AGP Executive Report

Freetown & Film/TV Spotlight: Sierra Leonean actress and producer Alimatu Farakhan Sesay’s “Lema’s Diary” is growing from a personal storytelling project into a platform tackling love, poverty, women’s experiences and everyday realities—while pushing back against the pull of Nigerian and Ghanaian productions. Entertainment & Community: Veteran Sierra Leone radio personality DJ Base (Mamaja Jalloh) married Mariama Kamara in Freetown, marking a major personal milestone for one of the country’s most recognisable voices. Media Rights & Safety: SLAJ and WIMSAL are calling for stronger safeguarding and accountability in Sierra Leone’s media sector, urging clear gender-responsive policies, confidential reporting channels, and fair procedures to tackle sexual harassment and abuse. Digital Life & Scams: A Freetown WhatsApp takeover scam story shows how hackers can lock victims out and pressure contacts for money—highlighting the need for digital caution. Sports/Local Talent: Leone Stars’ coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa completes the first week of training for AFCON 2027 qualifiers, focusing on assessing home-based players and building a competitive squad. Music & Culture: Sierra Leone’s creative scene also gets a boost from regional culinary culture—Chef Gigi’s Kitchen wins Ghana’s Onga West African Jollof Battle, with Sierra Leone among the competing countries.

Media & Culture Diplomacy: Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information Chernor Bah urged deeper Africa–China cooperation in radio, TV and audiovisual services, saying stronger media institutions and access to credible information are key to shaping the creative industries. Digital Rights: The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) held a forum in Freetown calling for stronger protections for women online, focusing on safety, privacy and practical recommendations for digital rights. Women in the Media: SLAJ and WIMSAL pushed for tougher, gender-responsive safeguarding in Sierra Leone’s media sector, citing under-reporting and weak accountability on sexual harassment. Sports Development: Leone Stars completed the first week of training for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with attention on home-based players as the camp resumes. Local Football Grassroots: FC Kallon launched its 2026/27 Challenge Series for youth teams across five age categories, with free registration. Entertainment & Community: Legendary radio presenter DJ Base tied the knot in Freetown, marking a major personal milestone for one of Sierra Leone’s best-known media voices.

Mental Health & Music: A new report highlights how the Tyler Joseph Leonard Memorial Foundation turns grief into action, funding school suicide-prevention programs, peer “Hope Squad” training, and annual music-focused fundraisers. Media Safety: Sierra Leone’s journalists’ body SLAJ, alongside Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), is pushing for stronger safeguarding and tougher measures against sexual harassment, calling for clear reporting channels and fair accountability in newsrooms. Digital Rights for Women: The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) convened women and civil society to tackle online abuse and protect women’s safety, privacy, and freedom of expression in digital spaces. Creative & Community Sports: FC Kallon launched a free youth Challenge Series (U-8 to U-16) to nurture talent and sportsmanship, while Leone Stars continue home-based training ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Entertainment Spotlight: Veteran radio personality DJ Base officially tied the knot in Freetown, marking a major personal milestone for one of Sierra Leone’s best-known media voices.

Media & Gender Justice: Sierra Leone’s journalists’ body SLAJ and Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) are pushing for stronger safeguarding against sexual harassment, calling for gender-responsive policies, confidential complaint channels and fair procedures. Women’s Digital Rights: The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) held a Freetown forum on online abuse and digital safety for women, urging practical recommendations to protect privacy, expression and participation. Sports & Youth Development: Leone Stars completed the first week of home-based training ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, while FC Kallon launched a free grassroots Challenge Series for Under-8 to Under-16 teams. Football Governance: Sierra Leone’s media also flagged the need for professionalism and accountability in sport leadership as preparations intensify. Culture & Tourism: Officials assessed the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi for a December UN gastronomy forum, spotlighting Sierra Leone’s culinary heritage. Arts & Entertainment: Legendary radio personality DJ Base married Mariama Kamara in Freetown, marking a major milestone for one of the country’s best-known voices.

