Cement remains one of the most important materials supporting Sierra Leone’s construction sector, providing the foundation for homes, roads, schools, hospitals, commercial buildings and major infrastructure projects. As construction activity continues to grow, reliable access to quality cement has become increasingly important. In response, ROCKCEM (SL) Ltd is expanding its operations, distribution network and local industrial capacity.

At the centre of this expansion is “RC BRAND CEM II 42.5 R Cement,” positioned to deliver strength, consistency, reliability and lasting performance for contractors, developers, distributors and individual builders.

Operating from its head office at 13B Bai Bureh Road, Texaco, Old Road, Freetown, ROCKCEM is undertaking major infrastructure development while also constructing a modern warehouse at Sumbuya in Songo.

The Songo warehouse, expected to become operational in November 2026, will provide a major logistics advantage for customers in the provinces by reducing the need to travel to Freetown to collect cement. Wholesalers and retailers will be able to collect RC BRAND 42.5 R Cement directly from Songo, shortening travel distances, easing road congestion and reducing repeated toll-gate expenses. For many provincial customers, this could mean crossing only the Masiaka Toll Gate, while making significant savings on fuel, transportation time and overall logistics costs.

ROCKCEM has also assembled a fleet of approximately 50 vehicles to support deliveries directly to customers and strengthen nationwide distribution.

Following changes in the global economic environment, inflation, higher construction and equipment costs, and an expansion in the scale of the company’s operations, ROCKCEM’s total planned investment has increased to approximately US$60 million.

This investment supports state-of the-art cement grinding mill with a capacity of producing over 60,000 bags of packaged 50kg bagged cement per day, warehousing, logistics, local repackaging, processing infrastructure and the company’s broader ambition to strengthen domestic industrial capacity.

Greater local processing can also create wider opportunities in transportation, engineering, maintenance, warehousing, distribution and other supporting services.

For contractors and developers, dependable cement supply is essential to keeping projects on schedule and managing costs. ROCKCEM’s expanded distribution infrastructure is therefore aimed at improving access to RC BRAND 42.5 R Cement across Sierra Leone.

Quality remains central to the company’s strategy. RC BRAND CEM II 42.5 R Cement is being positioned as a dependable choice for construction projects requiring strength, durability and consistent performance.

ROCKCEM’s ambition is clear: to build RC BRAND into one of the strongest and most competitive cement brands in Sierra Leone, backed by quality, reliable supply, efficient distribution and customer service.

With an approximately US$60 million investment, a growing delivery fleet, expanded Freetown operations and the Songo warehouse coming on stream, ROCKCEM is strengthening its presence across Sierra Leone’s cement market.

As Sierra Leone’s construction sector expands, ROCKCEM says it remains committed to supporting development through quality cement, improved accessibility and timely delivery under its message, “RC Brand 42.5 R Cement — Build Stronger. Build to Last.” The company’s head office is at 13B Bai Bureh Road, Texaco, Old Road and customers can contact: +232-72-111111 for enquiries & deliveries. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65109

Eighty smallholder farmers from communities across Port Loko, Kambia, Tonkolili and Bombali Districts have been certified as Farmer Field School Facilitators after completing training aimed at improving cashew production and strengthening Sierra Leone’s growing cashew value chain.

The farmers, representing 80 communities, received their certificates during graduation ceremonies held in Port Loko and Bombali Districts. The training was conducted by Solidaridad West Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under the Developing an Inclusive and Sustainable Cashew Agroforestry Value Chain (DISCA-VC) Project.

Supported by the European Union in Sierra Leone under its Jobs and Growth Programme, the project is designed to improve farmers’ knowledge of cashew cultivation, sustainable agriculture and agribusiness while creating opportunities for increased household income.

Speaking during the certification ceremonies, Senior Programme Officer at Solidaridad West Africa, Alusine Tarawally, said participants were trained in climate-smart agriculture, good agricultural practices, cashew agroforestry, agribusiness and other areas relevant to cashew production.

“These include climate-smart agriculture, good agricultural practices, cashew agroforestry and agribusiness, among other areas,” Alusine Tarawally said.

He explained that the 80 facilitators would return to their communities and share the knowledge acquired with other farmers through farmer-to-farmer learning and existing Government agricultural extension services.

More than 300 smallholder cashew farmers across the four districts are expected to benefit from the knowledge and practical support provided by the newly certified facilitators.

Alusine Tarawally said the approach would encourage farmers to adopt improved and sustainable agricultural practices that could increase productivity and strengthen the resilience of cashew farms.

Bombali District Agriculture Officer, Lamin Mbogba, commended Solidaridad West Africa and its partners for investing in the capacity of smallholder farmers.

He said the training could contribute significantly to the development of Sierra Leone’s cashew sector by improving production techniques and expanding cultivation.

Lamin Mbogba noted that increasing cashew production could provide additional income opportunities for rural households while strengthening the agricultural sector.

Some farmers already participating in the project have started recording benefits from their cashew farms.

Silas Abel Kargbo, a smallholder farmer from Mapaki Community in Tane Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, said he has started harvesting cashew three years after planting his trees.

“The cashew has started to give us income now,” he said.

Apart from managing his farm, Silas Abel Kargbo is sharing his experience with other farmers interested in establishing cashew farms.

The project is also encouraging greater participation of women in cashew cultivation.

Sallay Sesay of Safroko Limba in Bombali District was among the 80 farmers certified after completing the Farmer Field School training.

In 2023, Sallay Sesay became the first woman in her group to be selected by her peers to participate in the training. She later became the first woman in her community to own a cashew farm with support provided through the DISCA-VC Project.

She said the training introduced her to practical methods of establishing and managing a cashew farm, including lining and pegging.

“I am excited that I have learned a lot about the cashew value chain, especially the steps to establish a cashew farm, including lining and pegging. I didn’t know how to do it before, but Solidaridad has trained me through the Farmer Field School training,” she said.

Sallay Sesay said owning a cashew farm has given her an opportunity to generate income and become more financially independent while supporting her children.

“Through the Farmer Field Schools, I have learned a lot. Now I have my own cashew farm, which is like a dream come true for me. With this, I can stand on my own and support my family, especially my children,” she stated.

She said she intends to encourage other women in her community and neighbouring areas to become involved in cashew farming.

The DISCA-VC Project is being implemented with support from the European Union in Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Solidaridad West Africa and partners, including Develop Salone and Nianada.

The certification of the 80 facilitators is expected to expand farmer-to-farmer agricultural knowledge across the beneficiary districts while supporting efforts to improve cashew production, household incomes and rural livelihoods.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65106

A high-level delegation from Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health is undertaking a five-day official visit to Chandigarh, India on 30 September 2026, aimed at strengthening hospital equipment systems, biomedical engineering capacity and the operationalization of hospitals under the National Hospital Strategy.

The delegation is led by the Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services, Ibrahim Foday-Musa and includes Biomedical Engineering Consultant Dr. Dinsie Williams; Managing Director of the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA), Jatu Josephine Abdulai; NMSA Director of Procurement, Thomas Bernard Aruna and Siv Akumar Jay Arjan, representing JSS Medical Distributors (SL).

During the visit, the delegation toured Allengers Medical Systems Limited to conduct a factory acceptance test and engage the supplier on medical equipment, technical support and opportunities for biomedical engineering training.

The engagement, facilitated by JSS Medical Distributors (SL), allows the Sierra Leonean officials to inspect medical equipment and assess manufacturing and quality-control procedures before deployment.

Discussions with Allengers’ technical team are also covering equipment operation, servicing, preventive maintenance and lifecycle management. Particular attention is being given to biomedical engineering training, access to spare parts and the development of reliable supply-chain arrangements to reduce equipment downtime in Sierra Leonean hospitals.

The visit is expected to help strengthen local technical capacity by ensuring biomedical personnel acquire the knowledge and skills required to maintain sophisticated medical equipment after installation.

Allengers Medical Systems Limited, headquartered in Chandigarh, was incorporated in 1987 and manufactures and exports a range of medical diagnostic and imaging equipment.

Its portfolio includes X-ray and Digital Radiography systems, C-Arms, Cath Labs, Digital Mammography systems, ECG, EEG, EMG and Holter systems, as well as lasers and healthcare software. According to the company, its products and services reach 110 countries, supported by branches and sales and service personnel across India.

The company operates under several international quality, safety and regulatory standards, including FDA 510(k), CE Marking, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, CDSCO, NABL, AERB and BIS. Its equipment and applications cover areas including radiology, cardiology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, urology and neurology.

