By Foday Moriba Conteh

The murder trial of Abdul Kpaka took a different dimension on Wednesday, 17th June 2026, at the Freetown High Court before Justice Alfred Ganda as the defense continued presenting its case and introduced email messages that it said revealed the deceased's longstanding heart and breathing complications.

The defense continued leading its first witness, Abdul Kpaka, the defendant in the matter. After it was brought to the attention of the court that the High Court ICT expert, who had previously testified following an interposing procedure, was absent, Justice Ganda directed that Kpaka proceed with his testimony in chief to ensure progress in the trial.

Kpaka took the witness stand and was led in evidence by his lawyer, E.T. Koroma.

During the proceedings, the defense attempted to tender Kpaka's mobile phone into evidence. However, State Counsel Yusuif Isaac Sesay objected, arguing that the only fit and proper person to tender both the deceased's and the defendant's phones was the court's ICT expert. He maintained that the defense had earlier stated that it was the ICT expert who assisted them in retrieving the electronic exhibits already admitted into evidence and marked LL1 to LL45.

Justice Ganda upheld the prosecution's objection and instructed defense counsel to proceed with the case and reserve the phone for the ICT expert's testimony.

Following the ruling, Kpaka, under the direction of his lawyer, read portions of the 45-page booklet already admitted into evidence. The messages, according to the defense, revealed that the deceased had suffered from heart-related and other health complications over several years.

A message on page 5, dated 12th July 2019, reads:

"I can't sleep, I can't breath properly Kpaka"

Another message on page 23, dated 5th November 2020, states:

"I took the medicine they gave me, my head keeps spinning, and I am weak."

Page 22, also dated 5th November 2020, reads:

" I have been really sick, my BP was super high, I spent the entire day at the hospital yesterday, please Kpaka forgive me, I am loosing my mind, I just want to talk oh."

Another message on page 14, dated 28th March 2020, states:

"I threw up everything, this drug is killing me, my body is weak, sorry for me mum, don't wanna get her involved and stress her, knowing my health problem. Na people country r dae, I don't want to be dead here. My eyes hurt, been crying since Kpaka. M sorry."

On page 10, dated 6th October 2019, the message reads:

"I need to go to the hospital, I don't have money and can't walk either. Pls save me."

Page 7, dated 16th July 2019, reads:

" my mother is so disappointed at me, and is deeply sorry for everything, all I ask is this one chance. I want to make it up to my mum and you. Pls find it in your heart to forgive me Bae. I am sorry, unblock me."

The defense also read several messages describing the nature of the relationship between the deceased and the defendant.

Page 36, dated 17th February 2022, reads:

"you inspire me, I do admire you a lot, I want life with you Bbe, I want children with you, I want a happy family with you. I want to wake up close to you every day. I want to keep telling you how sweet you smell. I am begging you like my life depends on it. Pls forgive me for this last mistake. Please, Bb."

Page 20, dated 20th November 2020, reads:

"Even though I know I am blocked but I have kept on checking Kpaka. I will still continue checking. The Kpaka I know hate seeing me sad, and I hate seeing him sad too. Yes, I have my option, but I have never been this long mad at you. It breaks my heart to know you stay this mad at me. I am out of words, I swear. "

Page 35, dated 17th February 2022, reads:

"you are the best, and loosing you will be me loosing my whole life. I love you so much that I want to spend every last breath of my time with you. I know I messed up severally, but I am only human, so please find it in your heart to forgive me, I need this final chance, ABD, you wont regret it. I promise to hold on to it as if my life depends on it. Life is way too complicated without you. My life is worthless without you ABD, I love you papa, bear and sorry for bringing the trust issues but I didn't do or date him. I don't need another man, I have a perfect man. My joy, sadness, and happiness. The only man that I am 💯 comfortable with. You are my whole life Abd, and I am truly sorry. Kindly take me back this final chance. Do for God our creator."

Page 43, dated 31st March 2024, reads:

" I know me saying sorry all the time don make you ganze, cous I can't be saying sorry n not working on my action. But be rest assured that I hate seeing me like this, useless, n that hurting you will not be intentional. My attitude stinks, that I knw n not proud of. But Abd U knw that it will take time or years to make me a better version, and I am trying to be better. Don't give up on us now. Pls Papa."

The messages presented in court referred to the deceased's reported heart and breathing difficulties while also portraying a relationship marked by repeated disagreements. According to the messages read, the deceased frequently appealed to Kpaka for forgiveness after being blocked on WhatsApp and other communication platforms.

