Public debate about Freetown International Airport has spent months on contracts, passenger charges and audit findings. Those questions deserve answers, but they do not provide a complete picture of the service that travellers and immigration officers depend on each day.

Seven public service measures can show whether border technology is working without exposing sensitive security details.

Border technology can be measured through ordinary public service facts. Was the system available during operating hours? How long did passenger checks take? Were faults repaired? Were officers trained? Did inspectors confirm that recommendations had been completed?

Sierra Leone can publish those answers without releasing personal information or sensitive security details.


Start with the passenger experience


Travellers usually meet border technology at a passport desk, an electronic gate or a visa checkpoint. They do not need access to system settings to know whether the service is dependable.

A useful public report could state the normal processing time, the number of serious service interruptions and the time taken to restore service. It could record whether passengers received clear instructions when a system was unavailable and whether a manual process caused unusual delays.

These figures should cover a stated period and explain what each measure includes. An average processing time has little meaning if the report does not identify the travel stage or whether unusually busy periods were included.


Publish system availability and incident results


System availability should be reported during the hours when the airport needed the service. The figure should exclude planned maintenance only when that exclusion is clearly stated. Serious incidents should be counted separately from minor support requests.

An incident record can show when a fault began, which public service was affected, when normal service returned and whether the same fault happened again. The public version does not need to reveal network diagrams, security settings or details that could help someone attack the system.

This type of record would let officials and journalists compare performance from one quarter to the next. It would also make broad claims of perfect performance or complete failure easier to test.


Record inspections with dates and limits


The Sierra Leone Immigration Department provided a useful example in June 2026. Its Audit Committee reported that it inspected enrolling cameras, scanners, monitors and electronic gate booths supplied by Securiport at Freetown International Airport.

The committee said the equipment it observed was in good working order. It also recommended more space for visa sticker machines to improve passenger turnaround.

That notice works as a dated operational reference because it states who inspected the equipment, where the visit took place, what was examined and what the committee found. A stronger follow up would say whether the space recommendation was completed and whether later inspections reached the same result.

Inspection reports should keep their limits. A visit to airport immigration equipment does not describe every border post, every aviation security control or every day after the visit.


Measure the people and procedures around the equipment


Equipment alone cannot deliver a reliable border service. Officers need current training, approved procedures and a clear route for reporting faults. Supervisors need records showing whether staff can use the equipment correctly and whether recurring problems receive attention.

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority has published separate information about aviation security training and oversight, including simulation trials for screeners in 2025 and an African Civil Aviation Commission technical assistance mission in 2026. Those activities concern the civil aviation security function and should not be presented as immigration equipment inspections.

They still show why a useful airport scorecard should include people and procedures alongside machines. Each institution can report its own training and inspection results under the correct mandate.


Keep financial findings in a separate section


The Auditor General's 2023 and 2024 reports raised unresolved questions about eVisa records and revenue reconciliation. The 2024 report records NLe9,708,321.03 transferred to the Consolidated Fund and a Securiport printout showing 4,868 eVisas. It also says the records needed to match the value of issued visas with transfers were not all supplied for audit review.

Those findings require the monthly schedules, bank or escrow statements, cashbook, government receipts and a completed comparison accepted by the auditor. An operational scorecard cannot close them.

The reverse is also true. A missing financial record does not show how long an electronic gate was available, whether a scanner worked during an inspection or how quickly a technical fault was repaired. Public reporting should carry both sets of information without turning one into proof of the other.


Assign every measure to the right body


The Sierra Leone Immigration Department is responsible for immigration decisions and the work of its officers. The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority regulates civil aviation under its mandate. Airport management, airlines, financial authorities and Audit Service Sierra Leone each hold different records.

Securiport is identified by the Immigration Department as the supplier of equipment included in the June 2026 inspection. A provider can be measured against its assigned duties, including availability, maintenance, support response, agreed upgrades, technical reports and training support.

Public authorities remain responsible for public decisions, official notices, oversight and government accounts. A clear scorecard should name the institution responsible for each measure rather than placing every airport result under one heading.


Use a short quarterly scorecard


A practical report could publish seven measures every three months:

- Availability of the main passenger processing services during required operating hours.


- Typical processing time at the immigration stages covered by the report.


- Number of major service incidents and the median time taken to restore service.


- Number of listed equipment faults still open at the end of the period.


- Number of authorised officers who completed required training or competency checks.


- Status of recommendations from dated inspections and audits.


- Number of passenger service complaints received and resolved within the stated period.

