitigating its impact and encouraged Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura to make a strong case for additional support, particularly under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility.

Presenting Sierra Leone’s economic position, Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura expressed appreciation to the World Bank Group for its continued support across key sectors. He outlined significant progress made over the past two years in implementing economic and public financial management reforms, which have contributed to improved macroeconomic stability.

He disclosed that inflation declined to 4.35 percent in December 2025, the exchange rate remained stable, interest rates on Government securities dropped to sustainable levels and the primary fiscal balance recorded a positive position by the end of 2025. He also noted that the World Bank portfolio remains stable, with strong implementation across projects in the education, health and energy sectors.

The Finance Minister, however, acknowledged that the ongoing Middle East crisis has begun to reverse some of the gains achieved, particularly through external economic pressures and called on development partners to provide targeted support to help preserve progress and limit adverse impacts on the country’s economy.

In his engagement with the IMF, Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura reiterated the Government’s gratitude for the institution’s longstanding support and policy guidance, attributing Sierra Leone’s improved economic performance in part to the strong collaboration with the IMF’s African Department.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/world-bank-imf-laud-finance-minister-for-the-impressive-countrys-macroeconomic-performance/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Friday 17 April 2026 handed over a 56-seater staff bus and a Toyota Land Cruiser to the Koidu Government Hospital in Kono District, in a move aimed at improving working conditions and enhancing service delivery for healthcare workers.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh described the hospital as a place that holds special significance to him, explaining that the intervention followed concerns raised by staff during a previous visit in March 2026 when he joined them for Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan. He noted that the initiative was conceived after health workers identified key challenges affecting their performance, including transportation, accommodation and continued education, adding that he had committed to engaging the Ministry of Health to address those concerns.

The Vice President, whose office supervises the country’s public health sector, stated that the Government secured a 56-seater bus, which he handed over on behalf of Dr. Julius Maada Bio. He emphasized that reliable transportation is critical to improving service delivery, particularly during difficult seasons, noting that the provision of the bus would enable staff to report for duty more consistently while serving as an important component of the welfare package for nurses.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also urged that the vehicle be properly maintained to ensure long-term benefit, stressing the importance of keeping it in good condition. He further linked the intervention to broader gains in the health sector, pointing out that Government efforts have contributed to reductions in maternal and infant mortality, as well as an increase in the number of healthcare workers nationwide, while emphasizing that continued investment in staff welfare remains essential.

Deputy Minister of Health I, Prof. Dr. Charles Senesie, welcomed the support and described it as consistent with the President’s vision to address challenges within the sector. He noted that transportation remains a critical issue, particularly during emergencies, stating that when crises occur, transport becomes a serious challenge and called for innovative solutions to strengthen healthcare delivery. He added that the Ministry looks forward to further interventions, including the provision of motorbikes.

District Medical Officer, Dr. Mohamed Gbeshay Sheku, also commended the intervention, recalling that staff had struggled with transportation for over 15 years. He expressed confidence that the new support would significantly improve access to services and described the gesture as a reflection of the Ministry’s commitment, noting that healthcare workers remain dedicated to working collectively to improve lives and deliver quality care.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-hands-over-staff-bus-to-koidu-government-hospital-to-boost-healthcare-delivery/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Africell Sierra Leone, in partnership with NBA Africa, has convened more than 350 pupils from primary and junior secondary schools for a two-day junior basketball clinic aimed at developing foundational skills and confidence among young athletes in Freetown.

The clinic, held from Thursday 16 to Friday 17 April 2026 at the National Stadium Basketball Court in Brookfields, introduced participants to basic techniques including dribbling, passing, shooting and teamwork through structured drills led by experienced coaches, with sessions carefully designed to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for beginners.

Speaking at the event, Kamanda Koroma, Marketing and Communications Manager at Africell Sierra Leone, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to youth development through sports, noting that Africell continues to invest in platforms that nurture talent across various disciplines, with a growing emphasis on sports as a tool for empowerment. He described basketball as one of the fastest-growing sports globally and stated that the partnership with NBA Africa is intended to support long-term development rather than short-term engagement, emphasizing that sport plays a broader role beyond physical activity by serving as a channel for mentorship and personal growth among young people.

