The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, in partnership with the National Communications Authority (NatCA) and other key stakeholders, has on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, concluded a two-day National Consultative Workshop to Develop a Roadmap Against Mobile Money Fraud in Sierra Leone, aimed at strengthening coordination, consumer protection, reporting mechanisms and institutional responses to the increasing cases of digital scams across the country.

The workshop, held from 18–19 August at the NatCA Building, South Ridge, IMATT, brought together telecommunications operators, financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity institutions, civil society organizations, consumer representatives and other stakeholders to identify gaps and develop coordinated strategies to combat mobile money and digital fraud.

Director General of NatCA, Amara Brewah, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, noting that many Sierra Leoneans continue to fall victim to fraudulent messages, suspicious links, impersonation, phishing, fraudulent calls and other forms of digital scams.

He said fraudsters often send messages appearing to come from trusted service providers, encouraging citizens to click links, provide personal information or follow instructions to receive supposed rewards.

“Citizens follow the instructions only to discover that they have been scammed and, in some cases, have lost all the money in their mobile money wallets,” Brewah said.

He stressed that the impact of digital fraud extends beyond financial loss, as victims can experience emotional distress, loss of income and declining confidence in digital services.

According to Brewah, digital fraud is no longer simply a technological issue but a growing concern for consumer protection, financial security, law enforcement and national security.

He said NatCA's responsibility goes beyond connectivity to ensuring that telecommunications networks and digital services are safe, resilient and properly governed.

Brewah referenced the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021 and the National Communications Act of 2022 as important legal foundations for addressing cybercrime, regulating service providers and protecting critical ICT infrastructure.

However, he emphasized that laws alone cannot prevent fraud, stressing the need for effective implementation, compliance, enforcement and cooperation.

He said digital fraud often involves several institutions and can cross international boundaries, requiring telecommunications companies, banks, mobile money operators, regulators and law enforcement agencies to coordinate their responses.

Brewah called on service providers to strengthen fraud detection systems, protect customer information, respond promptly to complaints and establish effective mechanisms for reporting fraudulent activities.

He also emphasized the need to put consumers at the centre of the national response.

“When someone loses money to digital fraud, they do not distinguish between a telecommunications regulator, a bank, a mobile money operator or a law enforcement agency. They simply ask: who will help me?” he said.

He therefore called for clear reporting channels, timely responses, effective investigations and appropriate remedies for victims.

Brewah further stressed the importance of public education, saying citizens should be equipped with the knowledge to identify phishing, impersonation, fraudulent calls, suspicious links and other common scams.

He cautioned, however, that education must complement strong institutional safeguards rather than replace them.

The NatCA Director General described cybersecurity as a national priority and reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to working with the Bank of Sierra Leone, law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity institutions, telecommunications operators, financial institutions and civil society to strengthen information sharing, incident response, compliance monitoring and public awareness.

Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah, called for stronger collaboration, public education and effective law enforcement to address the growing threat of mobile money and online fraud.

Minister Bah said the recent increase in complaints from citizens who had fallen victim to digital scams made the consultation necessary.

She noted that online fraud is a global challenge that often grows alongside digital transformation.

“As countries become more digital, opportunities for development increase, but unfortunately, opportunities for fraudsters also increase,” she said.

She explained that as Sierra Leone continues moving towards a more digital and cashless economy, strong systems and safeguards are needed to protect citizens and their finances.

Minister Bah identified public education as a key tool in preventing fraud but warned that scammers continuously change their methods.

She urged citizens to carefully verify suspicious messages, particularly those requesting urgent financial assistance from friends, relatives or service providers.

The Minister advised people to directly call the person involved instead of relying solely on WhatsApp or other messaging platforms, which could have been compromised.

She also encouraged victims to report fraudulent activities immediately, saying early reporting could increase the possibility of recovering stolen funds and help protect other potential victims.

Beyond prevention, Minister Bah called for effective investigation and prosecution of offenders, noting that mobile money fraud is a criminal offence that requires appropriate legal action.

She also called for a standardized response framework so victims can receive clear and consistent assistance regardless of the telecommunications network or service provider involved.

