AGP Executive Report

Media Safeguarding: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) launched a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment, with clear standards for prevention, reporting and accountability after a 2025 survey found women faced higher rates of abuse. Education Integrity: Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union president Ibrahim Bankapoma Kargbo says exam malpractice is driven by betting culture, misuse of technology, poor teacher conditions, poverty and favouritism, warning that overvaluing certificates over skills fuels corruption. Protected Areas: NPAA stepped up protection for Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, citing illegal hunting, forest degradation, encroachment and bush fires, and urged communities to report violations. Environment Enforcement: NPAA and partners arrested 17 people for illegal mining and unlawful activities in Outamba-Kilimi National Park, with suspects to be charged after investigations. Health & Cleanliness: The Health Ministry rolled out a nationwide hygiene drive, including cleaning at the Youyi Building and other facilities, using locally produced disinfectant to strengthen infection prevention. Gender Justice: The Judiciary handed over a Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Resource Document to justice stakeholders, noting women’s strong representation in magistracy and continuing capacity-building for gender-responsive practice. Cross-Border Tragedy: Sierra Leone confirmed 17 nationals among deaths after a deadly Conakry landfill landslide, as recovery and identification continue. Youth & Jobs: MoPED and UNICEF discussed collaboration on youth employment, local production and evidence-based planning, including nutrition product production to create jobs.

Judiciary & Gender Equality: The Judiciary has handed stakeholders a Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Resource Document, with Chief Justice Justice Jamesina Essie King urging full implementation and noting women’s strong representation in the courts. Foreign Affairs & Disaster Response: Sierra Leone confirms 17 nationals dead after a deadly Conakry landfill landslide, while the embassy reports 54 survivors as recovery and identification continue. Information Sector Coordination: The Information Ministry’s Chernor Bah met six agencies (SLENA, RAIC, SLBC, GPD, NACCED, IMC) to improve performance, coordination and accountability in the media and information space. Health & Community Service: Kingtom Police Hospital carried out a monthly cleaning ahead of a free surgical campaign by Surgeons in Action Foundation. Child Protection: Kids’ Parliament Sierra Leone honoured IGP William Fayia Sellu for supporting children’s welfare and plans a Back to School initiative. Education Leadership: TALLE-Reading Sierra Leone trained 10 headteachers on gender-responsive school leadership for the 2026/2027 year. GBV Prevention: MoGCA is consulting stakeholders on a National Action Plan to strengthen Sierra Leone’s response to gender-based violence. Environment & Enforcement: NPAA and partners arrested 17 people for illegal mining and unlawful activities in Outamba-Kilimi National Park. Local Food Security: RSLAF bought 9,000 bags of made-in-Sierra Leone rice to support farmers and reduce military rice imports.

Gender & Justice Reform: The Judiciary has handed over a Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Resource Document to stakeholders, urging full implementation across the justice sector and highlighting women’s strong representation in magistracy. Cross-Border Disaster Update: Sierra Leone confirms 17 nationals among the dead after a deadly Conakry landfill landslide, with identification and recovery still ongoing and survivors also reported. Media Sector Coordination: Information Minister Chernor Bah met six agencies under his ministry to tighten coordination, review progress and tackle challenges in Sierra Leone’s information and media landscape. Health Facility Prep: Kingtom Police Hospital began a monthly cleaning exercise ahead of a free surgical campaign by Surgeons in Action Foundation. Child Protection & Community: Kids’ Parliament honoured IGP William Fayia Sellu for supporting children’s welfare and plans a Back to School initiative. Education Leadership: TALLE-Reading Sierra Leone trained 10 headteachers on gender-responsive school leadership ahead of the 2026/2027 academic year. Protected Areas Enforcement: NPAA and partners arrested 17 suspects for illegal mining and unlawful activities in Outamba-Kilimi National Park. Local Food for Defence: RSLAF bought 9,000 bags of locally produced rice for soldiers under a deal meant to strengthen domestic procurement. Culture & Faith: SLEMA was launched in Bo to strengthen churches and expand missionary work across Sierra Leone.

