Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) and BBC Media Action have called for stronger safeguarding measures to protect media workers, particularly women, from sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse and other threats across Sierra Leone’s media sector. The call was made during a Policy Dialogue Forum on Gender Justice in the Media, organised by WIMSAL and Comic Relief, which brought together media leaders and stakeholders to discuss safeguarding gaps, accountability and the need for safer and more inclusive workplaces. WIMSAL President Eastina Taylor-Tucker said gender justice must ensure that every media worker can work without sacrificing their dignity, safety or bodily autonomy. BBC Media Action Country Director Musa Sangarie stressed that media freedom cannot be fully achieved without women being able to participate safely, equally and fully in the industry. The dialogue builds on the partnership between WIMSAL and BBC Media Action, which has supported mechanisms for reporting sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, as well as research into women’s experiences, representation and leadership in Sierra Leone’s media. This includes a 2025 report on sexual harassment in the media and a 2026 study on women’s representation and leadership. Participants emphasised the need to move beyond policies on paper and ensure that safeguarding mechanisms are effectively implemented, accessible and backed by accountability. They also called for greater participation of women in newsroom decision-making and leadership, beyond simply increasing their numerical representation. The organisers said creating safer media workplaces requires collective action from media organisations, managers, journalists, regulators and other stakeholders. WIMSAL and BBC Media Action reaffirmed their commitment to promoting safer and more inclusive newsrooms where women can fully exercise their professional rights, participate in decision-making and take on leadership roles.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Andrew Mustapha Kamara has warned police personnel in the Freetown West Region against corruption, unlawful arrests, misconduct and irresponsible use of social media, as the Sierra Leone Police intensifies efforts to strengthen professionalism and public confidence. DIG Kamara issued the warning on Friday, August 21, 2026, during an engagement with personnel from the region focused on professionalism, accountability, integrity, discipline and effective service delivery. He said the engagement was aimed at communicating the vision and priorities of the Inspector General of Police and the Executive Management Board, while reinforcing the institution’s transition from a “Force to a Service.” The DIG urged officers to maintain proper standards of dress and conduct, avoid bribery and corruption, and refrain from actions that could damage the reputation of the police. He also stressed the importance of mentorship, particularly in guiding recruits and junior officers to uphold professional standards. On social media, DIG Kamara cautioned personnel against irresponsible activities on platforms such as TikTok, warning that their online conduct must not undermine public confidence in the police. He called on Local Unit Commanders, support officers, the Complaints, Discipline and Internal Investigations Department (CDIID) and other frontline managers to ensure compliance with established professional standards. DIG Kamara also highlighted the need for effective checkpoint management, stronger inter-agency collaboration and increased cooperation between the Sierra Leone Police and the Freetown City Council to address lawlessness and indiscipline across the city. Responding on behalf of Regional Commander AIG Sylvester M. N. Koroma, Deputy Regional Commander ACP Mohamed Kamara described the engagement as timely and important. He also highlighted the ongoing review of the Sierra Leone Police Rules and Regulations, expressing hope that the process would strengthen the institution’s response to misconduct. The Local Unit Commanders of the six divisions and other commanders welcomed the engagement and pledged to implement the professional standards and directives communicated by the DIG. The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the Sierra Leone Police to strengthen discipline, accountability and responsible conduct while improving service delivery to the public.

Two Charged in $13,000 Gold Fraud Case Committed to High Court Two men accused of orchestrating a major gold scam involving thousands of dollars have been committed to face trial at the High Court following preliminary proceedings at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1. The defendants, Isaac Jeptha Mamatta, 25, a local businessman, and Ibrahim Al-Wahhab Bah, face two counts of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses under Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916. Prosecutors allege the pair fraudulently acquired US$13,000 and Le20,000 from a buyer by claiming they would supply three kilograms of gold and arrange for its export to Dubai. During cross-examination before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah, defense counsel H. Cham pointed out significant gaps in the state’s evidence. Key physical items—such as payment receipts, signed contracts, or the physical gold itself—have not been recovered by investigators. Lead prosecutor Assistant Commissioner of Police Juan M.S. Bull concluded the state's case following procedural updates, including a representation adjustment for the defense team. Neither defendant entered a plea during the committal stage, and both remain out on bail pending further court orders. Magistrate Jah has adjourned proceedings to August 25, 2026, when the court will formally rule on committing the matter to the High Court for trial.

CAN Rejects Police Claims of Pre-Protest Consultations The Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) has publicly disputed claims by the Sierra Leone Police regarding formal engagements ahead of a planned civic protest scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The dispute follows a police directive disallowing the proposed demonstration and procession in Freetown. In its public statement, the Sierra Leone Police suggested that prior discussions had taken place with the organizers. However, CAN has categorically denied these claims, asserting that the organization received no formal invitation or official communication regarding any meeting. While CAN acknowledged that an individual may have received an informal telephone call from police officials, the group argued this does not constitute official engagement. "A telephone call from an anonymous caller, without clear identification, official authorization, confirmation of the purpose of the meeting, or any written communication from the Sierra Leone Police, cannot reasonably be characterized as a formal invitation to CAN," the organization stated. CAN expressed concern that the police's public account could mislead citizens into believing a collaborative dialogue occurred before the ban was issued. The advocacy group has called on the police to publicly clarify the circumstances of their statement and urged the authorities to maintain accuracy and professionalism in public communications. Despite police warnings that participants could face legal action under the Public Order Act of 1965, CAN maintained that peaceful assembly is a fundamental constitutional right and affirmed its ongoing commitment to lawful civic advocacy.

