AGP Executive Report

Border Health & Travel: Sierra Leone has launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport, asking all incoming and outgoing travellers to submit travel history and health documents at least 72 hours before entry or departure to speed screening and strengthen disease surveillance. Leisure & Nature: Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary planted 5,000 trees at Tacugama within the Western Area Peninsula National Park to mark World Environment Day 2026. Football & Cross-Border Trips: Leone Stars beat Liberia 1-0 in the first friendly at the Southern Arena, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 66th minute; the return leg is set for Monrovia on June 9. Policy & Tourism Safety: With Ebola fears still shaping travel talk across the region, Kenya’s health chief says the country is ready to draw on Ebola-experienced medics from DRC and Sierra Leone if needed. Sports, Travel, and Climate: A new report warns the expanded 2026 World Cup could be the most polluting ever, with most emissions linked to fan and team travel—an important reminder for travellers planning big events.

Health & Travel Security: Sierra Leone launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport, asking all incoming and outgoing travellers to submit travel history and health documents at least 72 hours before entry or departure to speed screening and strengthen Ebola-era surveillance. Ebola Preparedness: Health officials and regional leaders are stepping up plans as the DRC outbreak evolves, with calls to “identify, isolate and inform” and renewed interest in using experienced medics from Sierra Leone and the region. Football & Tourism Buzz: Leone Stars beat Liberia 1-0 in Bo ahead of the return leg in Monrovia, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 66th minute—good momentum for fans travelling across the border for the June 9 match. Infrastructure for Visitors: President Bio inspected progress on the ECOWAS International Conference Centre in Lungi, positioning it to host major regional gatherings and boost Sierra Leone’s events tourism. Local Economy Pressure: A new commentary highlights worsening cost-of-living hardship, with most respondents reporting extreme or severe financial struggle. Road Connectivity: World Bank-backed regional development news includes major rural road financing in the wider area, supporting market access and travel links.

Leone Stars vs Liberia (Friendly): Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars edged Liberia 1-0 at the Southern Arena on Saturday, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 66th minute after a tough, physical first half. The team now heads to Monrovia for the return leg on Tuesday, June 9, aiming to carry momentum into the two-match series. Team Updates (Bo Camp): Defender Abdulai Juma Bah has joined the squad in Bo ahead of the friendlies, while the team received a huge, street-lined welcome as preparations intensified under caretaker coach John Edward Keister. Health & Travel (Airport Portal): Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to streamline health information submission for entry and departure, plus updates on protocols and travel requirements. Ebola Readiness (Regional Focus): With Ebola concerns rising in Central Africa, Sierra Leone’s wider public health messaging continues to stress safety plans and preparedness at points of entry. Infrastructure for Visitors (Lungi ECOWAS Centre): President Bio inspected progress on the ECOWAS International Conference Centre in Lungi, a project expected to boost Sierra Leone’s ability to host major regional and international events.

Leone Stars Friendlies: Sierra Leone edged Liberia 1-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 66th minute. The team now heads to Monrovia for the return leg on June 9 at SKD Stadium, after a big Bo welcome and a final home training push in Freetown. Health & Travel: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to streamline health information submission for entry and departure. Ebola Preparedness: With Ebola concerns rising across the region, safety plans and screening measures are being emphasized, including calls for travellers and health workers to stay alert. Infrastructure & Tourism Boost: President Bio inspected progress on the ECOWAS International Conference Centre in Lungi, a project aimed at positioning Sierra Leone for major regional and international gatherings. Roads & Access: World Bank approved $500m for rural roads and market access in Sierra Leone’s region, supporting connectivity that can help tourism and trade. Cost of Living: A new survey highlights severe hardship for many Sierra Leoneans, with prices and transport costs rising faster than incomes.