Media Integrity: Visa pour l’Image opens in its 38th year warning that AI is eroding trust in photography, after a “fake image” of Nicolás Maduro spread widely and raised fears that visual proof can be manufactured. Sports Streaming: DAZN has secured LaLiga EA SPORTS rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), starting this weekend, bringing all 380 matches per season to fans in 48 markets including Nigeria. GBV Response: Sierra Leone’s MoGCA is consulting stakeholders on a National Action Plan to strengthen the country’s response to gender-based violence, following regional inputs from Kenema, Bo, Makeni and Port Loko. Education Certificates: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education says it is engaging the Government Printing Department to produce university degree certificates locally to cut delays and improve security. Child Marriage Push: First Lady Dr Fatima Bio will table a draft UN resolution seeking an International Day to End Child Marriage, building on Sierra Leone’s “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign. Protected Areas Enforcement: NPAA and partners arrested 17 people for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities inside Outamba-Kilimi National Park, with cases set for court after investigations. Local Food for Troops: RSLAF has bought 9,000 bags of made-in-Sierra Leone rice for soldiers under an agreement meant to rotate reserves and support local farmers. Faith & Community: SLEMA has been launched in Bo to strengthen churches and expand Gospel mission across Sierra Leone.

Gender-Based Violence Response: The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) is strengthening Sierra Leone’s national response to gender-based violence through a Western Area Urban stakeholder consultation to review and validate a National Action Plan on GBV, building on earlier regional inputs from Kenema, Bo, Makeni and Port Loko. Education Integrity: Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie says Sierra Leone must adopt zero tolerance for exam malpractice and fake qualifications, warning that weak enforcement is eroding the credibility of the education system. Local Certificates: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education is engaging the Government Printing Department to begin producing university degree certificates locally to cut delays that can take months and create problems for jobs and scholarships. Child Marriage Push: First Lady Dr Fatima Bio will table a draft UN resolution seeking an official International Day to End Child Marriage, as part of the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign. Protected Areas Crackdown: Seventeen suspects, including five women and a minor, have been arrested for alleged illegal mining and unlawful activities inside Outamba-Kilimi National Park, with charges expected after investigations. Local Food for Troops: The RSLAF has bought over 9,000 bags of made-in-Sierra Leone rice for soldiers under an agreement aimed at rotating reserves and boosting farmers’ markets. Media Reform: BBC Media Action and MRCG are pushing EU-funded reforms to strengthen Sierra Leone’s media sector, including support for an independent, financially sustainable SLBC and a national policy for community media.

Local Governance: Maforki Chiefdom has validated a 10-year development plan under Sierra Leone’s chiefdom planning pilot, prioritising agriculture, livelihoods, education, healthcare, clean water, and youth and women’s development. National Development: The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development says it is pushing fresh investment plans and bankable projects, including in the blue economy, tourism, fisheries, sea transport and agriculture, while validating community planning pilots in Maforki and Marampa. Media Reform: BBC Media Action and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) have presented proposed reforms to strengthen Sierra Leone’s media sector, including making SLBC a financially sustainable public broadcaster and protecting community media. Education Integrity: Minister of Technical and Higher Education Dr Wurie calls for zero tolerance on exam malpractice and fake qualifications, warning weak enforcement is undermining education credibility. Sports: Leone Stars tune up for AFCON qualifiers with a 4-0 friendly win over Star Sports Academy, as Sierra Leone’s home-based camp continues. Culture & Heritage: Miss World Sierra Leone 2026 Mariyam Lorba Konneh showcases Sierra Leone’s history and identity on the Miss World stage through her Top Model and World Designer presentations.

