Guaranty Trust Bank SL Ltd (GTBank) has issued a strong rebuttal against a “spurious” social media post circulating online.
The post alleges that the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) is poised to shut down GTBank’s operations due to alleged falsification of accounts and conspiracy.
In a notice released today, May 6, 2025, the Bank categorically stated that the claim is “completely false and is designed to bring the image of the Bank and its officers to disrepute.”
GTBank emphasized that while it would not engage in public disputes with every media report, it “will not hesitate to pursue legal action for defamation against our brand or for inaccurate reporting.”
The Bank moved to reassure the public of its unwavering commitment to ethical practices. As a “industry leader with more than twenty years of operation in this esteemed country,” GTBank stated it “adhere[s] to strong corporate governance and strictly comply[ies] with both national laws and the policies set forth by our regulators,” including the BSL.
GTBank strongly urged its customers and the general public to “completely disregard this unfounded allegation.” The Bank reiterated its commitment to “maintaining the highest ethical standards and will never partake in any unethical practices.”
The notice concluded with a message of gratitude to the public for their “continued support and trust.”
The notice was issued by Corporate Communications of Guaranty Trust Bank SL Ltd on May 6, 2025.
In a significant step towards strengthening healthcare delivery in rural Sierra Leone, Orange Sierra Leone has officially turn sod for the construction of a fully-funded health centre in Wai Village, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, Pujehun District, Southern Province of Sierra Leone.
The symbolic turning of the sod ceremony was held on Wednesday, 16th April 2025, and brought together government officials, local authorities, development partners, and community stakeholders. The project, spearheaded and financed entirely by Orange Sierra Leone, aims to improve access to quality healthcare services for residents of the chiefdom and surrounding communities.
In his welcome address on behalf of the paramount chief of the chiefdom, Augustine Jah Zoker, Chiefdom Speaker, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, described the initiative as a life-changing investment for the people of Wai and neighboring villages, all of which have long struggled with access to basic healthcare services.
“This health centre will not only serve the residents of Wai Village but also support surrounding communities in the chiefdom,” he stated. “It is a major step toward solving the long-standing health challenges our people have endured.”
He noted that the only existing health centre in Wai was severely under-resourced, lacking both equipment and personnel to effectively cater to the growing population. As a result, residents often had to travel long distances to seek medical attention in larger towns, a situation he described as unacceptable in the modern era. Zoker also acknowledged the strong community loyalty to Orange Sierra Leone, revealing that a majority of residents in the area are already subscribers to the network.
“Let me proudly inform Orange Sierra Leone that most of our people here are using your services. With this remarkable support to our community, we assure you that we will continue to support your brand. You are not just a company to us anymore you are a trusted partner in our development journey.”
Sheikh Hussein Feika, speaking on behalf of his elder brother Sheikh Feika Salim, Chief of Staff in the Office of the First Lady, expressed deep appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for its commitment to enhancing healthcare in the chiefdom.
Feika revealed that his brother, Sheikh Feika Salim, had played a vital role in advocating for the project on behalf of the community through the Office of the First Lady. He noted that the successful lobbying effort resulted in the selection of Wai Village for the construction of the facility.
“For years, the people of Wai Village and neighboring communities have struggled with access to proper healthcare,” Feika said. “Pregnant women, in particular, face great risks, as they are often forced to travel over 100 miles to Pujehun Township to access better-equipped medical facilities. Sadly, many are forced to give birth along the highway, putting both mothers and newborns at serious risk.”
Feika emphasized that the construction of the health centre would be a transformational development for the area, improving health outcomes and saving lives, especially for vulnerable women and children.
Despite the joyous occasion, he mentioned that the community was mourning the recent loss of a beloved resident Ign. Munda Emmanuel Rogers, which slightly overshadowed the celebration. However, due to the significance of the project for the future of the village, the event proceeded as planned.
He concluded by noting that the new health centre when completed will bring relief to thousands of residents in Wai and surrounding villages who have long faced challenges in accessing timely and quality healthcare.
On his part, Sekou Amadou Bah, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, emphasized that the project is more than just the construction of a building it is a commitment to hope, dignity, and a healthier future.
“Today, we are not only building walls. We are building hope. We are building dignity. We are building a healthier future for every man, woman, and child of this region,” Mr. Bah declared. “At Orange Sierra Leone, we believe true development is about impact supporting communities, empowering individuals, and transforming lives.”
Bah noted that Orange’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework rests on three core pillars: health, education, and culture. He highlighted that this health centre stands as a living testament to the company’s promise to make healthcare a right for all, not a privilege for a few.
CEO further stressed that a truly healthy community must also be educated and culturally enriched. “That is why, across the country, we are investing in schools, supporting digital learning, and promoting Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage,” he added.
The construction of the Wai Village Health Centre is the result of a collaborative vision supported by the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, and local leadership. Bah extended appreciation to all stakeholders involved in bringing the project to life, including planners, architects, and the future medical personnel who will serve the facility.
“To the people of Wai Town, this is your project. This is your future. Orange is here not only as a company but as a partner investing in your health, your learning, and your legacy,” Bah concluded.
In his keynote address, Dr. Charles Senessie, Deputy Minister I of Health and Sanitation, lauded Orange Sierra Leone for their support to rural healthcare through the turning of the sod for the construction of a new health centre in Wai Village, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, fully funded by the company which he described the project as a vital step in complementing the government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
“Government alone cannot do everything,” he said. “We rely on partnerships with the private sector, and Orange is demonstrating a commendable commitment to national development.”
Dr. Senessie explained that the Ministry of Health has adopted a comprehensive, life-saving approach to healthcare that addresses the needs of individuals from pregnancy to old age, instead of focusing on isolated issues.
He emphasized that improving access to health facilities remains a top priority, and the construction of the health centre in Wai Village is aligned with that goal. He also revealed that the Ministry is pursuing an overall strategy to improve quality of life, which is anchored on four key pillars: infrastructure, human resources, medication, and laboratory services.
“Orange Sierra Leone is helping us address one of those key pillars infrastructures,” he noted. “And this will also help complement the other areas such as laboratory services and availability of medication.” Highlighting the impact of improved health infrastructure, Dr. Senessie shared that Sierra Leone has recorded a significant drop in maternal mortality rates.
“In 2014, our maternal mortality rate stood at nearly 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births. Today, I’m pleased to say we’ve reduced that figure to about 354 per 100,000. That is a major achievement,” he said.
He concluded by stating that the construction of the new health centre in Wai Village will further contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality in the region and enhance access to quality healthcare for surrounding communities.
The project marks a critical milestone in Orange Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to bridge healthcare gaps and uplift underserved communities across the country. The event ended with the officially turning of the sod by key dignitaries present.
The Bank of Sierra Leone has announced an extension of the deadline for all financial institutions and fintech companies to fully integrate into the National Payments Switch.
In a press release issued on April 10, the bank stated that the new deadline is now set for June 30, 2025, extending the original date of March 31, 2025.
This extension is aimed at accommodating financial institutions and fintechs that were not ready to complete their integration by the initial deadline. All institutions are now required to route all domestic transactions through the National Switch to enhance the efficiency and security of payments in Sierra Leone.
The Bank of Sierra Leone has formally instructed all financial institutions and fintechs that have not yet joined the National Switch to engage with the National Switch Department to ensure complete integration into the system.
Additionally, the bank has confirmed that all existing bilateral arrangements between financial institutions and fintechs will remain permissible during the extended period from March 31 to June 30, 2025. By the end of this period, the Bank of Sierra Leone expects all institutions to be fully integrated into the National Payments Switch.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed $12 million to support the development of Sierra Leone’s first commercial-scale onion farming operation, in partnership with Pee Cee Holding Ltd. (PCH).
The investment is expected to transform the country’s agricultural landscape, boost local food production, and reduce dependence on imported onions.
The funding will go to Pee Cee Agriculture (PCA), the agribusiness subsidiary of PCH, to establish a fully irrigated and mechanized 500-hectare farm. The facility will produce over 40,000 tons of onions annually, alongside other essential crops such as maize and potatoes. Designed to operate year-round, the project integrates precision irrigation technology, modern machinery, and advanced storage systems to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance supply chain efficiency.
