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President Bio Fires Warning Shot… Sierra Leone COIs Recommendations Would Be Implemented to the Letter

Report of the Commissions of Inquiry and the Government White Paper of the Report, President Julius Maada Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay

After the formal presentation of the Report of the Commissions of Inquiry and the Government White Paper of the Report by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Anthony Brewah, to President Julius Maada Bio, during a Press Conference held at State House on the 24th September 2020,  the First Gentleman delivered a statement to the nation.

The President said he is back from a private visit to Lebanon saying in addition to his excellent health, he also brought back the good news that the ten-year agony and suffering of 130 compatriots in Lebanon will soon end.

“On September 21, thirteen of them arrived in Sierra Leone onboard Turkish Airlines. Further engagements with authorities in Lebanon and agencies supporting the repatriation will continue until the last of our citizens return home safely. My Government is already providing psychosocial care for the first batch and we will soon finalize community reintegration support packages including microcredit grants and business start-up kits,” he disclosed.

He furthered how their suffering and pain remind them, as a Government and as a country that we should and we must do more to provide opportunities for everyone within Sierra Leone.

The President said such is why his Government has prioritized human capital development with three key staples: free quality education, accessible and affordable healthcare and food security through domestic food production.

He said the Government’s initiatives are bearing fruit and within the last two years, they are making steady progress. The President stated that preliminary data tells them that they are reducing maternal mortality and saving more lives because of the national ambulance services and investments in healthcare infrastructure and services.

President Bio intimated that the country has received commendations for steady progress made in fighting COVID19.

He also congratulated all 431,551 candidates who just completed the National Primary School Examination, the Basic Education Certificate Examination, and the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.

“This is by far the largest number of Sierra Leoneans who have had a chance to transition from one critical point of their education to another,” he said.

He mentioned how the country Education Sector Partners believe in the Free Quality Education Programme and its impact for the future of this country.

The President also informed how the Sexual Offences Model Courts are operational saying they will not relent in the fight to protect and empower women and girls and also fully include them in the development of this nation.

President Bio underscored that in his inaugural address to the nation, he declared three peaceful democratic wars against indiscipline, poverty, and corruption.

“The nexus among the three is obvious: indiscipline begets injustice and bad governance; corruption is a product of the former, and it accelerates poverty, and constrains national development,” he highlighted.

He said he has reiterated that corruption is a threat to our moral timbre as a nation of upstanding citizens, to national development, and to national security. The only option, he added, is to confront corruption head-on and fight it boldly and resolutely stating how it is a fight that must be fought, a fight that we must be won if the nation must survive.

“We have made great progress over the last two years. National and international indicators have lauded our great success. We are encouraged by our successes but we must sustain the fight against corruption for our collective national good and for the future of our children and of this nation,” he affirmed.

The President said as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice stated, the Commissions were tasked with conducting independent, fair, thorough, and impartial investigations into allegations of corruption and abuse of public office and to make relevant findings and appropriate recommendations.

He said all persons who were summoned to the Commissions of Inquiry were not summoned because of their ethnic group, their region, or their political party.

“They were summoned because they had been entrusted with the supreme responsibility to serve Sierra Leone. It is their conduct as individuals and their decisions while they served this country that were the subject of close scrutiny by the Commissions,” he asserted.

The President admonished that the Commissions of Inquiry should also serve as a strong warning to serving officials that they have a duty of care to make the best decisions and act always in the best interests of citizens of this nation.

He said when one is appointed to serve one’s country, one must do so with honesty, fairness, justice, diligence, and compassion. “Do not make Sierra Leoneans, especially the children, victims of your own greed,” he added.

President Bio said although the Anti-Corruption Commission has the statutory mandate to combat corruption and investigate unlawfully acquired wealth, particularly in the public sector, the general public hardly gets an opportunity to actively and regularly follow-up on most of the particularly high profile investigations and prosecutions because the operations of the ACC are mostly covert in execution.