The Minister said the workshop should help identify gaps in existing systems and clarify the responsibilities of institutions involved in preventing and responding to mobile money fraud.

Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Bash Kamara, reaffirmed Parliament's commitment to supporting efforts to strengthen consumer protection, accountability and cyber security.

Kamara commended the Ministry and NatCA for organizing the consultation, describing it as an important platform for addressing challenges within Sierra Leone's telecommunications and digital ecosystem.

He said Parliament has consistently raised concerns about the efficiency, reliability and protection of citizens using telecommunications and digital services.

“Our objective is clear. We want our networks and mobile network operators to be more efficient, more responsive and generally more accountable to the people they serve,” he said.

Kamara stressed that the proposed roadmap should address not only mobile money fraud but also institutional responsibilities and response mechanisms required to protect citizens.

“When a Sierra Leonean loses money through mobile money fraud, there must be no confusion about who responds, how quickly they respond, how the victim is assisted and how the perpetrator is pursued,” he stated.

He described the fight against mobile money fraud as a matter of consumer protection, financial security, cyber security and public confidence in Sierra Leone's digital economy.

Kamara assured participants that Parliament would continue to support the process through legislation, scrutiny and oversight, while emphasizing that combating digital fraud requires shared responsibility.

“This is a shared responsibility. No single institution will be able to achieve these goals alone,” he noted.

The two-day consultation concluded with stakeholders emphasizing stronger institutional coordination, improved consumer education, effective reporting and response mechanisms, enhanced cybersecurity and greater accountability within the digital financial ecosystem.

The proposed roadmap is expected to provide a coordinated national framework for preventing mobile money fraud, improving responses to reported cases and strengthening public confidence in Sierra Leone's expanding digital economy. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63668

 

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong, has highlighted the growing economic and diplomatic ties between China and Sierra Leone, citing increased bilateral trade, expanding exports and strengthened people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Zhao made the statement on Thursday, 20 August 2026, during the Chinese Embassy Open Day held at the Chinese Embassy on Spur Road, Wilberforce, Freetown.

He said 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone, describing the relationship between the two countries as one built on mutual respect, support and cooperation.

According to Ambassador Zhao, cooperation between China and Sierra Leone has expanded across several sectors, including politics, trade, health, education and people-to-people exchanges.

He said the relationship has become an example of China-Africa solidarity and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Ambassador highlighted bilateral trade as one of the major areas of progress, noting that trade between the two countries reached US$2.3 billion in 2025, representing an increase of almost 30 percent compared to 2024.

He said Sierra Leone’s exports to China increased by more than 40 percent during the same period, while China-Sierra Leone trade increased by nearly 38 percent during the first half of 2026.

“I believe this year we are going to witness a new record high bilateral trade volume,” Ambassador Zhao stated.

He attributed the growth partly to China’s zero-tariff treatment for Sierra Leonean products, adding that discussions are ongoing to expand Sierra Leone’s exports to China to include palm oil, coffee and cocoa, in addition to fishing products.

Ambassador Zhao said the Chinese Embassy has organized a series of activities to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

These activities included a cultural performance featuring music, dance, traditional Chinese music and acrobatics by performers from China and Sierra Leone.

He also highlighted media initiatives, including the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation’s special programme “Talk to China”, a short-video competition organized by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists under the theme “China-Sierra Leone Cooperation in My Eyes,” and a five-part documentary series produced by SLBC, AYV and Star TV.

The Ambassador expressed appreciation to media institutions and journalists for their contribution to promoting understanding of China-Sierra Leone relations.

Ambassador Zhao also spoke about China’s economic performance as the country begins its 15th Five-Year Plan period.

He said China recorded strong economic activity during the first half of 2026, with gross domestic product reaching US$10.09 trillion.

He noted that 6.95 million new urban jobs were created, while China's total imports and exports reached US$3.63 trillion, representing a 16.9 percent year-on-year increase.

According to him, China’s automobile exports reached 5.1 million units, an increase of 65.3 percent, including 2.4 million new-energy vehicles.

He further disclosed that China’s solar product exports reached approximately US$17.3 billion, representing a 24.7 percent year-on-year increase.

