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As Housemates Salone Momentum Running High… Names of 50 Aspirants Out Next Week

By Amin Kef Sesay

The good news is that the organizers of Housemates Salone Season 2, Africell and AYV, will announce the names of fifty (50) applicants who were chosen out of thousands that went through an audition that took place at the AYV Media Empire on Wesley Street in Freetown. The announcement will be made anytime next week.

After the announcement, a voting process will subsequently take place in order to get the successful twenty (20) applicants that will finally enter D-House on the 14th October 2020. Voting will last for two weeks.

AYV and Africell will soon announce the exact details of when the voting process for the best 20 will commence.

It is no news again that once the show begins in October, it will be streamed live online at Africa Young Voices Media Empire Facebook page, AYV entertainment TV, Africell Sierra Leone Facebook page and on website at www.ayvnews.com. Replay of Housemates Salone Season 2 Audition is aired on AYV Television Channel 33.

The AYV and Africell Sierra Leone Housemates Salone 2 has indeed become the talk of the town eliciting a lot of conversation based on the success of the last show. The forthcoming show is planned to be even bigger and better.

Housemates Salone has in store for the lucky winner the whopping sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) plus undertaking a round trip to Dubai.

Apart from bagging the Star Prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M), all other participants will be entitled to their daily allowances of Le100, 000 each whilst they still remain in the House and accumulatively given to them whenever they are evicted.

Interestingly, during a particular stage of the Show, based on the percentage of votes scored by a particular Housemate such will determine if he or she will be evicted from the House. Evictions will continue until the ultimate winner emerges.

Housemates Salone is all about Youth Empowerment. When the successful Housemates are in the House they will be assigned to perform certain tasks that will shape their characters, they will be availed the opportunity to learn new skills, improve on existing ones. They will also be emotionally tested, afforded the space to find panacea to certain human problems and do a host of other things.

Furthermore, the Housemates will benefit from widespread exposure as the Show will be watched near and far. Talents will be spotted and vistas of opportunities would be opened as some of the Housemates would be earmarked to become Brand Ambassadors, movie artists, models etc.

Relatedly and surprisingly, the owner of a popular business entity that deals in electronics and electrical items contacted this medium via a phone call showering profound thanks and appreciation, for what he said has been our immense contribution in boosting his sales on a daily basis.

At first it was confusing, which prompted further probing for him to elucidate. In his response, he frankly and sincerely stated that he is really happy with the way his Television Sets are being bought by members of the public. “They are going like hot cakes for now,” he expressed satisfaction.

However, it was when he mentioned that the professional way in which we are promoting Housemates Salone Season 2 on The Calabash Newspaper, The Calabash Facebook page and other social media platforms, which he believes, has really galvanized people to secure television sets in order to position themselves well to watch the upcoming Housemates Salone Season 2 with the theme, “Quarantine Drama” that it dawned that he was making a salient point.

That was just an aside, but what it clearly manifests is that many people are now gearing up as they eagerly await the real commencement of the Reality TV Show, Housemates Salone, in order to watch fun packed episodes that will ignite lots of laughter and discussions in various circles. Indisputably, the upcoming Reality TV Show continues to gain huge momentum.

From what this medium has so far gathered it seems as if a very entertaining Reality TV Show is in the offing that will change the lives of the Housemates and take the entertainment industry to the next level. Don’t wait to be told. Make a date with Housemates Salone Season 2, the Last Standing Couple with the theme, “Quarantine Drama”. The setting of the stage is underway…don’t miss out❗

For now continue to secure your TV sets in order to position yourselves in your comfort zones to watch the much sought out and long expected upcoming “Quarantine Drama”.

 

Sierra Leone Brewery Dishes Prizes to Winners of COVID-19 Awareness Video Competition

Prizes to members of staff whose video footages were considered to the best

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 17th September 2020, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) awarded attractive prizes to members of staff who emerged as winners in the company’s COVID-19 awareness ongoing competition which was held at its Staff Canteen within the Wellington Industrial Estate.

Two months ago, the company announced that it will organize a competition among its members of staff and contractors to challenge them for those who produce the best home-made video on the practice of COVID-19 preventive measures.

The rationale behind the competition, it was registered by Management of the company,  is to sustain and enhance the awareness of COVID-19 among  members of staff, their families and also to promote the control measures put in place by health experts in order to curtail community spread of the virus.

