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Fibre Backbone Phase 2 Project to be Completed in 2 Years

By Bampia James Bundu

During a working visit, the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Sierra Leone Cable Network (SALCAB) have inspected the National Fibre Backbone Phase 2 Project in Moyamba.

The second phase of the project which is expected to be completed in two years is being funded by the Chinese Government through a $30million loan for the provision of sustainable digital technology in the country.

The Government of President Julius Maada Bio is poised to strengthen ICT (Information, Communication, Technology) as a way of helping the country’s GDP growth through technology.

The 30 million dollar project contracted to Huwai Technologies seeks to complete the fibre backbone connection in all the initial 14 districts in the country.

The fibre backbone installation when completed will help generate significant revenue for the country and improve its gross domestic product.

The Acting Director of Communications in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Mohamed M. Jalloh, said inspection of the various project sites in Moyamba was to assess how far the company had gone and their level of commitment towards the project.

He noted that as a Ministry it is important for them to put the contractors on their toes for them to do the job within the stipulated timeframe and produce the required quality.

Director Jalloh continued that for Sierra Leone to benefit from broadband technology there is need for the backbone to be connected to enable speed and effectiveness of the country’s internet system.

The broadband technology, he explained, will create more jobs for young people and ensure that business and other activities are carried out faster through the Internet.

The Board Chairman of SALCAB, Sorie Fofana, commended HUWAI Technologies for working hard to actualize the wish of the President in making Sierra Leone a digitally connected country.

He said that the inspection was to help the Ministry and SALCAB get firsthand information on the progress of the project and ensure that quality work is done.

The Director General of SALCAB, Ishmael Kebbay said they were pleased to work with the Ministry in ensuring quality work done on Phase Two of the fibre project, noting that it will also address lapses identified in Phase One of the project.

He furthered that connection of the fibre backbone will help the country’s economic growth.

The Project Manager, HUWAI Technologies, Nana Yaw Amoako, commended the Ministry and SALCAB for visiting their project sites, saying they have started the civil work of the project which he described as the most important and difficult part of the project.

He said that once the civil work is finished they will start installation of other equipment and blow the fibre cables inside the High Defination Power pipes that will run the fibre from one point to the other with steady and sustainable internet.

He assured the Ministry and SALCAB of their commitment to completing the project at the stipulated time.

14 of the 16 districts in the country will be connected with fibre once the second phase of the project is completed.

This means the country will boast of 4G network that will benefit every Sierra Leonean in one way or the other.

Fatu Quine Sesay Bags 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Award

Founder/Executive Director of Angels to Angels-Sierra Leone, Fatu Quine Sesay Receiving the Award

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a grateful appreciation and recognition for her outstanding and relentless service towards women’s empowerment and sustainable development in Sierra Leone, Founder/Executive Director of Angels to Angels-Sierra Leone, Fatu Quine Sesay, was on Friday 25th September, 2020 among several other female personalities who bagged this year’s Fifty Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Award 2020 at an auspicious event held at the prestigious Mammy Yoko Hotel, Aberdeen, in Freetown.

It indeed came as no surprise that Fatu Quine Sesay was awarded among several other female personalities in this year’s Fifty Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Award 2020, as she has immensely contributed in so many ways to the development of children, especially girls in Sierra Leone. Currently her organization is supporting over 100 less privileged girls across the country in 46 different schools in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Tombo and Makeni.

Fatu Quine Sesay is the Founder/ Executive Director of Angels to Angels Sierra Leone (A2A) a US based non-profit organization developed by a group of visionary women with the aim of improving educational opportunities for girls in Sierra Leone which they have been doing for the past 10 years of existence.

It could be recalled that due to her organization’s relentless efforts and excellent service delivery to the children of Sierra Leone, one of the leading child advocacy organizations in the country, Kids Advocacy Network- Sierra Leone (KAN-SL) awarded her organization with the National Child Development Prestigious Award 2019.

Many that this medium engaged to comment on the award of Fatu Quine Sesay opined that she deserves it based on her tremendous work she has been doing to promote the development of children in the country. Some maintained that it is not a surprise to them that she emerged victorious to bag the covetous award, because they know her to be one of the visionary women in the country that has supported less privileged children, especially girls in Sierra Leone.