Media Reform: BBC Media Action and MRCG have presented EU-backed proposals to strengthen Sierra Leone’s media sector, including making SLBC a more independent, financially sustainable public broadcaster and protecting community media. Public Safety: Lungi Police Station received a major lighting upgrade, with officers and community members praising improved night-time service delivery. Planning & Investment: MoPED says it is pushing new investment plans and coordination under the Medium-Term National Development Plan, including 10 “bankable” projects across blue economy, tourism, fisheries, sea transport and agriculture, plus community planning pilots in Maforki and Marampa. Education Integrity: Minister Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie calls for zero tolerance on exam malpractice and fake qualifications, warning weak enforcement is undermining education quality. Local Governance & Jobs: The EU and Freetown City Council launched the SURGE project to improve municipal service delivery, revenue systems, and support women and youth through market reconstruction and sanitation-linked livelihoods. Road Accountability: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD urge urgent action on the Makeni–Kamakwie road corridor, citing stalled works, the Mathehun Bridge collapse, and disrupted ferry services. Sports: Leone Stars beat Star Sports Academy 4-0 in a pre-AFCON friendly as Sierra Leone fine-tunes for qualifiers.

Lungi Bridge Investment Clarified: Sierra Leone’s Information Minister Chernor Bah says the government wants U.S. private-sector investment to build the long-awaited Freetown Lungi Bridge, not direct U.S. government funding. Electricity Costs Watch: NERC’s 2025 tariff comparison puts Sierra Leone at $0.25/kWh, higher than Nigeria’s $0.08, while highlighting how power pricing pressures businesses. Urban Governance Boost: The EU and Freetown City Council launch the SURGE project to strengthen municipal management, improve service delivery, and expand economic opportunities—especially for women and youth. Road Corridor Urgent Call: SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD demand urgent action on the Makeni–Kamakwie road corridor, citing stalled works, the Mathehun Bridge collapse, and disrupted ferries. Drug Crackdown in Aberdeen: Police arrest a couple in Freetown and recover 858 suspected Kush wraps and sachets, sending them to TOCU for further investigation. Sports—Leone Stars Win: Leone Stars beat Star Sports Academy 4-0 in a pre-AFCON friendly as Sierra Leone prepares for AFCON qualifiers. Parliament/Trade Infrastructure: Lawmakers urge support for the Kent Harbour and Port Project to ease quay congestion and boost trade and revenue.

Police & Drugs: Sierra Leone Police arrested a couple in Aberdeen, Freetown, recovering 858 wraps and sachets suspected to be Kush, plus scales and rolling papers, and transferred them to TOCU for further investigation. Urban Governance: The EU and Freetown City Council launched the SURGE project to strengthen municipal management, improve service delivery, and expand economic opportunities for women and young people, including support for King Jimmy Market reconstruction. Health Fundraising: A Western Area Rural health worker, Mohamed F. Kamara, is appealing for about US$15,000 for specialised orthopaedic surgery in India after pelvic fractures from a work-related accident. Local Administration: The Ministry of Local Government declared the purported removal of Nimikoro Chiefdom Speaker Sahr Abdulai Komassi “unprocedural and illegal,” reaffirming him as the legitimate speaker. Infrastructure Watch: Lawmakers urged urgent support for the Kent Harbour and Port Project, citing congestion at the existing quay and the need for more port capacity to boost trade and revenue. Water Safety: The Water Ministry completed a five-day monitoring of 41 private water facilities in Freetown and the peninsula, flagging varying compliance levels and calling for corrective action. Women’s Football: Sierra Leone forward Kumba Brima was featured in Deportivo Alavés’ new colours ahead of the Spanish season, while CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU qualifiers also saw three Sierra Leonean officials appointed in The Gambia. Sports Facilities Timeline: A new report questions how long the Siaka Stevens National Stadium rehabilitation will take, noting it began in 2022 and is still unfinished.