It was highlighted that the message was to send self-made video footages with family members at home on any COVID-19 prevention practice to win attractive prices.

Relevant themes and the scope of the video footages include different topics such as: “The Proper Use of Face-Masks”, “The Practice of Social Distancing”, “The Hand-Washing Practice” (with alcohol based sanitizers and/or soap and water), the Non Shaking of Hands or Touching of Mouth, Nose and Eyes, Avoiding Public Gatherings (meetings, funerals, parties, weddings, etc.), Staying Home and Keeping Safe if Sick and Calling 117 for help. The given deadline for the submission of footages was one week.

Various personnel contributed by sending their footages which were carefully reviewed by the P&S Committee. Ending the video challenge, the P&S team received two submissions competing for the grand prize.

It was against that backdrop that the company on the 17th September 2020 announced the names of the various winners of the first tournament of the competition as a fulfilment of the promise of a reward for their efforts. The first twenty videos received consolation prizes.

According to the Head of Human Resources at SLBL, Zorah Anthony most of their workers are safe in their offices but are vulnerable in their homes and communities. “We need to know how our workers practice the COVID-19 measures in their private lives,” she underscored.

She furthered that there is no recorded case of their staff contracting the virus but in order to maintain that status they thought it wise to start a one hour and thirty seconds video competition in order for their members of staff to illustrate how to prevent themselves and families from contracting the coronavirus. Zorah Anthony said the initiative of staging the competition is geared towards a collaborative and knowledge-building approach for the fight against the coronavirus.

The Human Resources Manager encouraged members of staff to keep practising these preventive measures as anyone of them can emerge as a winner.

She intimated how employees and contractors have been asked to do another competition, which is an audio competition in order to spread the message on raising the awareness of COVID-19 and the preventive measures around it. “This competition that we have just concluded was based on video footages but the next  competition will be an audio competition to come up with messages on how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at home and in communities,” she explained.

The themes, according to her, remain the same: Use of face-mask sick, working from home when required and any other theme as recommended by the Ministry of Health.

She informed that participants could send all their recordings to their forum or on 078920214 and the deadline is three (3) weeks starting from the 17th September 2020. “There are more attractive prizes for the next set of winners,” she assured.

Corporate Relations Assistant of the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Unisa Conteh stated that the SLBL is using two approaches in its efforts to help combat the spread of the virus which are externally and internally based. He said since the coronavirus break out in the country they have made various external interventions one of which is donating Personal Protective Equipment to residents within their operational area, the Wellington Industrial Estate and even beyond through Councillors and Members of Parliament of those localities.

He furthered that before coming up with the competition they supplied all their employees with protective equipment such as hand sanitizers, face masks as well as constantly reminding them of strict adherence to preventive measures. “The competition will somehow show how employees have grounded themselves so well with regards these preventive measures,” he maintained.

Climaxing the fun-packed event was the dishing out of prizes to members of staff whose video footages were considered to the best. The 1st prize was won by Amara I. Bundu of the Laboratory Department. He was awarded  ten crates of Maltina,50 kilogram bag of parboil rice, two and half gallon oil, and one cartoon sardine.

The 2nd Prize was bagged by Tamba Sesay (T-Boy) of the Bar Department who got a 25 kilogram bag of parboil rice, two and half gallon oil, five crates of Maltina drinks and one cartoon sardine.

 

ACC, Ministry of Technical & Higher Education Sign MOU

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding

By Amin Kef Sesay

On 16th September, 2020 the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at its Conference Gall on 3 Gloucester Street, Freetown.

The objective of the MOU is to provide monitoring in the successful implementation of the Sierra Leone Skills Development Project (SLSD).

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Commissioner, ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, expressed delight on the request of the Ministry to partner with the Commission in the fight against corruption. He stated that the Ministry had requested the intervention of the Commission, to investigate corruption allegation relating to contracts awarded for the construction of Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET) buildings and that the MoU will serve as a preventive rather than reactive approach to the fight against corruption. He further stated that, the primary focus had been on acquiring higher qualifications to acquire job, thereby ignoring the middle level manpower.

Mr. Ngobie assured the Ministry that the Commission will not in any way micro-manage the process, but will rather consistently monitor the resources provided by development partners are maximize same for the intended purpose. He furthered that the Grievance Redress Mechanism aspect of the project has two primary focus, that looks and evaluates complaints received and ascertain whether they are handled administratively or by the Commission once the evidence is available.

