On Tuesday, 22nd September 2025, we proudly celebrated the life and leadership of a distinguished public servant, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq, whose unwavering commitment to national development and public service continues to positively shape Sierra Leone.

As Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay has led with vision and impact. His tenure has delivered transformative reforms and infrastructure upgrades that have modernized transportation across land, air and sea, boosting connectivity, enhancing service delivery and driving economic growth. His people-centered approach has expanded access to public transport, empowered local operators and created meaningful opportunities for many Sierra Leoneans.

Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay’s legacy, however, extends beyond the transport sector. As a seasoned diplomat, legal expert and statesman, he has represented Sierra Leone with distinction on the global stage. During his tenure at the United Nations, he successfully led Sierra Leone’s campaign for election to the UN Security Council, securing an overwhelming 188 votes.

He also served as President of UN Women, President of the International Seabed Authority and championed landmark resolutions in defense of survivors of sexual violence, working in close collaboration with ARISE and the Office of the First Lady.

Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay embodies servant leadership his humility, integrity and relentless pursuit of progress continue to inspire citizens at home and abroad.

May this New Year bring him renewed strength, divine favor and even greater accomplishments in the service of Sierra Leone and humanity.

Happy Belated Birthday, Honourable Minister! 

From Fans of AFT https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/belated-birthday-tribute-to-minister-of-transport-and-aviation-ambassador-fanday-turay/

On Tuesday, 22nd September 2025, we proudly celebrated the life and leadership of a distinguished public servant, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq, whose unwavering commitment to national development and public service continues to positively shape Sierra Leone.

As Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay has led with vision and impact. His tenure has delivered transformative reforms and infrastructure upgrades that have modernized transportation across land, air and sea, boosting connectivity, enhancing service delivery and driving economic growth. His people-centered approach has expanded access to public transport, empowered local operators and created meaningful opportunities for many Sierra Leoneans.

Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay’s legacy, however, extends beyond the transport sector. As a seasoned diplomat, legal expert and statesman, he has represented Sierra Leone with distinction on the global stage. During his tenure at the United Nations, he successfully led Sierra Leone’s campaign for election to the UN Security Council, securing an overwhelming 188 votes.

He also served as President of UN Women, President of the International Seabed Authority and championed landmark resolutions in defense of survivors of sexual violence, working in close collaboration with ARISE and the Office of the First Lady.

Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay embodies servant leadership his humility, integrity and relentless pursuit of progress continue to inspire citizens at home and abroad.

May this New Year bring him renewed strength, divine favor and even greater accomplishments in the service of Sierra Leone and humanity.

Happy Belated Birthday, Honourable Minister! 

From Fans of AFT https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/belated-birthday-tribute-to-minister-of-transport-and-aviation-ambassador-fanday-turay/

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has on Friday, 19th September 2025 arrived in New York to take part in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level week, marking the 80th anniversary of the global body in New York, USA.

President Bio’s visit underscores Sierra Leone’s active role in multilateral diplomacy, with the Head of State expected to participate in a series of high-level summits, bilateral engagements and to deliver a statement before the General Assembly.

This year’s participation carries added significance as Sierra Leone currently serves as a member of the UN Security Council and President Bio continues his responsibilities as Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) on UN Security Council Reform. In addition, his leadership position as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority further strengthens his diplomatic weight at the gathering.

The UNGA high-level week traditionally provides a platform for world leaders to address pressing global challenges and engage in strategic dialogue and President Bio’s presence places Sierra Leone firmly at the center of those international conversations. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/president-bio-joins-global-leaders-for-un-general-assembly-high-level-week/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Victor Lansana Koroma, Executive Director of Health Alert, has made a passionate appeal for greater Government funding toward vaccination programs and primary health care services. His call came during the ongoing bilateral budget discussions hosted by the Ministry of Finance, following the Ministry of Health’s presentation of its Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

The Executive Director emphasized that sustained investment in those critical areas is essential to strengthening Sierra Leone’s health system, improving access to care and safeguarding vulnerable populations, especially children and rural communities. He urged policymakers to prioritize preventative health measures and community-level interventions, warning that underfunding could undermine national health outcomes and reverse hard-won progress.