Commenting on the award, Founder/Executive Director of Angels to Angels-Sierra Leone, Fatu Quine Sesay expressed appreciation to the organizers for recognizing her efforts towards her contributions to humanity and thanked all those who voted for her.

She described the moment as much bigger than her, adding that when they started Angels To Angels it was about bridging the literacy gap between boys and girls and now it is about every child deserving an education.

“I might be the one accepting this award but I’d like to dedicate it to the inspiration behind the organization; the Pauzenga family in the Netherlands, who sponsored me through high school and inspired me to pay it forward through ATASL,” she maintained.

She disclosed that for eleven plus years they have been in operation, further extending appreciation to her fellow Board Members namely, Kathy, Stephanie, Sarah, Kate, Stefanie and Michaela, for being selfless and also to their staff here in Sierra Leone, especially their Program Coordinator, their Girls, their Volunteers and their families, for their hard work and dedication.

“To our generous sponsors, Thank You, Thank You, Thank you for your continued support. Last but not least, a big thank you to our spouses, families, friends and all those who have supported us along the way. We could not have done it without each and every single one of you,” she concluded.

Minister Tells Residents In Makeni that …   Tourism Brings Many Opportunities in Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef Sesay

Officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board and its partners reached the Northern city of Makeni on the 25th September 2020 in the build-up to the ultimate celebration of World Tourism Day, the 27th September 2020.

The Resident Minister of North East Region, Abu Abu Koroma urged all Sierra Leoneans to maintain their culture and henceforth desist from imitating Western culture.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Unimak University, Makeni City, Abu Abu Koroma said, “We in Africa have a unique cultural heritage which we should be proud of rather than to copy others”.

While encouraging people to maintain their God given skin colour as unique natural identity, he frowned on those in the habit of bleaching their skins to copy western life.

The Resident Minister further solicited the support of all to the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in making Sierra Leone a tourist destination if they we truly want the country to develop.

Delivering her keynote address, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt expressed excitement to be in Makeni in order to celebrate World Tourism Day there.

She told the audience that tourism is a great discipline in the world and the fastest growing industry which brings many opportunities for the development of any country.

She further reiterated that tourism as an industry has grown a lot from which many countries in the world are benefiting immensely including the creation of jobs opportunities, infrastructures and greater revenue generation for States.

The Minister spoke about how President Bio has prioritized tourism as a growth sector in the diversification of economic growth.

She further revealed a recent stride they took to training coastal women on meaningful economic activities as an alternative livelihood to fishing in three touristic attraction Islands with support from the United Nations Development Programme and Government.

The Minister highlighted some of the benefits to be derived in engaging on tourism saying with tourism people could make themselves comfortable by just being innovative with the local resources available within their reach.

Dr Pratt revealed strides that the Ministry and its agencies have taken to position Sierra Leone at the global international market of tourism as a tourist destination country.

The charismatic Tourism Minister dilated on her collaboration with other line ministries especially the Works Ministry in making touristic attraction sites accessible and the sector thrive in the country.

Francis Gabbidon Lays Bare Impediments to Direct Foreign Investment in Sierra Leone

Francis Gabbidon, Lecturer in the Law Faculty at Fourah Bay College

By Amin Kef Sesay

According to Francis Gabbidon, who is a Lecturer in the Law Faculty at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone and Senior Advocate of Sierra Leone, notwithstanding the natural attractions that the country has as an investment destination foreign investors will none the less need to overcome certain obstacles.

He disclosed that the most visible of these is the lack of adequate social, physical infrastructure and historical under funding, in education, health, transport and telecommunications, coupled with the diversion of scare public resources caused by the unnecessary civil war, corruption and bad governance.

Lawyer Gabbidon maintained that there is no capital market in Sierra Leone. He said Sierra Leone has a small structure hidden somewhere in Freetown called a Stock Exchange which many Sierra Leoneans might not be able to locate or even tell you whether it is functioning.