The messages further showed the deceased expressing deep affection and confidence in the defendant, describing him in one message as her "perfect man." In several instances, she pleaded to be forgiven and unblocked and, according to the evidence read in court, even involved her mother and father in efforts to reconcile with Kpaka.

Although many of the messages expressed love and affection, the court heard that Kpaka rarely responded.

During the reading of the messages, State Counsel Yusuif Isaac Sesay raised concerns over certain pages of the exhibits. He questioned the differences in font sizes and the formatting of dates, arguing that some of the messages did not display clear or proper dates.

Justice Ganda acknowledged the concerns raised by the prosecution and stated that the court's ICT experts would address those issues when they appear to present the phones and the active email records before the court.

After approximately 40 pages of the 45-page exhibit had been read into the record, the court adjourned the matter.

The trial is expected to resume on Wednesday, 8th July 2026. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/email-evidence-reveals-deceaseds-alleged-heart-complications-in-abdul-kpaka-murder-trial/

The Theological Consortium Sierra Leone (TC-SL) has successfully concluded its first-ever Women-to-Women Bible Conference, bringing together more than fifty women from various Christian denominations across Sierra Leone. The two-day conference, held at the Pastoral Centre in Bo, focused on equipping women with biblical knowledge, leadership skills, and ministry tools to strengthen their role in spreading the Gospel and building healthy churches.

The conference was organized as a platform to empower women in ministry and enhance their capacity as trainers and leaders within their respective churches and communities. Participants engaged in intensive training sessions, discussions, and practical learning exercises designed to deepen their understanding of biblical teachings and effective ministry practices.

Speaking during the conference, the initiator of the Theological Consortium Sierra Leone, Rev. Prof. John Jusu, highlighted the vision behind the consortium and the significance of the women-focused gathering. He explained that the consortium works collaboratively with several Christian theological institutions and church denominations in Sierra Leone to provide accessible theological and pastoral education for church leaders and workers who may not have the opportunity to enroll in formal theological seminaries.

According to Rev. Prof. Jusu, the consortium was established to support individuals who have received the call to ministry but face barriers such as limited academic qualifications, financial constraints, geographical challenges, or time limitations. Through self-taught course workbooks and reading materials, students are able to study from their homes while periodically meeting as learning communities under the supervision of trained facilitators within their churches.

“The purpose of this conference is to empower women to become effective ministers and missionaries for the Kingdom of God,” Rev. Prof. Jusu said. “Women have always played a vital role in spreading the Gospel. The Bible records how the Samaritan woman immediately shared the good news about Jesus with her entire village. We believe women remain one of the most powerful instruments for evangelism and discipleship today.”

He described the conference as a “training of trainers” initiative, noting that the women who participated are expected to return to their various denominations and congregations to replicate the lessons learned and train other women within their churches.

“We are truly grateful to God Almighty for making it possible for you to attend this first Consortium Women-to-Women Bible Conference,” he said. “We encourage you to propagate everything you have learned here so that together we can build healthy churches and strengthen Christian ministry across Sierra Leone.”

The Theological Consortium Sierra Leone administers a Theological and Pastoral Education Programme through participating theological institutions and church denominations. The programme is designed to empower ministers and church workers through holistic and accessible learning opportunities that are affordable, practical, and rooted in real ministry settings.

The consortium's training model emphasizes peer learning, community engagement, leadership development, and spiritual formation. Key areas of competence include biblical interpretation, worship and preaching, evangelism, pastoral care, leadership, church administration, community development, and the nurturing of new congregations.

Rev. Dr. James K. Sawo-Koroma, Team Lead of the Theological Consortium Sierra Leone, emphasized that the consortium seeks to strengthen church workers and leaders across all denominations by providing quality theological education that is both accessible and practical.

He noted that many Christians receive a calling to ministry but are unable to access formal theological education due to financial, academic, or logistical challenges. Through the consortium's programmes, such individuals are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to interpret and communicate the Gospel accurately and effectively.

“This training is designed to empower church workers and leaders to clearly understand and accurately interpret the Gospel message,” Rev. Dr. Sawo-Koroma said. “By doing so, they become more effective in serving their congregations and advancing the mission of the Church.”

Several important topics were covered during the conference, including Holistic Communication of the Gospel, which explored how Christians can effectively communicate the Gospel while addressing the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals and communities.