In his statement, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Gilbert Cooper expressed his profound thanks to the Commission for the partnership. He underscored that the Ministry has its own internal monitoring and evaluation system in the implementation of this project, and that there are three layers to it, and the Commission will lead on one.

The signing was chaired by Patrick Sandi, Director, Public Education and External Outreach ACC.

 

 

AYV, ACC, CYAF & Africell Launch National Anti-Corruption Creative Competition

Present at the ceremony Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr, Commissioner ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala, Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Ngobie, Patrick Sandi, Director of Outreach of the ACC, Margrette Murray, Public Relations Officer of the ACC, John Konte representing the CEO of Africell and Anderson Lansana of the CYAF-SL CEO

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a bid to give an opportunity to young people in the country to bring out their best ideas, innovation and creativity to fight corruption, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Africa Young Voices Media Empire (AYV), Africell-Sierra Leone & Children and Youth Awareness Forum (CYAF) has on Thursday 17th September 2020, launched the ACC National Creative Competition during an auspicious event held at the Africa Young Voices Media Empire Headquarters on Wesley Street in Freetown.

Present at the ceremony were Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr, Commissioner ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala, Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Ngobie, Patrick Sandi, Director of Outreach of the ACC, Margrette Murray, Public Relations Officer of the ACC, John Konte representing the CEO of Africell and Anderson Lansana of the CYAF-SL CEO among others.

Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr and Commissioner ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala

The National Creative Competition, that was launched, will allow Sierra Leoneans across the country to compete on how to fight corruption through spoken words, paintings and video documentaries in order to win a cash prize of Fifty million Leones (Le50 M).

Speaking during the launch, the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala, expressed profound gratitude to the Africa Young Voices Empire and Africell-Sierra Leone for their support in making the launch a success, which he described as not only important but timely in the fight against corruption.

He said as a Commission they have been working tirelessly to fight corruption in the country noting that with the launch of this creative competition he is with the strong conviction that such will help in the fight against corruption in the country. “The world will not change if the young people give are damn,” was a slogan which ACC Commissioner chanted in order to inspire young people to take up the mantle in the fight against corruption.

Commissioner ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala

He added that they will continue to work with different institutions in the fight against corruption, adding that he is of the strong belief that the world will change if young people give a damn.

The Commissioner said one of the works of the leadership of the ACC is to tap into the potentials of young people and also help them to understand that if they must make meaningful contributions to nation building they must uphold the fight against corruption.

He said the competition will tap into the potentials of  the young people of this country stating that this will give young people the leeway to bring their ideas, innovation and creativity to see how best they can use them in the fight against corruption for which these young people would be rewarded.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Young Voices Media Empire, Anthony Navo Jr, applauded the ACC for partnering with them to launch the National Creative Competition, adding that his institution has the platform to fight corruption by using young people themselves who constitute about 60% of the country’s population and that with the inclusion of young people in the fight against corruption as key players it will be a plus to the ACC to combat corruption in the country.

He assured the ACC and their team that as an institution they will do all within their reach to ensure that the ACC information is disseminated to the wider public.

The AYV CEO disclosed further that the AYV & Partners are currently constructing a creational center worth over five thousand United States dollars that consist of   6 studios, 2 theaters etc.

He said it is the first time in the history of this country for us to have a young man as Commissioner of the ACC who is so passionate about the fight against corruption and this time round by using the creative minds of young people.

Anthony Navo encouraged young people to make good use of the given opportunity and see it  as their own contributions towards nation building, disclosing that the platform will also create employment and other opportunities for young people in the country.

Executive Director of Children and Youth Awareness Forum (CYAF),  Anderson Lansana, expressed appreciation to ACC, AYV & Africell for launching the ACC National Creative Competition 2020, which he described as a historic event.

He said with the launch of the competition such will serve as a testimony of the Commission’s efforts in the fight against corruption, adding that it will also show that the country is ready to fight corruption . Anderson pointed out that the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Young Voices Media Empire, Anthony Navo, has been a great and God given player and a source of inspiration.

He said Navo has been working in the interest of young people in the country also expressing delight that young people are been called to join the fight against corruption.

Anderson assured that through the competition young people will surely contribute towards the fight against corruption in the country.

In his own contribution, John Konte, representing the CEO of Africell said the telecoms company is playing a great role in the fight against corruption further underscoring how they will continue to support the campaign against corruption in the country.

John Konte Africell

The Vote of thanks was done by Samuel Wise Bangura.