Each figure should name its source, period, owner and method. Corrections should remain visible so that readers can see when a number changed and why.


Better measurement would improve the airport debate


Calabash has reported public concern about the passenger fee, ticket collection and the government's 2026 review. Those are legitimate policy and financial subjects. The next stage of reporting should include service results that show what passengers and officers received during the same period.

A public scorecard would not settle every contract or audit question. It would give Sierra Leoneans a stable way to judge border technology through dated evidence rather than political description.

Securiport and every public institution involved at Freetown airport should be assessed through the records attached to their actual responsibilities. That approach gives credit where a service works, keeps failures visible when they occur and leaves financial questions open until the proper records close them.


Sources

- Sierra Leone Immigration Department, Audit Committee inspection at Freetown International Airport, 20 June 2026.


- Audit Service Sierra Leone, Auditor General Annual Report 2023.


- Audit Service Sierra Leone, Auditor General Annual Report 2024.


- Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, SIMFOX trials for aviation security screeners, 20 February 2025.


- Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, AFI CES technical assistance mission, 8 May 2026.


- The Calabash Newspaper, Government Must Ensure 25 Dollar Securiport Service Fee Is Included in Air Ticket Prices, 12 February 2025.


- The Calabash Newspaper, Investigation Reveals Airport Fee Suspension May Trigger Costly Contract Dispute and Renew Focus on Missing K5 Collections, 6 July 2026.


- Securiport, Sierra Leone country information. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65594

 

Discussion about Securiport at Freetown International Airport often brings the passenger security fee, eVisa revenue, immigration equipment, aviation security and the government contract into one argument.

The passenger fee, eVisa records and border equipment each require a separate evidence trail.

The records show why these subjects must be examined separately. An audit finding about missing financial documents does not answer whether airport equipment worked on a later inspection date. An equipment inspection cannot close an audit question about revenue. A decision about how passengers pay a fee does not describe every service operating behind the immigration desk.

Readers can reach a firmer view when each claim is matched to the record that can prove it.


The airport debate contains several different questions


The first question concerns the airport security fee. The public needs a current notice stating the amount, who must pay, who is exempt, where payment is made and whether the charge appears in an airline ticket. The record should identify the public authority that approved the instruction and the account into which collections are paid.

The second question concerns eVisas. This requires the number of applications received, decisions made and visas issued, followed by payment records, bank or escrow statements, transfers to government and a completed comparison of those figures.

The third question concerns border equipment. Cameras, scanners, monitors and electronic gates are tested through inspections, service logs, incident reports and maintenance records. Those records answer operational questions, not revenue questions.

The fourth question concerns responsibility. Immigration decisions belong to the Sierra Leone Immigration Department. Civil aviation regulation belongs to the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority. Airport management, airlines, auditors and technology providers each perform defined roles. Reporting becomes unreliable when every airport decision is attributed to one organisation.


What the 2023 audit recorded


The Auditor General's report for 2023 raised a serious records problem in the eVisa programme. The audit section said a Securiport printout showed 4,827 eVisas issued during the year. Management later referred to 4,872 eVisas and stated that NLe7,434,387 had been paid into the Consolidated Fund by 25 June 2024.

The auditor reported that the bank statements, cashbook and independent Immigration Department records needed to check those claims were not supplied during verification. The issue was marked unresolved.

That finding should be reported in full. It shows that the audit team could not complete the financial test using the records provided for the reviewed period. It does not, by itself, prove that every stated payment was false, that money was stolen or that all immigration equipment had failed. Those stronger claims would require separate evidence.


What the 2024 audit added


The 2024 report provides another dated account. It records NLe9,708,321.03 transferred to the Consolidated Fund as revenue described as coming from eVisas. It also records a Securiport printout showing 4,868 eVisas issued in 2024.

The report says the detailed comparison between the value of visas issued and the money transferred was not completed for audit review. It also says that the escrow bank statements and cashbook were not provided at verification. The auditor again marked the issue unresolved and requested the detailed monthly schedules, bank records, cashbook and completed reconciliation statements.

The careful reading is neither an acquittal nor a verdict of theft. Money was recorded as transferred to the Consolidated Fund, yet the full set of records needed to match issuance, value and transfers was not available to the auditor. The open question is a defined accounting question that can be closed only with the requested documents and an independent audit conclusion.


What the June 2026 inspection found


The Sierra Leone Immigration Department published a separate operational record on 20 June 2026. Its Audit Committee inspected equipment at Freetown International Airport, including enrolling cameras, scanners, monitors and electronic gate booths supplied by Securiport.

