AGP Executive Report

Ebola Watch in the UK: A suspected Ebola case has triggered lockdown measures at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, with an Acute Receiving Unit sealed off while tests are carried out after a traveller returned from an affected country. Fuel Price Protest Push (Port Loko): The Port Loko Civil Society Forum is urging people to wear black today in solidarity with the Native Consortium’s nationwide fuel-price protest, calling for further reductions and action on the cost of living. Public Service Integrity: Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) warns of a fake social-media recruitment advert, saying all official hiring will only be shared through verified channels. Health Deal Transparency: ILRAJ demands full disclosure of a Sierra Leone–U.S. five-year health cooperation agreement, questioning why the full text and financial schedules have not been published. Energy & Jobs: A UK-supported project with ASI and Deloitte Ghana aims to improve how EDSA tracks, bills and collects electricity revenue, targeting a more sustainable power sector. Census Outreach: Statistics Sierra Leone is engaging citizens at the Presidential Town Hall in Makeni to prepare the public for the 2026 Population and Housing Census. Maritime Education: Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has taken over as Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), pledging support for the institution’s growth. Solar for EBKUST: Deputy Technical and Higher Education Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara commissioned EBKUST’s university-wide solar electrification project to improve reliable power for teaching and research. Ebola Context: Coverage notes the current DRC/Uganda Ebola outbreak’s case-fatality rate is around 26%, with risks still high. Climate Finance Advocacy: Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh urged fair, grant-based climate finance and lower capital costs for vulnerable countries at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference. Labour Enforcement: Sierra Leone’s Labour Ministry says it has secured police backing to boost work-permit compliance and labour law enforcement in the North-East.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Sierra Leone Labour Congress says the latest fuel price cut is too small after global crude fell, urging NPRA and Trade to review pump prices downward again. Sports Infrastructure: Parliament’s Sports Committee inspected Siaka Stevens National Stadium rehabilitation; Phase One is due to finish by June 30 and is meant to meet CAF/FIFA standards. Electricity & Diaspora Update: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh told Sierra Leoneans in Europe electricity access has more than doubled (16% to 34%) and the government targets 78% coverage in four years. Health Security: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team to coordinate Ebola response across Uganda, DRC and nearby at-risk countries. Digital Inclusion: Orange SL Foundation and ActionAid SL signed an MoU to set up a Digital Inclusion Training Centre for persons with disabilities. Justice & Courts: A Freetown musician was remanded for alleged house breaking and larceny, while another man was sentenced to 30 months for fraudulent conversion of a tricycle. Football: Bo Rangers won the 2025/26 Sierra Leone Premier League title, securing a CAF Champions League spot.

Fuel Prices & Workers: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress says the latest fuel price cut is too small, urging President Bio to order a further downward review that matches the fall in global crude and landed costs. Courts & Crime: A Freetown magistrate remanded a musician over alleged house breaking and larceny, while another man was sentenced to 30 months for fraudulent conversion involving a tricycle. Sports Infrastructure: Parliament’s Sports Committee inspected the Siaka Stevens Stadium rehabilitation, with Phase One targeted for completion by June 30 and aimed at CAF/FIFA standards. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a continental Incident Management Support Team to coordinate responses to Ebola threats. Electricity & Diaspora: VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh told Sierra Leoneans in Europe that electricity access has more than doubled, with a push toward 78% coverage in four years. Football: Bo Rangers won the 2025/26 Premier League title, securing a CAF Champions League spot. Health Professionals: Sierra Leone’s ambassador urged newly qualified doctors to return home and strengthen the healthcare system. Digital Inclusion: Orange SL Foundation and ActionAid SL will set up a digital training centre for persons with disabilities. Oil Sector: Sierra Leone granted exploration rights for four offshore oil blocks to Nigeria’s Marginal Energy. Climate Impact: A new report warns extreme heat is already cutting city economies and hitting women hardest, including in Freetown.

Road & Transport: Liberia signed a US$30m BADEA loan to upgrade the Salayea–Konia highway, a key corridor for northwestern communities—residents in Lofa are already celebrating the “new chapter” it could bring. Health Security: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team to strengthen coordinated Ebola response across at-risk countries, including support for the Bundibugyo outbreak. Fuel Prices: Sierra Leone’s NPRA is set to announce new petrol, diesel and kerosene pump prices on Monday after months of subsidy costs and public anger over delays. Border & Trade: Sierra Leone reopened the Yenga crossing point in Koindu, Kailahun, after tripartite talks in Conakry—though residents remain uneasy about Guinean military presence. Governance & Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Musa Kabba led an ECOWAS mission to Guinea-Bissau to push for a peaceful, inclusive transition toward December 6 elections. Local Life: Freetown Mayor Aki-Sawyerr inspected a solar-powered water kiosk in Pamronkoh to expand access to safe water. Justice & Crime: A Freetown court sentenced a woman to five years for possessing 40.5g of kush; police also declared a Freetown resident wanted over alleged money fraud. Sports: SLFA approved key dates for the 2026/27 domestic football calendar, with top leagues starting 10 October.