Allengers also provides technical training to participants from different countries through tutorials, practical sessions and online programmes, an area the Sierra Leonean delegation is exploring as part of efforts to build sustainable biomedical engineering expertise at home.

The visit forms part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to ensure that investments in hospital infrastructure are supported by appropriate medical equipment, trained technical personnel, maintenance arrangements and dependable access to spare parts.

Through equipment assessment before deployment, stronger supplier relationships and biomedical engineering training partnerships, the Ministry aims to improve the reliability, safety and lifespan of medical equipment in public hospitals.

The initiative also supports implementation of the National Hospital Strategy, with emphasis on ensuring that health facilities have functional and properly maintained equipment needed to provide quality patient care. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65103

Peace Corps Sierra Leone has commemorated 64 years of partnership with Sierra Leone on September 30, 2026, highlighting decades of collaboration in education, community development and knowledge sharing.

The commemoration draws inspiration from the Krio saying, “One Hand Cannot Tie a Bundle,” reflecting the spirit of cooperation that has defined the relationship between Peace Corps volunteers and Sierra Leonean communities since 1962.

Over the past six decades, Peace Corps Sierra Leone has worked alongside Sierra Leoneans through some of the country’s most challenging periods, including the civil war, the Ebola outbreak and subsequent recovery efforts.

Although the civil conflict forced Peace Corps volunteers to leave the country, the organisation later returned and resumed its programmes. Its continued engagement has reinforced a partnership centred on working directly with communities and supporting locally driven development.

Education remains a major focus of the organization’s work in Sierra Leone. Peace Corps volunteers currently serve in classrooms, working alongside Sierra Leonean teachers and pupils at different levels of the education system.

Some volunteers support English teaching in elementary schools while others work with teachers and pupils in Mathematics and Science at junior secondary school level.

Rather than replacing Sierra Leonean teachers, the volunteers collaborate with them to exchange knowledge, strengthen teaching practices and improve classroom learning. The approach is intended to contribute to stronger outcomes in foundational literacy, numeracy, Mathematics and Science.

Through the collaboration, Peace Corps Sierra Leone seeks to ensure that knowledge and skills shared during volunteer assignments remain within schools and communities long after individual volunteers complete their service.

Under the latest phase of the partnership, a new cohort of volunteers has been deployed to Port Loko and Kono Districts to work with local schools and communities. Their deployment is expected to provide additional classroom support in communities where educational needs remain significant.

The education partnership is built around strengthening cooperation between volunteers and Sierra Leonean teachers, improving the teaching and learning of English, Mathematics and Science, and helping pupils develop the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their potential.

The deployment to Port Loko and Kono also demonstrates continued attention to expanding educational opportunities beyond Freetown and supporting children in communities where additional teaching resources can make a difference.

Peace Corps Sierra Leone’s work further reflects the broader role of international cooperation in supporting the country’s education sector while maintaining local teachers and communities at the centre of the process.

“Education is the architecture of freedom,” the programme’s message emphasizes, underscoring the role education can play in developing generations capable of independent thinking, creating opportunities and contributing meaningfully to national development.

For every volunteer entering a Sierra Leonean classroom, the partnership creates an opportunity for mutual learning and knowledge sharing. For Sierra Leonean teachers working alongside volunteers, it also provides an avenue for exchanging professional experiences and developing approaches that can improve pupils’ learning.

After 64 years, the relationship between Sierra Leone and the Peace Corps extends beyond the deployment of volunteers. It represents a continuing commitment to cooperation, education and expanding opportunities for children and communities.

The Krio saying that has helped define the anniversary message remains relevant: “One Hand Cannot Tie a Bundle.” Through teachers, communities, volunteers and partners working together, the longstanding partnership continues to contribute to strengthening education for Sierra Leonean children. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65100

Sierra Leone’s Judiciary has held discussions with a delegation from Liberia on plans to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court, sharing the country’s experience in transitional justice, post-war accountability and the prosecution of corruption-related offences.

The delegation was received on Tuesday, September 30, 2026, at the Chief Justice’s Chambers in Freetown by Court of Appeal Judge, Honourable Justice Jamesina E.L. King, on behalf of His Lordship the Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda.

Welcoming the delegation, Justice Jamesina E.L. King described Liberia’s initiative as laudable and assured the team of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone’s willingness to share its expertise and experience in support of the process.