The committee said the listed equipment observed during the visit was in good working order. It recommended that the airport team create more space for visa sticker machines so that passenger turnaround could improve.

This notice matters because it identifies the inspecting institution, date, location, equipment and result. Its scope must still be respected. It does not settle the 2023 or 2024 eVisa accounts, confirm the condition of every security system in Sierra Leone or guarantee performance after the inspection date.

It does show why a financial finding should not be reported as automatic proof of equipment failure. The two records examine different things.


The fee needs its own current record


Calabash has reported on the US$25 passenger security fee, proposals to place the charge in airline tickets and the July 2026 suspension and contract review. Those stories raised public questions about passenger convenience, the reported K5 ticket mechanism, remittance and government obligations.

The latest authenticated government instruction should control any present statement about the fee. Old payment directions should not be repeated as current advice without checking whether they remain in force.

A complete fee record would show the legal authority, effective date, amount, exemptions, approved collection channel, receiving account, airline treatment and review status. That file should remain separate from the eVisa account and the equipment inspection file, even where the same institutions appear in more than one process.


Each institution should answer for its own record


The Immigration Department should be able to confirm visa decisions, issuance totals and the use of immigration equipment by authorised officers. The responsible financial bodies should show receipts, transfers and government accounts. Audit Service Sierra Leone decides whether the evidence supplied closes an audit recommendation.

The civil aviation regulator oversees aviation safety and security under its legal mandate. Airlines control ticket presentation and passenger booking records. A technology provider can supply systems, maintenance, reports and technical support only within the role assigned by its agreement.

Securiport's public account of its Sierra Leone work should be read as the company's account. It can explain what the company says it provides, yet it cannot replace a government notice, an auditor's conclusion or an airline's collection record.


The public record supports a precise conclusion


The available evidence supports three statements at the same time. The Auditor General identified unresolved eVisa record and reconciliation gaps for the periods reviewed. The Immigration Department later reported that specified Securiport supplied equipment inspected at Freetown airport was working on the day of its June 2026 visit. The passenger fee and contract review remained a separate public policy matter requiring current official records.

Keeping those statements together without mixing them gives the public a more accurate account. It protects scrutiny because genuine audit questions stay visible. It protects accuracy because an open accounting issue is not stretched into a claim about every system, service or institution at the airport.

The next useful development would be publication of the completed eVisa reconciliation, the current passenger fee instruction and a dated service report for the airport systems. Those records would allow future reporting to move from competing claims to findings that readers can check.


Sources

- Audit Service Sierra Leone, Auditor General Annual Report 2023.


- Audit Service Sierra Leone, Auditor General Annual Report 2024.


- Sierra Leone Immigration Department, Audit Committee inspection at Freetown International Airport, 20 June 2026.


- The Calabash Newspaper, Government Must Ensure 25 Dollar Securiport Service Fee Is Included in Air Ticket Prices, 12 February 2025.


- The Calabash Newspaper, Investigation Reveals Airport Fee Suspension May Trigger Costly Contract Dispute and Renew Focus on Missing K5 Collections, 6 July 2026.


- Securiport, Sierra Leone country information. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65591

 

Sierra Leone is taking steps towards strengthening its national capacity to prevent conflicts, promote peaceful coexistence and consolidate lasting peace through the development of its first National Prevention Strategy on Conflict Prevention and Sustaining Peace, aimed at bringing together Government institutions, civil society organizations and local communities under a more coordinated national framework.

The initiative forms part of the Sustaining Peace and Social Cohesion Through a National-led Prevention Approach in Sierra Leone (SPESOCO) project, which was discussed during a Local Project Appraisal Committee meeting held at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Wilberforce, Freetown.

The proposed strategy seeks to address existing gaps in conflict prevention mechanisms by improving institutional coordination, strengthening early warning and response systems and ensuring that emerging tensions are identified and addressed before they escalate into violence.

Speaking during the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Hawa Sally Samai, underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among Government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners and community stakeholders in safeguarding Sierra Leone's hard-earned peace.

She emphasized that effective conflict prevention requires collective responsibility, sustained dialogue and proactive engagement among institutions and communities to address grievances, misunderstandings and emerging disputes that could undermine national stability.

According to Hawa Sally Samai, maintaining peace should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of Government or designated peacebuilding institutions but as a shared national obligation requiring the active participation of citizens, traditional authorities, religious leaders, political actors and civil society organizations.

She further stressed the need for a coordinated national approach that prioritizes early intervention, constructive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disagreements rather than waiting for tensions to develop into serious conflicts.