He said the Commissions of Inquiry gave an opportunity to the people of this country to ardently follow the stewardship of persons in authority and see first-hand how some of those persons betrayed the public trust that was reposed in them by the people of Sierra Leone.

The President said citizens are reminded also that they must actively but fairly question errant leaders.

“It is your civic duty to question unexplained wealth. But citizens are also reminded that when Ministers or parastatal heads steal or fraudulently convert state resources, they do so to make themselves and their immediate family members comfortable. When corrupt leaders build mansions and accumulate huge bank accounts, it is not for their ethnic groups, regions, or political party to live in. It is for themselves and for their immediate families,” he continued.

He said we have had several Commissions of Inquiry in post-independence Sierra Leone but Sierra Leoneans seem to have learnt little to nothing from those past Commissions of Inquiry.

“We are determined to make this the last Commissions of Inquiry in this country. This is not the usual charge, convict, levy tepid punishments, and restitute or reinstate as soon as citizens turn the other way. Once and for all, we are determined to draw a line. Public officials must serve with integrity and they must be above reproach at all times. These Commissions were indeed about transparency and accountability and nothing else,” he said in strong terms.

He thanked the Attorney-General’s office for spearheading the process; the staff who were attached to the various Commissions including investigators and security personnel; persons who appeared at the Commissions to testify and those who gave information that was helpful to the work of the Commissions.

The President also thanked journalists who covered the sittings of the Commissions in an open and transparent manner, and for the benefit of both local and international audiences.

He particularly commended the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Television – a Public Broadcaster, and the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Television – a private-owned broadcasting station.

President Bio as well acknowledged and thanked civil society, religious and community leaders, other stakeholders who, according to him, saw these Commissions for what they are in the best traditions of Sierra Leoneans asking questions for which they deserve answers.

He again thanked the Commissioners for carrying out thorough, independent, fair and impartial investigations into the allegations of corruption and abuse of public office and to make relevant findings and proffer appropriate recommendations to the Government of Sierra Leone for considerations.

“We are mindful that time and space could not permit an inquiry of this nature to cover every single economic, financial, and administrative activity of the immediate past Government, but the Commissioners did their best in the circumstances and they all served meritoriously,” he expressed gratitude.

He said the Government has carefully looked at the reports of the Commissions and the recommendations.

“The White Paper documents the recommendations the Government has accepted in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone. Unlike other Commissions, citizens are assured that this Government will fully implement all recommendations. I repeat, Government will implement all recommendations to the letter,” the President affirmed.

He said the publication of the Reports is done pursuant to Section 149(2) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No.6 of 1991) furthering that the Reports of the various Commissions of Inquiry established by Constitutional Instruments Nos. 64, 65 and 67 of 2018 are officially published together with their White Papers.

President Bio stated categorically that the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice has been instructed to effect the recommendations of the Commissions of Inquiry – to recover all monies recommended to be returned to the people of Sierra Leone and to confiscate all assets recommended to be confiscated, and all other such penalties as recommended.

He clearly stated that persons and entities affected by the recommendation are guaranteed a peaceful and transparent judicial appeals process through which they can seek relief.

“So let me therefore caution every Sierra Leonean that the rule of law is supreme. Those who may wish to incite or engage in unrest and violence in order to obstruct the process of implementing the full enforcement of the recommendations will be subject to the full force of the law,” the President warned.

He said this is not the last of investigations into corruption by former leaders.

According to him, the ACC and other law enforcement agencies are mandated to investigate issues that the Commissions of Inquiry did not have sufficient time to investigate.

President Bio concluded by stating that investigations, arrests and prosecutions for corruption will continue as long as they are permissible in the laws of this country.

 

“Orange Money Lajor” Launched in Sierra Leone

CEO of Orange Money and team, David Samba Mansaray

By Mary Kabay

On September 24th 2020 Orange SL launched another new product “Orange Money Lajor” during a programme that was held at their central office on Rawdon Street in Freetown.

This new promotion for Orange subscribers is a joint business venture between Empire Solution and the Orange Money team.