The Ambassador said these developments demonstrate China's economic resilience and continued efforts towards high-quality development.

He called for greater international cooperation at a time when unilateralism and protectionism are increasing globally.

“China stands ready to work with Sierra Leone to achieve more results in practical cooperation across various fields,” he said.

Ambassador Zhao said 2026 has also been designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with China introducing measures to facilitate travel and interaction between Chinese and Sierra Leonean citizens.

He said Sierra Leonean citizens holding valid diplomatic or service passports can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days under the bilateral mutual visa exemption agreement.

He further disclosed that the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has removed the appointment requirement for visa applications.

Applicants for short-term single- or double-entry visas with stays of no more than 180 days are also exempt from fingerprint collection, he said.

According to Ambassador Zhao, China has introduced additional measures to make travel and consumption easier for foreign visitors, including facilitating access to bank accounts, expanding mobile payment services and simplifying tax-refund procedures.

He said more than 6,000 Sierra Leonean citizens travelled to China in 2025, describing the figure as a new record.

He encouraged more Sierra Leoneans to visit China and take advantage of the available facilitation measures.

Ambassador Zhao described the media as an important platform through which Chinese and Sierra Leonean people can better understand each other.

He urged journalists to play a greater role in documenting China-Sierra Leone cooperation and people-to-people relations.

He encouraged Sierra Leonean journalists to become witnesses to what he described as the “real China” by visiting the country, documenting developments and reporting on practical cooperation between the two nations.

He also called on journalists to serve as communicators of friendship between the two peoples by highlighting positive interactions and experiences involving ordinary Chinese and Sierra Leoneans.

The Ambassador further urged the media to uphold professional standards and objective reporting when covering China.

“Objective and impartial reporting is one of the most important professional principles for members of the media,” he said.

He encouraged journalists to remain vigilant against false information and what he described as attempts to undermine China-Sierra Leone relations.

Ambassador Zhao concluded by thanking Sierra Leonean media institutions for their support in promoting bilateral relations and wished participants success in their professional endeavours.

His statement was followed by testimonies from journalists who had visited China, sharing their experiences and impressions. The programme also featured a question-and-answer session on China, during which participants won prizes. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63667

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Reports of alleged physical attacks and intimidation against persons accused of engaging in same-sex relationships have resurfaced in Freetown following an incident involving Michael Vandyke in Bellair Compound, Dwarzark Community.

According to information gathered by The Calabash Newspaper, Vandyke has reportedly gone into hiding after he was allegedly caught engaging in a same-sex encounter with his male partner, John Sesay, at the residence of his uncle, Prince Vandyke, who is a pastor.

Sources said Vandyke, who was reportedly living with his uncle, was at the residence on Sunday, October 9, 2022, when the incident occurred. His male partner had allegedly visited him at the house shortly after Vandyke celebrated his birthday on Friday, October 7, 2022.

According to the account, Vandyke and Sesay were allegedly engaged in a sexual encounter in the living room when his uncle and several church members who had accompanied him to the residence for a planned meeting reportedly arrived and discovered them.

The discovery allegedly resulted in a confrontation, during which Vandyke was reportedly physically assaulted by his uncle and some of the church members present. He allegedly sustained injuries before managing to escape from the residence.

Following the incident, sources said Vandyke's uncle reported the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at the New England Ville Police Division.

It was further alleged that police officers subsequently went to Vandyke's residence in an attempt to locate and arrest him, but he had already gone into hiding.

Sources claimed that Vandyke was subsequently declared wanted by the CID at the New England Ville Police Division.

The situation reportedly escalated when some community youths allegedly went to Vandyke's residence carrying stones and sticks and allegedly threatening to harm him.

According to sources, the youths expressed anger over the alleged same-sex relationship, citing their religious beliefs, customs and traditions.

A resident of Bellair Compound, Alie Kamara, who reportedly knew Vandyke from childhood, claimed that Vandyke had been private about his sexual orientation before he was allegedly discovered with his male partner.

Vandyke's Christian background and the fact that he was living with a pastor have also reportedly heightened the reaction within the family and community.

However, in Sierra Leone generally Lesbianism, Homosexual or (Gay), Bisexual, transgender and Intersex (IGBTI) was condemned in the strongest terms both legally and morally.