Leone Stars vs Liberia (Sports): Sierra Leone edged Liberia 1-0 at the Southern Arena on Saturday, with Abdul Jarju Kabia scoring in the 66th minute. The win gives the Leone Stars early momentum ahead of the return leg in Monrovia on Tuesday, June 9. Team Updates (Sports): Defender Abdulai Juma Bah has joined camp in Bo, while caretaker coach John Edward Keister set the tone for the June friendlies—testing squad depth and chemistry. Health at the Airport (Travel & Safety): Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and NPHA launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to streamline health document submission for entry and departure, plus provide travel protocol updates. Ebola Readiness (Travel Safety): With Ebola concerns rising across Central Africa, Sierra Leone and the region are emphasizing surveillance, border screening, and preparedness messaging for travellers. Tourism Calendar (Culture): The Ministry of Tourism announced the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival, Volume 2, running 25–30 November 2026—positioning it as a cultural tourism draw.

Health & Travel: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and NPHA have launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport, letting travellers submit required health information and get updates on entry rules and protocols. Ebola Watch: Officials say Ebola risk remains a concern across the region, with the latest guidance focused on screening, contact-tracing, and preparedness as cases in the DRC are revised downward but monitoring continues. Football & Tourism Buzz: Leone Stars defender Juma Bah has joined the squad in Bo ahead of the Liberia friendlies, with the team set to host Liberia at the Southern Arena on Saturday and return to Monrovia on Tuesday. Local Sports Update: SLFA caretaker coach John Edward Keister outlined goals for the June FIFA window friendlies—building chemistry, assessing squad depth, and setting up future runs. Infrastructure for Visitors: President Bio inspected progress on the ECOWAS International Conference Centre in Lungi, a project aimed at boosting Sierra Leone’s ability to host major regional events. Culture Event: The Ministry of Tourism announced One Nation Reggae Festival Volume 2, running 25–30 November 2026.

Health & Travel: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and NPHA have launched a Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport to collect travellers’ health info and documents for smoother entry and departure, plus updates on health protocols and entry requirements. Ebola Watch: Global reporting says the Ebola risk remains low, but health authorities are urging “identify, isolate and inform” style safety planning as the DRC outbreak is revised to 344 cases and 60 deaths, with extra contact-tracing measures discussed for regional travel. Leone Stars & Fans: Leone Stars defender Abdulai Juma Bah has joined the squad in Bo ahead of the Liberia friendlies, following a big street welcome for the team; caretaker coach John Edward Keister set objectives for the June FIFA window. Tourism Events: The Ministry of Tourism announced the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Vol. 2) from 25–30 November 2026, positioning it as a cultural tourism draw with community activities and forums. Infrastructure for Visitors: President Bio inspected progress on the ECOWAS International Conference Centre project in Lungi, aiming to boost Sierra Leone’s ability to host major regional events.

Ebola & Travel Safety: UKHSA has issued an urgent alert to NHS hospitals and clinics to prepare for suspected Ebola cases as the Bundibugyo outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda grows, with officials stressing the risk to the UK public remains low—yet travelers are being warned to stay alert. Leone Stars Matchday Build-Up: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars have wrapped final home-based training in Freetown ahead of the first leg of June friendlies vs Liberia in Bo, with caretaker coach John Edward Keister and a return match in Monrovia on June 9. Tourism Calendar: The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs confirmed the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Volume 2) from 25–30 November 2026, positioning it as a cultural tourism draw with performances, forums, and community activities. Road & Cross-Border Travel: A Liberia road project will rehabilitate 50 km linking Bong County to the Sierra Leone border, aiming to cut travel time from 160 to 45 minutes—good news for regional movement. Digital Skills for Visitors & Business: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted a Cyber Circuit University Edition in Freetown to train future leaders in cybersecurity.

Ebola Travel Alert: With the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda escalating, WHO has flagged it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and multiple countries are tightening screening and preparedness—raising fresh questions for anyone planning travel in the region. Leisure & Safety for Visitors: A separate report asks plainly, “Is it safe to travel to Africa during the Ebola outbreak?” as health systems push PPE readiness and isolation planning. Roads & Cross-Border Travel: Liberia’s Salayea to Konia road project will rehabilitate 50 km linking Bong County to the Sierra Leone border, aiming to cut travel time from 160 minutes to 45—good news for smoother regional movement. Culture Tourism: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism confirms the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Nov 25–30, 2026), positioning it as a cultural tourism draw with community events and diaspora engagement. Football & Match Travel: SLFA appoints John Edward Keister as Leone Stars caretaker coach for June friendlies vs Liberia (Bo on June 6; Monrovia on June 9). Cost-of-Living Pressure: A Sierra Leone economic survey paints severe hardship—prices, transport, electricity and fuel costs rising faster than incomes—likely affecting how people plan trips and holidays.