The CEO of Orange Money team, David Samba Mansaray, gave a brief statement on the new loaning service.

Jeneba Dorcas Sacky, Human Resource/Admin Manager of Empire Solution Sierra Leone Limited, expressed delight for partnering with Orange Money Salone in order to meet the financial needs of people who are in need of money by offering loans to them without  guarantors or collateral securities as traditional commercial banks do request before granting loans.

The Assistant Marketing Manager of Orange Money, Alfred Kamara did a presentation on the loaning scheme.

Abibatu Turay, Assistant Manager, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department (OFISD) of the Bank of Sierra Leone joined the CEO of Orange Money to launch the promotion.

Orange Money Lajor is a small loan scheme that allows KYC (Know Your Customer) to take place. To be eligible to benefit from the scheme one should be known as a registered subscriber of Orange Money. Also the subscriber should have been frequently using Orange Money, meaning that the customer’s name and other details must have been in the Orange Money system.

It other words, customer registration and active money transactions, using Orange Money are key determinants for subscribers to be able to access loans using their mobile phones via their Orange Money accounts. These customers or subscribers must have been actively using the Orange Money platform for 90 days and above.

This loan scheme is available on a 24 hours basis as long as customers are qualified to take loans.

The loan amounts issued are within the range of Le15, 000, Le30, 000, Le 50, 000, Le100, 000 and Le200, 000.

To obtain this loan, customers must firstly register for the service and accept the terms and conditions. After successful registration customers will be qualified to access loans.

To register always dial #144# and select option 7 or you directly dial #144*7#. You can do your transaction through Orange Money Lajor easily. Don’t forget that there are charges allocated for each loan transaction and it is affordable for the least person’s use. The charges are 12% fee on any loan amount applied for.

Customers have an option to pay at any time within 30 days.

If it happens that customers do not pay within 30 days, the customers’ Orange Money Accounts will be blocked and they will be only allowed to cash in. The account will only be opened after customers pay.

Added penalties on customers will be 5% interest if payment is done within 31-60 days and 10%interest if it is done after 60 days.

Reminder SMS will be sent to all customers before the expiration of the duration.

Customers can repay loan by dialing#144# and select option 7 or directly dial #144*7#. Customers can also repay in bits as long as it is within 30 days.

The Orange Money Lajor makes room for a specific help line for its service which could be accessed by dialing *747# and 111 for any information or complaint regarding the service.

However, this service does not make room for taking loan on behalf of another customer or even pay on behalf of another customer.

The Orange Family is encouraging Sierra Leoneans to embark on this new loan offer as it requires no long process.

Just be part of the Orange Money Family, conduct transactions with your Orange Money account. The team is ready to meet you at the point of your need through your phone and without explaining your problem you will get a solution.

 

US Extends Visa Restrictions on Sierra Leone

Amberssador Maria E. Brewer, United States Embassy in Freetown

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has ascertained receipt of a correspondence from the United States Embassy in Freetown conveying an order from the Secretary of State of the United States Government expanding visa sanctions on Sierra Leone to include immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

From what the Ministry stated, the Government of Sierra Leone has for some years now being collaborating with the United States Government to facilitate the return to Sierra Leone of its nationals in the United States that have been identified for deportation.

The Ministry furthered how he has collaborated with the United States to the extent that it had even received non-Sierra Leonean citizens in the process of compliance.

Lamentably, the Government of Sierra Leone notes with concern that this visa sanction extension has been communicated in just two weeks after Sierra Leone had received 8 more deportees in series of deportations by the United States over the years.

“We recognize the Government of Sierra Leone’s recent efforts to issue travel documents and accept some nationals who were subject to a final order of removal; however, the Government of Sierra Leone’s continued lack of a consistent, repeatable removal process has resulted in continued delay in accepting the return of its citizens, the US Government has stated:.

It added: “We hope Sierra Leone’s cooperation with us on removals will continue and improve, which will allow for the reconsideration of this action at a future date.”