Fuel Prices Watch: Sierra Leone’s fuel pump prices for petrol, diesel and kerosene are expected to be announced Monday, after months of subsidies and public anger over delays even as global oil prices fall. Border Update: The government has reopened the Yenga road and crossing point in Koindu, Kailahun, after a tripartite summit in Conakry—though residents say Guinean troops still control the area. Banking Service: SLCB says a temporary service disruption on Friday was a technical glitch and all services are now restored. Women’s Education: First Lady Fatima Maada Bio is in Paris for the International Women Leaders Forum, urging investment in girls’ education and highlighting Sierra Leone’s Hands Off Our Girls campaign. Sports Administration: SLFA has released key dates for the 2026/27 domestic season, including league start in October and cup fixtures in early October. Community & Security: Police in Kamakwie met bike riders’ union members on peace and security, while a man in Koinadugu alleges extortion at an illegal checkpoint. Justice & Crime: A woman in Freetown was sentenced to five years for possessing Kush, and police declared a Freetown resident wanted over alleged money fraud. Youth & Learning: Baydoun Company launched a nationwide essay competition for secondary students (theme: “The Sierra Leone I Want to See by 2040”).

Court & Crime: A Freetown student, Sahid Kargbo, was remanded after being arraigned for allegedly using a forged WAEC result to secure admission, facing conspiracy to defraud, forgery and uttering a forged document charges. Police Watch: Sierra Leone Police declared Andrew D.S. Lahai wanted over alleged obtaining money by false pretence, urging the public to share information with CID Pademba Road. Local Governance & Water: Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr inspected a solar-powered water kiosk in Pamronkoh, highlighting the city’s push to expand safe water access under “Transform Freetown.” Justice Access: Parliament commissioned Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) paralegals to expand community-based conflict resolution and improve access to justice. Labour Enforcement: The Employment Ministry begins formal work-permit enforcement from 29 June at airports, seaports and land borders, warning employers to ensure foreign workers are fully compliant. Sports & Community: SLFA approved its 2026 budget and financial statements after its Ordinary Congress in Bo, while 1xBet launched “Africa Football Stories” in Sierra Leone ahead of the World Cup. Health: The Health Ministry launched a nationwide monthly cleaning exercise for health facilities, starting in Koidu Hospital, Kono. International Moves: Foreign Minister Timothy Kabba led an ECOWAS mission to Guinea-Bissau on the democratic transition, and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio arrived in Paris for the International Women Leaders Forum.

Medical Education: Ten Sierra Leonean students graduated as medical doctors from Russia’s RUDN, the biggest single cohort from the university, with two receiving top “Red Diploma” distinctions. Justice & Peacebuilding: Parliament commissioned Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) paralegals to expand community-based conflict resolution and access to justice, alongside a Men on a Mission initiative. Labour Enforcement: The Labour Ministry begins formal work-permit enforcement from 29 June across airports, seaports and land borders, warning employers to ensure foreign workers hold valid permits. Health Services: The Health Ministry launched a nationwide monthly cleaning exercise for hospitals and health centres, starting at Koidu Government Hospital. Public Administration: Freetown’s Miatta Civic Centre booking is now online via WanGov, with set daytime and evening slots. Drug Seizure Politics: Dr Sylvia Olayinka Blyden released video and customs-linked claims tying a Germany cocaine container to Sierra Leone, as she disputes remarks by the Chief Minister. Fuel Price Protests: Activist Edmond Abu says the Native Consortium has paused planned protests for five days over fuel prices, warning of a return if demands aren’t met. AI & Governance: Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh joined UN talks in Cairo on “AI and Human Development,” presenting Sierra Leone as an “AI Lab.” Football Development: SLFA held regional consultations ahead of its 2026 Congress in Bo, and started a FIFA youth referees course in Bo.

Civic Tech in Freetown: Government has started online booking for the Miatta Civic Centre via WanGov, letting residents reserve the venue without in-person applications and choose daytime (7am–2pm) or evening (4pm–2am) slots. Power & Rural Growth: The World Bank approved US$60m for Sierra Leone to expand electricity access through solar home systems and mini-grids under the DARES/Mission 300 push, aiming to reach over 1.2m people and boost businesses. Education Financing: Sierra Leone and UNICEF wrapped a two-day workshop on blended and innovative education financing, seeking ways to protect learning for underserved communities amid fiscal pressure. Child Marriage Ruling: The ECOWAS Court ordered Sierra Leone to pay US$10,000 to a child-marriage survivor and to reform laws and institutions to better protect girls. Health System Upgrade: MoH and Partners in Health launched a Joint Hospital Management Framework at Koidu Government Hospital in Kono to improve accountability and maternal/newborn care. Football Officiating: SLFA and FIFA began a 2026 youth referees course in Bo, with an elite referees course following in early July.