She cautioned, however, that establishing and operating such a court would require considerable resources, sustained commitment and adequate institutional support, noting that the administration of justice is costly everywhere.

Drawing on Sierra Leone’s experience, Justice Jamesina E.L. King said Sierra Leone and Liberia share similar histories, having both endured devastating civil conflicts that resulted in widespread atrocities and suffering.

She recalled that the Special Court for Sierra Leone was established following an agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations to prosecute persons bearing the greatest responsibility for serious violations committed during the country's civil war.

According to Justice Jamesina E.L. King, the Special Court succeeded in bringing several accused persons to justice, with a number of those indicted eventually convicted. She noted that some convicted persons continue to serve their sentences outside Sierra Leone because of security considerations associated with the trials.

While acknowledging the role of the international community in Sierra Leone’s transitional justice process, Justice Jamesina E.L. King encouraged the Liberian delegation to consider developing a system with strong national ownership and leadership.

She stressed that peace and justice must ultimately prevail, while emphasizing the importance of creating a process that responds to Liberia’s particular circumstances.

Turning to economic crimes, Justice Jamesina E.L. King outlined Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen mechanisms for combating corruption and other economic offences. She highlighted the establishment of specialized courts, including the Anti-Corruption Court, where trained and experienced judges handle matters brought by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

She explained that before the enactment of the relevant legislation, corruption-related matters were prosecuted through the Office of the Attorney-General. The introduction of specialized mechanisms, she said, has provided a more focused approach to dealing with corruption-related offences.

Justice Jamesina E.L. King assured the delegation that Chief Justice Komba Kamanda remains willing to share his experience, expertise and support with Liberia, which she described as a valued collaborator.

Court of Appeal Judge, Honourable Justice John Bosco Allieu, also addressed the delegation, underscoring the importance of accountability and healing in societies emerging from conflict.

He observed that although the wars have ended, the human consequences remain, particularly for families who lost loved ones and people who suffered permanent injuries.

“Many people were maimed and disabled as a result of the war,” Justice John Bosco Allieu said.

High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Isata Susan Sellu Tucker, encouraged the delegation to undertake further engagements in Sierra Leone and consult other relevant institutions to broaden its understanding of the country’s post-war justice experience.

Members of the Liberian delegation also made statements during the meeting. Head of the Office of War Crimes, Rev. Amnimadab K. John, expressed appreciation for the engagement and the opportunity to learn from Sierra Leone’s experience.

He said religious leaders had joined efforts to help pioneer the initiative in Liberia and welcomed the exchange of knowledge between the two neighbouring countries.

The engagement highlighted growing cooperation between Sierra Leone and Liberia on transitional justice, accountability and institutional approaches to addressing war-related atrocities and economic crimes. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65096

QNET has condemned the alleged misuse of its name in a suspected fraud operation in Kono District, reiterating that the company does not provide overseas employment, visa processing or travel opportunities.

The international lifestyle and wellness company issued the clarification following reports involving individuals described as suspected QNET operatives and several foreign nationals said to be under police protection.

In a statement dated September 23, 2026, QNET said it strongly opposed any attempt to use its name, brand or business model to deceive members of the public or engage in fraud, human trafficking, unlawful recruitment or other criminal activities.

The company stressed that overseas employment, job placements, visa processing, travel arrangements and guaranteed income opportunities are not part of its operations.

According to QNET, its legitimate business is based on a product-focused direct selling model in which Independent Distributors promote and sell its products in accordance with established company policies and its Code of Ethics.

QNET said anyone presenting the company as a provider of employment, overseas travel, visa arrangements or guaranteed financial opportunities is acting outside its policies and without authorization.

Cherif Sarr, Regional General Manager for QNET Central and West Africa Region, expressed concern over reports that individuals had allegedly been attracted by promises of opportunities abroad and subsequently required police protection.

“We are concerned by reports of individuals allegedly being lured through promises of overseas opportunities and subsequently requiring police protection. QNET has consistently maintained that employment, visa and travel offers are not part of our business model,” Cherif Sarr said.

He added that the company welcomed the intervention of the Sierra Leone Police and is prepared to cooperate with the relevant authorities to establish the facts, protect affected individuals and address any misuse or misrepresentation of the QNET name.

