Capitol Times Newspaper

Lawyers Challenge Government’s City Plan

The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone has called on Government to withdraw statutory instruments seeking to split Freetown, establish Freetown West City Council and elevate Lungi to city status, arguing that the orders were gazetted without the consultation and parliamentary procedures required by law.

In a press release dated 1 October 2026, the Society cited Government Notices Nos. 246–277 and specifically Statutory Instruments Nos. 13, 15 and 19, covering Freetown City Council, Freetown West City Council and Lungi City Council.
The Society urged Government to halt all action on the proposed changes and called on Parliament to reject the instruments, ensure compliance with consultation and laying requirements, and uphold the will of the people.

The wider Gazette package also proposes increasing the number of districts from 16 to 18 through the creation of Bandajuma and Kpanguima districts. It further proposes replacing the Western Area Rural arrangement with Mountain Rural, Waterloo Rural and York Rural councils, alongside additional chiefdoms and villages.
Government says the changes form part of the second phase of decentralisation under the Local Government Act 2022 and are intended to improve governance and administration as populations expand.

However, the Society argues that the instruments must comply with the constitutional requirement for parliamentary laying, stakeholder consultation and consideration of post-2026 census data. It also warns that splitting Freetown could increase administrative costs, duplicate bureaucracies, weaken citywide services and create opportunities for political gerrymandering.
UK in Sierra Leone U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone UNICEF Sierra Leone Parliament of Sierra Leone PRESIDENT JULIUS MAADA BIO 𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔. United Nations

Deputy Justice Minister Backs CJ’s Reforms

The Deputy Minister of Justice, Madam Saptieu E. Saccoh, has commended Chief Justice Komba Kamanda for introducing access-to-justice reforms that she said are making a significant impact on justice delivery across Sierra Leone.

Speaking on the theme “AI, Justice and the Rule of Law,” Madam Saccoh described the Chief Justice’s leadership in expanding access to justice as commendable, highlighting the Court of Appeal’s sittings in the provinces as a major development.
She noted that, under the leadership of Chief Justice Kamanda, the Court of Appeal has, for the first time, held sittings outside Freetown, allowing senior Judges of the Superior Court of Judicature to travel to the provinces to hear appeals originating from those regions.

According to the Deputy Minister, the initiative has contributed to the speedy disposal of cases while bringing justice closer to people outside the capital.
Madam Saccoh also reaffirmed the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to working with relevant institutions to promote the responsible adoption and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the justice sector.

She expressed appreciation for the ongoing reforms being spearheaded by Chief Justice Kamanda, describing them as significant interventions that have produced considerable impact in less than two years.
She further stated that Sierra Leone’s justice sector had received international recognition, citing the country’s ranking among the top-performing countries in the 2025 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index.

The remarks were made during a post-conference mixer held at NaTCA Tower, Southridge IMMAT, and attended by the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NaTCA), the Solicitor-General, Mr. Osman Kanu, and Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, who delivered the keynote address.

The event was jointly organised by the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation, with support from UNESCO.
In a brief statement, UNESCO Director for Inclusion, Policies and Digital Transformation, Mr. Guilherme Canela, said one of UNESCO’s areas of focus is to train and support justice-sector professionals in the application of AI tools in courts and tribunals.

Credit: Judiciary Communications and Public Affairs Unit

𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔. UNICEF Sierra Leone UK in Sierra Leone U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone

1st October 2026 Edition

Police in Ghana have arrested three suspects allegedly connected to the kidnapping and murder of Nana Yaw Kyere.

Congregatios, Rev. Dr. Juliana Walker, on Your New Appointment as HOD

Some appointments are announced, others are earned through dedication, scholarship, mentorship, and service. The appointment of Dr. Walker as Head of the Department of Gender and Development Studies at FBC is well deserved.

Having passed through this department, I have witnessed the impact of lecturers who do more than teach, they inspire, challenge, mentor, and shape minds. Rev. Dr. Walker is one of those academics whose influence extends beyond the classroom.

As a former student of the department, I congratulate and celebrate you Ma. May God grant you wisdom, strength, courage, and grace to lead with distinction, inspire others, and strengthen the department.

Congratulations, Ma, on this well-deserved appointment. Your new responsibility is an opportunity to create an enduring legacy.

Mohamed Osman Bangura(Political)
KRIO PAPAY 𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔. Mr BAH TV Gender Equity Society Mo Ibrahim Fofana Gender Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Gender and Development Network

ECSL Moves to Validate 2025–2029 Plan

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced a nationwide regional validation exercise for its Strategic Plan 2025–2029.