Women’s Digital Rights: MRCG held a Freetown forum with over 25 women to push stronger protections against online abuse, saying digital rights are human rights and calling for practical recommendations on safety, privacy and participation. Media Safeguarding: SLAJ and WIMSAL also renewed calls for tougher, gender-responsive safeguarding in Sierra Leone’s media, citing under-reporting and weak accountability around sexual harassment. Sports & Talent: Leone Stars completed their first week of home-based training ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, while FC Kallon launched a 2026/27 youth Challenge Series to develop players from U-8 to U-16. Culture & Heritage: Parliament’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs committee urged more funding and better laws to protect museums, monuments and relics, as police barred a planned Aug 26 protest linked to constitutional amendment concerns. Local Entertainment: Veteran radio personality DJ Base tied the knot in Freetown, marking a major personal milestone for one of Sierra Leone’s best-known voices.

Gender Justice in Media: Women In The Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) is pushing for stronger safeguarding and accountability after a Freetown policy dialogue on sexual harassment, women’s representation, and safer reporting channels for journalists. Debate & Youth Talent: Fourah Bay College (FBC) won the Suad Baydoun National Debate Competition 2026, while Annie Walsh Secondary School’s Melrose Bull took the essay title—both backed by cash prizes and a platform for young leadership. Police Professionalism: DIG Andrew Mustapha Kamara launched a professionalism drive for Freetown West personnel, stressing integrity, discipline, proper conduct, and better public relations. Youth Football: FC Kallon kicked off its 2026/27 Challenge Series for Under-8 to Under-16 teams, with free registration and a focus on development and sportsmanship. Heritage & Museums: A parliamentary push calls for more funding, stronger laws, and better support to preserve Sierra Leone’s museums, monuments, and relics. Media Tech & AI: Sierra Leone’s information ministry joined China-Africa media talks on AI in broadcasting, urging deeper tech collaboration and local capacity building. Sports Spotlight: Leone Stars preparations include the return of goalkeeper “Fabianski” Mohamed Nbalie Kamara for home-based AFCON qualifiers.

China–Sierra Leone Trade: China’s ambassador says bilateral trade hit $2.3bn in 2025, up nearly 30% from 2024, with Sierra Leone exports to China rising over 40% and talks to expand exports to palm oil, coffee and cocoa. Music & Culture: Electric Picnic in Freetown’s Terminus stage will be headlined by Belters Only, with a bigger indoor LED setup and new openers E.T.C and Derv (Aug 28–30). Film/Series Industry: Seriesly Berlin revealed 18 international series projects for its 2026 pitching programme, adding a new vertical drama strand. Heritage & Museums: Sierra Leone’s tourism and cultural committee urges stronger funding and better laws to protect museums, monuments and relics, including work after the 2024 museum fire. Ebola & Aid: A new push for IMF-backed Ebola relief is flagged as urgent, with the relief fund running dry as the DRC outbreak worsens. Local TV/Entertainment: Housemates Salone winner Saraih Conteh Robert announces she’s expecting a child.

Tourism & Culture: Sierra Leone’s Tourism Ministry and agencies have inspected the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi ahead of the UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa (Dec 2–4, 2026), spotlighting spaces for immersive food experiences tied to the “Culture and Creativity” campaign. Disability Inclusion in Politics: The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) says it’s pushing for Persons with Disabilities to move from supporters to formal party members, including calls for disability databases inside political parties. Heritage Sector Push: A Parliamentary Committee on Tourism and Cultural Affairs urged stronger investment, better laws and institutional support to protect Sierra Leone’s museums, monuments and relics, including rehabilitation progress at the National Museum after the 2024 fire. Sports (Football): SLFA has named a new technical and administrative team for the National U-20 Men’s squad ahead of the WAFU Zone A U-20 Championship in Mali, with preparations also aimed at CAF U-20 AFCON Ghana 2027. Local Arts & Media Tech: Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education backed deeper China-Africa media cooperation on AI, calling for collaboration that builds local capacity—not just imported equipment. Civic Space: Sierra Leone Police banned a planned Aug 26 protest by the Citizens Advocacy Network, escalating a dispute over constitutional process and public order rules.