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 243(d), the Secretary of Homeland Security may notify the Secretary of State when a country denies or unreasonably delays accepting one or more of its nationals who are subject to a final order of removal.

The Secretary of State must then order consular officers in that country to discontinue issuance of some or all visas.

Sierra Leone’s Government has expressed willingness to receive its nationals from the United States where both countries act in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Convention.

The Ministry has assured that Government is in negotiation with the Government of the United States of America for the removal of these sanctions considering the continuing compliance on the part of Sierra Leone in accepting its nationals.

It can be recalled that on September 11, 2020, the United States discontinued issuing almost all immigrant and non-immigrant visas for Sierra Leone citizens and nationals applying at Embassy Freetown, other than those covered by limited exceptions and those consistent with U.S. obligations or commitments under international agreements, such as the UN Headquarters Agreement.

 

 

Kingho Mining Officially Take Over Tonkolili Iron Ore Project in Sierra Leone

Mines Minister handing over the mines document to Kingho CEO

As they target December for 1st shipment…

By Abdul Malik Bangura

Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) through the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources has on Thursday 23rd September 2020 hand over the Tonkolili Iron Ore Project to Chinese owned Kingho Mining Company Limited.

Mines Minister handing over the mines document to Kingho CEO

The event which took place at the Bumbuna Town Court Barry, in Dasogoia Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, saw dignitaries from all the various arms of government received warm welcome from locals of the various mining communities.

Meanwhile, during the handing over ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabba reaffirmed government’s commitment in ensuring that the people of Sierra Leone benefit from the country’s lucrative mining sector. The minister confirmed that Shandong Steel which previously operated the mines has disengaged from mining in Sierra Leone. Thus, he said, as a government which prides itself on the platform of empowering Sierra Leoneans they became very concerned about how soon the mines in Tonkolili would be operational again.

Locals at the ceremony

Minister Kabba added that it was difficult for Shandong to relinquish the mining site due to the massive investments they had. However, he said, thankfully with the support from the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, government was able to get Shandong Steel relinquished the site, and as per law, the railway and the port to export iron ore now belong to the GoSL.

Honourable Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabba reaffirmed government’s commitment

In assuring the locals about the creation of jobs, Minister Kabba said that government will ensure that local content is guaranteed. “We must make efforts to empower ourselves,” Minister Kabba said, urging Kingho Mining Company Limited to think about Technical Vocational trainings for Sierra Leoneans in the mining areas as well as to get them onboard in contributing to much needed activities of the mines.

Minister Kabba assured of government’s fullest commitment that Kingho achieves its objectives, and called on all across every divide to collaborate in ensuring that the Tonkolili Mining Project sets a very good precedent for future mining projects across the country.

On his side, CEO of Kingho Investment Company Limited Gilbert Zhao said the takeover ceremony is a new dawn for the people of Sierra Leone. He added that as a company Kingho “has been working with the Government of Sierra Leone and Government of China over the last several months trying to have a smooth transition leading to a peaceful and orderly takeover of the mine and its associated assets.”

CEO of Kingho Investment Company Limited Gilbert Zhao

In addition, the CEO of Kingho Investment Company Limited assured that “in the next few days, we will start full scale maintenance work on the mining, processing facilities and accommodation quarters which will provide several jobs for skilled and unskilled Sierra Leoneans. We will definitely seek for continuous improvement in all aspects of the mine &operations.”

“In line with the Government’s local Content Policy and other key government regulations, we have recruited and in the process of recruiting qualified Sierra Leoneans that will hopefully add value to the organization and bring this project to fruition. We will transform the labor market by empowering citizens at local and national level. We believe that the human resources are our greatest assets,” Mr Zhao confirmed.

The Kingho head concluded by thanking the Government of Sierra Leone through its ministries, departments and agencies for the confidence repose on Kingho Mining Company Limited. He said “we will also want to thank the Community elders, all stakeholders & citizens of this republic for their support in ensuring that the new Tonkolili Iron ore project gets the required attention & prime mover it deserves.”