Ebola Travel Safety: A new Ebola scare linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain is driving fresh travel and health alerts across East and Central Africa, with WHO calling it a public health emergency and countries stepping up screening and preparedness—raising questions for anyone planning trips to the region. Leone Stars Friendlies: Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has named John Edward Keister as caretaker coach for June FIFA friendlies vs Liberia—Sierra Leone hosts on June 6 in Bo, then travels to Monrovia on June 9. Tourism Calendar: The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs confirms the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Volume 2) from 25–30 November 2026, with cultural showcases and forums aimed at boosting cultural tourism. Digital Skills for Tourism & Beyond: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted the Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit University Edition in Freetown, training students to help secure Sierra Leone’s digital future. Infrastructure Finance: President Bio met First Bank Group to discuss large-scale financing for roads, electricity, water, bridges, and industrial infrastructure—key enablers for smoother travel and trade. Freetown Beach Incident: A Milton Margai Technical University student reportedly drowned at Sugar Land Beach in Freetown, prompting condolences and calls for more details.

Tourism & Culture: Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has announced the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival, Volume 2 running 25–30 November 2026, with performances, cultural showcases, forums and community activities—plus an intergenerational conversation on global tourism resilience with Jamaica. Sports & Travel: The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has named John Edward Keister as caretaker head coach of Leone Stars for June friendlies against Liberia—Sierra Leone hosts 6 June in Bo (Southern Arena), then travels to 9 June in Monrovia (SKD Stadium). Health & Safety for Travelers: WHO-linked reporting highlights rising Ebola safety concerns across East and Central Africa, with travellers urged to stay alert as outbreaks continue. Community & Policing: Sierra Leone Police stepped up community policing outreach in Kamakwie (Gbanti Chiefdom), urging stronger public partnership and timely information sharing. Local Life: A Milton Margai Technical University student was reportedly killed in a drowning at Sugar Land Beach in Freetown, while a separate report claims witchcraft allegations led to confessions and findings in Mama Beach.

Infrastructure Finance: President Julius Maada Bio met First Bank Group in Freetown to discuss large-scale blended financing for Sierra Leone’s roads, electricity, water, bridges and industrial infrastructure. Tourism & Culture: The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs announced the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Vol. 2) for 25–30 Nov 2026, with performances, cultural showcases and forums, plus an intergenerational conversation on global tourism resilience with Jamaica. Digital Skills for Travelers: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted a Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit University Edition in Freetown, training students to help secure Sierra Leone’s digital future. Football & Matchday Plans: SLFA appointed John Edward Keister as caretaker Leone Stars coach for June friendlies vs Liberia—Sierra Leone hosts 6 June in Bo, then travels to Monrovia on 9 June. Safety & Community Policing: Sierra Leone Police pushed stronger community partnership in Kamakwie, urging residents to share timely information to improve public trust and reduce crime. Health Travel Watch: WHO-linked Ebola safety concerns are rising across East and Central Africa, with travelers advised to monitor outbreak updates and health guidance. Local Life: A Milton Margai Technical University student reportedly drowned at Sugar Land Beach in Freetown, while a witchcraft case in Mama Beach saw social-media claims of confessions and guilty findings.

