Street begging is becoming increasingly widespread across Freetown, prompting urgent calls for the Government of Sierra Leone to introduce practical and sustainable measures to address the growing social problem.

Men and women capable of working, elderly people, persons living with disabilities and young children can now be seen begging at major intersections, marketplaces, commercial centres, places of worship and recreational areas throughout the capital.

Of particular concern is the growing number of children being used to solicit money from members of the public at Lumley and Aberdeen beaches. Some of the children appear to be between two and seven years old and are reportedly sent to approach tourists, joggers and other beach users while their parents or guardians remain nearby.

Concerned citizen, Charles Sylvanus Boye, has written to the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the National Tourist Board, calling for immediate Government intervention.

Charles Sylvanus Boye warned that the situation should not be viewed solely as a public inconvenience or tourism concern. He said it is primarily a child-protection issue requiring a coordinated response from the Government, local councils, law-enforcement agencies, Civil Society Organisations and community leaders.

“The children should be playing, learning, developing social skills and preparing for a productive future; not being introduced at such an early age to a life of begging,” he stated.

While acknowledging the economic hardship facing many families, Charles Sylvanus Boye stressed that poverty should not be used to justify the exploitation of children. He said the authorities must respond with compassion while making it clear that using children to beg cannot be normalized.

He warned that repeatedly exposing young children to street begging could prevent them from attending school and acquiring the education and skills necessary to escape poverty. Without intervention, he said, the practice could create another generation that views begging as its only means of survival.

The growing presence of child beggars at Lumley and Aberdeen beaches is also raising concerns among residents and visitors who use the areas for walking, jogging, recreation and relaxation. Persistent requests for money could make visitors uncomfortable and damage the image of the beaches as safe and welcoming tourism destinations.

The Government should urgently establish a multi-agency task force involving the relevant Ministries, the National Tourist Board, the Sierra Leone Police, Freetown City Council, child-protection organisations and community representatives.

The task force should conduct a comprehensive registration and assessment of people begging across Freetown. This would help the authorities determine who needs financial assistance, medical care, disability support, housing, education, counselling or employment opportunities.

Social workers should be deployed to identify begging locations, particularly Lumley and Aberdeen beaches, to remove vulnerable children from harmful situations and trace their parents or guardians. Families should then be assessed and connected to appropriate social-protection programmes.

Children found begging should be enrolled or returned to school, while the Government should strengthen school-feeding, learning-material and family-support programmes to reduce the financial pressure that keeps vulnerable children out of classrooms.

Parents and guardians who depend on begging should be offered vocational training, small-business assistance, agricultural opportunities or temporary employment under public works programmes. Support should be properly monitored to ensure that beneficiaries do not return children to the streets.

The Government must also enforce existing child-protection laws against adults who deliberately exploit children for financial gain. However, enforcement should be combined with rehabilitation and family support rather than relying solely on arrests or forced removal.

A nationwide public-education campaign should be introduced to explain the dangers of child begging and discourage the public from giving money directly to children. Citizens wishing to help should instead be encouraged to support recognized charities and Government-approved social programmes.

“This is not a call to criminalize poverty or stigmatize vulnerable mothers. It is a call to protect children,” Charles Sylvanus Boye emphasized.

He urged the Government to treat the situation as an urgent national concern and develop a compassionate but firm response that addresses both child exploitation and the poverty driving families onto the streets.

Sierra Leone’s children deserve classrooms, playgrounds and safe homes; not a childhood spent begging from strangers. The Government must act now before the practice becomes an even deeper and more difficult social crisis. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63623

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, Leader of the DIB Movement and flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), has urged President Julius Maada Bio to withhold assent to the recently passed constitutional amendment bill until the Supreme Court determines the constitutional questions arising from Parliament’s proceedings.

In a statement dated 14 August 2026, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura said he had closely followed parliamentary proceedings relating to the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which he believes raise serious issues concerning the country’s constitutional order, democratic governance and institutional stability.

He welcomed the Speaker of Parliament’s decision to refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an advisory opinion, arguing that the process should proceed without unnecessary delay.

“Given the significance of the questions at stake, I respectfully urge that this process proceed without unnecessary delay,” he stated.