Constitutional Tension: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Local Government has nullified the alleged removal of Nimikoro Chiefdom Speaker Sahr Abdulai Komassi, calling it “unprocedural and illegal,” and reaffirming him as the lawful chiefdom speaker. Parliament & Infrastructure: MPs are pushing for urgent government support for the Kent Harbour and Port Project, warning that congestion at the current quay is hurting trade and revenue. Water Safety: Sierra Leone’s Water Ministry says it has stepped up checks on private water companies in Freetown, inspecting 41 facilities to ensure safe drinking water standards. Health Watch: Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says it is monitoring a deadly landfill landslide in Guinea and has dispatched embassy officials to verify the status of Sierra Leoneans possibly affected. Women’s Football: Three Sierra Leonean officials have been appointed for CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU Zone A qualifiers in The Gambia. Sports Spotlight: Sierra Leonean forward Kumba Brima has been featured in Deportivo Alavés’ new colours ahead of the Spanish season. Global Context: A new study ranks Sierra Leone among Africa’s top remote-work markets, with 92.4% of LinkedIn vacancies tagged remote.

Constitutional Crisis: Sierra Leoneans are again urged to treat the 1991 Constitution as a national asset, not a party tool, as debate intensifies over President Bio’s next steps on the Constitutional Amendment Bill and whether Parliament met required thresholds. Water Safety in Freetown: The Water Ministry has stepped up checks on private water companies after a five-day monitoring drive across 41 facilities, flagging uneven compliance and calling for corrective action. Flood Relief: The EU has released €175,000 for flood-hit communities in Freetown and nearby urban areas, targeting cash support, shelter, water and sanitation, health services, and protection for vulnerable groups. Regional Integration at Bo-Waterside: ECOWAS has opened a temporary joint border post between Liberia and Sierra Leone and handed over a renovated NTA building to Liberia, clearing the way for the permanent Bo-Waterside–Jendema facility. Environment Enforcement: EPA Sierra Leone destroyed five giant dredges in a crackdown on illegal Moa River mining after pollution concerns near a key water intake. Sports: SLFA has named Star Sports Academy, East End Lions, and Mogbwemo Queens for CAF competitions, while Sierra Leone’s Olympic Eagles’ U-23 AFCON qualifying path could include a tie with Sierra Leone or Zambia. International Spotlight: China-Sierra Leone media cooperation was highlighted in Freetown’s information circles, with calls for Africans to better shape their own stories.

Environment & Water Security: EPA Sierra Leone says it destroyed five giant dredges at Gandorhun and Mano Jagbala on the Moa River after complaints of pollution near the Kenema water intake, warning that illegal mining is damaging river ecosystems and community water quality. Flood Response: The European Union approved €175,000 emergency support for flood-hit communities in Freetown and nearby urban areas, targeting about 5,100 people with cash, shelter, water/sanitation, health and protection for vulnerable groups. Regional Integration at Borders: ECOWAS opened a temporary joint border post at Bo-Waterside to support cross-border trade and coordinated security while the permanent ECOWAS Bo-Waterside–Jendema facility is built. Local Governance Oversight: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee ordered further verification and investigation of Kambia District Council projects after audit queries, including missing documents, weak revenue mobilisation and concerns over community participation. Sports (CAF): SLFA named Star Sports Academy (CAF Champions League), East End Lions (CAF Confederation Cup) and Mogbwemo Queens (CAF Women’s Champions League) for continental campaigns, and also appointed four Sierra Leonean officials for WAFU-A Women’s Champions League qualifiers. China–Sierra Leone Ties: China’s ambassador says trade hit $2.3bn in 2025 and urged Sierra Leonean media to report more on practical cooperation as both countries mark 55 years of diplomacy.

Parliament Oversight: Sierra Leone’s Public Accounts Committee has ordered physical verification and further probe into Kambia District Council projects after Auditor-General queries, including payments without proper documents, weak revenue collection, excess funds, unpaid withholding tax, and concerns over community participation. Human Rights & Climate: The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone warns climate change is increasingly threatening rights to water, food, shelter, healthcare and livelihoods, urging stronger integration of climate concerns into national policy and accountability. Trade & Diplomacy: China’s ambassador says China–Sierra Leone trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, up nearly 30%, with exports to China rising and talks to expand beyond fishing into palm oil, coffee and cocoa. Maritime Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority runs a regional training for seafarer examiners and instructors, with Sierra Leone among participating countries. Women’s Digital Rights: Media Reform Coordinating Group holds a forum pushing stronger protections against online abuse as Sierra Leone examines risks women face in digital spaces. Football: Four Sierra Leonean officials secure roles for the 2026 WAFU-A Women’s Champions League qualifiers in The Gambia.