Infrastructure & Industry Finance: President Julius Maada Bio met a First Bank Group delegation at State House to discuss blended financing for Sierra Leone’s roads, electricity, water supply, bridges, and industrial infrastructure. Culture & Events: The Ministry of Tourism announced the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival, Volume 2 running 25–30 November 2026, with performances, cultural showcases, forums, and community activities, plus an intergenerational tourism resilience conversation with Jamaica. Digital Skills for Tourism & Travel: Rokel Commercial Bank and EST Applied Intelligence UK hosted the Walton Gilpin Cyber Circuit University Edition in Freetown, training students to help secure Sierra Leone’s digital future. Ebola Travel Safety Watch: Liberia reported no Ebola cases, but health officials warned that regional flare-ups mean travellers should stay alert as surveillance and response capacity remain key. Leisure & Safety on the Ground: Reports say a Milton Margai Technical University student drowned at Sugar Land Beach in Freetown, while police continue community policing outreach in Karene to strengthen public trust. Football & Visitor Plans: SLFA appointed John Edward Keister as caretaker Leone Stars coach for June friendlies vs Liberia—Sierra Leone hosts 6 June in Bo, then travels to Monrovia on 9 June.

Ebola Travel Safety: WHO has declared the current Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak a public health emergency, raising fresh travel worries for people considering trips to East and Central Africa. Health & Trust at Clinics: Reporting from the region highlights why Ebola treatment centers face attacks—fear, rumors, and mistrust can derail response efforts. Anti-Scam Crackdown: Authorities continue multi-province raids targeting online fraud hubs, with new rules pushing hotels and guesthouses to verify foreign tenants’ passports. Deportation Watch: The U.S. DHS has published names and photos of 26 Sierra Leoneans facing deportation, with charges ranging from fraud to violent offences. Leone Stars Update: SLFA, with FIFA support, has kicked off a three-day review of amateur football structures, while John Keister has been appointed caretaker coach for upcoming friendlies vs Liberia. Beach Safety in Freetown: A Milton Margai University student reportedly drowned at Sugar Land Beach, prompting calls for clearer incident details. Community Policing: Police in Gbanti urged stronger public partnership to improve community-oriented safety and crime prevention. Tourism & Culture: The Ministry of Tourism launched the One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic report, aiming to boost Sierra Leone’s creative and tourism sectors.

Ebola & Public Health: A Sierra Leone-linked Ebola response reflection warns that US aid withdrawal and cuts to global health capacity are driving up costs and risks as outbreaks continue across Africa. Beach Safety in Freetown: A Milton Margai University student reportedly drowned at Sugar Land Beach, sparking grief and calls for clearer incident details. Community Policing: Sierra Leone Police in Karene urged stronger community partnership to improve safety and trust through community-oriented policing. Leisure & Sports Travel: SLFA named John Keister caretaker coach for Leone Stars ahead of June friendlies vs Liberia—Sierra Leone hosts on 6 June in Bo, then travels to Monrovia on 9 June. Tourism & Culture: The Ministry of Tourism launched the One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic Report, positioning culture as a tourism and youth development driver. Health Facilities in Pujehun: Save the Children handed over rehabilitated maternal health centres in Salina Samba and Messibu, upgrading water, sanitation, and solar power. Local Justice Concerns: In Freetown’s Mama Beach, social media claims witchcraft allegations led to confessions and guilty findings—without official confirmation yet.

Leone Stars Coaching Update: The Sierra Leone Football Association has appointed John Edward Keister as caretaker head coach for the national men’s team ahead of June friendlies against Liberia—Sierra Leone hosts on 6 June at the Southern Arena in Bo, then travels to Monrovia for the return on 9 June at SKD Stadium. Police Discipline: AIG John Martin Senesie has urged Sierra Leone Police Operations Support Division officers to fix indiscipline and operational lapses, stressing professionalism, proper weapon handling, armoury control, and ethical conduct. Health & Community Support: Save the Children has handed over rehabilitated maternal health facilities in Salina Samba and Messibu, Pujehun District—upgraded with clean water, sanitation, solar power, and improved staff accommodation. Tourism & Culture: The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs launched the One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic report, aiming to strengthen Sierra Leone’s creative and tourism sectors through youth-focused sustainability. Travel Tech (Regional Context): Sierra Leone’s embassy has refuted rumours about deaths among female Hajj pilgrims, while broader travel modernization news highlights the push for digital travel systems across the region.