According to Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, an authoritative interpretation from the Supreme Court would provide clarity on the constitutional requirements governing amendments to Sierra Leone’s supreme law and help guide the country through the current dispute.

He endorsed the APC’s position that further action on the amendment bill should be suspended while the Court considers the issues raised. He also supported the party’s intention to seek legal redress before the Supreme Court.

“It would be prudent for all concerned to allow the Court to pronounce on these important constitutional questions before any irreversible steps are taken,” Dr. Ibrahim Bangura said.

He maintained that allowing the judiciary to determine the issues before the bill receives presidential assent would protect constitutional order, reinforce public confidence and demonstrate respect for the rule of law.

Beyond the legal dispute, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura called on political leaders, party supporters and citizens to exercise patience, restraint and respect for national institutions. He warned that political disagreements should not undermine the constitutional framework established for their peaceful and lawful resolution.

“Whatever our political differences, our shared responsibility is to ensure that the Constitution remains the foundation for the peaceful, lawful resolution of those differences,” he stressed.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura argued that constitutional amendments should not be treated as ordinary legislative measures because they can have far-reaching consequences for governance, citizens’ relationship with the State and the constitutional legacy passed on to future generations.

He said any attempt to alter the Constitution must therefore meet the highest standards of consultation, transparency, due process and national responsibility.

“Doing so strengthens, rather than weakens, our institutions and helps sustain citizens’ confidence in our democratic system,” he noted.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura made three specific appeals to President Julius Maada Bio. First, he urged the President to withhold assent until the Supreme Court has interpreted and determined the constitutional questions that have emerged.

Second, he called on the President to support broad consultations involving the APC, other political parties, Civil Society Organisations, legal experts and key national stakeholders. He said such engagement would help build the widest possible consensus on any proposed constitutional changes.

Third, he appealed to the President to safeguard the sovereign will of the people by ensuring that the final outcome commands broad national confidence, possesses constitutional legitimacy and serves Sierra Leone’s long-term interests.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura also urged APC members and supporters to remain united, calm and disciplined while pursuing lawful and constructive engagement.

“Our party is greater than any individual and the future of Sierra Leone is greater than any political party,” he stated.

He cautioned against reducing the dispute to a purely partisan contest, stressing that the national interest must remain above the interests of any individual or political organisation.

According to him, the APC should demonstrate principled leadership and engage constructively with relevant stakeholders as it seeks to defend the Constitution and Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura described the Constitution as the bedrock of the Republic and maintained that any process intended to amend it must inspire confidence in both its legality and legitimacy.

He said constitutional reform should not be pursued for political advantage but treated as a solemn national responsibility requiring careful deliberation, inclusion and respect for democratic principles.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura further observed that responsibility for protecting Sierra Leone’s constitutional order does not rest with the Supreme Court alone. He said Parliament, the Executive, political parties, Civil Society Organisations and citizens all have a duty to ensure that the country’s long-term interests remain paramount.

“At moments of constitutional significance, our responsibility is not merely to consider what may be possible today, but what will best serve our country tomorrow,” he said.

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura concluded by calling for wisdom, restraint and respect for the institutions of the Republic. He expressed hope that the eventual outcome would strengthen democracy, preserve the integrity of the Constitution and serve the lasting interests of the people of Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63621

The Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that Zainab Sheriff has died, confirming that she is alive and recovering after receiving medical attention.

In an official statement issued on Sunday, 17 August 2026, the Correctional Service said its attention had been drawn to a flyer circulating on social media alleging that Zainab Sheriff is dead.

The institution described the information as false and urged members of the public not to rely on or circulate the claim.

According to the SLCS, Zainab Sheriff had complained of being unwell while in custody and was subsequently provided with the necessary medical attention.

The Correctional Service said she is recovering well, stressing that the welfare and medical needs of inmates remain a priority for the institution.

“Zainab Sheriff is reliably alive,” the institution stated while rejecting the social media reports surrounding her condition.

The SLCS further reassured the public that inmates who become ill while in its custody are provided with appropriate medical attention, maintaining that it remains committed to safeguarding their welfare.

