AGP Executive Report

Child Marriage Push at UN: Sierra Leone’s First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio helped secure UN General Assembly adoption of a resolution establishing 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, calling it a “call to action” to protect girls’ rights. Immigration Reform: Sierra Leone plans to digitize passport services and expand diaspora access abroad under a 14-month reform plan, including an online passport application system and free Wi‑Fi/document-scanning support at selected centres. Decentralisation Consultations: VP Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh will hold the next leg of the regional decentralisation tour this weekend in Makeni and Port Loko to consult traditional and local leaders on making governance work at community level. Port Decongestion and Bribery Warning: Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh warned police at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay against demanding money from truck drivers, saying offenders will face immediate consequences. Public Health Systems Upgrade: NPHA and GOAL launched a digital overhaul of Sierra Leone’s epidemic response, including modern digital contact tracing, to speed up outbreak control. ICJ Bid Momentum: Justice Minister Alpha Sesay formally presented Professor Charles Jalloh as Sierra Leone’s candidate for the International Court of Justice, urging fair West African representation. Diaspora and Citizenship Angle: A report highlights West Africa’s citizenship-by-ancestry push, including Sierra Leone, while questioning how much sustained investment it has actually generated.

Finance Handover: Sierra Leone’s outgoing Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura handed over to Karefa A. F. Kargbo, who pledged fiscal reforms and close work with MDAs. Water & Accountability: Guma Valley Water Company has begun installing 2,120 water meters across Freetown to improve billing accuracy and service delivery, with priorities on active but unbilled customers. Anti-Drug Push: TOCU seized a suspected Tramadol consignment in central Freetown and arrested people linked to the haul, with further investigations expected. Public Safety & Rights: The Independent Police Complaints Board says recording police officers on duty is not a crime, while noting respectful conduct matters. Health Crisis Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 3,000 deaths and 6,000+ cases as WHO pushes for faster response and vaccine trials. Child Marriage: First Lady Fatima Bio arrived in New York to back a UN resolution to end child marriage, building on her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign. Diplomacy & Security: Iran’s embassy in Sierra Leone posted a Minesweeper-style Hormuz video taunting the US amid escalating US-Iran tensions. Sports: Sierra Leone’s U-17 team departed for Senegal for WAFU-A qualifiers, with group matches against Gambia, Senegal and Mauritania.

Finance Shake-up: Sierra Leone’s new Finance Minister Karefa A. F. Kargbo was sworn in after a handover ceremony, pledging fiscal reforms and closer work with MDAs. Housing & Jobs Push: Cabinet approved about US$73.8m for affordable housing, climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and job creation, including BADEA support for Shelter Afrique and an AfDB rice agro-processing zone. Public Safety & Rights: The Independent Police Complaints Board says recording police officers on duty is not a crime, while noting respectful conduct; it also reiterated a 72-hour window for drivers to produce licences. Tax Enforcement: The NRA sealed Mineret Company over a US$1m tax debt and warned more businesses will face action. Sports: Sierra Leone U-17 “Sierra Stars” depart for Senegal for WAFU-A qualifiers; Medina United begin their CAF Champions League preliminary tie in Freetown. Ebola Update: DRC authorities report Ebola deaths have surpassed 3,000 with cases over 6,000, as WHO urges scaling up response. Local Human Interest: An elderly woman reportedly died in a Kekeh tricycle in Freetown; police are seeking her family.

Ebola Update: WHO says the DRC Ebola response must be scaled up as deaths pass 3,000 and “chains of transmission” remain hard to track, with many victims not linked to known contacts. Health Financing: ECA’s statistics workshop trains Sierra Leone and other countries to build the economic case for health spending, using country-owned data to show how health investment drives jobs and growth. Agriculture Investment: Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh joins a $5m rice investment launch at Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, inviting private partners to expand rice zones and agro-processing. Education & Justice: The Sierra Leone Correctional Service proposes university education for people in custody, aiming for recognised qualifications and better post-release prospects. Sports: CAF appoints four Sierra Leonean referees for a Confederation Cup match; SLFA U-17 Shooting Stars get a morale boost ahead of WAFU-A qualifiers in Senegal. Local Safety: A deadly Waterloo house fire kills three children, renewing calls for stronger fire prevention and emergency response. International Spotlight: Sierra Leone-born Off-White creative director Ib Kamara announces his exit from the fashion label.

