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/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Executive Director of Health Alert Sierra Leone, Dr. Victor Lansana Koroma, has commended the Government of Sierra Leone for the timely approval of its 2026 GAVI co-financing commitment for vaccines and immunization.

Dr. Koroma made the statement on Friday, April 17, 2026, during a press conference organized by Health Alert Sierra Leone at its office on Blackhall Road in the East End of Freetown. The event brought together stakeholders from the health sector, including representatives of WASHNet and the Parliamentary Caucus on Immunization and Primary Healthcare.

In a joint statement, Health Alert Sierra Leone, WASHNet and the Parliamentary Caucus commended the Ministry of Finance for approving the co-financing commitment ahead of schedule, describing the move as a critical step in sustaining immunization programmes and strengthening the country’s health system.

The organizations disclosed that as part of ongoing advocacy efforts to promote increased domestic financing for healthcare, a high-level engagement was held on April 8, 2026, at the Ministry of Finance headquarters on George Street in Freetown. During the meeting, Dr. Koroma underscored the importance of sustained advocacy to ensure government meets its co-financing obligations under the GAVI framework.

Responding to the concerns raised, Deputy Principal Financial Secretary, Samuel E. B. Momoh, confirmed that the payment had been approved ahead of the deadline. He noted that the timely action would contribute significantly to improving health outcomes and maintaining momentum in immunization coverage across the country.

Despite the progress, the organizations called on the Ministry of Health, through the Extended Programme on Immunization (EPI), to expedite the submission of required PET forms as requested by the Ministry of Finance. They emphasized that prompt submission would facilitate swift disbursement of funds and prevent unnecessary delays in implementation.

Health Alert Sierra Leone and WASHNet further reaffirmed their commitment to closely monitor the process, including the release and utilization of funds through the EPI, to ensure that Sierra Leone continues to sustain gains in vaccines, immunization and overall healthcare delivery.

The stakeholders stressed that sustained collaboration between government institutions and civil society remains key to achieving long-term improvements in public health and safeguarding immunization programmes nationwide. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/health-alert-washnet-commend-government-over-gavi-co-financing-approval/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A high-level delegation of International Moral Guarantors on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, deepened ongoing efforts to sustain political dialogue and electoral reforms in Sierra Leone, holding strategic engagements with the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) and Members of Parliament from both the ruling and opposition benches.

The delegation, led by former Gambian Vice President, Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, included senior representatives from the United Nations, ECOWAS, the Commonwealth and other international bodies serving as guarantors of the 2023 Agreement for National Unity between the Government of Sierra Leone and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC).

At the ECSL headquarters, the visiting team met with Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman, Edmond Sylvester Alpha, alongside fellow Commissioners, in a session focused on the progress of electoral governance reforms and preparations toward the 2028 general elections. Also present at the meeting was the Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority, Mohamed M. Massaquoi, whose institution remains central to voter registration and national identity management.

The meeting formed part of broader consultations by the Moral Guarantors aimed at assessing the implementation of the Tripartite Committee recommendations and the wider National Unity framework intended to strengthen trust in Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions.

In a parallel engagement at Parliament, the International Moral Guarantors met Members of Parliament from both the Government and Opposition benches, where discussions centered on the continued boycott of parliamentary proceedings by some opposition lawmakers and the implications for democratic governance.

The delegation commended Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas for what they described as his proactive mediation efforts in encouraging opposition MPs to return to Parliament and resume legislative business.

Speaking during the engagement, Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang described the visit as a continuation of previous consultations with Sierra Leone’s Parliament, noting that the delegation’s mission was to evaluate progress made on the implementation of the National Unity Agreement and to examine Parliament’s oversight role in advancing the peace process.

She emphasized that the team was equally interested in identifying any obstacles hindering the effective execution of the Agreement and ensuring that the spirit of compromise remains alive among all political stakeholders.

In his response, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed his support for the peace process, while clarifying that the National Unity Agreement had not yet been formally laid before Parliament, a development he said constrained the House from taking direct legislative action on it.

The Speaker stressed that Parliament, as an independent arm of Government, should not become entangled in disputes between the Executive and any political party. He revealed that he had already held two separate meetings with opposition MPs in a bid to facilitate their return, underscoring that Parliament remains the most appropriate platform for lawmakers to articulate concerns and hold the Executive to account.

He reminded Members that while they belong to political parties, their foremost responsibility is to represent the interests of their constituents.

Opposition Leader, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, praised the Speaker’s mediation initiatives, describing the engagements so far as productive. He explained that the opposition’s primary concern relates to the Constitutional Amendment Bill, alleging that some previously agreed positions between the two major political parties had been altered in the version currently before Parliament.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo, however, reiterated the opposition’s support for constitutional reform in principle, particularly welcoming the inclusion of a fixed election date in the proposed legislation. He called for strict adherence to the Tripartite Recommendations and renewed calls for the Agreement on National Unity and its recommendations to be formally tabled before Parliament to grant them full legal force.

He also urged the formal establishment of the Committee on Electoral Management Bodies, describing it as essential to rebuilding public confidence ahead of the 2028 elections.

On the Government side, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Nyuma said Parliament remains the supreme law-making institution and noted that all bills before the House, including the Constitutional Amendment Bill, remain open to amendments through parliamentary debate.

He maintained that elections should serve to consolidate democracy rather than deepen divisions, while cautioning that external political interference often complicates the smooth functioning of Parliament.

Hon. Mathew Nyuma further assured the delegation that Parliament has not acted in any way to undermine the Tripartite Agreement and joined calls for opposition MPs to end the boycott and return to legislative work.

In her closing remarks, Madam Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang urged the opposition to embrace constructive engagement, stressing that meaningful representation often requires compromise. She warned that continued absence from Parliament would weaken the opposition’s ability to influence national decisions and effectively hold the Executive accountable.

The delegation also raised concerns over the pace of electoral preparations ahead of the 2028 polls, particularly regarding pending constitutional and security sector reforms.

Responding, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas said progress was ongoing, pointing to both the Constitutional Bill and the Security Bill currently before Parliament. He noted, however, that the opposition’s absence had slowed inclusive deliberations on these key pieces of legislation.

He disclosed that President Julius Maada Bio had been kept informed of his engagements with the opposition and remained supportive of continued dialogue in the interest of peace, national cohesion and democratic stability.

The latest round of consultations underscores renewed international commitment to ensuring that Sierra Leone’s political actors remain engaged in dialogue, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding reforms, strengthening institutions and fostering consensus ahead of the next electoral cycle.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/tripartite-agreement-back-in-focus-as-ecsl-ncra-and-parliament-face-moral-guarantors/