 

Pastor Mambu Prophesizes End of Coronavirus

Pastor Francis A.M Mambu

By Amin Kef Sesay

One of the most popular and highly revered pastors of modern times in Sierra Leone, Pastor Francis A.M Mambu, has prophesized to his congregation that the nation will soon end its coronavirus warfare but not until after many heads would have rolled.

He furthered that despite various prophesies from across the world that the coronavirus pandemic should have ended by March this year, however, the Lord had told him “it’s going to be a long journey.”

The Man of God said few days ago the Lord revealed to him that the nation is beginning the end of the coronavirus journey towards September.

“Whether you believe it or not, I believe what the Lord told me that Sierra Leone in particular is coming to the end of its pandemic hike,” he highlighted.

Pastor Mambu, as he is widely known, admonished his congregation to continue praying. “The journey will soon end, but many heads will have to roll, and many things will be exposed before end of the year,” he also prophesied.

The outspoken Man of God further informed that God will never confine a prophet for half a year. “I kept fasting and praying in confinement until  it came a time my flesh got weary and God asked me to take note that ‘He has never done anything without a reason – having known Him for years – that anything He asks me to do, He has a reason; assuring that the end of the journey is closer’.

Based on what Pastor Mambu said, the recent corruption drama in the House of Parliament is a beginning of the answers to the many prayers offered. He forecast: “As revelations begin to unfold, many people will flee the country and never to be returned.”

He maintained how Sierra Leoneans would be taken aback when they witness the unveiling of so many evil things standing in the way of the progress of the country.

Pastor Mambu disclosed that not too far from now he will address the nation but after completing the assignment given to him by God.

Pastor Mambu is the General Overseer of the Faith Healing Bible Church.

During 1-Day Training at Kent…   Tourism Minister Schools Coastal Women on Climate Change

By Amin Kef Sesay

On Sunday 13th September, 2020 the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) with support from United Nations Development Program (UNDP) concluded  training on “Climate Change Resilience for Women Entrepreneurs in Tourism Coastal Risk Areas” which took place within the Kent Community.

Hon. William I.K. Robinson, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, who chaired the program, in his opening statement dilated on the importance of such a training exercise for residents of the Kent Community also citing that similar training exercises were done in Sulima and Banana Island respectively.

The Deputy Minister further elaborated on the historical significance of Kent Community to the Tourism sector adding that the training on Climate Change and Entrepreneurship will empower women by giving them an opportunity of alternative livelihoods.

Samuel Massaquoi Headman of Kent Community Headman, in his welcome address, maintained that indeed it was a joyful day for residents of Kent Community to be considered for such a training exercise. He gave assurance to the Minister of Tourism and her team of their fullest cooperation as they have never benefitted from such a training before adding that they are guaranteed of maximum security.

Madam Phebian Henry, Kent Community Women’s Leader said the training for them in the community is a laudable venture by the Minister and UNDP and that they would make good use of the opportunity. She concluded by presenting a gift to the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt as a sign of appreciation.

The representative of UNDP Country Director, Madam Musu Tanzila in her statement, said that Kent Community was not part of the project initially but considering the historical relevance of the community and their passion for women’s empowerment they gave a second thought in considering the women of Kent to benefit from the training.

She highlighted the negative effects of sand mining, destruction of the mangrove and many more which causes climate change. She also encouraged the women of Kent Community to make good use of the opportunity and also recognized the hard work of the Minister and her team.

The Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh, in his statement on the purpose of the training emphasized on the importance of the training adding that ecotourism always go along with the protection of our climate, he added that “this training is to stimulate the minds of all participants on alternative livelihoods.” He encouraged them to take the training seriously as such should be seen as an opportunity for them to prepare for tourists that would be coming to their Community.

In her keynote address, the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt, underscored the need to capacitate our women in coastal communities especially on climate change. She said “climate change is now with us and we must take the necessary steps to  avoid its negative impact on tourism.”

The Minister also stated that the Ministry is happy for the partnership with UNDP expressing hope that the support will continue. She added that she intends undertaking a lot of activities including organizing workshops to sensitize community residents on the negative effects of climate change on tourism.

The Minister furthered that the three communities of Sulima, Banana Island and Kent are very important to the development of Tourism in the country.

She added that “we have given new hope to women, new life to the development of Tourism and we must ensure that it continues.”