Ebola Watch: WHO says the Ebola response in DR Congo must be scaled up as deaths pass 3,000 and “chains of transmission” remain hard to track, with unsafe burials and gaps in contact lists worsening spread. Local Accountability: CHRDI demands action over alleged labour law violations at Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, saying it wrote to the SLCAA director-general on July 31 but received no formal response. Sports—CAF Officiating: CAF appoints four Sierra Leonean referees for a CAF Confederation Cup match on 12 September, highlighting growing trust in local officials. Sports—Football: Sierra Leone international Francis Koroma’s error is discussed after Katsina United’s 1-1 draw with Rangers in Nigeria’s NPFL opener. Community & Safety: Three children die in a Waterloo house fire; investigations are expected to determine the cause, renewing calls for stronger fire prevention. Transport Infrastructure: Residents in Karene’s Kabba area renew calls for a bridge to replace a decades-old ferry after repeated accidents. Regional Aviation/Trade: SolitAir expands its African cargo network with Port Harcourt and Hargeisa routes. Youth & Media: Foto4Change Visual Storytelling for the Deaf expands into Sierra Leone, giving deaf students cameras and training to tell their own stories.

Flooding in Makeni: Heavy rains on Sept 1 overwhelmed drainage and flooded major roads and business areas, disrupting travel and damaging shop stock, with residents pointing to recurring drainage failures. Constitutional Court Fight (APC): The APC filed two Supreme Court actions challenging the passage of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, including how Parliament and the Speaker handled the process. ECOWAS Leadership Push: Sierra Leone’s President Bio renewed calls for ECOWAS unity as the bloc faces security, climate and political fragmentation. Health Leadership (Sierra Leone): Dr. Mustapha Kabba assumed office as Chief Medical Officer, pledging patient-centred care and stronger coordination for women and children. Fire Safety Update: The National Fire Force reported 375 fire incidents from Jan–Aug 2026 and announced plans to recruit 200 new firefighters and expand equipment. Sports (Local & Regional): Waterloo FC signed midfielder Daniel Karim after promotion; Ram Kay beat Guinea’s Bafing FC 4-0 in a West African women’s tournament; SLFA President Babadi Kamara urged Shooting Stars U-17 players ahead of qualifiers in Senegal. Regional Crisis Watch (DRC Ebola): Ebola deaths in DR Congo crossed 3,000 as cases surpassed 6,000, with WHO warning the outbreak remains out of control.