“This investment is a game-changer for Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector,” said Mahesh Nandwani, CEO of PCH. “With IFC’s support, we are proving that high-quality, large-scale food production is achievable within the country—building a model for food security, job creation, and long-term sustainability.”
The project comes at a critical time for Sierra Leone, where the majority of onions and several key staples are still imported. By strengthening domestic production, the initiative aims to make food more accessible and affordable, while also offering employment and skills training opportunities, particularly for rural women.
Beyond funding, IFC has played a significant role in developing PCA’s model over the past four years. The partnership included technical advisory support to improve operational efficiency, environmental performance, and risk mitigation. Pilot programs led by IFC demonstrated dramatic improvements, with onion yields increasing tenfold compared to national averages.
“Investing in sustainable agriculture is essential for building economic resilience and reducing reliance on imports,” said Dahlia Khalifa, IFC Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa. “This partnership with PCH sets a new standard for commercial farming in Sierra Leone and across the region.”
PCH, which started as Pee Cee & Sons and has grown into one of Sierra Leone’s most prominent consumer goods companies, is leveraging its extensive distribution network to ensure local market access for the farm’s output. Through its subsidiaries, including Milla Group and Jolaks Manufacturing, PCH has already demonstrated its capacity for industrial innovation and market leadership.
This venture into agriculture represents a strategic expansion for the group, with a strong focus on climate-smart farming, food system resilience, and community impact. It also aligns with IFC’s broader goals of fostering inclusive private sector development across Africa.
With construction underway and a strong foundation already in place, the PCA project is expected to serve as a blueprint for future agri-investments in West Africa, delivering long-term value to farmers, consumers, and the wider economy.
Orange Sierra Leone (OSL) is committed to providing the best telecommunications services to all Sierra Leoneans.
Orange Sierra Leone PRO, Alfie Barrie commented that “The Company has invested over $50 million in network expansion and modernization and that its significant investment included swapping more than 500+ sites to 4G, even in the most remote area”.
He further stated that “the dedicated technicians worked tirelessly through challenging times and extreme weather conditions to complete these installations, demonstrating commitment to connecting all communities”.
Adding that “the Company acknowledges the disruptions to customers experience that occurred during the network upgrade. Some of the challenges encountered by the operator were also caused by factors such as unavailability of internet service from third-party service providers, malicious damage to the fibre connections and disruptions to the company’s energy supply.”.
Despite these hurdles, Orange is proud to announce that all its sites are now on 4G, providing faster internet speeds and improved quality in voice and data. The Company’s commitment to powering its operations is further demonstrated by an investment of up to $17million on energy optimization.
At a time when telecoms companies are battling with Infrastructural limitations in underserved areas, as rural areas often lack the requisite incentives required to attract high-cost traditional telecommunication sites, which continues to leave huge amount of people deprived off connectivity limiting their economic ability to expand and connect with other businesses, Orange Sierra Leone is excited to announce the launch of its ten (10) new solar powered deep rural sites enhancing connectivity for underserved areas and enabling small businesses to expand and grown through enhanced connectivity opening them up to more opportunities. The 10 deep rural sites are now on air at the following provincial towns: Sahn, Fanima, Tawuya, Pehala, Gbonkonka, Robaka, Mabang Mamutha, Falla, Futta.
Mr Barrie stated that “Orange remains strong and focused despite facing many intimations from the media with intent to tarnish the reputation of and credibility of the brand and considers recent media publications attacking the leadership of the company to be malicious and unfounded. The company’s brand values of care, responsible and bold are firmly rooted in its culture and will continue meet the meets of its customer and provide an unmatched customer experience”.
Orange Sierra Leone remains resolute to increase it network availability across the Country. Orange is Here! Orange De ya!
Orange Sierra Leone has announced the launch of the 7th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) in Sierra Leone, coinciding with the 15th edition in Africa and the Middle East. This initiative aims to support social innovation and foster local entrepreneurship within the region.
The competition officially opens for applications today, March 11th, 2025. Applicants from Sierra Leone and the 16 other Orange affiliates in Africa and the Middle East are required to submit their applications for both the National and International competitions. The deadline for applications is May 18th, 2025.
