Local News

By: Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority has defended its security procedures following preliminary findings in the investigation into the vessel MV Acronian, which was intercepted by Spanish authorities. SLPHA said the probe uncovered discrepancies in crew numbers, noting that about six additional crew members were aboard when the…

By: Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter The Anti-Corruption Commission has pointed to expanded internal accountability structures and stronger public engagement as key drivers of Sierra Leone’s progress in open governance. Speaking at the 15th Open Government Partnership Week celebration in Freetown on Wednesday, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala said the commission remained committed to transparency…

By: Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter The government will phase out the export of raw minerals and build domestic capacity for processing and manufacturing, Mines Minister Julius Daniel Mattai announced Wednesday at Mining Week 2026. The policy shift is designed to move Sierra Leone up the mining value chain, from exporting unprocessed ore to producing…

By: Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development opened a two-day inaugural meeting of its Public Investment Management Technical Committee on Thursday at the Country Lodge Hotel, Hill Station. Minister Kenyeh Barlay told delegates that Sierra Leone had made significant progress in strengthening public sector governance, but stressed that “it…

By: Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter Sierra Rutile Limited plans to lay off 339 employees as it seeks to reduce operating costs and stabilize the business amid falling returns and broader economic headwinds. The mining firm, now wholly owned by Leone Oil Company, said the redundancy exercise will affect 213 general staff, 80 senior staff,…

By: Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter The government is moving to bring artificial intelligence into the classroom, joining a new international study with Google DeepMind and Fab AI aimed at improving mathematics outcomes for students. The partnership was announced Wednesday at a high-level breakfast briefing on AI in education held at Google’s London office. Minister…

By: Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter Progress on Sierra Leone’s $480 million energy compact came under review Tuesday as senior officials from the Millennium Challenge Corporation met with Energy Minister Cyril Arnold Grant to assess ongoing reforms. Acting Vice President for Compact Operations Africa Alicia Robinson-Morgan led the MCC delegation, which included MCA CEO Ndeye…

By: Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter Sierra Leone’s port security is under fresh scrutiny after Spanish authorities seized a record cocaine shipment aboard a vessel that had recently called at Freetown. The Comoros-flagged MV Arconian was intercepted near the Canary Islands on May 1 with an estimated 30,215 kilograms of cocaine onboard, valued at about…

By: Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter Sierra Leone has recorded a dramatic decline in maternal mortality and remains Ebola-free, even as the Ministry of Health boosts national preparedness in response to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba told residents at the Lungi Civic Day Townhall on…

By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter Authorities in Sierra Leone have arrested and detained a man and several of his family members over an alleged child marriage, as the government steps up enforcement of new child protection laws. The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying the operation was…