While commending the Ministry of Health for its achievements in reducing maternal mortality and expanding services, Victor Lansana Koroma raised serious concerns about the Government’s commitment to health financing. He stressed that Sierra Leone is still falling short of the Abuja Declaration target, which calls for at least 15% of national budgets to be allocated to health and pointed out that despite allocations, actual disbursements remain low, with only about 30% of approved funds released in the last budget cycle. “If you allocate and do not disburse, then what’s the point?” he asked, describing the gap as a major obstacle to effective service delivery.

Victor Lansana Koroma further highlighted challenges in meeting co-financing obligations for immunization, nutrition and family planning, warning that Sierra Leone’s contribution to the Gavi immunization program covers less than 40% of projected needs. He cautioned that this shortfall could cause vaccine procurement delays.

On primary health care, Victor Lansana Koroma acknowledged the ongoing devolution to local councils but insisted that ultimate responsibility rests with the Ministry of Health. He called for stronger monitoring systems, recalling that unannounced facility inspections by senior officials once kept staff accountable.

He appealed to both the Ministry of Finance and Parliament to approve and adequately fund the health budget, stressing that “no sector can thrive without health.”

On his part, Dr. Charles Senessie, Minister of Health I, outlined the Ministry’s 2026 health plan, which adopts a holistic, life-stage approach from conception to old age. He said the strategy focuses on four key pillars: infrastructure development, human resource management, drugs and supply chain and diagnostics.

Highlighting progress, Dr. Charles Senessie noted that maternal mortality, once among the highest globally, has been reduced by nearly 79% since 2015. He expressed optimism that, with innovative digital tools now tracking thousands of pregnancies, Sierra Leone could achieve zero preventable maternal deaths by 2030.

He also stressed that 80% of investments are being directed at the community level to strengthen disease prevention and treatment closer to citizens, citing the expansion of mobile clinics, ambulances and referral systems.

Other priorities outlined in the presentation include:

- Expanding renewable energy and digital infrastructure in hospitals for real-time data management.


- Recruiting over 3,000 new health workers and strengthening postgraduate training.


- Enhancing accountability in drug distribution through the new “End Supply” app.


- Reducing reliance on overseas medical referrals by upgrading diagnostic facilities locally.

Dr. Charles Senessie concluded by stressing that Sierra Leone now has a home-grown health plan aligned with national priorities. “Any country without its own health plan risks adopting plans from others. We now have a clear vision to build a stronger, more resilient and equitable healthcare system for all Sierra Leoneans,” he affirmed. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/health-alert-urges-greater-government-funding-for-vaccination-and-primary-health-care/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Thursday 18th September, 2025 at CHASL’s Secretariat on Kingharman Road in Freetown, the Christian Health Association of Sierra Leone (CHASL) has officially launched its 50th Anniversary celebrations on the theme: “Celebrating 50 years of compassionate care and community impacts”, marking five decades of faith-driven healthcare delivery, compassion and community service across the country.

Established in 1975 by a coalition of faith-based health facilities, CHASL has grown into Sierra Leone’s second-largest health provider, currently delivering nearly 30 percent of the nation’s healthcare services. The network now comprises 43 health facilities across 13 districts, supported by 10 Christian denominations and remains particularly focused on serving rural and hard-to-reach communities.

Welcoming the gathering, Gifty Florence Massaquoi, Executive Director, Christian Health Association of Sierra Leone (CHASL), emphasized the significance of the milestone. “This is more than a celebration; it is a testament to the lives touched and the hope restored,” she said.