According to the laws of Sierra Leone Section 13, Sub Section 5 of the 1995 Public Order Act, for anybody who commit homosexual (Gay), the maximum penalty for homosexual acts is life imprisonment, while the Minimum penalty for attempted homosexual acts is imprisonment for 20 years.

Family sources told The Calabash Newspaper that Vandyke fled the area following the incident and that his whereabouts remain unknown.

The sources expressed serious concern about his safety, particularly following the alleged threats and reported attempts by community members to locate him. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63649

QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness company that uses a direct-selling business model, has announced a strengthened global and regional leadership team with Africa set to play an important role in the company’s future.

Collectively, the new team will lead QNET’s efforts to modernise its business, strengthen its product portfolio, enhance the experience of its customers and Independent Distributors, and respond to advances in technology, artificial intelligence and changing consumer expectations.

The global leadership team comprises:

- Mattias Mildenborn, Chief Executive Officer, brings more than two decades of international experience across sales, marketing, and executive leadership in the direct-selling industry.


- Elena Khoo, Chief Marketing Officer, an accomplished consumer marketing leader whose experience spans global FMCG, beauty and luxury brands, including L’Oréal, LVMH, Shiseido and Tupperware.


- Peter Luk, Chief Financial Officer, who brings more than 30 years of financial and commercial leadership experience, including with Herbalife and Avon.


- Ben Bredenkamp, Group Chief Information Officer, whose previous experience includes Herbalife and Mercedes-Benz, and who will lead QNET’s technology transformation and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence across the business.

“We are bringing together leaders with deep industry knowledge, strong consumer experience and proven transformation capabilities to bring fresh perspectives to the business and help shape its next chapter,”said Kuna Senathirajah, Group Managing Director of QI Group, the parent company of QNET.

“Our ambition is to create a QNET that understands the expectations of the next generation, delivers exceptional products and experiences, and equips our Independent Distributors with the knowledge, technology and support they need to build responsible and sustainable businesses.”


Strengthening Leadership Across Africa


As part of the transformation, QNET has also strengthened its leadership structure across Africa with the appointment of two Regional General Managers.

Cherif Sarr has been appointed Regional General Manager for Central and West Africa, with responsibility for markets across the region, while Jared Thwaits has been appointed Regional General Manager for East and Southern Africa.

Together, they will lead QNET’s African business bringing senior decision-making closers to customer, Independent Distributors and stakeholders while overseeing growth, market development and responsible business practices.

“Africa is an important part of QNET’s future, and sustainable growth requires leadership that understands the opportunities and realities of individual markets,” said Senathirajah.

“Cherif and Jared bring that leadership closer to our customers and distributor communities. Their mandate is strengthen engagement, education, greater accountability and a continued focus on consumer protection.”

Across Africa, QNET intends to strengthen its focus on customer experience, distributor education and onboarding, compliance and consumer awareness, digital capabilities and the introduction of new products in its wellness and personal-care categories.

“Africa has a young, ambitious and increasingly digitally connected population, and we are seeing significant changes in how people engage with brands, consume products and explore entrepreneurship,” said Cherif Sarr, Regional General Manager for Central and West Africa at QNET.

“Growth must be accompanied by better education, stronger compliance and a clearer understanding of how legitimate direct selling works. My priority is to ensure that our customers and distributors have the products, tools, training and support they need, while strengthening engagement with regulators, media, consumer groups and other stakeholders in the markets where we operate.”

In Sub-Saharan Africa, QNET will continue to strengthen its engagement with customers, distributors and external stakeholders as part of its commitment to building a more transparent and responsible direct-selling environment. The company plans to expand its education and awareness initiatives, strengthen distributor support and compliance programmes, and introduce new product innovations.


Transforming Distributor Education


QNET’s investment in African leadership will be accompanied by a wider transformation of how its Independent Distributors are trained and supported. The V, QNET’s sister company and its network training and leadership-development arm, has appointed Sharad Choudhary as Head of Training and Events.

Choudhary,  who joins The V from Modicare in India and previously worked with Amway will revamp QNET’s distributor onboarding, product and business education, compliance training and structured learning pathways.

