By Amin Kef-Ranger

The recent visit of First Bank Group Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, to Sierra Leone has been widely regarded as a significant step toward strengthening investor confidence, promoting large-scale private sector participation and advancing innovative financing solutions for the country's development agenda. Central to the visit was a high-level engagement with the Legislature, underscoring the critical role Parliament plays in facilitating major investment agreements and development partnerships.

One of the most notable engagements during the visit was Olusegun Alebiosu's meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas. During discussions at Parliament, the First Bank Group CEO sought legislative support for proposed investment initiatives and financing agreements that may require parliamentary ratification in the future.

The Speaker welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Parliament's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote economic growth, create employment opportunities and contribute to national development. The engagement highlighted the importance of legislative backing in creating a stable and predictable environment for investors while ensuring that major development projects receive the necessary legal and institutional support.

The parliamentary engagement demonstrated a coordinated approach between the Legislature and private sector stakeholders, signaling Sierra Leone's readiness to attract strategic investments capable of transforming key sectors of the economy.

Beyond Parliament, Olusegun Alebiosu led a high-level delegation to State House, where they were received by President Julius Maada Bio. The delegation included senior engineering executives and international directors of First Bank Group, alongside the leadership of First Bank Sierra Leone and Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura.

Discussions focused on financing critical infrastructure projects in sectors such as roads, electricity, water supply, bridges and industrial infrastructure. These sectors remain vital to accelerating economic growth, creating jobs, improving competitiveness and expanding opportunities for private sector participation.

Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura emphasized Government's determination to reduce dependence on traditional aid by embracing blended financing models that combine public resources, private capital and concessional funding. He noted that Sierra Leone's rich mineral resources and agricultural potential provide a strong foundation for developing sustainable financing arrangements capable of supporting long-term national development.

Olusegun Alebiosu highlighted First Bank Group's extensive experience in financing infrastructure projects across Africa and stressed that investments in transportation, energy, water systems and industrial facilities are essential to unlocking productivity and improving living standards.

A particularly significant aspect of the discussions was First Bank Group's willingness to explore innovative financing mechanisms backed by future commodity revenues and mineral royalties. Such arrangements could provide alternative sources of capital for major development projects while reducing reliance on conventional budgetary financing.

President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the proposal and linked the prospective investments to his Government's "Big Five" development priorities of agriculture, fisheries, mining, tourism and manufacturing. He emphasized that infrastructure deficits remain one of the biggest obstacles to economic transformation and called for the rapid development of concrete projects and financing frameworks.

The visit also extended beyond investment and financing discussions. In a demonstration of First Bank Group's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, the bank commissioned and handed over newly renovated solar-powered Science and Computer Laboratories at Albert Academy in Freetown.

The project was implemented under First Bank's Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP 3.0) and brought together senior executives from the bank's operations across Africa. The initiative reflects the institution's commitment to human capital development, technological innovation and educational advancement.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, First Bank executives noted that sustainable development requires not only investment in physical infrastructure but also investment in education, technology and youth empowerment. The upgraded facilities are expected to strengthen science and ICT education while promoting environmental sustainability through renewable solar energy.

Olusegun Alebiosu's visit therefore represented far more than a routine corporate engagement. Through strategic discussions with Parliament, the Executive branch, financial sector stakeholders and educational institutions, the visit reinforced growing investor confidence in Sierra Leone's economic prospects and highlighted the increasingly important role of private sector financing in national development.

As Sierra Leone continues to pursue economic growth and industrialization, the outcomes of these engagements could pave the way for substantial investments capable of transforming critical sectors, creating jobs and improving the lives of citizens across the country. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/first-bank-group-courts-parliaments-support-for-landmark-development-financing-initiatives/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Human Rights Association (HRA) of South Africa has issued a strong call on the Libyan authorities to immediately release Sierra Leonean nationals being held in arbitrary detention and intensify efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks accused of exploiting vulnerable migrants from Sierra Leone and across West Africa.

In a statement released from Cape Town in May 27, 2026, HRA Chairman, Saad Kassis-Mohamed, expressed grave concern over what the organisation described as a widespread system of abuse, trafficking, extortion and unlawful detention targeting migrants in Libya. The association urged Libyan authorities to cooperate fully with the United Nations and relevant international agencies in protecting migrants and facilitating the safe and voluntary repatriation of Sierra Leoneans who wish to return home.