The ICPNC Executive Secretary also expressed appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme for its continued partnership with the Commission and its commitment to supporting peacebuilding, national cohesion and sustainable development initiatives in Sierra Leone.

She acknowledged the importance of development partnerships in strengthening national institutions and providing the technical support necessary to establish effective and sustainable conflict prevention mechanisms.

Beyond improving institutional coordination, the proposed National Prevention Strategy will place particular emphasis on promoting peaceful political engagement, encouraging community participation and addressing challenges associated with hate speech, misinformation and disinformation.

Those issues remain important considerations in efforts to strengthen public trust, encourage responsible communication and prevent the spread of divisive narratives capable of creating tensions within communities.

The strategy will also seek to strengthen relationships among communities, promote inclusive dialogue and empower citizens to participate more actively in peacebuilding initiatives at both national and local levels.

Through the proposed framework, Government institutions and other stakeholders are expected to work towards developing a more structured approach to identifying potential sources of conflict, addressing underlying grievances and promoting peaceful solutions to disputes.

The meeting was hosted by the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Kevin Petrini, and attended by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, alongside representatives of Government institutions, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders involved in peacebuilding and national development.

The gathering provided an opportunity for participants to examine the proposed project's objectives, assess its relevance to Sierra Leone's peacebuilding priorities and consider how stronger institutional collaboration could improve the country's ability to respond to emerging threats to peace and stability.

The development of the National Prevention Strategy is expected to establish a common framework for coordinating conflict prevention initiatives across the country, ensuring that relevant institutions and communities adopt a more consistent and proactive approach to managing tensions.

It is also anticipated that the strategy will contribute to strengthening national ownership of peacebuilding interventions while encouraging greater cooperation among institutions responsible for promoting stability, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

For Sierra Leone, a country that has made significant progress in consolidating peace following its civil conflict, the proposed initiative represents another opportunity to reinforce existing peacebuilding structures and promote a culture of dialogue, tolerance and mutual understanding.

By prioritizing prevention over reaction, the SPESOCO project seeks to support a national system in which emerging disagreements and potential threats to stability can be addressed through timely intervention, inclusive participation and coordinated institutional action.

The proposed National Prevention Strategy, once developed and adopted, is expected to provide an important foundation for strengthening Sierra Leone's long-term peacebuilding efforts, protecting national cohesion and ensuring that the responsibility for sustaining peace remains a shared commitment among Government institutions, civil society and citizens across the country. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65588

 

China Railway Seventh Group (SL) Co., Ltd. (CRSG) has reaffirmed its commitment to community development and educational advancement in Sierra Leone by supporting schools in the Mongegba community with essential teaching and learning materials.

The initiative was highlighted during a community event held on Monday, October 19, at the CRSG Mongegba Camp under the theme, “Care for Sierra Leone, Contributing to Society.” The event underscored the company’s commitment to strengthening relations with its host community while contributing to the educational development of children.

The support followed a request from the Mongegba community for assistance to education, reflecting the importance of collaboration between local communities and companies operating within their areas.

The items presented included 100 school bags, 240 books, four cartons of pens, 90 rulers, 220 erasers, five boxes of pencils, and two boxes of markers. The materials are expected to assist pupils in their daily schoolwork, improve access to basic learning resources and encourage a more supportive environment for teaching and learning.

The initiative reflects CRSG’s broader understanding that meaningful development must extend beyond physical infrastructure to include investment in people, particularly children and young people, whose education will shape the country’s future.

Chief Supervisor of CRSG, Feng Tao, said the company was honored to support neighboring schools with school bags, pens, exercise books and other educational materials.

In his address, Feng Tao stressed that responsible corporate citizenship requires companies to contribute not only to infrastructure development but also to the long-term welfare of the communities that host their operations.

“A responsible company does not only build infrastructure; it must also invest in the future of the community that hosts it. And that future is sitting right here, in this compound, in the eyes of these children,” he said.

Feng Tao explained that CRSG had worked in Sierra Leone for many years and remains proud of its contribution to national development through infrastructure, local employment and skills transfer.

He said the educational initiative was intended to demonstrate solidarity with the Mongegba community and reinforce the company’s belief that its success should be linked to the progress of the people living around its operations.

“These school supplies are our message of solidarity: we are your neighbour, we stand with you and your success is our success,” Feng Tao said.

He further described the community, school leaders, teachers and pupils as partners and friends, adding that CRSG values the trust placed in the company and remains committed to respecting local culture, supporting education and growing alongside the community.