ECOWAS–Sahel Push: Nigeria’s foreign ministry urged ECOWAS leadership to intensify engagement with Alliance of Sahel States countries—Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—calling them “brothers and sisters” and stressing peace as the base for integration. Migration & Jobs: IOM Sierra Leone wrapped up a youth-focused project to curb irregular migration, handing livelihood support to beneficiaries in Newton and Kambia. Census Prep: Stats SL and UNFPA trained field teams for a nationwide 2026 Population and Housing Census awareness perception survey, using a digital data-collection tool and planned interviews across selected areas. Health Leadership: Dr. Mustapha Kabba assumed office as Sierra Leone’s new Chief Medical Officer, pledging patient-centred care and stronger coordination. Fire Safety: The National Fire Force reported 375 fire incidents in Sierra Leone between January and August 2026, with Western Area hit hardest. Politics in Court: A High Court interim injunction restrains former APC executives from acting as party executives, while APC leadership disputes continue. Sports: Pitso Mosimane was confirmed as South Africa’s Bafana Bafana coach ahead of AFCON qualifiers; Sierra Leone’s Daniel Kanu also joined Notts County on loan.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): Congo authorities say the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has passed 6,000 confirmed cases with 2,911 deaths, while more than 1,360 people have recovered; officials warn insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike and population movement are worsening spread. APC Legal Battle (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s opposition APC has filed at the Supreme Court challenging the Speaker’s ruling that allowed passage of a constitutional amendment bill, arguing the required two-thirds vote was not met. APC Party Process (Sierra Leone): A High Court order directs APC to hold delegate elections across all districts within 21 days, while restraining interim executives from calling themselves national officials. Health System Digitisation (Sierra Leone): The Ministry of Health plans to digitize primary healthcare management and reporting, replacing manual paperwork with automated tools and dashboards linked to existing platforms. Tax Compliance Push (Sierra Leone): The National Revenue Authority begins rolling out Smart GST machines to 10,000 businesses to improve electronic records and reduce revenue leakages. ECOWAS Unity Reset: ECOWAS’ new Commission President, General Birame Diop, says the bloc must rebuild unity and reopen engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, arguing geography and shared threats make cooperation unavoidable. Visa Pathway (Sierra Leone/UK): Sierra Leoneans may qualify for the UK Ancestry Visa if a grandparent was born in the UK, offering a route to live and work for up to five years. ECOWAS Court Spotlight (Liberia/Regional): Liberian lawyer Charlyne Brumskine becomes the first Liberian woman selected as an ECOWAS Community Court of Justice judge (2026–2030).

APC Party Politics: Sierra Leone’s High Court ordered the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) to hold nationwide delegate elections within 21 days, while allowing key officials to keep supporting party administration. Ebola Update: DR Congo reported 6,041 confirmed Ebola cases and 2,911 deaths, with 619 patients in isolation and contact tracing at 82.4%, as WHO warns the outbreak remains out of control. US Visa Changes Affect Freetown: The US Embassy says routine visa processing has shifted to regional hubs (including Freetown), but diplomatic and official A, G and C visas are still processed in Abuja. Education Crackdown: The Education Minister says teachers absent for six consecutive terms could be removed from the payroll, using a digital fingerprint/GPS attendance system. Gender & Community Support: UNDP Sierra Leone signed US$511,000 grant agreements with 12 civil society groups for biodiversity, climate resilience and livelihoods. Local Economy: Sewa Ground Market is fully occupied ahead of its Sept 1 opening after a 50% rental price cut. Sports & Culture: Mariyam Lorba Konneh placed among Africa’s top five at Miss World’s Beauty with a Purpose; Mogbwemo Queens lost 5-1 to Berewuleng in CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-A qualifiers.

Deportation Watch: The US released an updated “third-country” deportation list naming 427 people from 16 West African countries, with Nigeria (134), Liberia (111) and Ghana (44) leading; Sierra Leone is listed with 9 names. Anti-Corruption & Education: A WAEC examiner in custody after allegedly going door-to-door in Freetown seeking money from parents to help children rewrite exams, as the ACC warns exam malpractice is organised and growing. Court Update: A 27-year-old woman, Hellen Kuyateh, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession and dealing in Kush and was remanded to the Female Correctional Facility pending sentencing on Oct 16. Media Safety: Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) launched a safeguarding policy to protect journalists from sexual harassment and retaliation. Public Health: The Health Ministry rolled out a nationwide hygiene drive, including cleaning at the Youyi Building in Freetown. Environment & Security: NPAA stepped up protection for Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, citing illegal hunting, forest degradation and encroachment. Police Capacity: Ten police officers completed Microsoft training to boost digital skills. Sports: SLFA named a 43-player provisional squad for the 2026 U-20 AFCON WAFU Zone A qualifiers starting Aug 31 in Kingtom.

Funeral Arrangements: Sierra Leone’s “Gen-Z Reporter” Glorious Aminata Bangura will be laid to rest on Friday, Sept 4, with a vigil on Sept 3 at her family home on Kallon Drive, Rokel. Education Materials: Minister Conrad Sackey says the Ministry has distributed 523,717 literacy books and 13,500 teacher guides nationwide, responding to claims of shortages ahead of classroom needs. Police Digital Skills: Ten Sierra Leone Police officers complete a six-week Microsoft training programme in Freetown, part of efforts to boost digital capacity. Social Welfare Land Protection: Social Welfare Minister Melrose Karminty moves to resolve an Approved School Community land dispute through a multi-stakeholder committee, aiming to stop illegal encroachment. Health Hygiene Drive: The Health Ministry rolls out a nationwide cleaning exercise, starting with the Youyi Building in Freetown, to strengthen infection prevention. Wildlife Protection: NPAA steps up protection for Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, citing illegal hunting, forest degradation and encroachment. Security Update: Police recover a pistol, live ammunition and synthetic kush during a raid in Goderich, with investigations ongoing. Sports: SLFA names a 43-player provisional squad for the 2026 U-20 AFCON WAFU Zone A qualifiers in Mali, with training starting Aug 31 in Kingtom.

Police & Security: VP Juldeh Jalloh chaired a Sierra Leone Police Executive Management Board meeting to review governance, security and reform priorities. Anti-Corruption & Education: ACC boss Ben Kaifala told a civic town hall the ACC does not “take charge of exams,” though it will support and act where its mandate is triggered. Justice Sector: Judiciary handed over a Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Resource Document to strengthen gender-responsive work in the justice system. Land Governance: ACC and the National Land Commission agreed on a MoU, joint task force and a dedicated email channel to speed responses to land-related complaints. Disaster Response: Sierra Leone confirmed 17 nationals dead in Guinea’s Conakry landfill landslide, with 54 survivors identified so far. Sports: SLFA named a 43-man provisional squad for the 2026 U-20 AFCON WAFU Zone A qualifiers in Mali; meanwhile Mohamed Kanu joined Liberia’s NPA Anchors, and Abu Dumbuya played 87 minutes for Al Jeel in a 1-0 loss. Community & Health: Kingtom Police Hospital held a monthly cleaning ahead of a free surgery campaign; IGP Sellu donated four motorbikes to the Northeast Region police.

U-20 Football: Sierra Leone FA has named a 43-man provisional squad for the 2026 U-20 AFCON WAFU Zone A qualifiers in Mali, with training starting Monday, Aug. 31 at the SLFA Academy in Kingtom. Police & Public Safety: IGP William Fayia Sellu donated four motorbikes to boost mobility and rapid response for the Sierra Leone Police Northeast Region. Anti-Corruption & Education: ACC boss Francis Ben Kaifala told a civic town hall the commission does not “take charge of exams,” but will support and act where its mandate is triggered, as it tackles exam malpractice. Land Governance: The ACC Complaint Review Committee met the National Land Commission to improve follow-up on land-related complaints, including plans for an MoU, joint task force and a dedicated referral email channel. Disaster Response: Sierra Leone confirmed 17 nationals among the dead in Guinea’s Conakry Dar-es-Salam landfill landslide, with 54 survivors identified so far, as recovery and consular support continue. Health & Community: Kingtom Police Hospital carried out a monthly cleaning ahead of a free surgical campaign by Surgeons in Action Foundation. Media Coordination: Information Minister Chernor Bah met six media agencies to strengthen coordination and performance across Sierra Leone’s information sector. Women’s Economic Support: UNDP has begun verifying women-led SMEs in Sierra Leone under the EWASME project to unlock finance, markets and skills for post-rice businesses. GBV Prevention: MoGCA held a national consultation to validate Sierra Leone’s proposed National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence, building on regional inputs.

