Fritong Post Newspaper @FritongPost

In today’s edition, APC flag bearer aspirant Dr Ibrahim Bangura has called on his fellow aspirants, members and supporters of the party to set aside their differences and work together for future progress, saying they will be better positioned to win the next election if they stay united. Also in this issue, rights advocates have called on ECOWAS leaders to take tough stance against FGM, ensuring member states comply with the bloc’s instruments and practices, including judgments by the community’s court. The European Union is inviting CSOs and local councils to an open consultation on the next funding cycle of partnership cooperation. And, lastly, former president Ernest Bai Koroma has showered strong praises on ECOWAS and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, following the discharge of his treason case. He said Tinubu and the ECOWAS Commission president played a pivotal role in bringing the case to a close. @EUinSierraLeone @ebklegacy @ecowas_cedeao @officialABAT #EndFGM

🚨 Stay Alert. Stay Protected. Fraudsters are hacking WhatsApp accounts and pretending to be friends or family to ask for money. Before you send money, STOP and VERIFY. A quick phone call can save you from becoming a victim of fraud. If you suspect any fraudulent activity, report it immediately by calling 100 or visit your nearest Orange Money outlet. Your security is our priority. Stay vigilant and protect your money. 🧡 #OrangeMoney #StayAlert #StopFraud #ProtectYourMoney #ScamAwareness #OrangeNaMeBestie

The government of #SierraLeone has formally withdrawn all treason charges against former president Ernest Bai Koroma @ebklegacy under Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, clearing the way for his return to the country after completing his medical treatment in #Nigeria. Read more: fritongpost.com/government-dro…

The government of @julius_maadabio @Presidency_SL has formally withdrawn all treason charges against former president Ernest Bai Koroma @ebklegacy under Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, paving the way for his return to Sierra Leone after completing his medical treatment in Nigeria.

Statistics Sierra Leone has completed the training of enumerators ahead of a two-week mock census in selected chiefdoms in six districts. The simulation exercise is conducted in readiness of the national population and housing census scheduled to take place in December 2026. Read more: fritongpost.com/stats-sl-compl…

Must fuel dealers be allowed to sell below the govt. pump price? When Zala decided to sell below the government ceiling, competitors became scared this was going to upend the market by forcing them to toe the line or lose customers. The NPRA kept silent. Some behind-the-scenes factors were thought to have pressured Zala and others to sell at the govt. fixed price then. When asked to justify why those who wish to sell fuel below the NLe33 pump price shouldn’t be allowed to do so, the NPRA cleverly dodged, leaving Malador in not so comfortable posture.

How much do Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Sierra Leone make from the sale of petroleum products? A Conex Energy representative explains that the only shares they from the pump price of fuel is the distribution cost which, according to NPRA’s pricing formula, amounted to NLe5.22 (5 leone 22 cents). And this amount encompasses both petrol & diesel, and is shared among the transporters, dealers, and the OMCs. This suggests that about 85% of the full pass-through effect borne by citizens represents government levies, taxes, etc. Follow our WhatsApp Channel via the link below: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb…

Is poor/low fuel quality behind engine failures and mechanical problems with vehicles in Sierra Leone? In 2021, ECOWAS adopted a maximum sulphur content of 50 parts per million (ppm) in fuel as the regional benchmark, requiring member states to transition to cleaner fuel standards aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality. The global standard is 10ppm. The NPRA pricing formula aligns with the global benchmark of 10ppm. However, consumers are not getting the premium quality fuel they are paying for as stated in the pricing formula. NPRA Chairman Baluwa Koroma noted that because consumers are paying for premium-quality fuel, then suppliers must provide fuel that genuinely meets those standards. "The pricing formula is based on 10 ppm, which represents the highest fuel quality globally," Baluwa told lawmakers. What is Sulphur? Sulphur content is one of the most important indicators of fuel quality. Lower sulphur fuel burns more cleanly, produces fewer harmful emissions and improves engine performance. It also extends the lifespan of modern engines and enables vehicles fitted with advanced emission-control technologies to operate efficiently. Higher sulphur fuel, by contrast, contributes to increased air pollution, damages catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters, reduces fuel efficiency and can accelerate engine wear and tear over time. The fact remains that the fuel imported into Sierra Leone falls significantly short of the quality we’re paying for. Is it poor regulatory oversight or lack of consumer protection? Baluwa Koroma might have the answer to that in this video.

Hon. Mohamed Lansana says setting floor price for petroleum products is disadvantageous to healthy competition. He instead advised the NPRA to determine the ceiling price and allow the forces of demand and supply to determine how dealers sell their products.

Every child deserves the opportunity to explore, learn, and dream bigger, regardless of their geographical location. As part of its ongoing commitment to nationwide digital inclusion, the Orange Foundation Sierra Leone has officially handed over digital learning equipment to the Rural Education Community Primary School in York. While York falls within the Western Area Rural District Council, it has historically remained one of the underserved communities in that area. This timely intervention will allow primary school pupils to build crucial technological skills early on. "Investing in education means investing in the future of the country," noted @Orange_sierra CEO @AichaToure, highlighting that over 30,000 pupils across six districts in Sierra Leone are already benefiting from the Orange Digital School kits. @orangeafrica Read the full report by Rose Aba Akafo 👇 fritongpost.com/orange-foundat…

Seven NGOs Suspended Over Non-Compliance with National Regulations The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has ordered seven non-governmental organisations to halt operations immediately for failing to comply with national NGO regulations. In a press release, MoPED said a comprehensive review of the NGO sector found the affected organisations breached key requirements under the national NGO policy framework. One of the violations cited was failure to maintain an identifiable office in Sierra Leone. The seven suspended NGOs are: 1. Paida Foundation 2. Activate Hope Sierra Leone 3. Women’s Association for National Development 4. Stichting Wango Sierra Leone 5. Fama Women’s Programme 6. Hakeen and Hakeema Charity Organisation 7. Assembly of God Development Agency The ministry stated that the suspensions take effect immediately and directed the named organisations to cease all operations. MoPED stressed that the move is aimed at enforcing compliance, accountability, and public confidence in the NGO sector, adding that the action is not meant to undermine the role NGOs play in national development. All NGOs operating in Sierra Leone are required to register with MoPED and meet operational standards, including having a verifiable physical presence, filing annual reports, and adhering to project guidelines. No timeline was given for when the suspensions might be lifted or if the NGOs can appeal.

Young Man Rescued After Being Found Chained with Welded Iron Rods WARNING: Graphic content. Viewer discretion advised. A young man has been rescued after he was found with his neck and wrists bound by welded iron rods, in an incident believed to have occurred hours before he was discovered.

Govt Suspends $25 Airport Security Fee Pending Audit The Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced a temporary suspension of the $25 Airport Security Fee charged at the Freetown International Airport. The suspension takes effect on July 6. In a public notice issued on Friday, the ministry said the suspension follows a ministerial directive and will remain in place “until further notice.” The $25 fee, collected from all traveling passengers, has been a source of public debate since its introduction. It said the suspension will pave way for a comprehensive review of the current contract framework and the completion of an ongoing independent special audit by Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). According to the notice, the government is using the suspension period to evaluate “a more seamless, integrated collection system that eliminates public inconvenience for traveling passengers.” Further, the ministry was quick to clarify that the directive does not terminate the operating contract with Securiport (SL) Limited, the company contracted to manage the airport security system. During the suspension, Securiport will maintain its “core technological background operations” and continue logging standard inbound and outbound passenger traffic data. Diplomatic passport holders remain exempt. The ministry said it expects “full compliance from all airport authorities to ensure a smooth transition” when the suspension comes into effect on Monday. The $25 fee was introduced as part of security upgrades at the Freetown International Airport. However, passengers and civil society groups have repeatedly raised concerns about transparency and the mode of collection. The announcement comes amid broader government reviews of public contracts and fees. The outcome of the ASSL audit is expected to determine the future structure of the fee and its collection.

Will Ernest Bai Koroma Ever Return Home? Few political questions generate as much public debate in Sierra Leone today as the future of former president Ernest Bai Koroma. Since leaving the country to receive “medical treatment” abroad, Koroma has remained at the centre of national political discourse. His absence has fuelled endless speculation in recent times, especially following the passing of the APC chairman. The question many supporters and critics continue to ask is weather Ernest Bai Koroma will ever return home. The answer not so simple. Koroma remains one of the most influential political figures. Having served as president from 2007 to 2018, many believe he still commands loyalty within sections of the opposition and remains an important symbol for many APC supporters. Praised by supporters for infrastructure development and criticised by opponents over governance issues, Koroma continues to shape national debate. His absence from the country has therefore created both political and emotional significance. Koroma's departure came against the backdrop of legal proceedings connected to allegations surrounding the failed events of November 26, 2023. Although he was granted permission to travel to Nigeria, questions remain about what his eventual return could mean within the context of the country’s legal process. Supporters argue that every citizen deserves due process and should not be judged outside the courts. Critics maintain that accountability should apply equally to all public officials, regardless of their former status. These competing perspectives continue to shape public opinion. Beyond politics lies another reality. Ernest Bai Koroma is a Sierra Leonean whose family, political history and personal identity are deeply rooted in the country. For any former Head of State, prolonged absence from home carries emotional, personal and historical weight. Supporters frequently express hope that he will eventually return once circumstances permit. Others believe any decision will ultimately depend on his health, legal considerations and broader political developments. Others argue that a return by Koroma would undoubtedly reshape the country's political landscape. Within the APC, his presence could influence debates about party unity, succession and future electoral strategy. For the government, it would likely renew public attention on ongoing legal and governance issues. For ordinary citizens, it could become another defining moment in the country's evolving democratic journey. Conversely, an extended stay abroad would inevitably accelerate the emergence of a new generation of political leadership within the APC and further shift the country's political dynamics. Across Africa, several former presidents have spent extended periods outside their home countries due to health concerns, legal proceedings or political tensions before eventually returning. Others have chosen to remain abroad permanently. Each case has been shaped by its own unique legal, political and personal circumstances, making comparisons difficult. Whether Ernest Bai Koroma returns next month, next year or at some later stage remains uncertain. What is certain is that his future continues to matter to Sierra Leone's political conversation. His return, or continued absence, will have implications not only for his supporters and his party but also for the country's broader democratic and legal institutions. Ultimately, the question is not simply whether Ernest Bai Koroma will come home again. It is whether Sierra Leone's political and legal environment will provide the conditions under which that return can take place in a manner that respects the rule of law, safeguards justice, and contributes to national stability. Until then, the speculation will continue, and one of Sierra Leone's most enduring political figures will remain the subject of one of the nation's most frequently asked political questions.

Orange Solar Lantern ☀️💡 Get your bright solar lantern with a USB port for mobile phone charging and a built-in radio at an affordable price. Upfront Payment: NLE 700 Subscription: NLE 200 Total Cost: NLE 900 Stay connected and keep your home bright anytime, anywhere. Visit any Orange shop today to grab yours. Contact: 420 #orangesl #orangeishere #OrangeMoney #Maxit @orangeafrica @Orange_sierra

Today in print

Sierratel has officially relaunched commercial mobile services across Sierra Leone through a public-private partnership with Africell, offering GSM connectivity, bonus data packages, and a renewed focus on affordable digital services. Read more: fritongpost.com/sierratel-resu…

Nigeria's central bank @cenbank has revoked the licences of 46 microfinance banks over regulatory violations, a move aimed at strengthening financial stability, protecting depositors, and restoring confidence in Africa's largest economy. Read more: fritongpost.com/cbn-revokes-li…

Orange Foundation and ActionAid have partnered to establish a digital inclusion training centre in Freetown that will equip 150 persons with disabilities (PWDs) with digital skills, assistive technologies and entrepreneurship training. @orangeafrica @Orange_sierra #DigitalInclusionforPWDs Read more: fritongpost.com/orange-foundat…