In Africa, the framework will emphasise product knowledge, ethical business-building, accurate representation of the QNET opportunity, consumer protection and compliance.


Building a QNET for a New Generation


The leadership changes form part of a broader strategy to reinvent QNET around four core priorities: product innovation, customer experience, distributor capability and technology-enabled growth.

Under the new leadership team, QNET will strengthen its focus on:

- Developing innovative wellness and personal-care products aligned with changing consumer needs;


- Improving the digital tools and services available to customers and Independent Distributors;


- Using data and artificial intelligence to make the organisation more responsive, efficient and future-ready;


- Modernising distributor onboarding, education and compliance;


- Strengthening governance, transparency and responsible business practices; and


- Supporting a new generation of independent entrepreneurs with stronger tools, education and business support.

QNET enters this new chapter as part of a nearly 200-year-old global direct-selling industry that recorded US$163.9 billion in retail sales in 2024, according to the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations. The industry supports more than 100 million independent representatives from different direct-selling companies worldwide.

Mildenborn said QNET’s transformation would build on the company’s established global presence while challenging the organisation to rethink how it serves customers and supports its entrepreneurial community.

“QNET has a strong heritage, a passionate global community and enormous potential,” said Mattias Mildenborn, Chief Executive Officer of QNET. “Our responsibility now is to build on that foundation while having the courage to evolve.

“The next generation of entrepreneurs expects intuitive technology, relevant products, authentic communication, high-quality education and a company whose values are reflected in how it operates. We are building the leadership and capabilities required to meet those expectations and create sustainable value over the long term.

“Our goal is to help shape the future of direct selling through product innovation, customer experience, distributor capability and technology-enabled growth.”

– ENDS – https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63638

Mohamed Rahman Swaray has formally assumed office as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, pledging to build on the country’s diplomatic achievements and streng then its voice, interests and standing on the international stage.

The official handing-over ceremony was held on Monday, 17 August 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Tower Hill, Freetown. It brought together senior Government officials, diplomats, Ministry personnel and other stakeholders to witness the transition of leadership.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray succeeds Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from August 2023. The change followed a recent Cabinet reshuffle by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, under which Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba was appointed to serve as an adviser.

Reflecting on his appointment, Mohamed Rahman Swaray expressed gratitude to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for the confidence placed in him and described his movement through various ministerial portfolios as a continuous journey of national service.

“I am deeply humbled by the confidence His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has continued to repose in me,” Mohamed Rahman Swaray stated.

He recalled beginning his ministerial journey as Minister of Information and Communications, where he contributed to reforms in the information and communications sector and worked to strengthen relations between the Government, the media and citizens.

In 2023, Mohamed Rahman Swaray was appointed Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security. During his tenure, he focused on employment creation, labour reforms, industrial relations, social protection, workplace standards and expanding economic opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray said his latest appointment provides another opportunity to serve the country, this time by representing and protecting Sierra Leone’s national interests abroad.

“I see these responsibilities not as separate chapters, but as a continuum of public service: from communicating Sierra Leone’s aspirations, to advancing the dignity and productivity of its people and now to representing and protecting our national interest on the international stage,” he said.

According to the new minister, his previous responsibilities have broadened his understanding of Sierra Leone and reinforced his belief that public office must be centred on service and tangible results.

Mohamed Rahman Swaray pledged to approach the Foreign Affairs portfolio with humility, experience and determination. He also committed himself to working closely with Sierra Leone’s international partners to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

“I approach this new chapter with humility, experience and determination, ready to build on the diplomatic gains already made and work with our partners to further strengthen Sierra Leone’s voice, interests and standing in the world,” he said.

Summarizing his public-service journey, Mohamed Rahman Swaray declared: “From Information, to Labour, to Diplomacy; the portfolio may change but the mission remains the same: service to Sierra Leone.”

Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, in his farewell message, thanked God, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and those who supported him during his tenure at the Ministry.

“I have run a great race. I thank God Almighty for the grace to serve this nation and Mr. President, Julius Maada Bio, for the opportunity,” Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba stated.