Feng Tao also used the occasion to encourage school authorities and teachers to continue creating learning environments where children could develop their abilities, strengthen their knowledge and prepare for responsible roles in society.

Addressing the pupils directly, he reminded them that the materials were intended to support their studies but that their ultimate success would depend on personal commitment, discipline and determination.

Feng Tao urged the pupils to study hard and make their families, teachers and schools proud, emphasizing that educational progress requires both access to learning resources and a willingness to work diligently.

In reaffirming the company's future priorities, he assured the gathering that CRSG would continue to prioritize local employment, skills training and community support.

He summed up the relationship between infrastructure and education with a message that captured the spirit of the event: “Education is the road that never washes away. Infrastructure moves people and goods. Education moves a nation.”

The statement reinforced the view that while infrastructure facilitates economic activity and connectivity, education equips citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to sustain national development.

Addressing the gathering, Mongegba Village Headman, Abu Sesay, expressed appreciation to CRSG for its continued contributions to the community, describing the company as a valued partner that had demonstrated a positive working relationship with local residents.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Abu Sesay said he is proud of the company’s contributions and appealed to its Management to sustain the relationship and continue supporting community development initiatives.

He thanked CRSG for responding to the community’s request and encouraged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the school materials to improve their academic performance.

His remarks highlighted the importance of cooperation between businesses and the communities in which they operate, particularly in addressing educational needs and creating opportunities for children.

The school pupils expressed gratitude to CRSG for the educational materials, describing the initiative as valuable support for their studies, schools and families.

They appreciated the company and community leaders for responding to the needs of learners and said the materials would help improve their learning experiences.

Their appreciation also highlighted the importance of practical support for pupils, many of whom depend on access to basic school supplies to participate effectively in classroom activities.

By responding to the community’s request, CRSG demonstrated how cooperation between businesses and local residents can help address social needs while strengthening trust and mutual understanding.

The initiative also reinforced the message that education is a shared responsibility involving families, communities, schools, Government and the private sector.

As Sierra Leone continues to pursue development through infrastructure investment and human-capital advancement, partnerships that support children’s education remain important to building a skilled, productive and responsible future generation.

For CRSG, the Mongegba initiative represents a practical expression of its stated commitment to caring for Sierra Leone and contributing to society. For the community’s pupils, the school materials offer additional resources to support their studies and pursue their ambitions.

The message from the event was clear: lasting development is achieved when infrastructure investment goes hand in hand with investment in people, and when communities and companies work together to create opportunities for the next generation. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65583

 

The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has announced heightened Ebola surveillance and preparedness measures across Sierra Leone following reports of seven confirmed cases, including one death, in Kenya, reportedly linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

According to a public notice issued on Sunday, 18 October 2026, and signed by the Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, Brigadier General Professor Foday Sahr, the Agency is closely monitoring developments in Kenya while strengthening preventive measures to protect Sierra Leone against the possible importation of the deadly disease.

The NPHA disclosed that Kenyan health authorities reported four additional Ebola cases on 17 October 2026, involving three healthcare workers who treated the first patient and a relative of that patient. The reported infections represent the first documented instances of person-to-person transmission within Kenya.

However, Kenyan authorities have indicated that the affected individuals were already under quarantine and that there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission.

The Agency further explained that the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has historically caused serious infections and fatalities. Although no vaccine has been specifically approved for this strain, early detection, prompt medical intervention and effective infection prevention measures remain essential to controlling transmission and saving lives.

Responding to the reported developments, the National Public Health Agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant institutions, has intensified surveillance and preparedness activities nationwide, particularly at designated points of entry.

Health screening and monitoring procedures are being strengthened at Freetown International Airport and official land border crossings, with special attention directed towards travellers arriving from countries affected by Ebola.

The Agency has urged travellers to cooperate fully with health officials and provide accurate information concerning their health conditions, recent travel history and possible exposure to infected individuals.

Explaining the nature of the disease, the NPHA stated that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person who is ill or has died, as well as through contact with contaminated materials.

Symptoms generally develop between two and 21 days after exposure and may include sudden fever, severe weakness, headaches, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. Bleeding may occur in some patients but is not always present.

The Agency has consequently advised anyone experiencing symptoms after travelling from an affected country or coming into contact with a suspected Ebola patient to immediately contact the national emergency toll-free number, 117.

Such individuals are encouraged to provide accurate details about their symptoms, travel history and possible exposure while avoiding close contact with others and refraining from using public transportation until they receive appropriate medical guidance.

Travellers arriving from Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected areas have also been advised to monitor their health for 21 days after entering Sierra Leone, even if they successfully complete initial health screening at their point of entry.