Against the backdrop of the misinformation circulating online, the Correctional Service appealed to media institutions, social media users and the general public to rely on official information from the institution when reporting or sharing developments concerning inmates in its custody.

The institution emphasized the importance of verifying sensitive information before publication, particularly reports concerning the health or alleged death of persons in custody.

The Correctional Service maintained that it remains a reliable source of official information regarding individuals under its supervision and encouraged the media and members of the public to seek clarification from the institution whenever questions arise.

For further information concerning the matter, the SLCS advised the public and media practitioners to contact its Head of Media and Public Relations.

The clarification comes amid the increasing circulation of unverified information on social media, highlighting the need for greater caution and verification before claims involving the health, safety or death of individuals are shared with the public. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63616

AfriGas and MiKashBoks have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at making clean cooking products more affordable and accessible to households and businesses across Sierra Leone through a flexible savings arrangement.

The partnership will use MiKashBoks’ “Save to Buy” feature, allowing customers to gradually save towards the purchase of eligible AfriGas products instead of paying the entire cost upfront.

Under the arrangement, customers can select an AfriGas product of their choice, determine a savings plan that suits their financial circumstances and make regular deposits through the MiKashBoks platform. Once the required savings target has been reached, the customer can collect the selected product.

Among the clean cooking solutions available is AfriGas’ 6kg complete set, designed to provide households with a cleaner, safer and more efficient alternative for preparing meals.

The two companies said the initiative responds to the financial challenges that can prevent some Sierra Leoneans from making the initial investment required to adopt Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking.

Rather than relying on credit or taking on debt, the “Save to Buy” model provides customers with a structured and transparent mechanism to plan and save towards acquiring essential household products.

The partnership also brings together AfriGas’ clean cooking solutions and MiKashBoks’ digital financial services, with both companies expressing their commitment to advancing financial inclusion while broadening access to modern cooking energy.

Speaking on the partnership, MiKashBoks Founder, Salton Massally, said the platform was established on the principle that consistent saving could enable individuals and families to achieve important financial goals.

“MiKashBoks was built on the belief that consistent saving can help people achieve meaningful financial goals. Through our partnership with AfriGas, customers can now turn small, regular deposits into products that improve their everyday lives,” Salton Massally said.

He added that the collaboration would help households plan their finances more effectively while gaining access to cleaner cooking solutions without facing the pressure of making a large one-time payment.

“Together, we're helping households plan better, save smarter and access cleaner cooking solutions without financial pressure,” Salton Massally stated.

AfriGas Chief Executive Officer, Sahid Swaid, described the partnership as another step towards making safe and reliable clean cooking products available to more people across Sierra Leone.

“At AfriGas, our mission is to make safe and reliable clean cooking products accessible to more Sierra Leoneans. Partnering with MiKashBoks allows us to reach customers in a way that matches how they already manage their finances,” Sahid Swaid said.

According to Sahid Swaid, the “Save to Buy” initiative provides customers with a practical route towards owning clean cooking equipment while supporting AfriGas’ wider objective of expanding access to LPG and other clean cooking solutions throughout the country.

Customers interested in participating can begin saving by downloading the MiKashBoks application or dialling *352#, selecting the “Save to Buy” option and choosing an eligible AfriGas product.

AfriGas is one of Sierra Leone’s providers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, supplying cooking energy solutions to households, businesses and institutions. Through its distribution network, the company seeks to increase the adoption of cleaner cooking methods while promoting safer and more sustainable energy use.

MiKashBoks, meanwhile, is a digital finance platform licensed by the Bank of Sierra Leone. The platform provides users with access to savings and other financial services through mobile channels, including its Android application, USSD and WhatsApp.

The companies believe the partnership could help address two important challenges simultaneously: improving access to formal financial services and reducing the financial barriers associated with transitioning to cleaner cooking technologies.

By enabling customers to make smaller deposits over time towards a predetermined product, the initiative is expected to provide households with greater flexibility in managing their income while working towards acquiring cleaner and safer cooking equipment. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63613

The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has announced that the current executive members of the All People’s Congress (APC) will continue to manage the affairs of the party pending the determination of a court case challenging part of the Commission’s directives on the tenure of the party’s elected officials.

The clarification was contained in a press statement issued by the PPRC on Monday, 17 August 2026, following earlier directives communicated to the APC on 13 February 2026.

According to the Commission, it had exercised its constitutional and statutory mandate by extending the tenure of the APC Executive for six months under Section 39(5) of the Political Parties Act 2022, Act No. 25 of 2022.

The extension was intended to provide the party with additional time to address its internal leadership arrangements and proceed towards its National Delegates’ Conference.

The PPRC said the second limb of its February directive provided that if the APC Executive failed to take the party to its National Delegates’ Conference after the expiration of the six-month extension, the Leader of the APC in Parliament, together with the party’s five other Members of Parliament representing each region, would assume responsibility for managing the party’s affairs until the National Delegates’ Conference was held.

However, the Commission disclosed that a member of the APC has instituted legal proceedings against both the PPRC and the party in relation to that second directive.

As a result of the pending court action, the Commission said it is constrained from implementing the second component of its directive until the matter has been determined by the court.

“In light of the above and in cognizance of the fact that a member of the party has taken the PPRC and the All People’s Congress to court regarding the second directive, the Commission is constrained to effect its second directive thus, the status quo shall remain the same pending the determination of the matter in court,” the statement said.

The PPRC consequently confirmed that the current APC executive members will remain responsible for running the affairs of the party while the legal proceedings continue.

The development means that the leadership arrangement contemplated under the Commission’s second directive will not take effect at this stage, with the existing party executive retaining administrative responsibility until the court decides the matter.

The Commission did not indicate in the statement when the court proceedings are expected to conclude or provide a new timeline for the APC National Delegates’ Conference.

The press statement was signed by Lucien H.L. Momoh, Director of Public Education and ICT at the Political Parties Regulation Commission. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63608

Sierra Leone’s expanding construction industry is creating greater demand for quality materials capable of supporting safe, durable and modern structures. FAWAZ Building Materials is responding to this need by marketing RANDCEM 42.5R Cement, which is steadily gaining recognition among construction professionals and property owners.

The increasing development of homes, offices, schools, hospitals, commercial centres and public infrastructure has placed renewed attention on the quality of cement available in the country. Builders now understand that selecting dependable materials is essential to protecting investments and extending the lifespan of structures.

RANDCEM Cement is manufactured in Vietnam and packaged in 50-kilogram bags. The product carries a Strength Class 42.5R rating and is suitable for a broad range of general concrete applications, including foundations, columns, beams, floors, blockwork and other structural components.

FAWAZ Building Materials says the product’s dependable composition and consistent performance make it suitable for residential, commercial and public-sector projects. When properly mixed and applied by skilled professionals, the cement can contribute significantly to stronger and more durable construction.

A notable characteristic of RANDCEM 42.5R Cement is its rapid-setting capability. Under appropriate conditions, the product reportedly begins setting within approximately 30 minutes. This feature can help construction teams manage their operations efficiently and reduce unnecessary delays.

The company, however, emphasizes that rapid setting must be supported by adequate preparation, correct mixing and timely application. Construction workers should prepare all necessary materials before mixing the cement and ensure that the concrete is properly placed and compacted.

Industry professionals maintain that cement quality alone cannot guarantee a safe building. The strength of any structure also depends on approved engineering designs, clean sand, suitable aggregates, correct water quantities, skilled workmanship and effective supervision.

For general concrete applications, the recommended proportion is one part cement, two parts sand, four parts aggregate and 0.8 parts water. Lean concrete work requires one part cement, three parts sand, six parts aggregate and one part water.

Builders are advised to follow the mix specifications applicable to their particular projects and seek guidance from qualified engineers. The amount of water used may also require adjustment according to moisture conditions, aggregate type and the structural requirements of the project.

Construction specialists warn that excessive water can reduce concrete strength and increase the risk of cracking. Using too much sand or aggregate may equally affect the quality of the mixture and compromise the structure over time.

Proper curing is another essential stage in achieving durable concrete. Newly cast surfaces should be watered regularly during the first one to three days, in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance and professional construction standards. Adequate curing allows the concrete to develop strength while reducing premature surface damage.