“I hasten to say that Sierra Leone has no modern and well-structured Stock Exchange. Also we have no Capital Market no Security Exchange Commission or Financial Structures to attract or encourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),” he re-affirmed adding that a Stock Exchange  is now seen increasingly as an essential financial structure for any economy.

He pointed out that the Nigerian, Ghanaian and Ivorian Governments have encouraged the establishment of Stock Exchanges in their respective countries which within a short period revolutionized their capitalizations.

The legal luminary noted that the country has no modern Arbitration Law referencing CAP 25 of the laws of Sierra Leone which regulates Arbitration in the country but underscored that this law is very old and outdated.

Gabbidon argued that it is a law that is existing in our law books but has outlived its usefulness and therefore it should be completely repealed and replaced by a New and Modern Arbitration law.

“Investors and businessmen will have no regard for our present Arbitration Law and process as the law now needs a decent funeral. It really serves no useful purpose,” he postulated.

He argued that if Sierra Leone wants to attract foreign investors who will also choose International Arbitration to resolve Commercial Disputes, then the sooner Sierra Leone applies to be a member of the New York Convention the better our chances of encouraging solid and well-funded companies to do business in Sierra Leone as membership of this Convention is a catalyst for foreign investors.

Lawyer Gabbidon furthered that there is no Partnership Law revealing how Sierra Leone has replaced its old company law Cap 249 which lasted for several years. He said the new Company Act is very good and comprehensive.

He said we also have a new Bankruptcy Act which will serve its desired purpose though lawyers and litigants make very little use of it but maintained that what we still lack is a Partnership Law.

Gabbidon highlighted that some business concerns worldwide would like to partner with some local companies or businesses to expand or consolidate their businesses in Sierra Leone or other countries in the Mano River Union. He asked the question: “How can they enter into Partnership Agreements with our local companies if they will be subjected to an old Colonial 1890 Partnership Law?” Providing the answer he said, “Surely this will drive them away as we live in a competitive world. We need a new Partnership Law”.

He also mentioned that the country has no Competition Law or Anti-Trust Law. The erudite lawyer stated that it has been established that Sierra Leone is on a stable path of economic recovery and has achieved some measure of economic and political stability. Moreover there are certain gaps reflected in lack of policies intended to prevent restrictive and abusive market practices, exploitation and unfair treatment of consumers.

In that regard, he argued that there is an absence of rules defining how the various economic actors (the Government, private sector, producers, consumers and civil society) interact with each other in the sphere of economic and non-economic activity.

He said it is further acknowledged that a body of rules (Competition Law or Anti-Trust Law) which responds to the need to level the playing field between existing and future market participants is needed and that those same rules must resolve to protect small and medium sized business from exploitation and abuse by larger companies.

Gabbidon added that the present system of land tenure is an area of great concern to many Sierra Leoneans and also the business community.

“The present system of Land Tenure is discriminatory and unconstitutional. It inhibits commercial and trading activity and is a disincentive to large scale foreign direct investment in the provinces in particular and in Sierra Leone in general,” he asserted.

He recommended that to improve the system further and open up the system of ownership and transfer of land, the Non-Citizens Interest in Land Act should be repealed to encourage local and overseas investors.

According to him, Individual land owners, purchase of land leases, and mortgages need a system of registration that guarantees certain or whatever interest they may have in land.

He said it is unbelievable but true that foreclosure proceedings in Sierra Leone especially by Commercial Banks are governed by the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act 1881, an obsolete and outdated legislation that should now be given a decent burial.

Sierra Leone, he suggested, now needs its own home grown and modern Conveyancing and Law of  Property Act to reflect modern day Land Law, Mortgage Law and Property Law, proceedings and processes in the country saying that is what countries like Ghana and Kenya have done with great benefits and opportunities for their citizens.

Francis Gabbidon went on to say that President Bio’s New Direction Government has always stressed that its main impetus is to encourage private investment both domestic and foreign as an engine of economic growth. He said apart from the great efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs other relevant Ministries are not doing much to promote investment in Sierra Leone.

He lamented that the country’s Embassies and High Commissions are not doing effective Promotion and Marketing of Sierra Leone as expected.

Comparatively, he underscored that the High Commission in Ghana is doing very well and have seen that the country’s Ambassador to Turkey has hit the ground running.