Kamanda Koroma further disclosed that Africell has recently partnered with the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation to promote the sport locally adding that the company plans to strengthen collaboration with NBA Africa in order to expand opportunities for youth participation in basketball across the country.

A representative of NBA Africa, Madam Belicent, described the clinic as a milestone, marking the first collaboration between the organization and Africell in Sierra Leone. She noted that the partnership aligns with shared values centered on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and community engagement, adding that NBA Africa remains committed to supporting grassroots basketball development across the continent.

Also addressing participants, Ali Hijazi, President of the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation, underscored the importance of sustained investment in youth sports, describing the clinic as a significant step in strengthening the country’s basketball development pipeline. He commended both Africell Sierra Leone and NBA Africa for their contribution and called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure consistent opportunities for young athletes, while encouraging participants to apply the skills acquired during the training sessions.

The two-day programme forms part of Africell’s broader efforts to promote basketball development in Sierra Leone by equipping young players with essential skills while fostering discipline, teamwork and confidence.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/africell-nba-africa-host-junior-basketball-clinic-for-over-350-young-athletes-in-freetown/

The Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with the World Food Programme, has officially launched the WFP Country Strategic Plan 2026–2030, outlining a comprehensive roadmap aimed at strengthening food systems, improving nutrition and building resilience across the country.

The launch, held in Freetown, brought together senior Government officials, United Nations Heads of Agencies, development partners and representatives of Civil Society, underscoring food security as a central pillar of Sierra Leone’s national development agenda. The new plan aligns with the Medium-Term National Development Plan, the Feed Salone strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, reinforcing a coordinated approach to tackling food insecurity.

The Country Strategic Plan signals a shift from short-term food assistance to long-term systems strengthening, with a focus on three key outcomes: improved shock preparedness and response, increased access to safe, diverse and locally produced nutritious food, particularly for schoolchildren and vulnerable groups, and the development of resilient livelihoods supported by stronger local value chains.

Central to the plan is the expansion of home-grown school feeding, which integrates education, nutrition and local agricultural production. By sourcing food locally, the programme is expected to enhance learning outcomes while creating reliable markets for smallholder farmers, particularly women and young people. Speakers at the event emphasized that school feeding should be viewed not only as a social intervention but also as a strategic investment in human capital and economic growth.

Country Director of the World Food Programme, Andrew Odero, said the new strategic plan reflects lessons learned from previous programmes and responds to evolving realities. He noted that while food security indicators have improved in recent years, significant nutrition challenges persist, especially among children and rural households. He explained that the plan seeks to transform the trajectory of food security in Sierra Leone by linking nutrition, education, agriculture and livelihoods in a more integrated and sustainable manner.

Deputy Minister I of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Emily Gogra, highlighted the importance of school feeding in supporting learning outcomes under the Free Quality School Education programme. She observed that although the programme has expanded access to education, hunger remains a major barrier to attendance, concentration and completion, stressing the need for sustained investment in school feeding initiatives.

The Ministry of Agriculture, represented by its Deputy Minister II, outlined progress made in promoting home-grown school feeding and local procurement, noting that an increasing share of food used in school meals is now sourced from Sierra Leonean farmers. Investments in aggregation systems, rice milling and value chain development are helping smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, to access structured markets and improve their livelihoods. Officials described these developments as early but significant indicators that the country’s food systems are gradually becoming more predictable and sustainable.

United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, placed the Country Strategic Plan within a broader global and national context, noting that Sierra Leone continues to face climate shocks, economic pressures and global supply disruptions. She stressed that addressing these challenges requires stronger and more integrated systems rather than isolated interventions, adding that the plan reflects a wider shift within the United Nations system towards long-term resilience and coordinated action. She emphasized that national ownership remains central, with the United Nations playing a supportive and catalytic role.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, welcomed the plan as an important tool for aligning partners, mobilizing smarter financing and delivering measurable results. She noted that the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on effective implementation, particularly in ensuring that farmers can access markets, children receive nutritious meals consistently and communities become more resilient.

Looking ahead to 2030, the World Food Programme Country Strategic Plan 2026–2030 sets out a vision that goes beyond reducing hunger, aiming to build sustainable food systems that support education, livelihoods, resilience and inclusive economic growth for future generations. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/wfp-sets-2026-2030-roadmap-to-transform-food-security-strengthen-human-capital-in-sierra-leone/