QNET said it operates a compliance framework designed to prevent fraudulent recruitment, misleading representations and other unlawful activities carried out using its identity or business model. Where violations involving people within its network are established, the company said disciplinary measures could include suspension or termination.

The company also highlighted its “QNET Against Scams” public education campaign in Sierra Leone, which seeks to help people identify fraudulent schemes using the QNET name and distinguish such activities from its legitimate operations.

According to the company, the campaign has been carried through television, radio, newspapers, online news platforms, social media and billboards in Freetown and other major cities. Messages have also been broadcast through the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation and promoted through digital advertising.

QNET said similar public awareness campaigns have been undertaken in other West African countries, including Ghana and Senegal.

The company further drew attention to what it calls “Model Q,” a term it uses to describe criminal methods in which individuals allegedly impersonate or misuse the QNET name and business model in connection with fraudulent employment schemes, human trafficking, illegal migration and related activities.

QNET maintained that “Model Q” should not be confused with its legitimate product-based direct selling operations.

The company encouraged the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to continue investigating the reported activities in Kono and said it is available to provide information that could help distinguish legitimate operations from activities carried out by individuals misusing its name.

QNET also expressed willingness to establish longer-term cooperation with Sierra Leonean authorities and other stakeholders on public education, information sharing and fraud prevention.

It cited its partnership with Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office as an example. Under that arrangement, QNET said both parties cooperate on efforts aimed at combating fraudulent schemes involving brand impersonation, fake job offers, illegal migration and human trafficking.

The company believes a similar approach, adapted to Sierra Leone, could strengthen efforts to protect communities and prevent legitimate brands from being exploited for fraudulent activities.

Members of the public are advised to independently verify employment, travel, visa or financial opportunities presented in QNET’s name before making payments or providing personal information.

QNET said suspected misuse of its name can be reported through its official channels, including its website, network.integrity@qnet.net and its WhatsApp Compliance Hotline on +233 256 630 005.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement agencies, Government institutions, the media and communities in Sierra Leone to improve public awareness and protect people from fraudulent schemes carried out in the name of legitimate businesses. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65094

 

Umaru Abdulsalam Shyllon, Business Center Manager of Rokel Commercial Bank’s FSSST Branch, has attained the Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (ACIB) qualification, strengthening his professional credentials in the banking industry.

The achievement has attracted commendation from the Senior and Junior Staff Association of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank), which congratulated Umaru Abdulsalam Shyllon for successfully completing the professional programme.

In its congratulatory message, the Association described the accomplishment as evidence of his dedication, hard work and commitment to professional development. It expressed pride in the milestone and wished him continued progress as he advances in his banking career.

Umaru Abdulsalam Shyllon received the qualification following the 2026 Stream II Chartered Banker Induction and Prize Awards Ceremony organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos.

The ceremony brought together banking and financial services professionals as the institute inducted 2,178 new chartered banking professionals through different professional pathways.

Held under the theme, “The Future-Ready Banker: Leadership, Innovation and Ethics in a Disruptive Global Economy,” the ceremony highlighted the growing need for bankers to adapt to technological advancement, artificial intelligence and other developments transforming the global financial services industry.

Addressing the newly inducted professionals, President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dr Dele Alabi, stressed the importance of maintaining high ethical standards while embracing innovation and continuous professional development.

Dr Dele Alabi noted that trust and integrity remain fundamental to banking and urged professionals to uphold conduct that strengthens public confidence in financial institutions.

He also stated that the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria would continue reviewing its professional curriculum to ensure banking professionals acquire skills relevant to emerging realities within the financial sector.

The inductees were admitted through five professional pathways: the Standard Chartered Banker (ACIB) Route, Chartered Banker/MBA Route, Lagos Business School/Chartered Banker Route, MSc/Chartered Banker Route and Microfinance Certified Bankers (MCIB).

Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Akin Morakinyo, similarly encouraged the professionals to make honesty and trust central to their responsibilities as they assume greater roles within the industry.

For Umaru Abdulsalam Shyllon, attaining the ACIB qualification represents another important step in his professional development and reflects his continued investment in knowledge and banking expertise.

The Senior and Junior Staff Association of Rokel Commercial Bank reaffirmed its appreciation of his accomplishment, describing it as a source of pride while encouraging him to continue pursuing higher standards of professional excellence. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65091