Heritage Policy Push: Sierra Leone’s Parliamentary Committee on Tourism and Cultural Affairs is urging urgent investment and stronger laws to protect museums, monuments and cultural relics, after meetings with the Monuments and Relics Commission and national museum teams, including updates on heritage school clubs and ongoing site rehabilitation after the 2024 museum fire. Media Tech Collaboration: Sierra Leone’s Information Minister says China-Africa cooperation on AI for media should go further, with hopes to join model-building so content can better match local needs. Football Spotlight: The SLFA has named a new technical and administrative team for the national U-20 men’s squad ahead of the WAFU Zone A U-20 Championship, with a media officer included as preparations ramp up for CAF U-20 AFCON qualification. Music & Culture: Internationally, Irish-Sierra Leonean singer-songwriter Loah previews her debut album “Materia Medica,” blending her music with her background in pharmacy. Social Media Loss: Sierra Leone is mourning the reported death of TikTok personality Young Ish, as tributes pour in online. Constitution Debate: Legal voices continue to clash over Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment process, with fresh arguments challenging the voting threshold and the Speaker’s ruling.

Constitution Watch: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment debate is heating up, with Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh defending the reform as “inclusive” and highlighting five key features, while legal voices argue the process may be unconstitutional and that the Speaker’s ruling could be challenged in the Supreme Court. Street Life & Child Safety: Calls are growing for government action against street begging at Freetown beaches, with concern that very young children are being used to solicit money from visitors. Gender Accountability: MoGCA and UN Women have launched the Gender Accountability Framework and the 2025 Annual Report on implementing the GEWE Act 2022, bringing together government, Parliament, civil society, media and traditional leaders. Environmental Rights: Green Scenery, with Protection International, is rolling out a 12-month project to strengthen legal literacy and protection for environmental rights defenders facing intimidation and SLAPP-style lawsuits. Football & Culture: Leone Stars begin home-based AFCON 2027 qualifying preparations under coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa, while Sierra Leone-born ballet star Michaela DePrince is among figures celebrated in a new Philadelphia mural dedicated to black dance excellence. Entertainment Buzz: Housemates Salone Season 2 winner Saraih Conteh Robert announces pregnancy news, and TikTok personality Young Ish is reported to have died, sparking tributes online.

Ebola Crisis: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surged to at least 2,325 deaths, with WHO warning it’s “far from under control” as insecurity, displacement and misinformation hamper response. Constitutional Drama: Sierra Leone’s constitutional amendment fight heats up, with legal experts arguing the process was unconstitutional and calling for Supreme Court interpretation after Parliament’s 10 August ruling. Gender Policy Push: Sierra Leone launches a Gender Accountability Framework and the 2025 GEWE Act implementation report, backed by UN Women and partners including the World Bank and Ireland. Street Begging Concern: Calls are growing for government action in Freetown after reports of child begging at Lumley and Aberdeen beaches. Digital Culture: Sierra Leone mourns reported death of TikTok influencer Young Ish, as tributes pour in. Football & Training: Leone Stars coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa begins a home-based camp ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Local Governance & Safety: Sierra Leone Police starts six-week FCC Metropolitan Police training, while residents urge repairs to Kissy’s Old Road.

Music & Culture: Sierra Leone-born global icon Angélique Kidjo is set to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, marking a major milestone for African music and Black African representation. Sports: Leone Stars coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa has opened a home-based training camp at the SLFA Academy as Sierra Leone ramps up for 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea. Football Administration: SLFA president Babadi Kamara denies Mohamed Kallon’s dismissal was tied to the federation election, saying the decision was based on technical requirements and conduct. Public Welfare & Community: The Police Wives Association has delivered a solar-powered borehole and 10,000-liter water tank to Masiaka barracks to ease water shortages for officers and families. Roads & Daily Life: Residents of Kissy are urging government action to rehabilitate the long-neglected Old Road, citing safety risks and rising vehicle maintenance costs. Health & Humanitarian Context: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak continues to worsen, with WHO warning it is far from under control and the death toll rising sharply. Civic Tech & Transparency: BudgIT marks 15 years, saying its fiscal transparency work has reached 22 million citizens across Sierra Leone and other countries. Correctional Service Update: Sierra Leone Correctional Service refutes rumours of Zainab Sheriff’s death, confirming she is alive and recovering while urging the public to avoid misinformation.