From the side of the executive arm of government, whilst dilating on the commitment of President Julius Maada Bio in empowering young people across the country, the Honourable Minister of Youths Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura said that government primes transparency as the hallmark of the New Direction. He spoke about Kingho’s previous commitments to social corporate responsibility. He spoke about what the people of Tonkolili would gain should they collaborate with Kingho in achieving its mining objectives.

Meanwhile, from the parliamentary angle, Leader of Government Business in the Sierra Leone House of Parliament, Honorable Sahr Matthew Nyuma who was also present said: “We are here to serve as living testament to the people.” He reaffirmed that parliament will ensure that honouring locals will be the central of Kingho’s investments and employments. He called on youths to engage in dialogue instead of violence and called on them to be involved in sensitive and positive engagements.

Leader of Government Business in the Sierra Leone House of Parliament, Honorable Sahr Matthew Nyuma addressing the people of Bumbuna

In addition, the Parliamentary Committee Chairman on Mines and Mineral Resources Honourable Saa Emerson Lamina who was also present at the handing over ceremony said “government will not create all jobs, but will create credible investment that will create jobs for the people of Sierra Leone.” He said, as MPs, they were present to give assurances to the people, the government and the investors. He called for peace, unity and solidarity of purpose from stakeholders and the people of Tonkolili District. He assured that as a parliamentary committee, they will work in ensuring that Kingho honours its obligation and achieve its mandates.

Parliamentary Committee Chairman on Mines and Mineral Resources Honourable Saa Emerson Lamina making his statement

Honourable Aaron Aruna Koroma, Chairman of Tonkolili MPs thanked the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Honourable Sidie Mohamed Tunis who is the local consultant of Kingho Mining Company Limited. He thanked the President for the love he has shown to the people of Tonkolili District and assured that they will fully support the agendas of Kingho Mining. He said “Kingho are credible and reputable and we will support them.”

Honourable Abdul Hassan Sesay, another MP from Tonkolili District and Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Labour said “a rebirth of Kingho is a rebirth of hope.” He thanked the Minister of Mines for his initiative in ensuring that peace and tranquility coexist in the mining communities.

Furthermore, from the MPs of the mining communities, Honourable Musa Jalloh of Sambaia Chiefdom emphasized the need to priortitse locals in the recruitment process. On her brief remarks, Honourable Rose Maria Bangura of Simiria, Kafe and Dasogoia chiefdoms expressed optimism that the relationship between Kingho and the people will achieve its required goals. She said that they would want the headquarters of Kingho Mining Company to be based in Magburaka, the District headquarters of Tonkolili.

Whilst welcoming the dignitaries to Bumbuna Town, the Paramount Chief of Dasogoia Chiefdom, PC Alimamy Y. Koroma said the handing over ceremony is a dream come true. He urged that Labour Laws are modified to give his people decent jobs. He thanked the government for giving local authorities the rights to negotiate their welfare with the mining companies.

PC Alimamy Y. Koroma of Dasagoia Chiefdom welcoming the dignitaries

Meanwhile, the programme was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Social Security, Lawyer Alpha Timbo who said “a good government must always try to cater for the betterment of the people. He said the programme was to not only protect the interest of the state, but also the people and to create atmosphere for credible future investments.

Other statements were made by the Resident Minister North, Abu Abu Abdulai Koroma and the Tonkolili District Chairlady Madam Yabom Sesay.

The programme climaxed with an official handing over ceremony which took place at the mining site.

 

 

 

 

 

DOFA: Resolute in Providing Care for the Aged

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

By Amin Kef Sesay

In an exclusive interview with the Chief Executive Officer of the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA), Doreen Barrie, 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.

First Lady Returns with Goodies from Lebanon -Sanitary Pads, Medicines & Wheelchairs

First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay

After returning from a private visit to Lebanon with her husband, the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio has expressed preparedness to continue her work. Addressing her staff, she called on them to gear up and return to work without complaints.

The First Lady disclosed a nation-wide distribution of forty-five thousand sanitary pads to school-going girls, forty foot container of medicines (drugs), forty foot container of wheelchairs for disabled and vulnerable people to be undertaken soon.

The First Lady is one of the global champions of girl child education. She has been the champion to protect girls and women against domestic violence and sexual violence including rape and early marriage.

Madam Fatima Bio’s flagship project “Hands Off Our Girls” has gained unstoppable momentum and international recognition.

She is very passionate about girl-child education and she has been at the vanguard of protecting the interest of poor and vulnerable people, especially women in Sierra Leone. She has been described as “a remarkable woman”.

“Unending Cycles of Conflict Question Effectiveness of UN…” -Pres. Bio Intimates 75th United Nations Summit

President Julius Maada Bio

By Elkas Sannoh

President Julius Maada Bio has impressively intimated the United Nations that the unending cycles of conflict, the devastating impacts of climate change and the spread of terrorism in recent history, continue to question the effectiveness of the organization.

After commending Volkan Bozkır, President of the Seventy-Fifth Session of the General Assembly, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations and Mr. Abdou Abarry, President of the Security Council he pledged his country’s unending support to their tenures.

“I congratulate and commend Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his sterling leadership especially in this Diamond Jubilee Anniversary year,” President Bio said, adding that, “Sierra Leone is delighted to join other member States in commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations.”

According to him, in spite of an unprecedented and disruptive global health crisis with attendant severe economic and social impacts, “our challenge is to emerge stronger and better by broadening and deepening dialogue and cooperation across borders, sectors, and generations.”

President Bio went on to say that, “Our collective commitment to multilateralism will therefore determine how fast our world recovers and whether we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

President Bio recommended that they should collectively generate innovative ideas for fostering peace and better living standards for all.

“We should implement reform measures in the three major organs of the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of this noble institution,” he concluded.

In his overwhelming assurance, President Bio said Sierra Leone is committed to working with all member States in upholding and fulfilling the objectives as set out in the United Nations Charter. President Bio was addressing the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

 

With Significant Financial Growth…  Rokel Commercial Bank Celebrates 21 Years of Existence

By Amin Kef Sesay

Barclays Bank Sierra Leone officially transferred ownership of the Bank to the Government and people of Sierra Leone on the 17th September 1999 and 21 years ago Rokel Commercial Bank was born. Even though the Bank has existed for 103 years it is important to highlight this significant part of its history.

On Thursday 17th September 2020, activities to commemorate this change of ownership kicked off with religious services in all its branches nationwide. The Bank’s PR team was also busy with live radio and TV talk shows to further enhance the visibility of the event as well as remind citizens about Rokel Commercial Bank’s impressive transformation through innovation and an overhaul of its entire operations to meet the demands for modern day banking.

Perhaps, the biggest of these low key events was last Saturday’s Beach Walk in which the Bank’s top Management and staff participated to promote a healthy life style as well as reflect on how to continue repositioning the Bank as a top player in Sierra Leones’ financial industry. At the event, the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility credentials were expounded by the Managing Director, Dr. Dayo Gilpin who mentioned their involvement with helping vulnerable groups, environmental protection and support to educational institutions etc.  

According to the erudite MD, the COVID 19 pandemic  may have challenged their resolve to pay dividend to their esteemed shareholders this year but that does not take away the fact that the bank has made excess profit in the form of retained earnings in 2019.

Digital online banking, VISA debit card and the revolutionary mobile based Rokel Simkorpor, according to Gilpin, have been made available to make banking extremely easy and swift for customers. He said the recent expansion to Bonthe, Kailahun, Kabala, FBC, Wilberforce etc was in response to Government’s clarion call for financial inclusion.

The 2019 Financial Statements of the Rokel Commercial Bank revealed that the Bank is in a very healthy position – with positive retained earnings. A Le79, 439, 041 Billion Leones Profit Before Tax may not have been significantly higher than its 2018 profit after tax of 79, 270, 123 Billion Leones. However, a significant leap from Le46 Billion negative retained earnings to Le966m positive retained earnings in 2019 means the Bank now has stable profit and can be in a position to pay dividends to its shareholders.

With an enhanced operational capacity, the Bank was recently able to pay some 29,000 beneficiaries of a NaCSA safety net programme.

 

 

Credit Union System Delivers Greater Financial Inclusion – Chairperson Says During AGM…

National Cooperative Credit Union Association Sierra Leone (NACCUA-SL)

By Fatmata Jengbe

On Friday 18th September 2020, the National Cooperative Credit Union Association Sierra Leone (NACCUA-SL) ended its 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Hall, Brookfields in Freetown at which ceremony, the chairperson of the Association, Mrs. Lilian Songo disclosed that 2019 was a good year for Credit Union Movements in Sierra Leone as six new Credit Unions joined the membership of NACCUA-Luawa Cooperative Credit Union, Kissy Tongi Cooperative Credit Union, Upper Bambara Cooperative Credit Union, Munafa Cooperative Credit Union, Kenema Teachers Credit Union and the Goderich Credit Union.

The AGM is the time when members converge to invoke the powers of the highest decision-making body of the Association including collective activities for information, education, entertainment and experience sharing through formal and informal means.

The chairperson informed that the Board and Management of NACCUA have continued to promote the affairs of the movement through regular meetings citing the four quarterly Board meetings and eight Executive Committee Meetings where pertinent issues affecting the movement were discussed and organized.

Mrs. Lilian Songo also enlightened that NaCCUA-SL is governed by five Board of Directors headed by herself as Chairperson, Rev. Samuel K. Sesay as Vice Chairperson from Kenema, Mrs. Mary Bundu as Treasurer from Moyamba, Mr. James Y. Bangura as Assistant Treasurer from Port Loko and Mr. Foday M. Kamara from Tawopaneh as member adding that the Supervisory Committee is made up of three members headed by Mrs. Victoria Pratt from Passionately Progressive CU, Mr. Jai Kaikai from Bo  and Mr. Kelvin Conteh from Bombali and disclosed that mid last year, NACCUA hired the services of an Administrative Secretary named Alhaji M. Kanu who is in charge of the daily affairs of the Association.

According to the Chairperson, the AGM was supposed to be held in early April this year but that due to the outbreak of the corona virus pandemic, it was postponed to abide by Government regulations and commended Government for revealing that the country would have to accept and live with the pandemic by observing social distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing of face masks.

She continued that the Credit Union system delivers greater financial inclusion in Sierra Leone by enabling underprivileged people to have access to financial services by creating the enabling environment or conducive avenue to encourage savings as little as Le1, 000 a day as well as access to credit facilities at low interest rates and went on to articulate that Credit Unions are not for profit but rendering services to members at a fee.

She furthered that Credit Unions have  grown in general performance from December 2018-December 2019, that their membership has increased from 8,429 -10,088, that savings have increased from Le 4,691,000,000-Le5,587,000,000, that share capital increased from Le.1,316,000,000-Le1,595,000,000 and that outstanding loan balance increased from Le6,130,000,000-Le6,278,000,000 and encouraged leaders to mobilize more members to join Credit Unions in the country intimating that at the Credit Union level, they have recorded growth in total assets for their members with Moyamba as the biggest Credit Union in the country as at 31st July 2020 with Le2,300,000,000 followed by Tawopaneh with Le. 1,460,000,000.

Mrs. Lilian Songo commended the Irish League of Credit Union Foundation (ILCUF) for its material and technical support to NaCCUA-SL citing the provision of an office space, a computer, desk and other office furniture to enable them effectively perform their work and informed that they have worked with ILCUF on several initiatives for Credit Unions such as putting systems in place underscoring that they now have information for all their members in the country, receive financial reports on time and working together to ensure that they introduce core banking system for Credit Unions.

On partnership, she revealed that NaCCUA is working with ILCUF Ltd to get other partners from Germany named the Savings Banks for International Cooperation (SBFIC) that has helped to revive their governance manual, Credit Union operational manual, training in micro-business and exposing the Administrative Secretary to The Gambia to learn from their Gambia counterparts stressing that SBFIC has shown interest to continue supporting their work.