The Lecturer expressed the view that the country’s very effective Minister of Information and her able Deputy need to inform Sierra Leoneans and the international community who are the new Diplomats approved by the Bio administration and tell us about their Curriculum Vitae. He said we need more information about our Cabinet Ministers.

“I am reliably informed that the Ambassadors in the USSR, USA, South Korea, Nigeria and the European Union are Sierra Leoneans who have worked or lived in the diaspora for many years (which could be an asset) but what are they doing to promote investment and tourism to Sierra Leone. They should wake up and let’s start seeing results,” he recommended adding that Embassies of Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya and Botswana are promoting and advertising their countries and citizens regularly and effectively in CNN, BBC and FRANCE. “We have to follow suit,” he stated.

Gabbidon said as we cannot offer separate touristic offices in many countries the country’s diplomats should use the newspapers, magazines, Radio, TV and other forms of Investment potentials and Tourism facilities in the respective countries they are accredited to.

He said our diplomats should talk to their Chambers of Commerce Confederation of Industries, Hotels, Tourist Officers and Business forum about Investment and Tourism in Sierra Leone.

He continued that apart from efforts by the Government of Sierra Leone and its diplomatic missions abroad, it would be necessary for Sierra Leone to hire lobbying firms abroad to advertise and market the potentials of investment in Sierra Leone and its benefits.

Also, to promote the great potential of Sierra Leone as a tourist destination, he said, we could also advertise Freetown as a destination for Conferences and big meetings for ECOWAS and Mano River Union Organizations.

He said Sierra Leone is a beautiful country with friendly and hospitable people, and  Sierra Leoneans should explain to others the attractions on our country so that other people can visit us.

Based on what he said, there are a few very effective lobbying firms based in Washington and South East Asia to lobby businessmen, industrialists and captains of industry to invest in Sierra Leone.

“Sierra Leone should also use adverts, TV and Radio commercials to advertise the country. Our diplomats should also lobby in accredited countries in their Chamber of Commerce/Industries,” he suggested.

Gabbidon admonished how we need to beef up the Law Reform Department in Sierra Leone, with more funding, qualified, and experienced personnel and the necessary resources.

He said we need to legislate for: A New Police Act, a Data Protection Act, a Cyber – Security Act, New Tourism Act, Sale of Goods Act and Foreign Investment Act.

The Senior Legal Advocate stated that he has never seen Sierra Leone being rated like other African countries.

He asked: “Are we not yet qualified for Rating Agencies financially and economically rated? Does this not affect foreign investors coming to see what Sierra Leone can offer in terms of investment and trade? Gabbidon said Lobbying firms such as Bell Potinger, Brown Lloyd and James, Hill and Knowlton are lobbying firms based in the USA who do lobbying for Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa.

Also he said Rating Agencies such as Standard and Poor’s; Moody’s Fitch JCR (Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd.) should start to rate Sierra Leone so that investors can know the country’s potentials.

Sierra Leone Rokel Commercial Bank Recognised for Girls and Women’s Empowerment

By Amin Kef Sesay

Rokel Commercial Bank continues to pride itself as the recipient of commendations and laurels for excellent banking services to its numerous and cherished customers.

The HEforSHE Campaign, an offshoot of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has recognized the Rokel Commercial Bank and its Managing Director for what it described as “….your relentless efforts in promoting women’s and girl’s empowerment”.  The award ceremony took place on Friday 26th September 2020 at Radisson Blu Hotel with several high profiled personalities in Government and the private sector in attendance.

In recent years, the Rokel Commercial Bank has stood tall in supporting local initiatives through its corporate social responsibility portfolio. The award therefore came as no surprise to many Sierra Leoneans who continue to witness the remarkable transformation of the bank.

Speaking to this medium, Managing Director, Dr Dayo Gilpin, who is himself an HEforSHE Ambassador, underscored the importance of promoting a productive nation through gender empowerment as an imperative for socio-economic development.

“As a national financial institution we feel a deep sense of responsibility to push forward Government’s agenda of promoting women’s and girl’s empowerment and we are clearly impressed with progress done in this direction so far….the free education and compulsory university scholarships for girls offering science disciplines, the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign and the reviewing of our sexual offenses law and the establishment of a special legal entity to deal with sexual offenses are few examples that comes to mind….”