The growing acceptance of RANDCEM Cement among contractors, engineers, masons, developers and homeowners indicates a shift in purchasing priorities. Many customers are increasingly considering structural safety, consistency and long-term value instead of choosing cement solely on the basis of price.

Correct storage is necessary to preserve the product’s quality. RANDCEM Cement bags should be placed in a dry, shaded and ventilated location, protected from rain, groundwater and other sources of moisture. Bags should preferably be stored above floor level and away from walls where dampness may occur.

Once a bag has been opened, the remaining cement should ideally be used within seven days. If immediate use is not possible, the bag must be properly sealed to limit exposure to air and moisture.

Health and safety precautions should also be observed during handling. Workers are encouraged to use protective gloves and face masks, avoid prolonged contact with cement dust and apply safe lifting techniques when moving the 50-kilogram bags. Cement should always be stored away from children.

Recent public concern about structural failures has intensified calls for improved standards across Sierra Leone’s construction sector. Building collapses can result from poor structural designs, inferior materials, weak foundations, incorrect mixing, inadequate supervision or failure to follow accepted engineering procedures.

Stakeholders have therefore called on the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and other relevant authorities to strengthen inspections of cement importers, distributors and retail outlets. Consistent laboratory testing and market monitoring would help prevent substandard products from reaching consumers while promoting accountability and fair competition.

FAWAZ Building Materials says its distribution of RANDCEM 42.5R Cement forms part of its commitment to providing dependable products that support national development. The company continues to place strong emphasis on quality, customer satisfaction and value for money.

With its recognized strength classification, rapid-setting performance and suitability for different construction applications, RANDCEM Cement is positioning itself as a reliable option in Sierra Leone’s competitive building-materials market.

Ultimately, the continued expansion of construction activities across the country must be supported by tested materials, professional workmanship and approved engineering standards. Through RANDCEM 42.5R Cement, FAWAZ Building Materials remains committed to helping contractors and property owners deliver stronger, safer and longer-lasting structures. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63605

The Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) has formally notified the Sierra Leone Police of its intention to stage a peaceful protest and procession on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, to express concerns over what the organisation describes as Parliament’s alleged violation of constitutional provisions in the ongoing process to amend the 1991 Constitution.

In a letter dated August 17, 2026, addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, CAN Executive Director Thomas Moore Conteh said the planned protest is intended to provide citizens with a peaceful platform to express their concerns and petition President Julius Maada Bio on what the organisation considers a matter of national importance.

CAN said the notification was made pursuant to Section 17(1) of the Public Order Act, 1965 (Act No. 46 of 1965), which requires organizers of a procession to notify the police in writing of their intention to hold such an event.

According to the organisation, the protest is expected to attract a large number of citizens and will commence at Lumley Beach before proceeding through Stadium Car Park, Savage Street, St. John, Sanders Street and Siaka Stevens Street, ending at State House.

CAN emphasized that the planned demonstration will be peaceful, orderly and non-violent, with participants expected to respect the law, public and private property, security personnel and other members of the public.

The organisation has also requested the Sierra Leone Police to make appropriate arrangements for crowd management, traffic control, public safety and emergency access, given the anticipated size of the gathering.

CAN further called for engagement between the police and its representatives to discuss practical arrangements for the procession.

The advocacy group said its decision to organize the protest is rooted in its commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law and the peaceful exercise of citizens’ rights.

“We therefore look forward to the cooperation of the Sierra Leone Police in ensuring that the planned procession is conducted peacefully and safely,” CAN stated in its letter.

Copies of the notification were also sent to key national and international stakeholders, including the Speaker of Parliament, the Leader of Government Business, the Opposition Leader, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the European Union Delegation, and the diplomatic missions of the United States, United Kingdom, Ghana, Nigeria, The Gambia, Guinea and Liberia.

The organisation also copied civil society leaders, the Fourth Estate, the general public and the relevant authorities.

The planned protest comes amid ongoing parliamentary consideration of proposed amendments to the 1991 Constitution, with CAN positioning itself against what it considers procedural violations in the constitutional amendment process. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63604