PPRC Moves to Strengthen Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities In a significant step toward deepening democratic inclusion, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has launched a new drive to enhance the participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the nation’s political landscape. The commitment was reaffirmed on Wednesday following a high-level courtesy visit led by PPRC Chairman Emmanuel Koivaya Amara, Esq., to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). The engagement took place at the Ministry of Social Welfare Conference Hall in New England Ville, Freetown. Deliberations centered on establishing concrete mechanisms to integrate disability inclusion into mainstream political party structures and broader electoral processes across Sierra Leone. The meeting brought together key governance figures, including the Minister of Social Welfare, Hon. Melrose Karminty, executive members from both commissions, ministry officials, and representatives from the press. Addressing delegates, Chairman Amara emphasized that the role of PWDs in governance must evolve beyond passive endorsement during campaign cycles. He urged political parties to formally register PWDs as active members and integrate them into internal party machinery. "Involvement must extend to internal decision-making and party governance," Amara stated, highlighting that empowering PWDs to shape policy ensures their perspectives directly inform national development and community advocacy. Amara noted that dismantling barriers to political access for PWDs remains essential to building a truly representative, accountable, and robust democratic system in Sierra Leone. The collaborative session forms part of a broader regulatory mandate by the PPRC and strategic partners to guarantee equal political rights and foster equitable opportunities for all citizens.

Correctional Service Faces Transport Crisis Amid Fuel Shortage A fuel shortage prevented the Sierra Leone Correctional Service from transporting inmates to court from August 17 to August 19, 2026, according to the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law Sierra Leone (CARL-SL). CARL-SL warned that the three-day operational disruption threatens prisoners’ constitutional rights to a fair and timely trial, cautioning that logistical failures risk prolonging detention and undermining trust in the judicial system. The civil society organization highlighted broader systemic issues, pointing to allegations that the Sierra Leonean Government has failed to disburse allocated operational funds to the Correctional Service since early 2026. This prolonged financial deficit has severely constrained the agency’s essential logistics and administrative capacity. Urging immediate intervention, CARL-SL called on state authorities to resolve the fuel crisis, release necessary funding, and investigate the administrative bottlenecks affecting inmate transport to prevent further delays in court proceedings.

Watchdog Praises Ministry Crackdown on Illegal Result Fees The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) has commended the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education for its swift intervention following allegations that Agape Primary School demanded unauthorized charges from parents to release National Primary School Examination (NPSE) results. In a press statement, CARL-SL welcomed the Ministry’s directive summoning school authorities and ordering the immediate refund of all collected fees. The watchdog organization reiterated that access to NPSE results must be free, warning that unauthorized financial demands place immense pressure on struggling families and risk keeping children out of school. Despite Agape's status as a private school, CARL-SL stressed that it remains subject to government oversight, urging the Ministry to apply regulatory standards consistently across all public, government-assisted, and private institutions. With JSS One admission interviews underway, CARL-SL called on the Ministry to publish approved school fees in a timely manner. The organization warned that unauthorized charges constitute a potential corruption risk and urged parents to document and report any illicit financial demands. To ensure transparency, CARL-SL announced plans to monitor the school admissions process in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission, civil society, and other education stakeholders to protect families from unlawful financial exploitation.

MoICE Clarifies Guinea Travel Policy, Warns Against Irregular Migration The Government of Sierra Leone has clarified that its citizens are not banned from traveling to or transiting through Guinea, provided they possess valid travel documents and meet immigration requirements for legitimate purposes. The Ministry of Information and Civic Education issued this clarification on August 20, 2026, following concerns from Guinean authorities regarding irregular migration, human trafficking, and unverified overseas employment. While legitimate transit remains fully permitted, strict restrictions apply to individuals attempting to use Guinea as a route to bypass established immigration procedures. The government warns that irregular travel exposes citizens to exploitation, trafficking, and fraudulent job offers. Citizens seeking employment abroad are urged to verify all overseas arrangements with the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security before departing. The ministry emphasized that adhering to proper procedures is vital for protecting workers and ensuring compliance with international laws.

