AWE Media Sierra Leone

By: Ishmael Sallieu Koroma History was made on Thursday, 28th August 2025, as the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM) officially awarded its first set of grants to 14 media institutions across Sierra Leone, marking a new era for independent, professional, and people-centred journalism in the country. The awarding ceremony, held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, brought together media leaders, government representatives, civil society, and international partners to celebrate what many described as a “giant leap” for press freedom and media sustainability in Sierra Leone. A Journey from Repeal to Reform Speaking at the ceremony, NaFPIM Board Chairman and immediate past President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, traced the journey that led to the establishment of the Fund. He recalled that it all began with the repeal of the 55-year-old criminal and seditious libel law, which for decades had shackled press freedom. “That was...

By: UmaroSaiduTuray A planned ECOWAS fact-finding mission to Yenga ended abruptly on Friday, August 29, 2025 after Guinean soldiers halted and denied the delegation entry to assess situation at the contested Mano River border town. The team, which included Sierra Leone’s Internal Affairs Minister, Morie Lengor, had journeyed to Yenga to assess the situation on the ground. However, Guinean forces manning the area denied them access, claiming they had not been formally informed about the visit. Unable to proceed, the delegation concluded their trip at Pegobegu, the last Sierra Leonean-controlled settlement before Yenga. The once-vibrant town of Yenga has been largely deserted in recent months after residents fled amid uncertainty and rising tensions. The Yenga dispute has lingered for over two decades, becoming a sensitive flashpoint in Sierra Leone-Guinea relations. While both governments have repeatedly pledged to resolve the matter through dialogue, incidents like Friday’s blockade hi...

By: Umaro Saidu Turay. Fifteen (15) promising players below the age of 17 from the four districts in the North East Region have been selected based on merit, discipline, and performance to showoff their skills at the national stage in the coming weeks. This development follows a successful three-day U-17 trial session held at the Makeni Wusum Stadium by the North-East Region Football Association (NERFA)  from 26th to 28th August 2025. The three days trial for U17 players brought together over one hundred young players from the four district associations of Falaba, Tonkolili, Bombali, and Koinadugu, under the technical guidance of regional and national coaches who assessed the players’ fitness, tactical awareness, and individual skills. Over the course of the three days, the young players participated in intensive training drills, competitive matches, and technical evaluations designed to identify potential stars who could represent the region at national levels. NERFA officials des...

By: Abubakarr Kargbo (Buzzo) Despite ongoing efforts by the Assistant Inspector General of Police South, Brima Kanneh, to combat rising crime, armed robberies continue to plague the city of Bo. The latest victim is John Lamina, Manager of National Social Security And Insurance Trust (NASSIT) in Bo, who was reportedly attacked on the 28th by  armed robbers on  and left unconscious by the unknown assailants. The incident has raised fresh concerns over security in the region, prompting calls for stronger police presence and community vigilance. Police say investigations are ongoing, and the public is urged to provide any relevant information. NASSIT officials are yet to issue a formal statement over the shocking incident. The victim is currently admitted at Dr. Yilla's Medical centre in critical condition after sustaining injuries on the head. Community members are urgently calling on the government and security sector to step up and restore confidence in the security.

By: Abubakarr Kargbo (Buzzo) Honorable Yusuf Machery representing Bo District, Southern Sierra Leone has debunked claims reported by the Global Times Newspaper on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, alleging that he donated NLe 100,000 to the Lewabu Community Road Maintenance Project through the Constituency Young Generation Leader, Ansu Suma. The report has since sparked suspicions of embezzlement against the young leader, raising concerns among community members. However, Suma confirmed that he approached the MP in a telephone call about the work which he participated in and the honourable makes a token of NLe 1000 which he delivered to Chief Amara and the money was shared to those participated in the work. However, Hon. Machery firmly stated in an audio WhatsApp message to the community chief Amara that:  "I did not donate such an amount to an individual without an official channel or the party I represent in parliament. This misinformation is damaging and does not reflect my commitment ...

By: Kemoh Sesay The President of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL), Sahr Morris Jr., has called on sports journalists to maintain professionalism in their reporting, especially when covering community leagues. Speaking at the COFA Siminar, Morris emphasized that media officers serving in community leagues should understand their roles and responsibilities clearly. He noted that acting simultaneously as a media officer and a professional sports journalist can create conflicts of interest and compromise journalistic integrity. “You cannot serve as a community media officer and at the same time report as a professional sports  journalist on the same issue. The two roles do not go together when it comes to reportage,” Morris stressed. He urged all sports reporters to adhere to ethical standards and uphold the values of objective, unbiased journalism in order to protect the credibility of the profession.