The Chairperson went on to state that they appreciate Credit Unions that succeeded to organize their Annual General Meetings last year and encouraged those who did not to do so as law demands stating that for Credit Union scoring performance, NaCCUA has introduced the rating based on the performance of each CU and catalogued the criteria as organizing monthly Board Meetings, having a bookkeeper to prepare financial reports, progress in reducing portfolio risk, increase in savings, engagement with staff on offsite monitoring, having no delinquent leaders over 30 days and organizing AGMs.

She acclaimed the Cooperative Department in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Bank of Sierra Leone and other banks like the Rokel and Sierra Leone Commercial Banks for their support and urged all to continue to uphold the core international Credit Union operating principals that bind them of the value of democratic structures, service to members and social goals.

However, Mrs. Lilian Songo lamented that COVID-19 has affected credit unions as delinquency is going up and some of them are leaders stressing that delinquency affects the profitability and retards growth affirming that as NACCUSA leaders they are proposing to amend their bye-laws to make leaders who become delinquent in the credit unions be removed from their positions.

“Some of the people elected are not willing to sacrifice their time to serve those who entrusted them with leadership positions. Credit Unions need to stop this business of choosing leaders at the AGM without having done prior assessment of their intentions. Credit Unions need to embrace vetting processes to elect their leaders. I need not reiterate the need for Credit Unions to recruit qualified staff who are able to manage the affairs of our organization,” she underscored.

The chairperson also called for the review of their strategic plan for the next 15 months which they hope would help them serve their membership better, review loan and credit control, policy and procedures as well as introduce human resource policy to guide their member Credit Unions in recruitment, retention and remunerate staff and wished all productive deliberations.

Highlights of the AGM were introduction of guests and leaders, reading of minutes and action points, reading of the Annual Report, presentation of the budget, discussions on reports, resolutions, amendment of byelaws, human resource policy, loans and credit control policy and procedures as well as a strategic plan. The AGM was attended by leaders from various credit unions across the country and ILCUF Ltd staff.

Other dignitaries who made statements at the well-attended AGM included the representative of the Registrar of Cooperative under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr. Saidu Bangura, the General Manager of ILCUF Ltd, Mr. Solomon Mwongyere and the Deputy Director of other Financial services, Ms. Esther Johnson from the Bank of Sierra Leone.

13 Ferry Crossing Points to be Replaced with Bridges by Government

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Jacob Jusu Saffa, Minister of Finance, has assured Sierra Leoneans that Government will replace all the thirteen ferry-crossing points in the country with modern bridges.

Jacob Jusu Saffa, Minister of Finance

He made that disclosure recently when he was addressing contractors and other stakeholders in road infrastructure.

The local ferries, which are found at strategic rivers crossing points in the provinces, have been operating without engines for decades now. The ferries are pulled by some ‘strong’ men who are employed by Sierra Leone Road Authority (SLRA).

He said there are thirteen ferry crossings in the country and Government has secured funding for seven of them for now and they are going to ensure that they secure funding for the remaining.

He said these ferry-crossing points include Senehun Ferry in Mattru Jong, Sumbuya Ferry in Bo District, Mano Ferry in Kailahun, Sanda Magbolontor Ferry in Port Loko, Kabba Ferry in Kamakwie, Kambarri Ferry in Yeli among others.

He said work on the seven that they have already secured fund for will start in March 2021, noting that the consultant that won the contract could not come because of the outbreak of COVID-19 that led to the suspension of flights.

“Now that the airport has opened we are expecting the consultant in-country,” he said.

“This is to emphasize that this Government, while we are fighting the Corona Virus, while we are giving safety net to hotel workers, while we are strengthening the health systems, while we are improving spending on electricity by providing electricity at the district level, we are still allocating huge fund towards road infrastructure,” he said.

He maintained that this is the year of delivery for this administration.

 

 

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