Facilitators explained that holistic ministry seeks to embody the Gospel in every aspect of life, recognizing that God created human beings as integrated persons whose spiritual and practical needs are interconnected. Participants learned that effective communication of the Gospel involves receiving, understanding, applying, and sharing God's message in ways that transform lives and communities.

Another key session focused on Bitterness and Forgiveness, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Manly. The session examined the importance of forgiveness as a foundation for Christian witness, personal healing, and effective ministry. Participants were encouraged to overcome bitterness and embrace forgiveness as a practical expression of Christian faith.

The conference attracted participants from a broad range of partner denominations and Christian organizations, including the Baptist Convention Sierra Leone, Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion Sierra Leone, Free Pentecostal Mission Sierra Leone, Harvest Inter-Continental, National Pentecostal Mission, New Harvest Global Ministry, United Brethren in Christ, Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone, and the Evangelical Fellowship of Sierra Leone.

Theological Consortium Sierra Leone officials described the conference as a pilot initiative and expressed optimism that it would become a regular platform for equipping women in ministry across the country. They emphasized that empowering women with sound biblical knowledge and leadership skills will not only strengthen churches but also contribute to community transformation and national development.

At the close of the conference, participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn, network, and grow spiritually. Many pledged to return to their communities and churches ready to share the knowledge gained and mentor other women in ministry.

The successful conclusion of the first Women-to-Women Bible Conference marks another significant milestone in the consortium’s ongoing efforts to make theological education accessible, practical, and transformative for church leaders and workers throughout Sierra Leone and beyond https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/theological-consortium-sierra-leone-holds-first-ever-women-to-women-bible-conference-in-bo/

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has successfully completed its nationwide cartographic mapping exercise for the 2026 Population and Housing Census, culminating in the symbolic mapping of the Presidential Lodge at Hill Station, Freetown, on June 19, 2026.

The landmark event marked a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s preparations for the 2026 Population and Housing Census and underscored the country’s commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive, and internationally recognized national census.

The symbolic exercise was attended by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who actively participated in the mapping process by responding to questions administered by the mapping team in his capacity as Head of Household. The event also attracted the First Lady of Sierra Leone, senior government officials, representatives of the media, the Deputy Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the GIS and Cartographic Mapping Consultant, the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) for the Census, and members of the management and staff of Statistics Sierra Leone.

The completion of the cartographic mapping exercise follows months of extensive fieldwork carried out across the country. The exercise is a critical component of census preparation, ensuring that all structures and households are accurately identified and assigned to Enumeration Areas ahead of the main population count.

Addressing the gathering, Statistician-General and Chief Census Officer, Andrew Bob Johnny, updated President Bio on the progress made towards the census. He highlighted the successful implementation of the Pilot Census, the completion of the nationwide cartographic mapping exercise, and ongoing preparations for the upcoming Mock Census.

He emphasized that the successful completion of the mapping phase demonstrates Statistics Sierra Leone’s readiness to proceed with the next stages of the census process and reflects the institution’s determination to ensure that every household in the country is captured.

The Cartographic Mapping Consultant, Dr. Foluke Adebayo, delivered a detailed presentation on the mapping process and outlined the methodologies employed throughout the nationwide exercise. Her presentation was followed by the screening of a simulation video showcasing key achievements and milestones recorded during the mapping operation.

Speaking during the event, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio described the symbolic mapping of the Presidential Lodge as an important moment in the country’s census preparations.

“This morning, Statistics Sierra Leone officially mapped the Presidential Lodge, marking the final step in our nationwide cartographic mapping process that began in October 2025. This will guide the conduct of a credible and accurate census in 2026, providing data to directly inform our future development planning,” President Bio stated.

The President commended Statistics Sierra Leone for the remarkable progress achieved thus far and reaffirmed his Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the 2026 Population and Housing Census.

He stressed the importance of reliable census data in national planning, policymaking, and resource allocation, noting that accurate population statistics remain essential for driving sustainable development and improving service delivery across the country.

The event concluded with the official symbolic mapping of the Presidential Lodge, formally signifying the successful completion of the nationwide cartographic mapping exercise.

Cartographic mapping is one of the most important pre-census activities, providing the framework for the main enumeration process by ensuring accurate delineation of Enumeration Areas and comprehensive coverage of all structures and households. Its successful completion represents a major step toward delivering a credible, reliable, and high-quality 2026 Population and Housing Census for Sierra Leone.