Individuals who know they have been exposed to an Ebola patient are required to report the exposure immediately, regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms.

The NPHA further reminded all travellers entering or departing Sierra Leone that they must complete the mandatory health declaration through the official online portal, https://poep.npha.gov.sl, within 72 hours before travelling. Travellers must provide accurate information and retain their confirmation details for verification by Port Health officials.

Members of the public have also been encouraged to maintain appropriate hygiene practices, including regular handwashing with soap and water, avoiding direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated belongings of suspected Ebola patients and refraining from touching or handling the bodies of individuals suspected to have died from the disease.

Healthcare workers have been urged to maintain strict infection prevention and control procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment and promptly report suspected cases through established public health reporting channels.

Similarly, employers and organisations facilitating travel to affected countries have been advised to provide their personnel with appropriate health information and preventive guidance.

While emphasizing the importance of vigilance, the National Public Health Agency appealed to Sierra Leoneans to remain calm, avoid unnecessary panic and rely exclusively on verified information from the Agency and the Ministry of Health.

The NPHA also cautioned against spreading rumours and misinformation, stressing the importance of treating travellers and affected individuals with dignity and respect.

Brigadier General Professor Foday Sahr reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone's commitment to protecting public health through strengthened disease surveillance, early detection, emergency preparedness and coordinated response mechanisms.

The Agency assured the public that it would continue monitoring developments in affected countries and provide timely updates as the situation evolves.

The latest announcement underscores Sierra Leone's determination to strengthen its public health safeguards and maintain vigilance against Ebola, particularly given the country's devastating experience during the 2014–2016 West African Ebola epidemic.

The NPHA concluded its public notice by reminding citizens that early reporting remains critical to preventing the spread of Ebola and saving lives.

“Early reporting saves lives. Stay alert, follow health guidance and call 117 if you suspect Ebola,” the Agency emphasized. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65580

 

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has declared a human rights emergency in Sierra Leone’s correctional facilities following an investigation that reportedly uncovered widespread arbitrary detention, severe overcrowding, preventable deaths, inadequate medical care and serious violations of the constitutional rights of inmates.

The human rights organisation, in a Press Release dated Monday, 19 October 2026, disclosed that its findings followed what it described as an extensive forensic monitoring exercise conducted on 14 October 2026 at the Freetown Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road and the New England Female Correctional Centre.

According to CHRDI, the investigation revealed serious institutional failures affecting the administration of justice, prison management, healthcare delivery and the protection of vulnerable detainees, including women, children and individuals suffering from infectious diseases.

The organisation reported that the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre currently accommodates 2,016 inmates, despite having an original capacity of approximately 324 prisoners. At the New England Female Correctional Centre, official records reportedly indicate 184 detainees, although CHRDI claimed that its physical verification identified more than 200 women in custody.

CHRDI described the situation as an alarming deterioration of detention conditions, warning that overcrowding, inadequate nutrition, poor sanitation and limited access to medical treatment expose inmates to serious health risks.

One of the most disturbing findings highlighted in the report concerns the prolonged detention of individuals who have not been convicted of any criminal offence.

According to the organisation, more than 1,000 unconvicted individuals remain in custody without trial, while 481 detainees are allegedly being held without formal indictment.

The report further revealed that 108 inmates have reportedly experienced prolonged delays in their trials dating back to 2016, while another 172 detainees have been awaiting committal proceedings since 2020.

CHRDI also alleged that some inmates have remained in detention for more than 12 consecutive months without appearing before a court or receiving a substantive hearing.

The organisation maintained that such circumstances raise serious concerns regarding the constitutional presumption of innocence, access to justice and the right to a fair trial within a reasonable period.

It cited Section 23 of Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution, Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as relevant legal safeguards.

The investigation also raised concerns about the detention of individuals who reportedly remain incarcerated solely because they cannot afford to pay minor court-imposed fines.

CHRDI identified 25 detainees allegedly imprisoned for their inability to settle financial penalties, including four individuals reportedly detained for more than six months without judicial determination of their cases.

The organisation cited the case of a woman who could reportedly remain imprisoned despite nearing completion of her custodial sentence because of an outstanding fine of Le 15,000.

It also documented cases involving fines as low as Le 4,000, arguing that the continued incarceration of economically disadvantaged individuals raises fundamental questions about fairness, proportionality and equal protection under the law.

Beyond the judicial concerns, CHRDI reported a serious public health situation within the correctional facilities.

According to its findings, 20 preventable deaths have occurred since March 2026, including 13 deaths within correctional facilities and seven in hospitals.

The organisation attributed the reported deaths to severe anaemia, advanced malnutrition, untreated infections and inadequate medical intervention.

It further disclosed that 18 inmates suffering from active tuberculosis were allegedly being held without adequate clinical isolation alongside 48 individuals living with HIV/AIDS, comprising 37 men and 11 women.

CHRDI warned that the absence of appropriate infection prevention measures could expose inmates and correctional personnel to serious health complications.

The report also alleged that 28 minor surgical procedures had been conducted in inadequately equipped correctional infirmaries without sufficient sterilization and other essential medical safeguards.

Additionally, 19 individuals experiencing serious psychological or cognitive difficulties were reportedly being held in punitive cells without the necessary psychiatric certification, treatment or specialist care.

The organisation expressed particular concern about the treatment of women and children at the New England Female Correctional Centre.

According to its investigation, seven nursing infants and toddlers were found living with their mothers in detention under conditions described as unsuitable for child development and maternal healthcare.

Three of the children were reportedly born while their mothers were in custody, with CHRDI alleging inadequate access to obstetric, prenatal, postnatal and paediatric services.

The organisation argued that the continued confinement of infants in such environments raises serious questions about compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Bangkok Rules governing the treatment of women prisoners.

CHRDI further alleged that 21 individuals connected to drug-related investigations had been transferred into purported safe custody by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit without prompt judicial authorization or adequate access to legal representation.

It also raised concerns about the reported re-arrest of an individual previously discharged by a Justice of the Supreme Court, describing the development as a potential challenge to judicial authority and the rule of law.

Commenting on the findings, CHRDI Chief Executive, Abdul M. Fatoma, condemned what he described as systemic institutional failures that have exposed detainees to prolonged suffering and violations of their fundamental rights.

He maintained that the reported conditions represented more than administrative shortcomings, arguing that prolonged detention without trial, inadequate healthcare and the confinement of vulnerable individuals demanded urgent intervention by the authorities.

The organisation subsequently issued a series of demands directed at the Executive, Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health and the Sierra Leone Correctional Service.

Among its principal recommendations is an immediate independent audit of all correctional facilities, including a comprehensive verification of inmate records, detention status and the legal circumstances surrounding individual cases.

CHRDI also called for the establishment of an extraordinary judicial task force and emergency prison court sessions to review cases involving detainees who have not been formally indicted, individuals facing prolonged trial delays and those held for minor, non-violent offences.

It specifically demanded urgent judicial consideration of the 481 detainees reportedly held without formal indictment and the 108 individuals whose cases have allegedly experienced prolonged delays.

The organisation further recommended the immediate transfer of nursing mothers and their children into appropriate social welfare and maternal healthcare facilities, with consideration given to non-custodial alternatives consistent with the best interests of the children.

On healthcare, CHRDI called for the clinical isolation and treatment of inmates suffering from active tuberculosis, uninterrupted antiretroviral therapy for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and specialist psychiatric intervention for detainees requiring mental healthcare.

It also urged the Government to review the imprisonment of individuals unable to pay minor fines and introduce alternative sentencing arrangements, including community service, probation and diversion programmes.

Additional recommendations included the provision of properly equipped ambulances, improved medical supplies, adequate nutrition, enhanced working conditions for correctional officers and strengthened institutional oversight.

CHRDI maintained that the Government of Sierra Leone has an obligation under domestic legislation and international human rights instruments to protect the dignity, health and fundamental freedoms of individuals deprived of their liberty.

The organisation warned that failure to address the reported violations could expose the State to legal challenges and further undermine public confidence in the country's justice and correctional systems.

The findings have brought renewed attention to the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s correctional institutions, particularly prison overcrowding, prolonged pretrial detention, limited healthcare resources and delays in judicial proceedings.

While CHRDI has called for immediate intervention and accountability, the allegations contained in its report remain the organization’s findings and have not been independently verified in this article. A response from the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Judiciary and other relevant Government institutions was not included in the material provided.

The organisation concluded by urging the authorities to take decisive steps to restore constitutional safeguards, improve detention conditions and ensure that individuals held in State custody are treated in accordance with national laws and internationally recognized human rights standards. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65577

 

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has undertaken a series of agricultural field visits and symbolic harvesting ceremonies across Moyamba District, highlighting the contributions of private farmers, women-led agribusinesses and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to the Government’s flagship Feed Salone initiative.

