Investigations | Public Interest Exposés

Where did the money go? Only 9 percent of NLe365m rice import duty reached Agricultural Development Fund

Where did the money go? Only 9% of NLe365m rice import duty reached Agricultural Development Fund

August 7, 2026

The government collected NLe365.2 million from the 5% rice import duty between 2024 and 2025, but only NLe31.9 million was transferred to the Agricultural Development Fund. This raises questions about the management of public funds ring-fenced for specific programmes, as funding shortfall reportedly undermine efforts to support women farmers, strengthen food security and advance the government's Feed Salone agenda.

A yellow SANY hydraulic excavator digging up earth next to a turbid, muddy river in Rosinth village, Sierra Leone.

Part 1 | Inside Rosinth’s Illegal Gold Mining Operations: Unlicensed and Unchecked

June 12, 2026

A Fritong Post investigation reveals heavy mechanised mining activities in Rosinth village, operating without key environmental and regulatory approvals, raising fears of long-term environmental damage in Paki Masabong Chiefdom.

Dutch cocaine kingpin ‘remains at large in Sierra Leone’ — EU Parliament

The European Parliament has formally adopted a resolution addressing international drug trafficking that explicitly names Sierra Leone and highlights convicted Dutch drug kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, who “remains at large” in the country. As security deepens at major European ports, lawmakers noted that criminal syndicates are increasingly shifting their logistical hubs to West Africa, prompting calls for expanded joint maritime surveillance, intelligence sharing, and judicial cooperation.

Post-match unrest forces government to halt community leagues

Following violent clashes between residents and police that reportedly claimed three lives after a COFA match, the government has suspended all community and school soccer competitions across the western area. The unrest in Kroo Town Road, triggered by a defeat to Kosso Town, led to the fatal “shooting” of a local trader, prompting a formal inquiry by the IPCB.

Amnesty accuses Russia of trafficking foreign nationals to fight in Ukraine

Amnesty International has accused Russia of trafficking foreign nationals into its armed forces, using deception, coercion and false job offers targeting vulnerable people low-income countries.

Sierra Leone’s 2026 census faces $11.5m funding gap

President Julius Maada Bio has called for an urgent financing and disbursement plan to close an $11.5m funding gap for Sierra Leone’s upcoming census in December.

Mike Johnson crowned national Esports champion

Mike Dudley Johnson has emerged as the 2026 Africell Sierra Leone national Esports gaming champion after defeating Samuel Jobe in the national final. Johnson, Jobe and James Sawyer will represent Sierra Leone in Angola.

Dutch cocaine kingpin ‘remains at large in Sierra Leone’ — EU Parliament

Post-match unrest forces government to halt community leagues

Amnesty accuses Russia of trafficking foreign nationals to fight in Ukraine

Sierra Leone’s 2026 census faces $11.5m funding gap

Mike Johnson crowned national Esports champion

President Bio, Ernest Koroma renew calls for peace and national unity

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Where did the money go? Only 9% of NLe365m rice import duty reached Agricultural Development Fund

Part 1 | Inside Rosinth’s Illegal Gold Mining Operations: Unlicensed and Unchecked

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Dutch cocaine kingpin ‘remains at large in Sierra Leone’ — EU Parliament

Post-match unrest forces government to halt community leagues

Amnesty accuses Russia of trafficking foreign nationals to fight in Ukraine

Sierra Leone’s 2026 census faces $11.5m funding gap

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Dutch cocaine kingpin ‘remains at large in Sierra Leone’ — EU Parliament

Post-match unrest forces government to halt community leagues

Amnesty accuses Russia of trafficking foreign nationals to fight in Ukraine

Sierra Leone’s 2026 census faces $11.5m funding gap

Mike Johnson crowned national Esports champion

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Dutch cocaine kingpin ‘remains at large in Sierra Leone’ — EU Parliament

Post-match unrest forces government to halt community leagues

Amnesty accuses Russia of trafficking foreign nationals to fight in Ukraine

Sierra Leone’s 2026 census faces $11.5m funding gap

Mike Johnson crowned national Esports champion

President Bio, Ernest Koroma renew calls for peace and national unity