Sierra Leone's Ambassador in Brussels, His Exellency hilip Bob Jusu today met with his Panamanian counterpart, H.E. Angel Ernesto Riera Diaz for a bilateral discussion focused on multilateralism. Ambassador Bob Jusu  spoke about Sierra Leone's strong engagement in international bodies, mentioning its membership in organisations like the AUC10, the United Nations Security Council, and ECOWAS under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.  "In terms of visibility and our involvement in multilateral institutions, we are doing quite well," he said. However, he believes in doing more, and for that . "he will need the right advice, guidance, relationships, and alliances to enhance our visibility,".  He also sought Panama's support for Sierra Leone's International Court of Justice candidacy. Similarly, Ambassador Jusu also acknowledged the importance of Panama's role in multilateralism and their shared commitment to multilateral principles at the U...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Truth Media, the newly established multimedia venture co-founded by renowned journalist Amadu Lamrana Bah, a former staff of AYV Media Empire has confirmed Monday, August 25, 2025 as the launch date for an anticipated flagship radio program. He stated that the premiere flagship radio program has been named as the "Truth Morning Devotion." The launch of Truth Media signifies a bold new chapter in Sierra Leone’s media landscape and the “Truth Morning Devotion” will air live on Truth Radio 103.9 Frequency Modulation (FM) every morning starting at 6:30 a.m., offering listeners a dynamic blend of content including exclusive interviews, timely sports and entertainment updates, and interactive discussions that aim to inform, inspire, and engage audiences across the country and beyond. Adding further credibility and anticipation to the program is the Saturday evening announcement that the anticipated flagship radio program will be hosted by Amadu Lamrana Bah...

By: Alhaji A. Barrie Sierra Leone’s football future is taking a bold leap forward as the newly elected SLFA President Mr. Babadi Kamara makes his first international appearance at the CAF Impact Strategic Roundtable Workshop in Kampala, Uganda.  Accompanied by Acting General Secretary Mr. Mohamed Benson Bawoh, Kamara is engaging with fellow African football leaders to shape the next chapter of the sport across the continent. This milestone marks a powerful transition from Kamara’s celebrated tenure at Bo Rangers FC where his leadership transformed the club into a national powerhouse to a broader mission of elevating Sierra Leone’s football on the continental stage.  His presence at the workshop reflects a deep commitment to reform, innovation, and sustainable development within the SLFA and beyond. The Kampala summit focuses on governance, infrastructure, and youth development key pillars that align with Kamara’s vision for Sierra Leone’s football renaissance.  By partici...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Since President Julius Maada Bio launched the Free Quality Education Project (FQEP) in 2018, the initiative has aimed to remove financial barriers to schooling for children across Sierra Leone. But in recent years, a recurring controversy has raised doubts about just how “free” this education really is. Every year, starting with the 2021/2022 academic session, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (MBSSE), in partnership with school administrators, releases a price list for items required for pupils entering Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS-1) and Senior Secondary School 1 (SSS-1). These include uniforms, belts, crests, neckties, and other school-branded materials. While the government continues to cover tuition fees, parents are still required to pay for these items, prompting concerns about the real cost of free education. Many parents argue that the cost of admission materials has become a significant burden, especially for those in ...

By: Alhaji A. Barrie Sierra Leone Premier League side Bhantal Football Club has taken a decisive step toward continental glory with the appointment of Ibrahim Sillah as Head Coach on a two-year deal.  The announcement comes as the club prepares for its landmark debut in the CAF Confederation Cup during the 2025/26 season. Sillah, a highly respected CAF License A coach, joins Bhantal FC with a reputation for tactical precision, player development, and a winning mentality. His arrival signals the club’s ambition to not only compete but to make a lasting impression on the African stage. “Coach Sillah embodies the vision and drive we need at this pivotal moment,” said a club executive. “His experience and leadership will be instrumental as we navigate the demands of continental football.” Bhantal FC’s meteoric rise in Sierra Leonean football has captured national attention, and their qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup marks a new era for the club.  With Sillah at the helm...

By: Mohamed S. Kamara The CEO of Advocacy for Mental Health and Rehabilitation Sierra Leone (AMHRe-SL), Mohamed Simbo Kamara, joined other dynamic young leaders at the United States Embassy in Freetown for a powerful and engaging youth-focused discussion under the theme: “Youth Stories and Solutions.” The event, held on Wednesday, brought together a cross-section of young people who shared personal stories of resilience, challenges, and transformation.  The interactive forum aimed to highlight the real-life experiences of youth in Sierra Leone and generate practical solutions to pressing social issues affecting them. “Youth Stories and Solutions” provided a platform for those who have overcome obstacles — including mental health struggles, drug abuse, unemployment, and social barriers — to share their journeys and inspire others.  The atmosphere was charged with hope and determination as participants opened up about their lived experiences and engaged in solution-driven conver...