Energy Financing: The World Bank has approved US$60m for Sierra Leone to expand electricity access through distributed renewable solutions under the DARES/Mission 300 push, aiming to add power to 1.2m people and 24,000 businesses while unlocking more private investment. Education Funding: Sierra Leone and UNICEF wrapped a two-day workshop on blended and innovative financing for education, focusing on foundational learning, underserved communities, and resilience to climate shocks amid ongoing fiscal pressure. Child Marriage Enforcement: For the first time since the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024), four men appeared in Freetown over the forcible marriage of a 17-year-old, with the next hearing set for 2 July. Justice Appointments: President Julius Maada Bio swore in Osman I. Kanu as Solicitor-General, tasking him with supporting the Attorney-General and strengthening access to justice. Sports Infrastructure: Parliament’s Sports Committee inspected rehabilitation at Siaka Stevens National Stadium, including pitch works, floodlights, dressing rooms, stands, and a new tartan track. Maritime Security: The EU donated RHIBs and forensic kits to Sierra Leone’s Navy to boost patrols, anti-piracy, and action against illegal fishing and trafficking. Youth & Tech: PYAC chair Mandella Gbollie returned from the MRU Youth Connect Summit, urging investment in AI, entrepreneurship, and regional cooperation.

Ebola Watch: France confirmed its first Ebola case in a doctor returning from the DRC, with WHO urging calm as Africa’s outbreak tops 1,000 cases and health experts warn the crisis could worsen without faster containment. Public Health & Labs: Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency bid farewell to China CDC officials, praising support for the Jui P3 Laboratory and strengthening national lab systems. Disaster Response: The National Disaster Management Agency met Turkey’s TİKA to explore capacity-building support after recent windstorm displacement, focusing on training and equipping district officers. Human Rights & Fisheries: HRCSL, with the Danish Institute for Human Rights, held talks on protecting coastal fishing communities’ rights and livelihoods amid weak governance, discrimination, and child labour concerns. Security & Drugs: Sierra Leone Police arrested a Koidu drug suspect, seizing about 95kg of cannabis and tramadol tablets in an intelligence-led operation. Cost of Living: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress urged NPRA to cut fuel prices, saying global crude drops aren’t reflected at local pumps. Digital Inclusion: Africell and Afrimoney wrapped a digital outreach in Freetown universities, promoting learning, customer feedback, and financial inclusion. Professional Governance: The ECOWAS Court push for stronger compliance with judgments continues, with member states urged to turn commitments into action. Sports/Politics: SLBA presidential candidate Martina Egbenda raised concerns over subscription deadlines ahead of rescheduled AGM and elections.

Maritime Security Boost: The EU, via the SWAIMS project, donated two RHIB patrol boats and forensic kits to the Sierra Leone Navy to strengthen patrols, search-and-rescue, and investigations at sea. Anti-Corruption & Asset Recovery: Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission highlighted high compliance in asset declarations, while FIA and ARINWA pushed a roadmap to identify, freeze, confiscate, manage and return stolen criminal assets. Justice System Clarity: Information Minister Chernor Bah dismissed claims of bias in the Admire Bio case, saying she was an accused person invited for questioning and later granted bail. Fuel Price Assurance: Bah reiterated that fuel prices will move down if global Platts prices fall, with adjustments to be reflected for consumers. Political Updates: PPRC registered the Humble Africans Development Party, and the Sierra Leone Bar Association set a July 3 presidential debate date. Health & Food Security: MAFS trained officials on Joint Monitoring Reports to trigger faster food security responses, while Sierra Leone’s PAMO team received support ahead of the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad.

Ebola Watch: France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to the current DR Congo outbreak after a doctor returned from a humanitarian mission; the patient is isolated and contacts are being traced, while WHO says the risk to the wider European public is low. Anti-Corruption: Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission showcased its digital asset declaration system at the AAACA assembly, citing a 99.61% compliance rate and improved transparency. Digital Government: Sierra Leone will train 1,000 civil servants in digital skills over nine months to modernise service delivery, covering data literacy, AI and cybersecurity. Labour & Safety: A Six Mile factory worker’s death case led to a labour ministry follow-up after a Chinese national’s work permit was withdrawn; the ministry says the worker is gone and the company faced OSH improvement steps. Regional Security: Sierra Leone’s Defence Chief visited Guinea-Bissau to brief ECOWAS timelines for scaling down the stabilisation mission. Legal Sector: The Sierra Leone Bar Association set 3 July 2026 for a presidential debate in Freetown. Health Innovation: Cambridge researchers say AI-aided “master key” vaccine tech could target whole virus families and help prevent future pandemics.