Through this competition, Orange Sierra Leone seeks to contribute to human capital development, support local social and environmental innovations, and encourage entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone.
Since 2019, the OSVP has recognized innovative projects in various fields, including education, healthcare, e-commerce, and agriculture, as well as projects that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals through digital technology.
The competition will be held in two stages:
1. National Stage:
Applications for the National and Women’s competitions will be accepted from March 11th to May 18th, 2025.
A national pitch competition will be held in August 2025 to award the National and Women’s category winners.
The winners will receive the following prizes:
NLe 200,000 – National Winner
NLe 120,000 – Women’s Winner
2. International Stage:
The National and Women’s category winners from each subsidiary in the 17 Orange affiliates will automatically be selected for the international phase.
Following evaluation, 10 finalists will be chosen.
A final jury of African tech influencers will select the top 3 winners of the OSVP International Grand Prize in October/November 2025.
An International Women’s Prize will also be awarded for the fifth consecutive year to a woman offering a technological solution to improve the living conditions of women. This includes solutions focused on women’s independence, job creation or preservation, gender data collection, and digital and financial inclusion.
The winners of the international and women’s competition will receive the following prizes:
€25,000 for 1st place international winner
€15,000 for 2nd place international winner
€10,000 for 3rd place international winner
€20,000 for Women’s international winner
About Orange Sierra Leone
Orange Sierra Leone is a leading telecommunications operator and service provider in Sierra Leone, licensed by the National Communication Authority. The company is dedicated to meeting the socio-economic needs of the society. Orange Sierra Leone’s strategic objective is to become a responsible Corporate Social Investor and to improve the daily lives of the people in Sierra Leone through responsible and valuable digital experiences.
Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA)
Orange has a presence in 18 countries across Africa and the Middle East, serving over 143 million customers as of December 31, 2022. With revenues of 6.9 billion euros in 2022, Orange MEA is the Orange group’s leading growth area. Orange Money, its mobile-based money transfer and financial services offering, is available in 17 countries and has more than 80 million customers. As a multi-service operator, Orange is a key partner in the digital transformation, providing expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.
In February 2025, at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Orange Money received an impressive recognition at the Western African Bankers awards night as “Leader in Financial Inclusion in Sierra Leone”.
This prestigious award acknowledged the company’s outstanding contributions to enhancing financial access and empowering the underserved population across various regions in Seirra Leone.
The award ceremony was organized by the West African Bankers’ Association to honour key players driving financial innovation and inclusion across the region.
Mr. Joseph Tengbeh, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Marketing at OMFSL, accepted the award on behalf of Orange Money SL and commenting on the award he stated that “the award solidifies Orange Mobile finance’s position as a trail blazer in the sector”.
Orange Money Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, David S. Mansaray expressed gratitude for receiving the award and highlighted that “the company is committed to innovation and unmatched customer service and thanked his team and the partnerships that have contributed to the company’s success in reinforcing their vision to boost digital finance”.
He further commented on the importance of financial inclusion and how Orange money continues to empower individuals and businesses through accessible mobile financial services.
Orange money has proven to be a trusted player in guaranteeing reliable and secure access to your money anywhere, anytime, for everyone. With nearly 40 million customers across the African continent, Orange Money continues its commitment to ever more accessible and innovative mobile finance.
Orange Money SL remains at the forefront of mobile money inclusion, playing a pivotal role in enhancing seamless transactions between mobile wallets and banks. Through innovative financial solutions, the company continues to empower individuals and businesses, bridging the gap between traditional banking and digital finance.
Orange money Africa and middle east recently announced opening if its new headquarters in Abidjan, cote d’lvoire. An important milestone demonstrating the groups’ commitment to Africa and to facilitate innovative financial services for all and to contribute to the growth of African financial ecosystem.
A new stage is being prepared….one more step towards you, towards proximity, more impact, and more solutions adapted to your needs.
In January 2025, Orange Sierra Leone, received the official certificate as TOP EMPLOYER in Sierra Leone at the prestigious ceremony held in the United Kingdom celebrating outstanding employers around the world who have demonstrated excellence in workplace practices and employee engagement.
Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognizing excellence in People Practices and help to accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Institute Certification Program, participating companies can be validated, certified, and recognized as an employer of choice.
The event brought together over 500 business leaders from international companies, HR professionals, and local dignitaries to recognize companies that prioritize their workforce’s well-being and development.
The Top Employer Certification is awarded to organizations that excel in areas such as employee satisfaction, diversity and inclusion, career development opportunities, and workplace culture.
The Orange Seirra Leone Human Resource Director, Madam Agnes Songa expressed gratitude, stating, “This recognition reflects our dedication as a company to fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace where our employees can thrive.”
At the ceremony, Agnes Songa joined other HR leaders in celebrating the hard work and dedication that companies put into creating inclusive, innovative, and supportive workplaces and she highlighted during her speech that “it is important to note that OSL is HR practices are based on global standard in many categories”.
This recognition highlights companies that demonstrate outstanding practices in employee engagement, development, and overall work environment, making it a significant achievement for Orange Sierra Leone.
As employers continue to navigate the challenges of the modern workplace, the Top Employer Certificate Award Ceremony reinforces Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to creating positive work environments that benefit both employees and to continue fostering excellent work culture.
The Bank of Sierra Leone has officially launched Salone Payment Switch, its Instant Payment Service, a groundbreaking initiative that will enable real-time money transfers between banks and mobile money platforms.
The launch was announced by the Bank Governor of the Sierra Leone Central Bank, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, during a press conference at the Ministry of Information and Civic Engagement. The official launch, scheduled for Wednesday, February 13, 2024, will be conducted by Vice President Juldeh Jalloh.
Dr. Stevens explained that the Instant Payment Service will allow for immediate payments between banks and mobile operators, streamlining financial transactions for all Sierra Leoneans. He encouraged the public to register for the service to take full advantage of its benefits.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, hailed the Instant Payment Service as a “huge and massive development” for Sierra Leone. He emphasized the service’s ability to provide immediate transaction notifications and instant access to funds, eliminating the previous delays associated with traditional banking cash-out services.
A representative from the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks, Velma Labor, highlighted the benefits for merchants, stating that the service will enable 24/7 business transactions without the limitations of bank operating hours or holidays. This is particularly beneficial for small-scale businesses, she noted.
David Mansaray, CEO of Orange Money, underscored the significance of the achievement, noting that few countries, especially those with similar economic profiles to Sierra Leone, have successfully implemented such a system. He emphasized the advanced nature of the service and its potential to transform financial transactions in the country.
Martinson Obeng-Agyei, CEO of Afrimoney, addressed the challenges faced by small-scale businesses in Sierra Leone, citing the cost of transaction fees and the often-intimidating process of depositing small amounts of cash in banks. He believes the Instant Payment Service will alleviate these burdens by providing a more efficient and accessible way to manage finances. He urged Sierra Leoneans to embrace the new system and recognize its potential to build a more robust financial ecosystem.
The Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) has successfully auctioned NLe 633 million in government securities, a move aimed at bolstering the nation’s economy and funding critical development projects.
Awoko reports that the auction, held on February 6, 2025, offered a variety of treasury bills and bonds, catering to both short-term and long-term investment strategies.
The offering included short-term Treasury Bills (T-bills) with maturities ranging from 91 days to one year. Specifically, the auction featured:
NLe 4.47 million in 91-day T-bills, maturing in May 2025 NLe 12.46 million in 182-day T-bills, maturing in August 2025 NLe 482.05 million in 364-day T-bills, maturing in February 2026
For investors seeking longer-term opportunities, the BSL also made available:
NLe 60 million in 2-year Treasury Bonds (T-bonds), maturing in February 2027 NLe 74.1 million in 3-year Treasury Bonds (T-bonds), maturing in February 2028
This diversified portfolio of securities was designed to attract a broad range of investors, from individuals to institutions, while simultaneously providing the government with the necessary capital to finance its programs and meet its financial obligations.
Government securities are a key instrument for economic management, enabling governments to fund infrastructure development, social programs, and other essential initiatives. The NLe 633 million raised through this auction demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth.
To ensure widespread participation, the BSL facilitated access to these investment opportunities through commercial banks and discount houses, making them available to a broader segment of the public.