The five-year framework seeks to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance electoral credibility and deepen public confidence in democratic governance.
The Plan is anchored on four pillars: Institutional and Staff Development; Electoral Education, Communication and Participation; Electoral Operations; and ICT and Data Management.

Regional validation sessions will be held in Kenema on September 28, Bo on September 29, Makeni on October 1, and Port Loko on October 2, 2026. All sessions begin at 8:30 a.m.
The exercise will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to make inputs before the Plan is finalized and implemented.

Credit: Media and Communications Department, ECSL
𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔. U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone UNICEF Sierra Leone Parliament of Sierra Leone UK in Sierra Leone United Nations KRIO PAPAY Sierra Network Salone Mr BAH TV Commissioner Dj Wysei Ecowas - Cedeao

Africell Joins Sierra Leone’s UNGA Digital Push

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation has led a high-level roundtable during the 2026 United Nations General Assembly week, focusing on energy security, digital sovereignty, connectivity and regional trade.
The engagement, led by Minister Salima Monorma Bah, brought together the Ministries of Energy and Trade and Industry, alongside private-sector and technology partners.

Minister of Energy Cyril Grant participated in person, while Minister of Trade and Industry Ibrahim Alpha Sesay joined virtually.
Africell Sierra Leone highlighted its role in telecommunications, digital infrastructure and future investment, while Sierratel shared updates on its operations and planned relaunch under an MVNO model.

Participants discussed reliable energy, data centres, 5G deployment and regional investment opportunities.
The International Data Center Authority, Africa Climate and Energy Nexus, Aton Path, AEB and Bell Canada also contributed to discussions.
The roundtable supports Sierra Leone’s ambition to become a regional hub for digital infrastructure, investment and trade.
Africell Sierra Leone Benjie family

University of Sierra Leone has announced its 2026 Congregation fees and dates. Graduands are reminded to complete payment by 13 November 2026, ahead of ceremonies scheduled for 24–26 November 2026.
See the attached notice for full details.
𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔. FOURAH BAY COLLEGE (F.B.C) USL.

Gondama Gets New Mental Health Facility

By: Anthony Gassimu Brima

The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has commissioned a new mental health facility at the 5 Infantry Brigade in Gondama, Tikonko Chiefdom, Bo District, to improve access to mental health services in the Southern Region.
The facility was commissioned on Friday, September 18, 2026, by the Surgeon General of RSLAF Defence Medical Services, Brigadier General Dr. Stephen Sivalie, accompanied by military personnel.

According to Brig. Gen. Sivalie, the ultra-modern facility was constructed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to support serving military personnel, residents of Gondama and surrounding communities.
He said the facility is equipped with a tele-health platform, medical equipment, an ICT hub, solar power and submersible pumps, making it functional and sustainable.

Johnnie Christopher Walters, State President of the Church’s Bo/East State, said the project was undertaken to give back to the 5 Infantry Brigade and the community by serving people in need.
Brigadier General A.O. Kamara, Commander of the 5 Infantry Brigade, described mental health as a serious challenge, citing economic difficulties, social problems and drug and substance abuse among youths.

He described the facility as a symbol of hope and care and the first of its kind in the region.
The ceremony ended with a tour and inspection of the facility, with stakeholders pledging continued support for its sustainability.
𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔. U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone KRIO PAPAY Mr BAH TV Ministry of Health Ministry of Defence

PAN Takes Civic Education to Schools

The Patriotic Advocacy Network (PAN), in partnership with Premium Divine Trading Company Limited (TWISCO), has launched its Back-to-School Campaign with visits to schools across Freetown.

On the first day, PAN teams visited Methodist Girls High School and Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood in the Western Area, promoting patriotism, civic awareness, education and creativity among students.
The campaign also featured school donations from TWISCO as part of efforts to support students and strengthen community engagement.

In the Eastern Area, PAN teams visited Bishop Johnson Memorial School and Government Municipal School, engaging pupils during devotions, classroom sessions and lunch-hour meetings.
The organisation introduced students to PAN’s activities and encouraged them to join its membership. According to the campaign report, more than 50 pupils from each of the two Eastern schools expressed interest in joining PAN, with their membership details collected.

PAN said the campaign forms part of its broader efforts to promote youth participation, patriotism, civic responsibility and educational development through direct school engagement.
Implemented under the organisation’s message, “Not for Thyself,” the campaign seeks to encourage collective action and youth empowerment as contributions to national development.

Credit: Media & Outreach Unit, PAN
𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔. KRIO PAPAY Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL