The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Information and Communications, has commemorated the United Nations’ 80th anniversary while celebrating the country’s 65 years of active engagement with the global body. The event, held at the Miatta Conference Hall, Youyi Building, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and media representatives to reflect on Sierra Leone’s contributions to the UN and its ongoing development strides.
Francess Piagie Alghali, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, underscored Sierra Leone’s enduring partnership with the UN, which she described as vital to the country’s peace and stability after years of conflict. She outlined several activities planned for the commemoration, including a flag-raising ceremony, a school quiz competition, a national symposium, an exhibition of the UN’s work in Sierra Leone, and a peace concert at Gigibonta.
Madam Alghali urged citizens to participate actively, emphasizing that President Julius Maada Bio continues to champion Africa’s interests and global justice at the international stage. “Sierra Leone’s voice at the UN has always been one for peace, equality, and development — and this milestone reflects our shared journey with the global community,” she said.
Providing an update on education, Augustine Anthony from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education revealed that 148,313 candidates sat for the 2025 WASSCE exams — a notable increase from last year. Of these, 52 percent of students secured a minimum of five credits, with 47,434 passing both English and Mathematics.
Top-performing students included Mariam Roselyn Jalloh, who scored four A1s and two B2s, and Afua Jasey Rosell, who achieved six A1s, two B3s, and one C5. Among schools, Dele Peddle Secondary School and Kambo Lebanese Secondary School both recorded 100 percent pass rates, while Naihacon Secondary School and Malama Comprehensive followed closely with 99.49 and 98.36 percent, respectively.
However, English Language performance remained a concern, with only 11.77 percent of students passing the subject. Mathematics fared better at 47 percent. Anthony noted that examination malpractice continues to challenge integrity efforts, prompting WAEC to introduce paper serialization as a deterrent. A national education stakeholders’ conference is expected soon to address the systemic issues contributing to the low English proficiency rates.
In a separate update, Bintu Fatmata Kamara Esq, representing the National Fire Force, presented details of the new Fire Safety Bill, which seeks to replace the outdated 1980 Fire Service Act. The draft legislation — comprising 58 sections — aims to modernize Sierra Leone’s fire prevention and emergency response systems.
Key provisions include mandatory installation of fire hydrants nationwide (Section 8), the introduction of a renewable fire safety certificate for buildings (Section 16), and powers for authorities to issue compliance notices to risky premises (Section 10). Kamara also disclosed that false fire alarms will attract penalties of Le 2,000 or up to two years’ imprisonment, as part of efforts to reduce the 446 fire incidents recorded in 2024.
“The Fire Safety Bill is not just about penalties — it’s about protecting lives and property,” Kamara stated, adding that the draft is now undergoing national consultations with the support of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The press conference concluded with a reaffirmation of Sierra Leone’s dedication to peacebuilding, institutional reforms, and global cooperation — values that have defined its 65-year partnership with the United Nations and continue to guide its national development agenda.