Football & Youth Pride: Manchester United Women have completed the signing of Sierra Leonean-descent winger Monica Jusu Bah from BK Häcken on a deal to June 2030, a big moment for fans tracking her progress. Sports Broadcasting: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, bringing all 380 matches per season live and on-demand. Church & Community: SLEMA was launched in Bo to strengthen churches and expand missionary work across Sierra Leone. Justice Update: Two lawyers granted bail at Pademba Road were sent back to custody after a magistrate revoked bail in a conspiracy and fraud case. Education Reform: University of Sierra Leone scrapped hard-bound dissertation submissions, moving to electronic-only to cut costs and waste. Health & Safety: Sierra Leone confirmed 17 deaths (14 men, 3 women) among its nationals in Guinea’s Dar-es-Salam landfill collapse; meanwhile, Congo’s Ebola outbreak spread to two new health zones, bringing affected zones to 60. Gender & Protection: MoGCA is consulting on a National Action Plan to strengthen the national response to gender-based violence. Local Governance & Economy: Sierra Leone plans local production of degree certificates to reduce delays, and the RSLAF bought 9,000 bags of made-in-Sierra Leone rice for soldiers. Public Accountability: Sierra Leone Police declared Emmanuel Komba Matturie wanted over allegations involving US$240,000.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged into two more health zones—Biena and Manguredjipa—bringing affected areas to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths; officials warn the outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts amid insecurity, displacement, and a health workers’ strike. Child Marriage Advocacy (Sierra Leone): First Lady Dr Fatima Bio plans to table a UN resolution for an International Day to End Child Marriage at the UN General Assembly on Sept 4, building on Sierra Leone’s “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign. Education Governance (MMTU): Sierra Leone’s Technical and Higher Education Minister Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie rejects a parliamentary call to reinstate Milton Margai Technical University vice-chancellor Prof Philip John Kanu, deepening a dispute over alleged recruitment irregularities. Power & Safety (Freetown): An EDSA electricity pole reportedly caught fire along Krootown Road; residents say community youths extinguished it before firefighters arrived, renewing calls for regular inspection of the network. Protected Areas (Outamba-Kilimi): NPAA and partners arrested 17 suspects for illegal mining and unlawful activities inside Outamba-Kilimi National Park, with cases expected to go to court after investigations. Youth & Jobs (MoPED-UNICEF): MoPED and UNICEF discussed new collaboration areas including youth employment, local production, early childhood development, and investment mobilisation. Party Leadership (APC): A High Court interim injunction restrains APC executives Osman Foday Yansaneh and Lansana Dumbuya from acting as national chairman and secretary general pending further hearing. ECOWAS Peace History: ECOWAS honoured ECOMOG commanders and journalists linked to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau’s peace efforts. Local Economy (Rice for troops): RSLAF bought 9,000 bags of locally produced rice for military feeding under an agreement meant to rotate reserves and strengthen farmers’ markets. Information Access (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone begins preparations to host two September international information conferences in Lungi, including UNESCO’s universal access to information event and ICIC.

AFCON 2027 Prep: SLFA President Babadi Kamara visited the Leone Stars’ home-based training camp, meeting coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa and reaffirming support as players intensify tactical and physical work ahead of qualifiers. Maritime Security: Liberia’s Armed Forces confirmed it has taken possession of the Comoros-flagged vessel IB Atlantic IV Moroni after a regional operation following its seizure off Côte d’Ivoire, with authorities still not publicly stating what was found aboard. Health Financing Reform: Sierra Leone’s Health Minister Austin Demby met UNECA officials to push health financing reforms, citing gains from the “300 Days of Activism” drive including lower maternal deaths and improved immunisation outreach. Local Planning Pilot: Maforki Chiefdom validated a 10-year development plan under Sierra Leone’s chiefdom-level planning pilot, prioritising livelihoods, education, healthcare, clean water, and youth and women’s development. Education Integrity: The Anti-Corruption Commission warned that examination malpractice has become a coordinated system, while the Technical and Higher Education Minister called for zero tolerance and stronger enforcement against fake qualifications. Governance & Services: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change relocated to No. 5 Old Railway Line, Tengbeh Town, and Lungi Police Station received major lighting upgrades to improve safety and service delivery. Media Sector Reform: BBC Media Action and MRCG presented proposed reforms aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s public broadcasting and protecting community media.