Leone Stars AFCON prep: Sierra Leone Football Association says coach Didier Gomez Da Rosa has opened a home-based camp at the SLFA Academy to assess local players ahead of September qualifiers for AFCON 2027. Municipal policing: Sierra Leone Police, via SILEA, has started a six-week intensive training for 70 recruits of the Freetown City Council Metropolitan Police to boost discipline and public safety. Water for police families: The Police Wives Association handed over a solar-powered borehole and 10,000-liter water tank for Masiaka Division, with similar works underway at other barracks. Sports development: SLFA president Babadi Kamara rejects claims Mohamed Kallon’s dismissal was political, saying it was based on coaching conduct and technical requirements. Public finance & civic tech: BudgIT marks 15 years, saying its transparency tools have reached 22 million citizens across Sierra Leone and other countries. Health watch: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is reported as the deadliest on record, with deaths rising to 2,325 and a case fatality rate around 46%. Custody misinformation: Sierra Leone Correctional Service refutes rumours of Zainab Sheriff’s death, saying she is alive and recovering.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached 2,325 deaths and 4,945 confirmed cases, with the case fatality rate rising to about 46% as patients are increasingly detected late. Local Health & Truth: Sierra Leone Correctional Service has refuted rumours of Zainab Sheriff’s death, saying she is alive and recovering after receiving medical attention in custody. Civic Tech & Transparency: BudgIT marks 15 years of simplifying public budgets and says its tools have reached more than 22 million citizens across Sierra Leone and other West African countries. Music & Pop Culture: Ayra Starr’s album “Starrgirl” hits No. 1 on Apple Music charts in 15 countries, including Sierra Leone, and posts strong streaming momentum. Sports: Star Sport Academy bounced back in the West Africa Champions Cup with a 2-0 win over AS Real Bamako, while Sierra Leone’s Miss World representative Mariyam Konneh shares her love for Salone food during her Vietnam stint. Community & Training: Sierra Leone Police, via SILEA, begins a six-week intensive training for 70 recruits of the Freetown City Council Metropolitan Police.

Cambridge University & Race: Cambridge’s chancellor Chris Smith condemned a “racist feeding frenzy” around the plagiarism allegations that preceded the death of black academic Jason Arday, as supporters prepared vigils in London and Cambridge and his family blamed a misinformation campaign. Public Health: In the DRC, Ebola has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths reported, as the case fatality rate climbs to about 46%. Sierra Leone Arts & Culture: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism ordered Gullahdugu Tours to stop selling or promoting travel packages for the One Nation Reggae Festival, saying the operator lacks official authorisation. Sports: Star Sport Academy bounced back and then stumbled—Star Sport Academy won 2-0 over AS Real Bamako in the West Africa Champions Cup, but later suffered a 4-0 loss to Karfamoriah FC, while Sierra Leone’s clubs also received SLFA support ahead of CAF campaigns. Youth & Media: SEND-SL trained Kailahun journalists and bloggers in mobile journalism to strengthen storytelling for social change. Fashion/Entertainment: Miss Sierra Leone Mariyam Lorba Konneh says she misses Salone food while using her Miss World platform to showcase Sierra Leonean culture in Vietnam.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 2,325 deaths and 4,945 confirmed cases, making it the deadliest in the country’s history, with 101 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. Fact-Checking & Media Tech (West Africa): Dubawa is pushing AI-powered verification to help journalists and the public spot claims before they spread, focusing on high-impact areas like health and politics. Sports (Sierra Leone): Star Sport Academy bounced back in the West Africa Champions Cup with a 2-0 win over AS Real Bamako, scoring after the break, but earlier reports also show they were hit hard 4-0 by Karfamoriah FC in another match. Beauty & Culture (Miss World): Sierra Leone’s Mariyam Lorba Konneh says she misses local food while using the Miss World platform to showcase Sierra Leonean identity after six days in Vietnam. Tourism Regulation: The Tourism Ministry ordered Gullahdugu Tours to stop promoting travel packages for the One Nation Reggae Festival, saying the operator lacks official authorization. Youth & Community Media: SEND-SL trained Kailahun journalists and bloggers in mobile journalism to strengthen storytelling for social change. Sports (Youth Volleyball): Sierra Leone won the Men’s U18 CAVB Youth Development Cup in Senegal, beating Ghana 2-0. Public Safety (Road Rules): Sierra Leone Police banned decorative vehicle lights nationwide, warning they distract drivers and raise crash risks.