He said the Bank has increased its Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio as well as driven innovation that would invariably promote gender empowerment.

Sierra Leone has for centuries been engulfed in a patriarchal system that has manifested itself in the social, legal, political, religious and economic spheres and is deeply entrenched in cultural and religious beliefs. Power, moral authority, social privileges, control over land and property has mainly been in the hands of men. Property and titles are inherited by male lineage, and men dominate in political leadership.

The HEforSHE is an important milestone on eradicating all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence against women and girls.

Doreen Barrie Inaugurated as National Coordinator Sierra Leone Chapter

Chief Executive Officer of the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA), Doreen Barrie

By Amin Kef Sesay

Doreen Barrie, a popular broadcaster working for Sierra Leone’s premier electronic media house, the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC), has been inaugurated as National Coordinator of 1000 Women in Religion, Sierra Leone Chapter.

Doreen’s inauguration came ahead of the launching of her organization, Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) early next month,

This Women’s Caucus of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature is part of an initiative to create, update, and improve Wikipedia articles pertaining to the lives of cis and transgender women who are notable as scholars, activists and practitioners in the world’s religious, spiritual and wisdom traditions.

The 1000 Women in Religion Project committee meets monthly. Marshal Doreen Barrie has been charged with the responsibility of mobilizing women to achieve the aims and objectives of the organization.

 In a related development, this medium had an exclusive interview with the Chief Executive Officer of the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA), Doreen Barrie. The main purpose was for her to shed light on the organization. She started by divulging that the entity is a local non-governmental organisation that was established in 2020 to work towards caring for the aged.

She furthered that the organization is doing so against the backdrop that life is like a play on stage with different scenes, meaning and that what every life looks forward to is its ending.

“After years of existence in this world, traversing every corner, one’s retirement requires him or her to be cared for, loved and supported,” the CEO intimated this medium.

Doreen also asserted that such is a missing link which Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) is here to connect.

DOFA, according to her, advocates for the rights and needs of elderly people and their dependents to contribute to their integral development.

She maintained that Social Security retirement benefit in Sierra Leone is very appalling and sadly nobody is talking about it.

“Why has retirement for workers in the public sector had been historically very challenging and in some cases led to confrontations?” she asked rhetorically adding that this is even worse for the average and middle class, more especially when they become pensioners.

These gaps are among other things, the reasons for the establishment of the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged, she disclosed, also explaining that the organization employs advocacy, revenue mobilization to promote the welfare of the aged.

“One of the most sensitive stages in the life of any person is old age. At this stage everything becomes quite delicate and individuals tend to become more dependent on other people for survival even against their own wishes,” she averred stating how care, support and comfort are very essential factors elderly people need to survive and lead a healthy life style.

The truth, she said, remains that as people grow older, their psychology, physical strength and behavioural patterns begin to change and might end up becoming quite unstable and at such people around them might be prompted to begin to look at them as burden and liabilities, she pointed out further asserting that these things might eventually lead to abuse of older people.

However, it is at this stage of life, according to her, that most people require more care and support also revealing how that is why the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) is advocating for the care and support of the aged, because its members have the conviction that definitely it is their responsibility to cater for them.

“DOFA is calling on every Sierra Leonean to join the moving train in looking after the Aged,” she appealed maintaining that OLD AGE IS GOLD and just like the rainy season, we will all grow old.

“Let’s care for them!” she pleaded, concluding the interview.

In 21 Days… 39 Convicted for Sexual Penetration in Sierra Leone

Law Courts Building

By Elkas Sannoh

It seems as if the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), especially against perpetrators of rape and sexual penetration is becoming fierce.

Just in three weeks the High Court of Sierra Leone, presided over by Justices Simeon Allieu, AT Ganda and Samuel O. Taylor sentenced 39 accused persons to a maximum of 16 years and a minimal of 12 years imprisonment for sexual penetration contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act, 2012, as amended by Act No. 8 of 2019.

This is the first time that thirty nine (39) accused persons were convicted by the High Court within such a timeframe since the legislation of the Sexual Offences Act in 2012.

In Kailahun District, out of the 28 Sexual Penetration cases dealt with, 14 persons were convicted, 6 discharged, 4 acquitted and discharged, 1 discharged posthumously and 3 reserved for judgement. In Pujehun District, Justice AT Ganda sentenced 8 accused persons to imprisonment, 2 acquitted and discharged and 1 discharged. In Moyamba, 8 accused persons were convicted and 1 accused was acquitted and discarded. In Port Loko, 4 accused persons were convicted and 1 acquitted and discharged.  In Mattru Jong, 5 accused persons have so far been convicted pending the outcome of the High Court criminal sessions.

The High Court criminal sessions commenced on 31st August 2020 and will end on 26th October, 2020. The Criminal Sessions of the High Court is fully funded by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone courtesy of the Government of Sierra Leone and geared to addressing overcrowding in correctional centres. It is held in places where there are no sitting Judges.

Since his appointment as Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone by His Excellency the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, His Lordship, Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards has ensured expeditious trials and effective access to justice for every citizen.

NP Sierra Leone is a Thriving Company making Steady Progress

By Amin Kef Sesay                                                             

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is a thriving company that has made sterling progress within the petroleum landscape of the country. In order to set the bar high, the company has been remarkably doing so to the utmost satisfaction of its numerous customers in different parts of the country as its well experienced managerial teams over the years have been assiduously working to ensure that customers get the best in return for their monies’ worth.

Well known as the poor man’s company that places premium on 1st for Customer Care, NP-SL Ltd has been optimally delivering services that are well designed towards availing utmost satisfaction and giving the attention their customers require always instilling the belief that customers’ interests are really taken into consideration and culminating in factoring genuine decisions out of such concerns into its marketing chain.

Against such a background, the safety of customers are highly considered as seen in consistently cautioning them not to spark any naked flame, advised to switch off their mobile phones at Filling Stations, switch off vehicle engines while procuring fuel. All these precautionary advices are done within the context of protecting the company’s customers from any injurious incident that could be disastrous for the customers and the company.

In another dimension, the shareholders and Management of the company thought it prudent to purchase and install calibrated pumping machines at its various Filling Stations. These modern pumping machines are highly capable of displaying the exact quantity of fuel that a particular customer requests for as well as the price. If customers have expressed satisfaction with the high precision output of its machines it is simply because they give them the impression that transactions are really or truly transparent.

The petroleum marketing company stands tall within the business landscape of this country for effective and efficient implementation of the country’s Local Content Policy. This is a policy that puts premium on making use of local human and material resources in the chain of production and service delivery. Unless where there is no local option it will become preferable to make use of foreign alternatives.

In the light of the company’s preferential decision to offer jobs primarily to Sierra Leoneans as long as they have the requisite qualifications such a strictly adhered-to policy has greatly helped in the reduction of unemployment and availing the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved standards of living. Indeed, the company has been widely commended for doing so.

With the introduction of NP Smart Card, the process of purchasing fuel at NP Filling Stations has been made simple eliminating the use of physical cash. As long as the Smart Card has money in it, a particular customer can access a Filling Station, put in for the quantity of fuel required and when factored in the pumping machine the right quantity demanded for is then discharged with any balance remaining which could be used at a later date when another purchase is required to be made.

The greatest benefit is that it creates the possibility for a customer to properly budget for the amount of fuel that he or she intends to purchase over time, say for a week or a month. Besides, the use of NP Smart Card guarantees security for the holders as it has securitized features that cannot be easily falsified by any impostor or fraudster.

Many whom this medium interviewed recently in relation to the operations of NP-SL Ltd expressed the view that the company’s manufactured cooking gadget, known as NP Gas is a must to possess in terms of high speed performance. Besides, they opined that they find it safe to make use it as opposed to relying on wood or charcoal on the basis that NP Gas produces less hazardous gaseous emission that could be inimical to the health of individuals.

The product, it was reliably learnt, is easily refilled with gas that could be secured at any of the company’s Filling Stations and are manufactured in different cylinder sizes. Most of those talked with have recommended it as a very efficient and dependable product.

The company gained wide praises for steadily rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility on different fronts. Many have doffed their hats for the company when they realized that at a time like this when nations are grappling with the contention of taking strides to combat the spread of the coronavirus in the country the indigenous company donated the sum of one billion Leones to the Emergency Response Centre and by extension to the Government and People of Sierra Leone.

It is believed that the donation has gone a long way to help offset some of the financial constraints that the response team has to deal with in the fight to contain the spread of the virus nationwide.

It is also on record that the company has been supporting other worthy causes in the country under the same portfolio.

Indisputably, NP-SL Ltd has gained international recognition for establishing its branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. These branches are operating on the same footing as its parent body in prioritizing the local content policy. They are regularly paying taxes to the host Governments, the proceeds used to fund various development interventions.

The company is indeed held in high esteem for its tireless moves in ensuring that there is no scarcity of petroleum products in the country that could lead to serious economic dislocations.

This is no mean feat and it could be safely concluded that it is only a forward-looking and very pragmatic company like the NP-SL Ltd, which always raises the bar high that could stand tall like a Colossus, most times weathering the storm and always emerging unruffled. As far as it is known, the Shareholders and Management are all in top gear to continue to inject fine entrepreneurial initiatives with the avowed objective of catapulting the company to a higher pedestal. Indisputably, NP-SL Ltd is destined to go places as it continues to positively contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation.

Al-Sankoh-Conteh Refutes Sierra Leone White Paper on COI Report

ormer Deputy Minister of Sports during the tenure of Ernest Bai Koroma APC led Government, Al-Sankoh-Conteh

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Former Deputy Minister of Sports during the tenure of Ernest Bai Koroma APC led Government, Al-Sankoh-Conteh, has refuted the present SLPP White Paper on the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report.

He intimated that he has been unjustly labeled in the COI Report and White Paper underscoring that was wrongly indicted of mismanagement. Al-sankoh-Conteh asserted that he is a proud man and has never got himself involved in any form of corruption.

He said Chapter 11 of the White Paper made mention of the late Dr. Minkailu Bah and Al-Sankoh-Conteh as individuals who were involved in misappropriation in the Ministry of Sports and recommended for them to pay billion of Leones.

The former Deputy Minister of Sports strongly denied any involvement in corruption or abuse of office, during his tenure and noted that he did not work in that capacity under Dr. Minkailu Bah and therefore is not aware of all those allegations highlighted in the White Paper.

He noted that during the COI investigation he was battling with an eye infection and has never received any invitation from the COI, either by letter, newspaper or phone call.

Al-Sankoh-Conteh, therefore maintains that he was not given the opportunity to have employed the service of a lawyer to do a rebuttal on those allegations.

He said he has expressed his willingness, after consulting with his family, to file an appeal on the recommendations made against him. Al-Sankoh-Conteh furthered that it is public knowledge that he has maintained high integrity to live a decent and average life with his family during his tenure as a Minister of Government. “I put my trust in Allah as I shall be exonerated from all indictment made against me in the White Paper,” he expressed optimism.

While he was Deputy Minister of Sports some of his responsibilities in include staff welfare and promoting local sports.

It will be recalled that the Commissions of Inquiry Report was handed over to President Bio during a Press Conference at State House on the 24th September, 2020. The Report and White Paper were made public on the same day. The White Paper, in particular, contains indictments and recommendations against former officials of the erstwhile APC Government including Ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma, former Ministers and Deputy Ministers as well as other public officials.

They were seriously indicted on various charges of graft and as part of the recommendations in the White Paper they are supposed to pay back monies that they purportedly stole within a stipulated timeframe or otherwise their movable as well as unmovable assets or properties will be confiscated, put up for sale in order to recover the said stolen public funds.

NATCOM Sierra Leone DG Celebrates Achievements

Director General of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), Daniel Bobson Kaitibi & President Maada Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay

The indefatigable Director General of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), Daniel Bobson Kaitibi, during an exclusive interview at his Hill Station Office, outlined the achievements the institution has made within six months record time.