Human Rights & Climate: HRCSL warns climate change is increasingly threatening rights to water, food, shelter, healthcare and livelihoods after field research in Moyamba and Kambia, urging stronger integration of climate action into national policy. Trade & Diplomacy: China’s ambassador says China–Sierra Leone trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, up nearly 30%, with exports to China rising and talks to expand beyond fishing into palm oil, coffee and cocoa. Public Finance Oversight: Parliament’s PAC orders physical verification and further probe into Kambia District Council projects after audit queries, including payments without documents, weak revenue mobilisation and community participation gaps. Women’s Football: SLFA appoints four Sierra Leonean officials for WAFU-A Women’s Champions League qualifiers in The Gambia. WASH & Environment: Transform Sierra Leone holds community engagement in Madina, Makpele Chiefdom, Pujehun District to plan water, sanitation, hygiene and environmental conservation activities. Digital Rights: MRCG and partners push for stronger protections against online abuse as Sierra Leone examines risks women face in digital spaces. Media Accountability: SLAJ calls for tougher measures to tackle sexual harassment in the media, urging gender-responsive safeguarding and confidential reporting channels. Sports Prep: Leone Stars complete the first week of training camp for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, focusing on home-based players ahead of the next phase. Culture & Storytelling: A spotlight on Alimatu Farakhan Sesay and Lema’s Diary highlights how Sierra Leonean storytelling is carving space against regional competition.

Police Professionalism Drive: DIG Andrew Mustapha Kamara lectured Freetown West personnel on professionalism, integrity, discipline, and “Force to a Service,” warning against bribery and unlawful arrests. Media Safeguarding: SLAJ and WIMSAL renewed calls for stronger protections against sexual harassment and abuse in Sierra Leone’s media, pushing for clear gender-responsive safeguarding policies and safe reporting channels. Women’s Digital Rights: MRCG convened stakeholders to tackle online abuse risks for women, linking digital rights to human rights and safer participation. WASH Community Engagement: Transform Sierra Leone held an inception meeting in Madina, Makpele Chiefdom (Pujehun) to plan water, sanitation, hygiene and environmental conservation work with community ownership. Higher Education Reforms: MTHE brought university leaders together to sign performance contracts, focusing on admissions reforms, local production of certificates, and digital payments. Sports (Leone Stars): Leone Stars completed the first week of home-based training ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Local Governance (Chiefdom Dispute): A Nimikoro Chiefdom speaker dispute escalated after a petition challenged an alleged irregular replacement process. Health (Flood Preparedness): Caritas and Trócaire trained community volunteers in Western Area Urban on disaster response and flood mitigation.

Police & Accountability: DIG Andrew Mustapha Kamara urged Freetown West officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and public trust, warning against bribery, unlawful arrests, and conduct that brings the force into disrepute. Women’s Rights Online: Media reform groups pushed for stronger safeguarding and accountability to curb sexual harassment and online abuse against women journalists and media workers. Digital Rights & Gender Justice: MRCG and partners held talks on protecting women in digital spaces, calling for practical protections and better reporting channels. Community WASH & Environment: Transform Sierra Leone began stakeholder engagement in Madina, Pujehun, to expand water, sanitation, hygiene, and environmental conservation with community ownership. Higher Education Reforms: Sierra Leone’s MTHE secured university leaders’ performance contracts to drive admissions reforms, certificate production, digital payments, and stronger research links. Sports: Leone Stars completed the first week of home-based training ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Justice System: CARL-SL says fuel shortages disrupted prisoner transport to court, risking trial delays and longer pre-trial detention. International Watch: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries, including Sierra Leone.