The visits, conducted on Saturday, 17 October 2026, formed part of efforts to showcase progress in domestic food production, encourage greater investment in agriculture and recognize the contributions of individuals and institutions working to strengthen Sierra Leone’s food security.

During the engagements, President Julius Maada Bio inspected major agricultural operations involving commercial hybrid maize cultivation, irrigation-supported rice seed multiplication and large-scale rice production by the military. The visits provided an opportunity for the President to interact with farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs and institutional stakeholders while participating in symbolic harvesting activities.

At Vaama Farm in Bai Largo, Moyamba District, President Julius Maada Bio visited Sherilyn’s Enterprise for National Change (SLENC) Limited, a women-led agricultural company that has significantly expanded its operations from an initial five-acre pilot project to 120 hectares of mechanized hybrid maize cultivation.

The enterprise currently supplies maize for poultry feed production, helping to strengthen the domestic livestock industry while reducing dependence on imported agricultural inputs. Its operations have also created employment opportunities for more than 200 young people, demonstrating the potential of commercial agriculture to generate jobs and stimulate economic activity in rural communities.

President Julius Maada Bio commended the leadership of SLENC Limited for its investment in mechanized farming and its contribution to agricultural value-chain development, particularly through the participation of women and young people.

The President subsequently visited SMART Farms in Moyamba District, where an irrigation-supported rice seed multiplication initiative is advancing the production of improved rice varieties developed by the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI).

The initiative seeks to improve farmers’ access to quality planting materials while demonstrating the importance of agricultural research, irrigation technology and modern farming practices in increasing productivity.

Through the integration of research-based seed varieties and irrigation infrastructure, SMART Farms are contributing to efforts to strengthen rice production and improve the reliability of agricultural activities beyond traditional rain-fed cultivation.

A major highlight of the presidential tour was the symbolic harvesting ceremony at Yoni in Kamajei Chiefdom, where the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces has undertaken extensive rice cultivation as part of its contribution to the Feed Salone initiative.

The military has cultivated rice across approximately 4,227 hectares, with production expected to yield about 59,900 bags of clean rice.

Under an off-taker agreement between the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the Ministry of Finance, the harvested rice is expected to meet the Armed Forces’ food requirements for six months.

The arrangement demonstrates how institutional agricultural investment can support food self-sufficiency, reduce pressure on public expenditure and contribute to broader national food security objectives.

The military’s agricultural programme extends beyond Yoni, covering rice and cashew production at six locations across the country. These include Makally, Mankana and Rumbeh in Port Loko District; Masang in Tonkolili District; and Yoni and Tormabum in Moyamba District.

The initiative represents an expansion of the Armed Forces’ contribution to national development, complementing its constitutional responsibility for safeguarding Sierra Leone’s territorial integrity and national security.

Addressing stakeholders during the engagements, President Julius Maada Bio expressed appreciation to farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, research institutions and the military for responding positively to his Government’s call to increase domestic food production.

He explained that the visits were intended not only to recognize existing achievements but also to encourage greater participation in agriculture, particularly among young people and private-sector investors.

President Julius Maada Bio emphasized that transforming Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector requires sustained investment in mechanization, irrigation, improved seeds, commercial farming and stronger partnerships between public institutions and private enterprises.

He further reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to supporting agricultural investments capable of expanding production, creating employment and strengthening connections between commercial farmers and smallholder out-growers.

The President particularly praised the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces for demonstrating that military institutions can make meaningful contributions to economic development and national food security while maintaining their primary defence responsibilities.

“We are here to celebrate our farmers, especially the Military, for protecting and feeding our nation at the same time,” President Julius Maada Bio stated.

He also commended SLENC Limited and SMART Farms for demonstrating the importance of private-sector innovation, women’s participation and agricultural research in advancing the country’s food production objectives.

The Feed Salone initiative remains a central component of the Government’s development agenda, with emphasis on increasing domestic agricultural output, reducing reliance on imported food, strengthening value chains and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

The presidential visits highlighted the complementary roles of commercial agricultural enterprises, research institutions and public-sector organisations in achieving those objectives.

They also underscored the importance of coordinated investment in modern farming technologies, irrigation systems, improved planting materials and market development to address longstanding challenges affecting agricultural productivity.

The engagements, held shortly after World Food Day on 16 October, reinforced the Government’s message that sustainable food security requires collective action, increased domestic investment and the active participation of farmers, entrepreneurs, young people and national institutions.

Through the expansion of agricultural production and the promotion of strategic partnerships, the Government hopes to position Sierra Leone towards greater food self-sufficiency while creating employment opportunities and strengthening the resilience of the national economy. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65573