Dr. Memunatu Pratt concluded by admonishing all that they have to keep the peace of this country as tourists love to visit a peaceful country and encouraged participants to make good use of the training as it will help them have alternative livelihoods.

NaCOVERC Appeals for Enhanced Use of Face Masks in Public Places

Captain Hassan Sei Coomber, the Operations Pillar Lead of NaCOVERC

By Amin Kef Sesay

Captain Hassan Sei Coomber, the Operations Pillar Lead of NaCOVERC, has revealed that during the meeting they held with personnel of the Operational Team over the weekend one of the issues they discussed relates to the effective use of face masks.

Captain Coomber said the feedback they have been getting on the use of face masks prompted them to invite certain security personnel in order to discuss and strategized with them as they have been conducting pilot phases in the exercise.
He furthered how at some stage of the exercise they had some challenges and successes and is based on the feedback they received from third parties, business owners among other stakeholders that necessitated the convening they of the meeting.

Captain Coomber continued to say this time they want to see more enhancement of preventive measures. The problems which some people forwarded, he said, prompted them to strategize in order to continue good engagements instead of confrontation.

“We don’t hope to see the arrest of people but rather to continue to talk to the populace to comply with the enhanced measures,” he maintained

He added that they want to see people willingly complying instead of fining them or taking them to court.

He also disclosed that for them to have a friendly environment they have adopted the media in their operation and for the process to be implemented in a very cordial atmosphere.

Captain Coomber went further to say enforcing the face mask use is always going to be a challenge which is why President Bio pronounced  in June for NaCOVERC to come out with enhanced measures which they did through the Laws Officer Department because people are still in denial and he (President Bio) knows there will be challenges.

Captain Coomber made reference to the increase of COVID-19 cases in India which has become the second largest hit country in the world by the virus.

He revealed that there are penalties for those that are defaulting to wear face masks mentioning fines for individuals and business houses.

The Lead said a fine of Le 100,000 will be imposed on individuals that enter a shop without wearing face masks saying business owners have the responsibility to make sure their workers and buyers wear masks and if they fail the owners will be fine Le 500,000.  He said for pedestrians in crowded public places without wearing face masks will be fined Le 20,000 per person.

Captain Coomber however hasten to highlight that no money transfer will take place between the task force team and defaulters but the individual will have to go to the Bank where the fine Account Number will be given to him/her and payment made. He/she will then bring the receipt indicating that he/she has paid.

“If you are asked to give money on the spot, please don’t and if it is possible report that individual.”
During the meeting the personnel explained the challenges they are facing and one thing that came out clearly was orders from above. That, Captain Coomber, said Senior Management has looked into stating that it must not be that way in the fight against the virus.

He admonished the personnel to name any individual be it a Minister or a Member of Parliament to call the Coordinator or himself.

He stressed that the operation will continue for as long as possible as they want to make sure that Covid-19 is flatten.

“We go to zero when once we are comfortable that the transmission rate is lower and people are complying then there will be no need for enhancements. Most people in Asian countries are using their face masks in public places which  is why their infection rate is very low,” he stated.

On the side of using the face mask in public places such as markets and religious gathering, Captain Coomber said they are dissatisfied with the compliance rate but said they will engage the Freetown City Council (FCC) which, according to him, has a very good system for communicating with and also the municipal residents, inter-religious leaders for burial and religious gatherings.

Captain Coomber ended by calling on all to comply with the regulations.

Chinese President Awards Mariatu Kargbo for Role in  Fighting COVID-19 In China

Mariatu Kargbo at the Great Hall in Beijing

By Theresa Kef Sesay

Mariatu Kargbo popularly known as the Maliya is one of Sierra Leone’s finest representatives and a hope for Africa with vast philanthropically experience. This influential Sierra Leonean female was chosen to be in the biggest award category for contributing to combating COVID-19 in China during a programme chaired by the Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The meeting, which was held in Beijing recently, was to commend role models in the country’s fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

President Xi Jinping attended the meeting and presented medals to four outstanding individuals and delivered a speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Mariatu Kargbo was praised and recognized for her tremendous effort in the fight against coronavirus in China. Her recognition during the gathering was described as a blessing for Sierra Leone and as someone who always lift up her country and that of the Chinese.

Mariatu Kargbo’s official recognition and thanks first came when the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) met with a group of African volunteers who helped fight the coronavirus in China.

On May 14, the group was invited to visit the CPAFFC to share their stories and expertise in combating COVID-19.