With the mapping phase now concluded, Statistics Sierra Leone is expected to intensify preparations for the Mock Census and subsequent enumeration activities as the country moves closer to conducting one of its most important national statistical exercises. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/stats-sl-completes-nationwide-cartographic-mapping-exercise-ahead-of-2026-census/

A South African national has been sentenced to a total of 130 years' imprisonment after the High Court of Sierra Leone found her guilty of multiple drug-related offences involving the unlawful possession, importation and transportation of cocaine.

The sentence was handed down on Thursday, 18 June 2026, by High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Andrew S.C. Johnson, at the Main Law Courts Building in Freetown.

The convict, 37-year-old Asandra Denise, a resident of Nenvonds in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, was arraigned before the court on a five-count indictment comprising Unlawful Possession of Prohibited Drugs, Dealing in Prohibited Drugs, Collecting Prohibited Drugs, Importing Prohibited Drugs and Transporting Prohibited Drugs, contrary to the provisions of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).

According to court records, Denise was arrested at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi after authorities discovered 365 pellets of cocaine weighing approximately 5.4 kilograms in her possession without lawful authority.

The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges when the matter was brought before the court.

During the trial, Forensic Toxicologist Joseph Lahai testified that two pellets containing white powder were selected as samples from the exhibits and subjected to laboratory analysis. He informed the court that the samples, weighing 10.5 grams, tested positive for traces of Cocaine Hydrochloride.

Counsel for the accused, Ibrahim Samba Esq., told the court that after consultations with his client and in the absence of defence witnesses, the accused elected to rely on the statement she had earlier made to the police.

The prosecution, led by I.A. Kamara Esq., called three witnesses, including the Forensic Toxicologist and the Exhibit Clerk, to establish its case. Upon the conclusion of the evidence, the prosecution informed the court that it was satisfied with the testimony presented.

“My Lord, having led all our witnesses, the Prosecution now wishes to tender the ex-officio information under the hand of the learned Attorney General pursuant to Section 153(b) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024 Act No. 8 of 2024,” Kamara submitted before closing the prosecution’s case.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Andrew S.C. Johnson stated that he had carefully evaluated all the evidence before the court and found the prosecution witnesses to be credible. He noted that their testimonies remained materially unshaken during cross-examination.

The judge further held that the accused's denial was insufficient to challenge the weight of evidence presented by the prosecution.

“I am therefore satisfied that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,” Justice Johnson ruled. “I find the Defendant guilty as charged on all five counts.”

The court subsequently sentenced Denise to 10 years' imprisonment on Count One for Unlawful Possession of Prohibited Drugs and 30 years each on Counts Two, Three, Four and Five for Dealing in Prohibited Drugs, Collecting Prohibited Drugs, Importing Prohibited Drugs and Transporting Prohibited Drugs respectively.

Although the combined sentence amounts to 130 years, Justice Johnson ordered that all terms of imprisonment run concurrently, effective from the date the accused was first remanded in custody.

The court also ordered that the cocaine and all related exhibits be forfeited to the State. Justice Johnson further directed that the narcotic substance be destroyed in the presence of the appropriate authorities in accordance with the law.

The judgment marks another significant conviction in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and strengthen enforcement against transnational narcotics crimes. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/south-african-woman-jailed-130-years-for-cocaine-trafficking-in-sierra-leone/

By Mariama Iyatunde Mansare, Public Relations Officer

The Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority (SLRDRA) has held a high-level Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting on the development of Sierra Leone’s first National Railway Master Plan, marking a significant step towards the restoration of railway transportation in the country.

The consultative meeting, held on Thursday, 18 June 2026, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, brought together government officials, representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, technical experts, and private sector stakeholders to commence discussions on the formulation of a comprehensive national railway strategy.

The event forms part of Government’s broader efforts to modernize transportation infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and strengthen regional integration.

Moderating the meeting, SLRDRA Company Secretary, Ms. Umu Nyalay Gbappy Esq., welcomed participants and underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, institutional collaboration, and stakeholder ownership throughout the Master Plan development process. She reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with government institutions and development partners to ensure the successful implementation of the railway development agenda.

Delivering the welcome address, Deputy Director-General of SLRDRA, Mr. George Simeon Songu, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, development partners, government institutions, local consultants ARIES Engineering and Consulting Services, and other stakeholders for attending the meeting. He described the occasion as a historic milestone that reflects Sierra Leone’s collective commitment to restoring a railway system capable of driving national development and economic transformation.

Chairman of the SLRDRA Board of Directors, Mr. Mohamed Tejan-Kella, emphasized the importance of establishing a strategic roadmap for the revival of railway transportation across the country. He noted that the National Railway Master Plan will identify priority railway corridors and provide a framework for the phased development of railway infrastructure nationwide.

According to him, an efficient railway network has the potential to boost economic growth by facilitating trade, improving access to markets, reducing transportation costs, supporting industrialization, and enhancing regional integration. He further stressed the need to align railway development with national priorities and international best practices while encouraging stakeholders to remain actively engaged throughout the planning process.

In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Rex Bonapha, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to restoring Sierra Leone’s railway sector in line with the vision of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

Reflecting on the country’s railway history, he noted that Sierra Leone once possessed an extensive rail network that played a vital role in connecting communities and supporting economic activities. He emphasized that reintroducing railway transportation has become increasingly important as the country seeks to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, support mining and agriculture, create jobs, and attract investment.

The Deputy Minister outlined Government’s two-phase railway investment strategy. The first phase involves preparing a comprehensive National Railway Master Plan supported by technical, economic, financial, environmental, and social feasibility studies. The second phase will focus on mobilizing private sector investment and development partner support to finance and implement viable railway corridors identified through the studies.

He also informed participants that the procurement process for an internationally reputable engineering consulting firm to undertake detailed studies was nearing completion and called on MDAs to provide the necessary technical information and data required for the successful preparation of the Master Plan.

Director General of SLRDRA, Ing. Dr. Albert Forde, delivered a detailed presentation on the proposed National Railway Network and the Authority’s vision for railway development. He revealed that the proposed network consists of fourteen interconnected railway corridors spanning approximately 1,900 kilometres across Sierra Leone, with opportunities for future links to neighbouring countries under the ECOWAS regional integration programme.

According to Dr. Forde, the proposed railway system is designed to support four major growth sectors: agriculture, mining, trade and investment, and passenger and tourism transportation. He highlighted plans for a future commuter rail service connecting Waterloo to River Number Two to improve urban mobility and support tourism development.

He explained that the network’s development will be guided by comprehensive feasibility studies, economic and financial assessments, environmental evaluations, and extensive stakeholder consultations. He further emphasized the Authority’s commitment to adopting modern railway technologies and environmentally sustainable solutions capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

Presenting the National Railway Master Plan Framework, Ing. Hassan Tamimu outlined the study’s objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. He explained that the Master Plan aims to establish a long-term strategic framework for railway infrastructure development while promoting economic growth, regional integration, trade facilitation, and national connectivity.

Representing ARIES Engineering and Consulting Services, Ing. Nappy Bah presented proposed railway route options and corridor development strategies. She stated that preliminary route assessments considered factors such as population distribution, economic activity, mining operations, agricultural production centres, environmental conditions, topography, and future growth prospects.

SLRDRA Engineer, Ing. Kallon, also delivered a technical presentation on railway engineering standards, design principles, and implementation considerations. He stressed the importance of adhering to international and ECOWAS standards and highlighted the need for detailed surveys, geotechnical investigations, hydrological studies, bridge assessments, and environmental evaluations before implementation.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Ing. Fatmata Halima Turay, who expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, the Board Chairman, Director General, development partners, ARIES Engineering and Consulting Services, representatives of MDAs, and all stakeholders for their active participation.

She commended the collaborative spirit demonstrated during the consultation and encouraged continued cooperation as SLRDRA advances the development of Sierra Leone’s first National Railway Master Plan.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from Government, SLRDRA, and technical partners to work collectively towards the successful development of the Master Plan. Once implemented, the initiative is expected to lay the foundation for the restoration of railway transportation in Sierra Leone, improve national connectivity, facilitate trade and investment, create employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to the country’s long-term economic transformation. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slrdra-holds-stakeholder-consultative-meeting-on-development-of-national-railway-master-plan/

 Sierra Leone has secured a US$10 million financing agreement aimed at increasing the country’s subscribed share capital in the Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), marking another significant step in strengthening investments in housing, urban development and infrastructure.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, and the President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), His Excellency Abdullah KH Almusaibeeh, on the sidelines of the 2026 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings held in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, from 16 to 19 June 2026.

Minister Bangura is leading Sierra Leone’s delegation to the annual gathering, which is being held under the theme, “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity.” The event has brought together ministers of finance, economy, planning, development and investment, alongside heads of international financial institutions, private sector leaders and development partners from the IsDB’s 57 member countries to discuss strategies for economic cooperation and sustainable development.

During the bilateral engagement, the two parties formalized the US$10 million financing agreement to increase Sierra Leone’s shareholding in the Shelter Afrique Development Bank, a Pan-African multilateral development institution dedicated to promoting affordable housing, urban development and related infrastructure projects across the continent.

Speaking during the meeting, BADEA President Abdullah KH Almusaibeeh expressed the institution’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Sierra Leone. He disclosed that BADEA is exploring opportunities to expand its current portfolio in the country, including support for private sector development and trade financing initiatives.

The BADEA President further informed the Minister that the Bank’s Board has approved financial support for the expansion of the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Dam Project, which is being co-financed by the OPEC Fund for International Development. He noted that the project is expected to contribute significantly to Sierra Leone’s energy generation capacity and support long-term economic growth.

Almusaibeeh also revealed that BADEA has already disbursed 50 percent of a US$60 million trade credit facility, amounting to US$30 million, to facilitate the importation of rice and other essential food commodities. The initiative is intended to ensure the availability of key food supplies and help maintain price stability across the country.

On the margins of the annual meetings, Minister Bangura also held discussions with the Director of the Operations Department of the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). During the meeting, he provided updates on the performance of Sierra Leone’s development portfolio and expressed appreciation for KFAED’s continued support to the Government.

The Minister informed the KFAED Director that the Hill-Side Bypass Road Project has been successfully completed, while ongoing health and water sector projects continue to make progress. He also highlighted the Government’s commitment to constructing a modern Cancer and Radiotherapy Centre, describing it as a flagship healthcare priority under the administration of President Julius Maada Bio.

The KFAED Director reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s importance as a strategic development partner and pledged the Fund’s continued support for projects that align with the Government’s national development agenda.

Sierra Leone’s delegation to the 2026 IsDB Annual Meetings includes Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie; Deputy Financial Secretary for the Multilateral Project Division, Morie Momoh; Director of the Fiscal Risk Division and Executive Director at IsDB, Dr Alhassan A. Mansaray; Technical Adviser Dr Franklin Sisabu Bendu; Assistant Director of the Multilateral Project Division, Kenneth King; and Deputy Director of the Banking Supervision Department at the Bank of Sierra Leone, Philip Bangura.

The engagements in Baku underscore Sierra Leone’s efforts to mobilize development financing, strengthen international partnerships and accelerate investments in critical sectors such as housing, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and food security. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/finance-minister-signs-10-million-deal-for-housing-urban-development-investment-at-isdb-meetings/

 The Deputy National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), Commissioner Robert Kondema Kargbo, has been elected unopposed as Deputy Chairman of the All Political Parties Association (APPA) during a meeting held at the headquarters of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) at Tower Hill in Freetown.

The meeting brought together representatives of registered political parties from across Sierra Leone to deliberate on issues relating to political cooperation, democratic governance, and national development. During the proceedings, Commissioner Kargbo was nominated for the position of Deputy Chairman of APPA and received unanimous endorsement from member parties after facing no opposition.

His election was formally confirmed by the Chair of the meeting, with delegates describing the outcome as a reflection of the confidence political parties have in his leadership abilities and commitment to fostering dialogue among political stakeholders.

In his acceptance speech, Commissioner Kargbo expressed appreciation to the member parties for the trust and confidence placed in him. He pledged to serve the Association with integrity, fairness, transparency, and dedication while promoting collaboration among all political parties.

“I am honoured to be unanimously elected Acting Vice Chairman of the All Political Parties Association (APPA) at the PPRC Headquarters, Tower Hill. I am committed to promoting unity, transparency, and effective results for all member parties,” he stated.

He further emphasized the importance of constructive engagement among political actors in strengthening democratic governance and maintaining national cohesion.

Representatives of various political parties welcomed his election, describing it as a positive development for the Association and the country's democratic process. They expressed optimism that his experience in political leadership and commitment to consensus-building would help advance APPA's objectives and strengthen inter-party relations.

Participants noted that the Association continues to play an important role in fostering dialogue among political parties, encouraging peaceful engagement, and addressing issues of national concern through collective action and consultation.

The meeting concluded with renewed commitments from political party representatives to strengthen cooperation, promote political tolerance, and work together in support of peace, democracy, and national unity. Delegates reaffirmed their determination to continue engaging through APPA as a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration in the interest of Sierra Leone's democratic development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slpp-deputy-national-chairman-robert-kondema-kargbo-elected-appa-deputy-chairman-unopposed/