He started off by stating that all the outstanding achievements made, through him and his Deputy, Amara Brewah,  during the period under review would not have been made possible without the support and cooperation of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Board of Commissioners and other  colleague members of staff.

“The achievements we have recorded during this short and challenging period would certainly not have been made possible without them,” he expressed gratitude.

He stated that the 26th September 2020 marked  six months since  both of them were appointed to serve as Director-General and Deputy Director-General of the National Telecommunications Commission.

Kaitibie furthered that on assumption of office on the 26th March 2020, the following were the priority areas they initially focused on: to partner with the Ministry of Information & Board to ensure the containment of COVID-19 nation-wide and at NATCOM.

He also mentioned the enactment of the Electronic Communications Act which would eventually see the transformation of NATCOM into an Authority.

To conduct a Cost study to set tariffs for interconnection and other telecommunications services, procure Cyber Security and Fraud prevention Equipment, install Fixed Spectrum monitoring equipment and handheld tools and secure funding for the completion of the NATCOM Building up at South Ridge.

The young and result-oriented Director General said, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communications, considerable efforts have been made in respect of the first two and sixth priorities, and so therefore, on behalf of Management and Staff of the Commission, he wishes to say many thanks to the Ministry and the Board for providing the leadership required in recording these feats.

He said he is delighted to announce that the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is currently exploring options for supporting the establishment of a cost methodology and models for interconnection and telecommunication services for Sierra Leone and to work with NATCOM in securing the necessary funding for that to happen. According to him such can only be great news for NATCOM.

The DG said Cyber Security and Fraud Management remain a core aspect of their key priorities as a Commission and he is confident to report that they have made provision for the procurement of that equipment in the just-concluded FY2021 Budget.

“Whilst it may not be enough, we would continue to partner with our international partners to secure funding in this regard,” he maintained.

He revealed that his Deputy and himself have made a deliberate decision to ensure the welfare of employees is treated with utmost priority saying nothing will change that.

The pragmatic DG said they have engaged all the Directors in the different Directorates and made it clear how important it is to work as a team and be inclusive.

“This does not subtract from the fact that there may be differences in opinion and not be fearful of the obvious consequence: that there are bound to be differences of emphasis and approach on a variety of matters. What is crucial, however, is that we have forged an enduring unity across the Commission, which brings us together as the overriding commitment to a joint effort in the growth of the Commission and improves our well-being,” he intimated in a relaxed mode during the interview.

He said in six months of their leadership, a few remarkable achievements were also recorded, and at the end of the day, the yardstick that they shall all be judged by is one and one only: and that is, are they, through their endeavors at NATCOM, creating the basis to better the lives of their consumers.

He said they do not claim to have all the answers and are confident that this balanced approach, based on stakeholder engagements and drawing on the positive experiences of other Regulators, NATCOM can help resolve those issues in a manner that benefits the country as a whole saying they are on course.

Kaitibie said additionally he has engaged the Director responsible for Corporate & Industry Affairs to make adequate plans to ensure they have a robust consumer perception survey in the first quarter of next year on the quality of service delivered by Mobile Network Operators, collect information on the understanding of the functions of the Commission and its benefits to end-users, create awareness of the Commission’s roles in the socio-economic development of the country, strengthen the capacity and capability of regional staff members for the enforcement of the regulatory mandate of the Commission, etc.

He highlighted that as they await the final budget for FY2021, he knows there are exciting times ahead and NATCOM provides a unique space to work in but he would also urge all to tread cautiously in ensuring they meet their financial obligations as a responsible Commission.

“The DDG and I would continue to rely on our Directors to provide the requisite leadership to employees and report to us accordingly,” he assured.

He said once again, he and the DDG would use the opportunity of their half-year anniversary to extend thanks and appreciation to their fantastic employees who have been supportive of the key priorities they set out since their respective appointments.

The NATCOM Director General concluded by stating that as President Bio correctly stated in his acceptance speech of the COI’s White Paper Report, when one is appointed to serve, “one must do so with honesty, fairness, justice, diligence, and compassion”.

He noted that it is on that principle that they would continue to serve to ensure a commitment to shared values.

Amara Brewah, Deputy Director General of the Commission
National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), Daniel Bobson Kaitibi

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