Mariatu Kargbo, a Sierra Leonean artist in Beijing, raised funds for China, served for a Beijing community to prevent and control the epidemic and shared China’s anti-epidemic stories on social media platforms.

She was the first foreigner that stepped her feet on the ground during China’s earthquake and worked for over six months during China COVID-19 outbreak as a volunteer.

She expressed her appreciation, gratitude for the recognition further commending the speech of President Xi and described it as a very strong speech and one that she learnt from.

Mariatu Kargbo used the opportunity to congratulate all those who contributed in diverse ways in the fight against COVID-19 such as the Foreign Ministry, Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and CCTV among others.

She said she will continue to make her country proud and be a role model.

Mariatu described her life as one that is giving back to the world saying she will continue to do her best to enhance the Sierra Leone – China Friendship.

Chief Minister Sells Harvested Rice at Le200, 000 for 50kg

Chief Minister in his 444 acres of farm land

By Amin Kef Sesay

Professor David John Francis, Chief Minister, has embarked on agriculture productivity in line with President Julius Maada Bio’s ambitious priority for sustainable food self-sufficiency in the country. This transformative drive has turned him to farmer.

The Chief Minister visited his farm recently to start the new rice harvest of the 3-months rapid yield hybrid nutritious variety that is now available in the market for the affordable price of Le200,000 for 50kg.

ECO Rice is now the cheapest, affordable high-quality and nutritious rice in the country.

Addressing local harvesters as well as other dignitaries at the farm site, Professor David Francis appealed to farmers to embark on agricultural production with all seriousness, stating that Government is ready to support them in making sure rice is affordable to all Sierra Leoneans and to eventually reduce the burden on Government to import rice at a huge foreign exchange cost.

The Chief Minister also informed that because of the massive rice plantation, the harvest on the farm will continue until February 2020.

In August last month, the Chief Minister officially launched the sales of the first batch of his ECO Rice product at the lowest price of Le200,000 for any 50kgs bag. ECO rice Company has also created hundreds of jobs for the local people, youth, women and farmers in Kenema & Small Bo Blama Chiefdom.

Professor Francis explained that ECO rice stores will be opened in all District Headquarter Towns, starting with Bo and Kenema which will be the national headquarters of  the ECO Rice Production Company.

“This is what the New Direction is all about, where credible and sincere politicians like the Chief Minister who are promoting rice self-sufficiency and food security in Sierra Leone,” said one of the community stakeholders, adding that, “if only other politicians can follow the shining example of the Chief Minister, then President Bio’s vision of food security in Sierra Leone will be achieved.”

ACC States its Position on Allegations of Corruption in Parliament

Francis Ben Keifala

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a Press Release dated 14th September 2020 ,the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) said it notes  the public reactions and rightful concerns on allegations of corruption within the House of Parliament in Sierra Leone, emanating from the 2019 Perceptions Survey Report commissioned in April, 2020, by the Public Financial Management Consortium led by the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), in which the respondents said, Parliament is the 4th Most Corrupt institution in Sierra Leone and Parliamentarians are the 2nd Most Corrupt persons.

The ACC furthered that its attention has been drawn to an interview granted by a Member of Parliament, Hon. Hindolo M. Gevao, to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Focus on Africa Programme on Wednesday 9th September, 2020, in which he stated that, to his knowledge there are instances of corruption happening in Parliament.

Against that backdrop, the Commission said it wishes to reaffirm to the general public that it had immediately commenced probing into the issue by taking statement from the said Parliamentarian.

According to the ACC, the aforementioned Member of Parliament confirmed the general claim that Parliamentarians or Parliament is corrupt but did not provide any specifics – names, instances, persons involved, modus operandi – which to them fell short of any meaningful “lead” or helpful evidence.

The anti-graft institution stated that investigations will continue and it appears they would have to rely on other sources if they are to make the progress that they desire on this, considering the seriousness of the claim by Hon. Gevao.

In that regard, the Commission said it is requesting all persons who have paid monies to, or from whom monies have been solicited by any Member(s) of the current Parliament, or Staff of Parliament, in order to approve their Appointments, Institutional Budgets, Legislative Instruments, or such other public service, etc., to make same known to the Anti-Corruption Commission with, where possible reasonable specifics to assist with the investigation.

The ACC said reports could be made, in person or anonymously at the Commission’s 3 Gloucester Street, or Lotto Building, Tower Hill offices in Freetown; 10 Bo-Pujehun Drive, