By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, has extended charitable support to Muslim communities in Lungi, during this Holy Month of Ramadan, donating essential food items to several Masjids in a gesture that underscores her commitment to community solidarity and social responsibility.

The donation, made on Saturday, February 28, 2026, was warmly received by religious leaders and community members, who described the act as both timely and reflective of compassionate leadership.

Speaking on the initiative, Madam Musayeroh Barrie expressed humility and gratitude for the opportunity to give back. “During this blessed month of Ramadan, I was humbled to donate food items to various Masjids in Lungi. Giving back to our communities remains a shared responsibility. May Allah continue to bless and unite us all. Ramadan Mubarak,” she stated.

Community leaders in Lungi commended the SLCAA Director General for remembering local worshippers during a spiritually significant period marked by fasting, prayer and charity. They noted that such gestures strengthen unity and reinforce shared values of compassion and service.

While demonstrating social commitment at home, Madam Musayeroh Barrie continues to spearhead far-reaching reforms within Sierra Leone’s civil aviation sector. Since her appointment in 2023, she has led efforts to modernize regulatory systems and reposition the country within global aviation governance frameworks.

Sierra Leone has remained on the European Union Air Safety List since 2008 due to concerns relating to regulatory oversight and compliance with international safety standards. However, under Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership, the SLCAA has developed a structured and results-oriented roadmap with European aviation authorities aimed at resolving identified deficiencies.

The reform process prioritizes enhanced safety oversight, strengthened inspector training, institutional capacity building and full compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Two high-level engagements with the EU Safety Commission have already established clear benchmarks and timelines, signaling measurable progress.

Aviation experts maintain that the EU restriction largely concerns regulatory oversight capacity rather than operational deficiencies of individual carriers. As such, the SLCAA’s renewed focus on institutional strengthening is viewed as central to achieving eventual removal from the blacklist.

In parallel, Sierra Leone continues to expand its air connectivity. Strategic partnerships with regional and international airlines have strengthened passenger movement, while ongoing certification processes are expected to enhance regulatory transparency and operational confidence within the sector.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s growing influence has also earned international recognition. She has been selected to participate as a panelist in a high-level global aviation webinar hosted by the Singapore Aviation Academy in collaboration with Women in Aviation Singapore. The forum will explore aviation’s role as a catalyst for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Observers note that her inclusion among global aviation leaders reflects increasing confidence in Sierra Leone’s reform trajectory and regulatory credibility.

As the first female and youngest Director General of the SLCAA, Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership continues to blend technical reform with inclusive engagement. From advancing critical aviation safety standards to supporting communities during Ramadan, her stewardship highlights a balanced approach to national development.

With reforms progressing steadily and international partnerships deepening, Sierra Leone’s aviation sector appears poised for renewed credibility, stronger global integration and sustained growth under her guidance. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-dg-extends-ramadan-support-to-lungi-masjids-while-steering-aviation-sector-toward-global-recognition/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Choithram Memorial Hospital has announced a special two-day colon cancer screening program scheduled to take place on 12th and 13th March 2026, bringing UK-accredited colonoscopists to Freetown to support early detection and prevention efforts.

According to hospital authorities, the screening exercise will be conducted by the conducted by the Clinical Director and specialist team from a UK bowel screening centre. The visiting delegation comprises experienced doctors and nurses trained in advanced gastrointestinal diagnostic procedures, particularly colonoscopy, which is regarded globally as a critical tool in detecting colon cancer at an early stage.

The medical team will carry out colonoscopy procedures designed to examine the inner lining of the large intestine. During the process, doctors will also be able to identify and remove polyps or adenomas—abnormal growths that, if left untreated, could develop into cancer over time. Health experts stress that removing these growths significantly reduces the risk of colon cancer and improves long-term health outcomes.

Hospital Management noted that the initiative reflects Choithram Memorial Hospital’s continued commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare services in Sierra Leone through international collaboration and specialist outreach programs.

Colon cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related illnesses worldwide. Medical professionals continue to encourage individuals, especially those over the age of 40 or those with a family history of colorectal conditions, to undergo routine screening as a proactive health measure.

Due to the specialized nature of the procedures, the hospital has announced that only limited slots are available for the screening exercise. Members of the public are therefore advised to register early to secure an appointment.

For registration and further inquiries, interested individuals can contact +232 76541331.

The upcoming screening dates provide a significant opportunity for residents to access expert diagnostic services locally, reinforcing the importance of early detection and timely medical intervention in the fight against colon cancer. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/choithram-memorial-hospital-announces-two-day-colon-cancer-screening-with-uk-specialists/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The United States Peace Corps is celebrating its 65th anniversary worldwide and 64 years of dedicated partnership and service in Sierra Leone, highlighting decades of collaboration, cultural exchange and grassroots development across the country.

In a letter issued on March 3, 2026, by the U.S. Embassy Freetown, Peace Corps Country Director, Tim Miller reflected on the agency’s longstanding presence in Sierra Leone since 1962.

According to the statement, nearly 4,000 Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) have served in almost every district of Sierra Leone over the past six decades. Their work has focused primarily on literacy, science, mathematics, agriculture and maternal and child health, sectors considered critical to national development.

Working side by side with local communities, volunteers have supported teachers in classrooms, collaborated with farmers to improve agricultural practices, strengthened schools and promoted healthier futures for families and children. The initiative has consistently emphasized community-driven development, ensuring that projects respond to locally identified needs.

The letter noted that Peace Corps Volunteers have lived and worked in hundreds of communities throughout the country, fostering not only development outcomes but also enduring people-to-people connections. In partnership with host communities, volunteers have helped rehabilitate dozens of facilities, including Community Health Units (CHUs), libraries and educational buildings.

Beyond infrastructure and service delivery, the Peace Corps’ presence in Sierra Leone has also nurtured deep cultural ties. Many volunteers have formed lifelong friendships during their service, while some have married Sierra Leoneans, creating families that symbolize the strong bond between the two nations.

“America is stronger due to our partnership, building bridges between families, businesses and cultures in our two countries,” the letter emphasized, underscoring the broader diplomatic and social value of the program.

The statement further highlighted the transformative experience for volunteers themselves. By immersing themselves in local communities, they have learned Sierra Leone’s culture and languages directly from villagers, women and youth leaders, and paramount chiefs. These experiences, the letter noted, equip volunteers with wisdom, humility and a deeper global perspective, which they carry back to the United States.

The Peace Corps also expressed appreciation for the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, for their steadfast collaboration and leadership over the years. The enduring partnership between the Government and the Peace Corps has enabled the program to sustain its impact in key sectors.

Most importantly, the letter conveyed gratitude to the people of Sierra Leone for their generosity, resilience and trust, which have been central to the success of the program since its inception.

As the Peace Corps marks this milestone anniversary, it reaffirmed its commitment to building on the remarkable legacy of friendship and cooperation that has defined its relationship with Sierra Leone for more than six decades.

The statement concluded with a pledge to continue strengthening the enduring bonds between the two nations through service, mutual respect and shared development goals. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/u-s-peace-corps-marks-65-years-globally-64-years-of-partnership-and-service-in-sierra-leone/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), alongside key media and civil society stakeholders, on Thursday, 26th February 2026, engaged the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., and his Deputy, Saptieu Saccoh, in discussions centred on a proposed stand-alone constitutional chapter on Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

The meeting forms part of ongoing consultations under the national constitutional review process and follows an earlier engagement held in February 2025, during which SLAJ formally presented its proposal for what it envisions as Chapter 12 of the Constitution; a dedicated chapter to constitutionally guarantee freedom of expression, press freedom and access to information.

SLAJ has been advocating for a stand-alone constitutional chapter on media freedom since 2016, when it submitted a proposal to the Justice Cowan Constitutional Review Committee. Although the recommendation was not reflected in the subsequent Government White Paper, the Association has sustained advocacy efforts over the years.

Speaking on behalf of media stakeholders, SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara expressed appreciation to the Attorney General for engaging journalists and civil society actors on critical national issues. He emphasized that Sierra Leoneans deserve a clear and explicit constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression and press freedom, particularly amid ongoing public debates surrounding the Constitutional Amendment Bill currently before Parliament.

He observed that the absence of detailed constitutional protections has, at times, contributed to an atmosphere where citizens feel apprehensive about expressing independent views on national matters for fear of political labelling or backlash. He further cited comparative examples such as Kenya, whose constitution contains detailed and enforceable provisions safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms.

In his response, Attorney General, Alpha Sesay, described the engagement as constructive and reaffirmed the importance of the media in the constitutional review journey.

“Journalists have accompanied Sierra Leone’s constitutional review process and remain a crucial part of this national exercise,” he noted, adding that his office welcomed SLAJ’s detailed submission on a stand-alone chapter for media freedom.

He provided a historical overview of constitutional reform efforts, referencing the Lomé Peace Agreement and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), both of which recommended constitutional reforms. He further highlighted past initiatives including the Peter Tucker Committee established under former President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah and the Justice Cowan Committee under former President Ernest Bai Koroma. Several of the Cowan Committee’s key recommendations were later accepted in a Government White Paper.

The Attorney General also explained that the aftermath of the 2023 general elections led to the formation of a Tripartite Committee comprising representatives of the APC, SLPP and international partners. The Committee worked for approximately six months and produced 80 agreed recommendations, many of which are reflected in the current Constitutional Amendment Bill before Parliament.

Clarifying concerns surrounding the Amendment Bill, particularly provisions relating to electoral reforms, the Attorney General stated that the Bill largely mirrors the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations, with only limited Government modifications made within its legal mandate.

He acknowledged concerns raised by women’s groups regarding provisions such as the financial threshold for independent candidates, noting that such issues are being carefully considered. He also recognized a longstanding trust deficit between successive Governments and citizens, describing it as a national challenge that reform efforts seek to address.

On the broader reform agenda, he disclosed that the constitutional review process is expected to continue until the end of 2026. Proposed reforms include revising Chapter III of the 1991 Constitution into a more robust and justiciable Bill of Rights, alongside new provisions addressing citizenship, local Government, lands and environmental governance.

Regarding the media stakeholders’ proposal, the Attorney General expressed optimism about its consideration. He stressed that the constitutional review process cannot succeed without active media participation and assured the delegation that, if adopted, the Law Officers’ Department would work closely with SLAJ to carefully draft provisions to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

He further clarified that the current Amendment Bill before Parliament focuses primarily on electoral reforms, given that the next general elections are just over two years away. Additional constitutional amendments are expected to follow after Parliament concludes deliberations on the present Bill.

The SLAJ delegation included members of the Association’s Executive, former SLAJ Presidents Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (ex officio) and Umaru Fofana, Tanu Jalloh, Presidents of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), the Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU) and the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL). Also present were the Chairman of the Guild of Editors, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), representatives of the Independent Radio Network (IRN), the Sierra Leone Broadcasters Association (SiLBA) and civil society actors including Abdul M. Fatoma of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI).

The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment from media stakeholders to remain constructively involved in the constitutional reform process and to advocate for firm and explicit constitutional guarantees protecting freedom of expression and press freedom in Sierra Leone’s supreme law. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slaj-media-stakeholders-engage-attorney-general-on-proposed-stand-alone-chapter-on-press-freedom/

By Foday Moriba Conteh 

A Call To Business Bank (ACTB Bank) has unveiled its Ramadan–Easter Promotion, a nationwide campaign designed to reward customers who receive international money transfers through its branches across Sierra Leone.

The promotion, which commenced on Monday, 2nd March 2026, will run until the end of April 2026. According to the bank’s Head of the International Money Remittance Department, Ophelia Hamilton, the initiative targets customers who receive funds from abroad via ACTB Bank’s remittance platforms.

Speaking at the launch, Madam Ophelia Hamilton disclosed that customers collecting transfers through services such as MoneyGram, Ria, Western Union, WorldRemit and Trans-Fast, among others, will automatically qualify for various gift items upon receiving their funds at any ACTB branch nationwide.

She explained that the promotion has been structured into three categories based on the amount received. Customers who collect between Le 5,000 and Le 20,000 fall within the first tier, those receiving between Le 20,000 and Le 50,000 qualify for the second tier, while customers who receive Le 50,000 and above will be placed in the top category.

Winners, she noted, will receive assorted food items corresponding to their respective categories.

ACTB Bank’s Marketing Manager, Rockslyn Alwyn Findlay, described the initiative as part of the institution’s ongoing commitment to appreciating its customers. He emphasized that the promotion is open to both account holders and non-account holders, including staff members and assured the public of a transparent process.

“This is not the first time we are rewarding our customers,” Rockslyn Alwyn Findlay stated. “We will continue to do so to the best of our ability because we care about our customers.”

ACTB Bank, which started as a microcredit institution, has previously rolled out similar promotions, including one that offered a vehicle valued at $13,000 as a grand prize to customers. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/actb-bank-launches-ramadan-easter-promotion-to-reward-customers/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning has concluded a critical investigation into a disputed parcel of land situated at Bathurst/Gloucester, according to an official public notice issued by the Ministry.

The dispute, which involves multiple individuals and entities claiming ownership of the property, prompted the Ministry to undertake a comprehensive review to determine the authenticity and legal standing of the competing claims.

Those listed as claimants to the property include Umaru Napoleon Koroma; Development Initiative (C/O Hawa Saffa); Richard P.G. Robert; Bademba Barrie; Alpha Koroma; Councillor Mendy; Councillor Zacharia; Ekundice Thomas; the Headman of Gloucester; the Headman of Bathurst; and First Tricon.

In the notice, the Ministry disclosed that the investigation process involved the receipt and review of documents submitted by the various claimants. It also included multiple physical field visits to the site and the use of drone technology to capture aerial views of the land in question.

Officials explained that the primary objective of the investigation was to authenticate the status of the disputed land, verify the legitimacy of the submitted documentation and confirm the physical boundaries of the property.

The Ministry further stated that the findings and recommendations arising from the investigation have been formally presented to the Office of the President.

In line with its commitment to transparency and public accountability, the Ministry has scheduled a public disclosure meeting to present the findings.

The meeting is set for Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning.

All interested parties, including the named claimants and members of the general public have been invited to attend the session. The Ministry has requested that attendees arrive on time to ensure the smooth conduct of the proceedings.

The move signals the Government’s continued efforts to address land disputes through structured investigations, institutional oversight and open public engagement. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/lands-ministry-concludes-probe-into-bathurst-gloucester-land-dispute-announces-public-disclosure-meeting/

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Mr. Edmond Sylvester Alpha, following his approval by Parliament.

The ceremony, held on Tuesday March 3, 2026 at State House in Freetown, marks a significant moment in the country’s democratic governance, as the new Commissioner formally assumes constitutional responsibility for overseeing the nation’s electoral processes.

Declaring the purpose of the ceremony, Secretary to the President, Baba Brima Fortune, informed the gathering that in accordance with Section 32(3) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, President Bio undertook consultations with the leadership of all registered political parties prior to making the appointment.

He disclosed that on 10 February 2026, fourteen (14) registered political parties were formally notified of the intended appointment, out of which twelve (12) submitted letters conveying their approval of Mr. Alpha’s nomination.

Mr. Fortune further confirmed that the nominee subsequently underwent parliamentary scrutiny and debate and was duly approved by Parliament, thereby fulfilling the constitutional requirements for his appointment and swearing-in.

After taking the oath of office to faithfully discharge his duties and uphold the Constitution, Mr. Alpha expressed gratitude to President Bio for the confidence reposed in him. He described his appointment as “a sacred contract with the people of Sierra Leone” and pledged to execute his mandate with independence, transparency, integrity, and inclusiveness.

“Our democracy thrives on the belief that every voice matters and every vote counts,” Mr. Alpha stated. He assured citizens, political parties, and development partners that his stewardship of the ECSL would be firmly guided by the Constitution and the legal frameworks governing elections in Sierra Leone.

He further committed to maintaining an open-door policy and fostering constructive engagement with political stakeholders, civil society organisations, and other partners to strengthen public confidence in the country’s electoral system.

In his congratulatory remarks, President Bio emphasized that the appointment was carried out strictly within the bounds of his constitutional authority. He noted that, unlike certain experiences he observed while serving in opposition, he ensured full compliance with the consultative provisions outlined in the Constitution.

The President described the office of the Chief Electoral Commissioner as one bearing immense national responsibility, underscoring the central role of the ECSL in safeguarding democracy and ensuring credible, transparent, and peaceful elections.

“This is not a mere appointment; it is a great responsibility,” President Bio stated, urging the new Chairman and Commissioners to serve with humility, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to Sierra Leone’s democratic ideals.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the independence of the ECSL, stressing that strong institutions remain the bedrock of sustainable democracy and good governance.

Reflecting on broader democratic reforms undertaken during his tenure, President Bio highlighted key legislative milestones, including the repeal of Part Five of the Public Order Act of 1965 and the abolition of the death penalty. He reiterated that such reforms demonstrate his government’s resolve to deepen democratic governance and expand civil liberties.

The President concluded by calling for sustained national dialogue among political actors and citizens alike, noting that inclusive engagement and respect for constitutional principles are essential for consolidating peace, unity, and democratic progress in Sierra Leone.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior government officials, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/58102-2/