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has called for stronger coordination and collaboration among government institutions to ensure that national policies translate into tangible benefits for Sierra Leoneans. He made the call on Thursday, August 20, 2026, while officially opening the National Symposium on Policy Coherence, Coordination and State Effectiveness at the Foreign Affairs Academy in Freetown. According to the Vice President, Sierra Leone does not necessarily lack policies, but faces challenges in implementing them effectively due to weak coordination among ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). He said issues such as food security, youth employment and healthcare require joint action across multiple institutions rather than isolated efforts. Dr. Jalloh also stressed the importance of using evidence and information from communities in policymaking. He cited unreliable electricity in hospitals and its impact on medical equipment as an example of how challenges in one sector can undermine government programmes in another. He said improved coordination is central to President Julius Maada Bio’s public sector reform programme, which aims to build a more efficient, professional, responsive and results-oriented public service. The Vice President urged public servants to focus not only on developing policies and programmes but also on their actual impact on citizens. He called for policies to have clearly defined responsibilities, realistic funding, clear implementation plans, measurable targets and regular monitoring. With Sierra Leone facing limited resources and competing national priorities, Dr. Jalloh warned against duplication and fragmentation and urged government institutions to work together, maximise available resources and ensure that national development priorities deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens.

The trial of Alhassan Fofanah, 46, a driver, and Alusine Fofanah, 46, an unemployed man, commenced today before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2. The two defendants are facing multiple charges in connection with the alleged murder of Mumunie Bah. The accused appeared in court on five counts: conspiracy to commit murder, murder, wounding with intent, malicious wounding, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges were brought under various sections of the Offences Against the Person Act 1816, as amended. According to the police charge sheet, the alleged incident occurred on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at No. 69A Back of PWD Quarter, Sumalia Town, in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. The prosecution alleges that the two defendants conspired with unknown persons to murder Mumunie Bah. The second count alleges that they murdered Bah, while the third to fifth counts relate to the alleged wounding and assault of Alie Bangura. During the proceedings, the charges were read and explained to the defendants. As the matter is at the committal stage, the defendants did not enter pleas. The prosecutor, Sergeant Wilson, informed the court that she had served both defendants with copies of their case files. The defendants are currently without legal representation, but indicated their intention to cross-examine witnesses, including Morlai Bangura and the investigating officer, at the next hearing. Magistrate Fornah ordered that both defendants be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. He also directed that subpoenas be issued for the witnesses the defendants wish to cross-examine. The case was adjourned to August 26, 2026, for further proceedings.

Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) President Ibrahim Bankapoma Kargbo has called for an increase in the government’s school subsidy, saying the current NLe10 per child per term is insufficient to meaningfully support schools. Kargbo made the remarks while speaking on AYV’s State of the Nation, where he discussed government support for schools, challenges facing teachers and the implementation of the Free Quality School Education programme. “The government pays NLe10 per child per term, which you cannot even give to your child as lunch.” Kargbo proposed that the subsidy be increased to NLe100 per child and applied across both primary and secondary schools. “A subsidy of Le100 per child would be better if the government could provide it across the board for both primary and secondary schools.” He said several schools have complained about delays in receiving government subsidies, noting that the problem creates additional pressure on school administrators. According to Kargbo, principals face pressure from community teachers and other subsidiary staff when government support is delayed. “Principals are always under pressure from community teachers and subsidiary staff when the government fails to pay subsidies on time.” Kargbo also said that if he were running a public school and the government allowed him to charge a fee, he would set it at NLe100 across the different levels of the school system. Despite his concerns about school financing and delayed subsidies, Kargbo gave a positive assessment of the government’s performance, saying President Julius Maada Bio’s administration deserves a 75 percent rating. “We need to give President Bio’s government something like a 75% rating.” He stressed that the subsidy issue was only one aspect of the education sector and acknowledged what he described as significant achievements by the government. Kargbo further raised concerns about the pressure created by delays in government support, particularly for schools that rely on community teachers and subsidiary staff to maintain their operations. He also described teachers’ salaries as a “recipe for corruption,” highlighting concerns around the broader management and financing of the education sector. Kargbo said improving the level and timely payment of subsidies would help reduce pressure on school administrators and provide better support for schools across the country.

Sierra Leone is playing a key role in shaping Africa’s future health data and digital health systems as a founding member of the Health Intelligence Centres for Africa (HICA), a continental initiative aimed at strengthening the use of reliable health data and digital technology in healthcare. Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby, PhD, MPH, is representing Sierra Leone at HICA’s inaugural Board Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where member countries are discussing how health intelligence can improve policymaking, healthcare delivery and responses to public health emergencies. He is joined by Dr. Joseph David Koroma, head of Sierra Leone’s Health Information Hub in Freetown. Sierra Leone’s Health Information Hub has helped move the country from paper-based health records toward digital systems and real-time dashboards. These tools provide timely information on maternal and child health, disease trends and emergencies, helping authorities monitor health indicators and support interventions at district level. Through its HICA membership, Sierra Leone is also contributing to discussions on data sovereignty, ethical governance and country ownership of health information, particularly as African health systems become increasingly digital. Following the HICA meeting, Minister Demby is expected to represent Sierra Leone at the 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC76). The meeting will bring together African health leaders to discuss policies, priorities and investments shaping the continent’s health sector. Sierra Leone’s participation in both engagements provides an opportunity to highlight its national health priorities, strengthen partnerships and advocate for resilient, equitable and technology-driven health systems, while contributing to broader continental discussions on digital transformation and the effective use of health data.