By: Sayoh Kamara In a heartwarming demonstration of FERENSOLA’s commitment to nurturing young talent, the organisation’s Leader, Dr. Sheku Sesay, on Sunday, 10th August 2025, made a significant donation to support the educational journey of nine-year-old Bilal L. Marah — a Kuranko pupil who secured the second-highest score nationwide in the 2025 National Primary School Examination (NPSE). Speaking at the presentation ceremony held in Makeni City, Bombali District, Dr. Sesay described the gesture as a way to “enable a young, upcoming genius to pursue his dream of academic excellence,” noting that Bilal’s performance was an inspiration to the entire Kuranko community. “This is more than just a gift — it is an investment in the future of our people,” Dr. Sesay said. “Bilal’s remarkable feat brings pride not only to his single-parent father but to Kurankoya as a whole. FERENSOLA will continue to stand by him, monitor his progress, and ensure that his potential is fully realised.” The event...

By: Alhaji A. Barrie  The Sierra Leonean football community is mourning the loss of Julius Goba, popularly known as Guily, who passed away this morning after a brief illness. Goba was a respected figure in local football, having played at FC Kallon and Port Authority FC.  His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, earned him admiration from teammates, fans, and colleagues alike. News of his passing has sent shockwaves through the football fraternity, with tributes pouring in from clubs, players, and supporters across the country. Julius Goba’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the history of Sierra Leonean football.

By: Alhaji A. Barrie  A moment of stillness. That’s all it took. When First Lady Dr. Fatima Bio remained seated as President Dr. Julius Maada Bio entered Parliament, the reaction was swift and unforgiving. Social media erupted with accusations “disrespectful,” “unpatriotic,” “arrogant.” Some posts went further, laced with misogyny and personal attacks. But beneath the outrage lies a deeper question: what are we really reacting to? Let’s be clear. There is no law, no parliamentary rule, no constitutional clause that mandates the First Lady to stand when the President enters Parliament. The Standing Orders of Parliament are silent on her role. The 1991 Constitution defines the structure and conduct of Parliament, but does not prescribe ceremonial behavior for spouses of elected officials. Perhaps it was a breach of expectation. In many societies including ours, women in public life are expected to be deferential, supportive, and quietly dignified. When they step outside that mold—by ...

By: Claudius Moses Gray, Media & Information Officer Kambia District  Kambia District, Northwest Region-Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mr. Bob Musa Nazlic Mansaray, one of the youngest Local Unit Commanders (LUC) in the region, has earned widespread praise for transforming the Kambia Police Division into a model of professionalism, community engagement, and ethical policing. Under his dynamic leadership, the division has fostered a collaborative relationship with the public, encouraging residents to share accurate and timely information on security-related issues. This community-police cooperation has played a critical role in enhancing public safety across the district. Through consistent surveillance, day and night patrols, and the vigilant monitoring of border crossing points, CSP Bob Musa Nazlic Mansaray has led proactive efforts to address major security and social issues. These include: Combating the spread of Mpox, fighting the abuse and trafficking of harmful drug...

By: Alhaji A. Barrie   A tragic helicopter crash in Ghana’s Ashanti region has claimed the lives of eight people, including two senior government officials. Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among those killed, according to Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff to President John Mahama. The aircraft, a Z9 helicopter operated by the Ghana Air Force, departed from Accra on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, en route to Obuasi. Shortly after takeoff, it lost contact with radar and was later confirmed to have crashed. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the accident, and investigations are currently underway.

By: Alhaji A. Barrie Babadi Kamara, the Executive Chairman of Bo Rangers Football Club, has been elected as the new President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) in a dramatic election held at the Gateway Hotel in Lungi. Kamara won by a wide margin, receiving 43 votes. His rivals, Aminata Bangura and Alhaji Umaru Bah, got 11 and 1 vote respectively. His victory brings new hope for Sierra Leonean football after months of confusion and court battles. The journey to this election was full of problems. There were accusations of fake documents, political pressure, and fights over who could vote. The former president, Thomas Daddy Brima, was removed after failing integrity checks. Aminata Bangura was only allowed to run a few days before the vote, after a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. After winning, Kamara gave a calm and hopeful speech. He said, “Football is the real winner,” and promised to focus on real progress instead of politics. Known for turning Bo Ran...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  ( A grid image of the Namibian and US Presidents posted alongside the claim). Claim: In a recent post on Facebook, Vidal Joseph Johnson claimed that Namibia has cancelled its oil and gas contract with the United States and ordered an immediate halt to all American mining operations within its territory. Verdict: False! Namibia has not cancelled its oil and gas contracts with the United States. No evidence supports the assertion. Full Text In this post , Vidal Joseph Johnson, a Facebook user, claimed that Namibia has cancelled its oil and gas contract with the United States and ordered an immediate halt to all American mining operations within its territory.  This claim went viral on social media including Instagram and X . It was also spotted here , here and attracting the attention of Africans who had recently been slammed with a US visa ban . Many considered the post a form of revenge on their behalf. All the countries involved in the US visa ban are: Af...