She called for continued unity, networking and the strengthening of an enduring, community-based health system to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery across the nation. Founded in 1975 through the collective efforts of faith-based health facilities, CHASL has grown from a handful of clinics into Sierra Leone’s second-largest healthcare provider, delivering nearly 30% of the country’s health services.

Speaking at the launch, Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah, Chairperson of the Proprietors Council of CHASL, said the milestone reflects the vision, sacrifice and commitment of the Association’s founders and health workers who have built a strong legacy of service since 1975.

“CHASL stands on the shoulders of giants, visionary proprietors, coordinators and health workers who built this legacy of faith and service. For fifty years, CHASL has been a beacon of hope, ensuring healthcare reaches even the most forgotten corners of Sierra Leone,” he said.

Since its founding, CHASL has grown into the second-largest healthcare provider in Sierra Leone, delivering nearly 30 percent of national healthcare services. The Association now operates a network of 43 health facilities across 13 districts, supported by 10 Christian denominations, with a focus on rural and hard-to-reach communities.

He mentioned that over the decades, CHASL has:

- Expanded from small local clinics into a national network of hospitals and health centres.


- Trained and equipped generations of health workers.


- Partnered globally while shaping national health policy.


- Played a frontline role in tackling epidemics such as Ebola, COVID-19 and Mpox.

Despite challenges with financing, workforce retention, and infrastructure,  Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah said the organization remains anchored by its core values of Christ-centeredness, integrity, accountability, transparency, partnership and equity.

Looking ahead, CHASL is committed to strengthening unity across its network, improving quality of care, building institutional capacity and advancing evidence-based advocacy.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations are being observed under the theme: “Compassionate Care and Community Impact.”

Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah called on the Government of Sierra Leone, Proprietors and member facilities to strengthen collaboration in order to deliver better, more equitable and more compassionate healthcare services for all Sierra Leoneans.

“Together, we will build, innovate and heal for today’s Sierra Leone and for generations to come,” he concluded.

In his keynote address, Senior Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Andrew Sorie, praised CHASL for its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of Sierra Leoneans. He disclosed that CHASL aligns closely with the Ministry’s goals of collaboration, support and accountability.

“CHASL continually demonstrates love, peace, care and empathy, offering hope and strength to those in need,” Andrew Sorie remarked “What CHASL does in the health sector directly influences Sierra Leone’s productivity and development.”

He also commended the organization for providing services many of which are free or heavily subsidized in underserved communities. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/chasl-marks-five-decades-of-faith-driven-healthcare-across-sierra-leone/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Thursday 18th September, 2025 at CHASL’s Secretariat on Kingharman Road in Freetown, the Christian Health Association of Sierra Leone (CHASL) has officially launched its 50th Anniversary celebrations on the theme: “Celebrating 50 years of compassionate care and community impacts”, marking five decades of faith-driven healthcare delivery, compassion and community service across the country.

Established in 1975 by a coalition of faith-based health facilities, CHASL has grown into Sierra Leone’s second-largest health provider, currently delivering nearly 30 percent of the nation’s healthcare services. The network now comprises 43 health facilities across 13 districts, supported by 10 Christian denominations and remains particularly focused on serving rural and hard-to-reach communities.

Welcoming the gathering, Gifty Florence Massaquoi, Executive Director, Christian Health Association of Sierra Leone (CHASL), emphasized the significance of the milestone. “This is more than a celebration; it is a testament to the lives touched and the hope restored,” she said.

She called for continued unity, networking and the strengthening of an enduring, community-based health system to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery across the nation. Founded in 1975 through the collective efforts of faith-based health facilities, CHASL has grown from a handful of clinics into Sierra Leone’s second-largest healthcare provider, delivering nearly 30% of the country’s health services.

Speaking at the launch, Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah, Chairperson of the Proprietors Council of CHASL, said the milestone reflects the vision, sacrifice and commitment of the Association’s founders and health workers who have built a strong legacy of service since 1975.