He also expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the achievements recorded under his leadership and wished his successor well in his new assignment.

“Best wishes to my dear elder brother, Honourable Rahman Swaray, in his new role,” Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba added.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swaray will be responsible for directing Sierra Leone’s foreign-policy engagements, promoting its national interests and strengthening relations with countries and international organisations across Africa and the wider world. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63634

Africell and Afrimoney Sierra Leone have provided NLe150,000 in financial support to East End Lions Football Club ahead of the club’s participation in the 2026/2027 CAF Confederation Cup.

The donation was presented on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, as East End Lions intensified preparations to represent Sierra Leone in the continental competition.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Afrimoney Chief Executive Officer, Martison Obeng-Agyei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting sports development and empowering young people across Sierra Leone.

Martison Obeng-Agyei said Afrimoney and Africell recognize sport as an important platform for developing young talent, promoting national unity and enhancing Sierra Leone’s image internationally.

He pledged that both companies would continue supporting East End Lions throughout the competition. He also encouraged the players to remain focused, disciplined and determined as they prepare to represent their club and country on the continental stage.

The presentation was made in the presence of Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi and staff members of Africell and Afrimoney Sierra Leone.

Receiving the donation on behalf of East End Lions, the club’s Secretary-General, Alpha Jalloh Esq., expressed appreciation to Africell and Afrimoney for their continued partnership and contribution to the club’s development.

Alpha Jalloh Esq. explained that the funding would help the club meet some of the major expenses associated with its CAF Confederation Cup campaign, including travel, accommodation, venue arrangements and other logistical requirements.

With the first-leg fixture scheduled to take place in Abidjan and the return leg expected to be played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Liberia, the East End Lions Secretary-General said the support had arrived at a crucial stage of the club’s preparations.

He described the partnership with Africell and Afrimoney as particularly important as East End Lions prepares to compete at a higher level of African club football.

The financial support is expected to strengthen the club’s preparations as East End Lions seeks to make a strong impression in the 2026/2027 CAF Confederation Cup and proudly represent Sierra Leone on the continental stage. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63633

Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has inspected ongoing construction work on a modern Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences facility at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) in Jui, alongside other specialized health infrastructure projects at Lakkah.

The inspection, conducted on Monday, 17 August 2026, brought together senior officials and technical experts from the Ministry of Health. The delegation assessed the progress of the construction work and engaged contractors on outstanding activities and expected completion timelines.

Valued at approximately US$3.5 million, the new medical faculty is designed to accommodate about 1,500 students and serve as a centre of excellence for medical education, professional training, research and innovation.

The facility will feature advanced laboratories, interactive classrooms and modern research equipment intended to create an effective environment for teaching, practical training and scientific discovery.

Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Austin Demby said the development demonstrates the Government’s determination to strengthen healthcare education and build a competent workforce capable of addressing Sierra Leone’s changing health needs.

“We will use this facility to train the next generation of health professionals,” Dr. Austin Demby stated.

The Minister of Health and his delegation also visited specialized health infrastructure under construction at Lakkah. The projects form part of the Government’s broader strategy to connect infrastructure development with human-resource capacity and improved healthcare delivery.

Once completed and operational, the facilities are expected to significantly improve the learning and practical training experience of medical and allied health students. They will also expand Sierra Leone’s capacity to produce highly skilled healthcare professionals locally.

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, commended the cooperation between the Ministries of Health and Technical and Higher Education, describing the partnership as essential to strengthening medical training and expanding professional development opportunities within Sierra Leone.

Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie observed that Sierra Leone has historically spent considerable resources on sending medical and other specialized students abroad for further education. She noted that the country has sometimes faced difficulties ensuring that all beneficiaries return home to contribute to national development.

According to Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, investing in modern domestic training facilities will reduce Sierra Leone’s dependence on overseas education, improve the use of public resources and establish a more sustainable supply of qualified professionals for the national healthcare system.

The Government believes the projects will provide an enabling environment for producing highly trained health workers while strengthening medical research, innovation and specialized healthcare delivery.

The ongoing developments at Jui and Lakkah represent a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s human capital and support the long-term objective of establishing a resilient, self-sufficient and high-performing healthcare workforce. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63626