Ebola Update: France confirmed its first Ebola case linked to the DR Congo outbreak after a doctor returned from a humanitarian mission; the patient is isolated and contact tracing is underway, with officials saying the risk to the wider European public is low. Regional Health Security: ECOWAS is stepping up Ebola preparedness across West Africa, including stronger surveillance at airports and border posts, citing lessons from the 2014–2016 crisis. Freetown Animal Health: Compassionate Paws Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Agriculture launched a week-long campaign offering free vaccinations, sterilisation, and treatment for stray and household dogs along Lumley Road to curb rabies and reduce dog populations. Youth & Jobs Focus: Panelists at the World Bank’s West and Central Africa Youth Forum urged young people to build resilience, meet global standards, and manage finances to turn entrepreneurship into real jobs. Media Training: MFWA opened applications for a three-day workshop in Accra to help journalists report on Africa–China relations. Sports Officiating: Two Sierra Leonean referees are in Mauritania for a CAF/WAFU futsal referees course to harmonise and improve match-official standards.

AI Data Centers Pact: Forty mayors worldwide have signed a C40 Cities pact to shape how urban data centres are sited and run, aiming to protect city energy and water supplies and climate targets as AI-driven demand accelerates. Freetown Flooding Worry: Residents along the Hill Side Bypass Road say a drainage clearing job was abandoned after two days, leaving clogged drains and worsening flooding and sanitation. Kailahun Violence Update: Sierra Leone Police confirm a motorcycle rider died during unrest in Kailahun Town and say 25 suspects were arrested after mob violence and arson linked to misinformation. Health Response Boost: NPHA handed over 16 motorbikes to district medical officers to speed outbreak response and improve access to hard-to-reach communities. Labour Enforcement: The Labour Ministry inspected businesses on the Masiaka–Waterloo Highway, warning foreign workers without permits and issuing improvement notices over workplace safety gaps. Banking Sustainability: Sierra Leone’s banking and microfinance sectors adopted voluntary sustainable finance principles to guide lending and investment with ESG considerations. Sports Officiating: SLFA donated modern communication devices to referees’ association to improve match officiating standards. Ebola Watch (Regional): WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached the highest first-month confirmed case count in Africa, with spread into urban areas and displacement camps. Community Tragedy (Diaspora): A Sierra Leonean woman, Mabinty Janneh, was reportedly killed in Boston after being struck during a stolen-car crash sequence; police say a suspect faces murder and carjacking charges.

Ebola Watch (DR Congo): WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has hit a record 1,000+ confirmed cases in its first month, with spread into urban areas and overcrowded displacement camps driving the surge; WHO also notes more Ebola beds and easing community resistance. Local Governance & Infrastructure (Sierra Leone): Sierra Leone’s political debate over bridges is heating up after the government’s press secretary claimed 23 bridges built since 2018; critics say some were legacy projects or misclassified. Land Reform: Government plans an online portal so people worldwide can verify Sierra Leone land ownership and trace transaction history, alongside new geospatial tools to reduce boundary disputes. Anti-Corruption/Justice (Gold Scam): Admire Bio-Jalloh remains in police custody without formal charges as the gold scam and armed robbery investigations continue. Trade & Customs: Sierra Leone and Liberia are extending a web-based verification portal to curb forged gold and diamond export documents. Food Security (Freetown): EU funds WFP with about €11.5m to strengthen child nutrition and local food systems, targeting 25,000+ people. Public Health (WFP/WASH): EU-WFP nutrition support runs alongside broader health resilience efforts, while Sierra Leone also pushes flood-related WASH preparedness.

Fuel Price Anger: Sierra Leoneans are again demanding lower pump prices after Brent crude fell, with opposition MP Abdul Latiff Sesay and civil society issuing ultimatums to the Government and NPRA to cut prices instead of delaying reductions. Regional Finance & Tax: Sierra Leone hosted the AFRITAC West2 steering meeting on economic reforms, while Liberia and Sierra Leone signed a tax cooperation deal for simultaneous examinations to curb cross-border evasion. Local Governance & Services: The digitised passport system reached Chief Minister Sengeh’s wife, Kate Krontiris, as Sierra Leone continues modernising immigration services. Politics & Party Affairs: Lawmakers paid final respects to late APC chairman Minkailu Mansaray, and ADP leader Kamarainba criticised President Bio over Fatima Bio’s campaign role. Public Safety & Health: Sierra Leone Police declared an 18-year-old wanted over alleged sexual penetration, and CHRDI condemned clashes between police and bike riders in Kailahun. Anti-Corruption Training: Thirty-five ACC staff left for China for training on detecting and monitoring corruption.