“CHASL stands on the shoulders of giants, visionary proprietors, coordinators and health workers who built this legacy of faith and service. For fifty years, CHASL has been a beacon of hope, ensuring healthcare reaches even the most forgotten corners of Sierra Leone,” he said.

Since its founding, CHASL has grown into the second-largest healthcare provider in Sierra Leone, delivering nearly 30 percent of national healthcare services. The Association now operates a network of 43 health facilities across 13 districts, supported by 10 Christian denominations, with a focus on rural and hard-to-reach communities.

He mentioned that over the decades, CHASL has:

- Expanded from small local clinics into a national network of hospitals and health centres.


- Trained and equipped generations of health workers.


- Partnered globally while shaping national health policy.


- Played a frontline role in tackling epidemics such as Ebola, COVID-19 and Mpox.

Despite challenges with financing, workforce retention, and infrastructure,  Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah said the organization remains anchored by its core values of Christ-centeredness, integrity, accountability, transparency, partnership and equity.

Looking ahead, CHASL is committed to strengthening unity across its network, improving quality of care, building institutional capacity and advancing evidence-based advocacy.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations are being observed under the theme: “Compassionate Care and Community Impact.”

Rev. Dr. Joseph Samuel Fornah called on the Government of Sierra Leone, Proprietors and member facilities to strengthen collaboration in order to deliver better, more equitable and more compassionate healthcare services for all Sierra Leoneans.

“Together, we will build, innovate and heal for today’s Sierra Leone and for generations to come,” he concluded.

In his keynote address, Senior Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Andrew Sorie, praised CHASL for its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of Sierra Leoneans. He disclosed that CHASL aligns closely with the Ministry’s goals of collaboration, support and accountability.

“CHASL continually demonstrates love, peace, care and empathy, offering hope and strength to those in need,” Andrew Sorie remarked “What CHASL does in the health sector directly influences Sierra Leone’s productivity and development.”

He also commended the organization for providing services many of which are free or heavily subsidized in underserved communities. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/chasl-marks-five-decades-of-faith-driven-healthcare-across-sierra-leone/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has recognized the outstanding contributions of local farmers to the country’s agricultural sector during its 2025 Local Sourcing Awards ceremony, held on Friday 12th September, 2025 at the company’s headquarters in Wellington, Freetown.

Top-performing sorghum farmers were celebrated for their role in supporting SLBL’s local sourcing initiative. The awards included a tricycle (Keke), three motorbikes and cash prizes aimed at improving farmers’ productivity and livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, SLBL’s Acting Corporate Affairs Manager, Unisa Conteh, reaffirmed the company decade’s commitment to integrating local resources, particularly sorghum, into its production processes. He explained that the initiative not only strengthens Sierra Leone’s agricultural base but also aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s FEED Salone initiative and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 on zero hunger.

Unisa Conteh outlined the brewery’s support to farmers, which includes free seed distribution, agronomist consultations, flexible prepayment options and three-day turnaround payments for sorghum delivery. He also highlighted incentive schemes and ongoing research into locally grown materials such as barley.

“This program creates jobs, empowers youth, reduces foreign exchange demand and builds resilience in Sierra Leone’s economy,” he said, while thanking the Government for its continued support of local sourcing initiatives.

Representing the awardees, Lamrana Bundu who won first place and received a Keke alongside a cash prize expressed gratitude to SLBL for recognizing the efforts of farmers.

“This award reflects not only my dedication but also the hard work of countless sorghum farmers across Sierra Leone. The support we’ve received has strengthened our farming practices and livelihoods and this prize will help me expand my work to support other farmers as well,” Lamrana Bundu said.

She pledged to continue contributing towards the 2026 production targets, describing the partnership with SLBL as “invaluable” for building a more self-reliant Sierra Leone.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the prizes, reaffirming SLBL’s commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening agricultural sustainability as part shared vision for national development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slbl-rewards-sorghum-farmers-with-keke-and-motorbikes-at-2025-local-sourcing-awards/