According to the Human Rights Association, many Sierra Leoneans continue to undertake perilous journeys through Guinea, Mali and the Sahara Desert in pursuit of opportunities in Europe. However, the organisation noted that instead of finding a pathway to better opportunities, many migrants become trapped in trafficking networks that subject them to severe human rights abuses, including abduction, torture, sexual violence, forced labour and extortion.

The organisation cited several documented accounts involving Sierra Leonean nationals who survived trafficking operations in Libya. Among them is a woman identified as Aminata, who reportedly left Freetown in 2025 following the death of her husband with the hope of reaching Europe and supporting her three children. The Human Rights Association stated that shortly after entering Libya through the southern desert route, she was intercepted by an armed group and detained alongside dozens of other women from West Africa.

According to the report, Aminata was subjected to repeated sexual violence while her captors contacted her family in Freetown demanding ransom for her release. Unable to raise the required funds, her family could not secure her freedom. She was subsequently sold to another trafficking group operating in western Libya, where she was allegedly forced into domestic servitude without pay or freedom of movement. After months of detention and exploitation, she eventually returned to Sierra Leone but reportedly received no formal support to address the trauma she experienced.

The Human Rights Association also highlighted the case of Foday, a young man from Kenema who was reportedly intercepted near the Niger-Libya border and taken to a detention facility housing more than 300 migrants from West and Central Africa. The report states that he endured daily beatings and survived on minimal food and water during his three-month detention before being sold to traffickers who demanded payment from his family. Although his relatives eventually secured his release through borrowed funds, he returned to Sierra Leone burdened by debt and lasting physical and psychological scars.

The Human Rights Association stressed that those accounts are not isolated incidents but reflect a broader pattern of abuse within Libya’s migrant trafficking system. The organisation further alleged that documented evidence indicates the involvement of some Libyan military and security personnel in trafficking activities, including the sale of migrants in their custody to civilian trafficking networks operating elsewhere in the country.

Referencing a February 2026 United Nations report on migrants in Libya, the Human Rights Association noted that the trafficking system has evolved into what has been described as a violent and normalized business model. The organisation maintained that Sierra Leonean nationals are among the groups most consistently exposed to some of the worst documented abuses within that system.

Saad Kassis-Mohamed attributed the continued flow of Sierra Leonean migrants through Libya to persistent economic challenges, high unemployment levels and limited formal employment opportunities at home. He observed that trafficking networks deliberately exploit the aspirations of young people seeking better livelihoods abroad by portraying the Libyan route as a manageable pathway to Europe.

The Human Rights Association concluded by calling on Libyan authorities to release all Sierra Leonean nationals held in arbitrary detention, dismantle trafficking and extortion networks, prosecute military and security personnel implicated in migrant trafficking and work closely with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and other international human rights mechanisms to facilitate the safe return of Sierra Leonean migrants who wish to return home.

The organisation reiterated that protecting migrants from trafficking, exploitation and unlawful detention remains a legal and humanitarian obligation under international law and urged swift action to address what it described as an ongoing human rights crisis affecting Sierra Leoneans and other African migrants in Libya. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/human-rights-association-demands-release-of-detained-sierra-leoneans-in-libya/

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The United States Embassy in Freetown has assured the public that its operations remain fully functional, dismissing concerns arising from reports suggesting possible closures of U.S. diplomatic missions and changes to visa processing procedures across parts of Africa.

In an official statement, the Embassy clarified that no embassy or consulate closures have been announced and that all services continue as normal. The statement emphasized that the U.S. Department of State routinely evaluates its overseas operations to ensure that America's foreign policy priorities are advanced in the most efficient and effective manner.

“No embassy or consulate closures have been announced and operations continue as normal,” the Embassy stated adding that it has “nothing further to announce at this time” regarding any potential changes to diplomatic missions.

The Embassy further reassured visa applicants and members of the public that any future modifications to visa application procedures or interview processes would be communicated through official channels. It noted that updates would be published on the Embassy’s website and directly conveyed to affected applicants whenever necessary.

The clarification comes at a time when attention is also focused on developments surrounding the appointment of a new United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone.

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated veteran diplomat Daniel Travis to serve as the next Ambassador to Sierra Leone, subject to confirmation by the United States Senate. Until the confirmation process is completed, the Embassy in Freetown continues to operate under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires, Jared M. Yancey, who assumed the role following the resignation of former Ambassador Bryan David Hunt.

President Trump has formally transmitted Daniel Travis’s nomination to the U.S. Senate, where it has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for consideration.

According to available information, the nomination is currently awaiting the scheduling of a formal confirmation hearing before the committee. While no date has yet been announced, Daniel Travis will be required to appear before the committee and provide testimony regarding his qualifications and vision for the role. A favorable majority vote by the committee would then pave the way for a final confirmation vote by the full Senate.

If confirmed, Daniel Travis, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with previous diplomatic experience in the Republic of the Congo, will relocate to Freetown to assume his new responsibilities.

His anticipated mandate is expected to focus significantly on strengthening economic diplomacy, deepening bilateral relations between the United States and Sierra Leone, supporting engagement with the Government of President Julius Maada Bio and safeguarding American investments and strategic interests in the country.

Diplomatic observers note that the confirmation process is a standard requirement for ambassadorial appointments and may take several weeks or months depending on the Senate’s legislative schedule.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Freetown continues to provide consular, visa and diplomatic services without interruption, reiterating its commitment to maintaining strong relations with Sierra Leone and ensuring that the public remains informed of any future developments through official communication channels. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/u-s-embassy-dismisses-visa-closure-rumours-confirms-normal-operations-in-sierra-leone/

The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has called for intensified efforts to reduce preventable newborn deaths in Sierra Leone, stressing the need for stronger healthcare interventions and collective action to safeguard the lives of mothers and infants across the country.

The call was made during the 2nd Annual Conference of the Pediatric Association of Sierra Leone (PASL), held under the theme: “Healthy Starts, Hopeful Futures: Strengthening Newborn Care in Sierra Leone.”

Delivering her goodwill message at the conference, the Minister highlighted neonatal mortality as one of the leading contributors to child mortality in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen healthcare services before, during and after childbirth.

She noted that improving antenatal, delivery and postnatal care remains critical to ensuring the survival and well-being of newborns. The Minister also pointed to broader social challenges, including child marriage, teenage pregnancy and harmful cultural practices, which continue to undermine maternal and child health outcomes.

According to her, addressing those underlying factors is essential to achieving lasting improvements in newborn and child survival rates across the country.

The Minister commended the Pediatric Association of Sierra Leone for its continued dedication to advancing child healthcare through professional capacity building, advocacy, community outreach, research and public awareness initiatives. She acknowledged the vital role healthcare professionals play in providing quality care to newborns from birth through early childhood.

She further praised PASL’s efforts in supporting national health priorities and strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers to respond effectively to the needs of children and families.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the Presidential 300 Days of Activism on Maternal and Child Health, the Minister underscored the national objective of achieving zero preventable maternal and child deaths.

She called for enhanced collaboration among healthcare workers, development partners, Civil Society Organizations, communities and families to improve newborn survival rates and ensure better health outcomes for children across Sierra Leone.

The Minister concluded by emphasizing that every child deserves a healthy start in life, urging all stakeholders to work together to create an environment where newborns can survive, thrive and contribute to the nation’s future development.

The conference brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners and child health advocates to discuss strategies for strengthening newborn care services and improving maternal and child health outcomes nationwide. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/at-pasl-conference-gender-minister-calls-for-urgent-action-to-reduce-newborn-deaths/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has intensified Ebola prevention and health screening measures at the Freetown International Airport (FIA) as part of efforts to safeguard public health and maintain a safe aviation environment amid concerns over the recent emergence of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) within the sub-region.

In a Press Release issued by the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, the Authority announced that enhanced surveillance and preventive measures have been activated to protect passengers, airport workers and the wider public from any potential cross-border transmission of the disease through air travel.

According to the statement, the intervention forms part of SLCAA’s commitment to ensuring that Sierra Leone’s aviation sector remains vigilant and prepared to respond effectively to public health threats. The Authority emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of passengers, aviation personnel and airport users remain a top priority.

Among the measures introduced are strengthening health surveillance systems, routine temperature screening of passengers and airport users and the deployment of comprehensive public awareness campaigns across the airport. Ebola prevention and awareness materials have also been displayed throughout the terminal building to educate travellers on symptoms, transmission methods and preventive practices.

The Authority disclosed that mandatory hand sanitization has been instituted at designated points within the airport premises for all passengers, staff and visitors. Health personnel operating at the airport have also undergone continuous sensitization and briefing sessions to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities.

SLCAA further revealed that all airport emergency response units have been placed on heightened alert and are fully operational to ensure a rapid and coordinated response in the event of any suspected Ebola-related incident. The Authority noted that emergency evacuation and response protocols are being continuously reviewed and updated to align with current public health requirements and international best practices.

As part of additional precautionary measures, airport Management has strengthened operational procedures aimed at reducing potential health risks within passenger processing and waiting areas. Those interventions are intended to support ongoing efforts to minimize the possibility of disease transmission while ensuring the smooth movement of travellers through the airport.

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority reassured airlines, passengers and stakeholders that all preventive measures are being implemented in accordance with national public health directives and international aviation health standards.

The Authority called on members of the public and all airport users to cooperate fully with health and airport officials by complying with health screening procedures and adhering to all safety directives issued at the airport.

Reaffirming its commitment to aviation safety and public health protection, SLCAA stated that it remains vigilant and dedicated to preserving the integrity of Sierra Leone’s aviation system while ensuring a safe travel experience for all.

The announcement comes as countries across the region continue to strengthen surveillance and preparedness mechanisms to prevent the spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases through international travel routes. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-dg-assures-public-of-robust-ebola-preparedness-at-freetown-international-airport/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone organized a Women’s Advocacy and Climate Skills Building Workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of women affected by climate change to influence policy and advocate for improved agricultural support, with the event held on Thursday, 4 June 2026 at the organization’s headquarters on Tower Hill in Freetown.

The workshop was organized under the Women Empowered for Climate Action and Food Security (WeCAF) Project with support from the Feminists for Alternatives on Climate and Environment (FACE) Programme. The event brought together representatives from the Ministries of Gender, Agriculture and Environment, as well as women from climate-vulnerable communities across the Western Area.

The initiative focused on addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, particularly those living in peri-urban communities around Freetown. Organisers noted that women continue to face the harshest effects of climate-related challenges such as flooding, soil degradation, erratic rainfall and declining agricultural productivity, while often remaining underrepresented in policy discussions and decision-making processes.

The workshop provided participants with practical advocacy, leadership and engagement skills aimed at strengthening their ability to influence climate-responsive and gender-inclusive policies. It also served as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration among women, Civil Society Organisations, Government institutions and climate stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, the Programme Coordinator of the 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone, Madam Aisha Fofanah-Ibrahim, said the training forms part of a broader FACE-supported initiative designed to strengthen the resilience of women involved in vegetable farming. She explained that the project examines how women farmers in the Western Area are adapting to the realities of climate change while playing a vital role in promoting food sustainability and food sufficiency.

Madam Aisha Fofanah-Ibrahim disclosed that women account for more than 60 percent of vegetable production in the Western Area and represent a significant proportion of agricultural producers across Sierra Leone. She stressed that despite their important contribution to food production, women farmers continue to face numerous challenges that hinder their productivity and resilience.

According to Madam Aisha Fofanah-Ibrahim, environmental degradation and limited access to agricultural support services remain among the most pressing issues confronting women farmers. She explained that the workshop was specifically designed to strengthen the advocacy capacity of women, enabling them to demand improved services and resources that would enhance agricultural productivity and help communities adapt to climate-related disasters.

She highlighted inadequate access to farmland, shortages of farming inputs, limited irrigation facilities, environmental destruction caused by charcoal burning and widespread hill-cutting activities as some of the major obstacles affecting women farmers. She further noted that many farming groups receive insufficient agricultural inputs, citing situations where only a few bags of fertilizer are shared among several groups.

Madam Aisha Fofanah-Ibrahim also expressed concern over the limited availability of agricultural extension services. She explained that many women farmers rarely receive technical assistance, training opportunities or access to improved farming technologies, a situation that negatively impacts crop yields and limits the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.

She stated that one of the expected outcomes of the workshop is the development of community-based advocacy action plans that will enable participants to engage local authorities, community leaders and elected representatives on issues affecting their livelihoods. The plans will also provide mechanisms for monitoring progress and documenting results.

During the discussions, women from affected communities shared firsthand accounts of the growing challenges they face. Participants reported that increasing levels of substance abuse among young men and boys have created additional social and economic pressures on farming households. Some women disclosed that agricultural produce and farming tools are frequently stolen from their gardens, resulting in financial losses and reduced household incomes.

Participants also expressed concerns that support programmes implemented by Government institutions and Non-Governmental Organisations often fail to reach grassroots farming groups. They argued that even when support is provided, the quantities distributed are frequently inadequate to meet the needs of farming communities.

The women further identified poor drainage systems and recurrent flooding as major threats to vegetable production. They explained that heavy rainfall regularly washes away crops, destroys seedbeds and damages farmland during the rainy season, causing significant losses and increasing food insecurity.

Additional concerns raised included limited access to credit facilities, high transportation costs, inadequate market opportunities, lack of storage facilities and insufficient representation of women farmers in local decision-making structures.

The workshop concluded with calls for stronger collaboration among Government institutions, development partners, Local Councils and community stakeholders to ensure that women farmers receive the support needed to adapt to climate change, increase food production and contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s food security agenda.

The 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone emphasized that empowering women with advocacy skills and strengthening their participation in climate governance are critical to building resilient communities and achieving sustainable agricultural development across the country. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/50-50-group-empowers-women-to-champion-climate-action-and-food-security/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi, a distinguished Sierra Leonean General Surgeon and Lieutenant Colonel in the Defence Medical Services of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, has received international recognition for his outstanding contributions to surgical care, healthcare innovation and medical education in resource-constrained environments.

The General Surgeon was recently featured by the Global Surgery Foundation through its Impact Stories series and by SURGhub, a leading global surgical education platform that supports healthcare professionals worldwide in improving patient outcomes through continuous learning and professional development.

Based at the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown, Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi manages a demanding surgical workload while simultaneously contributing to national healthcare reforms and system-strengthening initiatives. Since 2013, he has combined clinical practice with leadership responsibilities, including supporting healthcare accreditation processes and helping establish Sierra Leone’s first social health insurance scheme.

His commitment to professional excellence has been further demonstrated through the successful completion of a 22-month College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) membership course in General Surgery. He currently serves as a technical lead for anaesthesia and surgical capability assessments, contributing to efforts aimed at improving healthcare standards nationwide.

Reflecting on his journey into medicine, Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi credited his late uncle, Dr. Alhaji Fayama Tarawallie, for inspiring him to pursue a healthcare career. He noted that subsequent experiences, including a medical survival course and a cardiothoracic surgery attachment in Egypt, strengthened his passion for surgery and reinforced his determination to serve humanity through medicine.

Despite significant challenges facing the healthcare sector, Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi remains steadfast in his mission to provide quality surgical care. He highlighted the acute shortage of specialist surgeons in Sierra Leone, revealing that fewer than ten general surgeons currently serve a population exceeding eight million people.

According to him, the satisfaction derived from transforming patients’ lives through successful surgical interventions continues to serve as a powerful source of motivation.

A strong advocate for lifelong learning, Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi disclosed that his daily routine begins with prayer followed by a dedicated study session on SURGhub before commencing clinical duties. He emphasized that continuous education and virtual learning have played a vital role in enhancing his skills and improving patient outcomes.

One notable example involved a 55-year-old woman suffering from advanced metastatic breast cancer who was unsuitable for general anaesthesia. Drawing on knowledge acquired through virtual surgical training, Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi successfully performed a complex palliative procedure using advanced regional anaesthesia techniques. The intervention significantly improved the patient’s quality of life, restored her dignity and strengthened her relationship with family members.

His reputation for surgical excellence extends beyond routine procedures. In 2020, Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi led a medical team at the 34 Military Hospital that successfully performed a life-saving operation on a COVID-19-positive patient, a groundbreaking achievement widely regarded as one of the pioneering surgical interventions undertaken during the pandemic in Sierra Leone and the wider region.

Looking ahead, Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi continues to advocate for innovative healthcare solutions aimed at addressing workforce shortages and improving access to quality medical education. He strongly supports virtual learning platforms and the concept of “colleges without walls,” which would enable healthcare professionals to access world-class surgical training regardless of geographical location.

“My hope is a resilient surgical system driven by innovation, technology and accessible surgical education for all healthcare providers,” he stated.

He also encouraged young medical professionals to master the fundamentals of surgery while remaining compassionate, creative and committed to continuous learning throughout their careers.

The Global Surgery Foundation noted that Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi’s story demonstrates how innovation, digital learning, leadership and professional development can help bridge critical gaps in surgical practice and healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-limited settings.

As his achievements continue to gain international recognition, Dr. Sheku Dennis Massaquoi remains a shining example of resilience, dedication and excellence, bringing pride to Sierra Leone’s medical community while inspiring efforts to strengthen healthcare systems across Africa. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/dr-sheku-dennis-massaquoi-earns-global-recognition-for-advancing-surgical-care-in-sierra-leone/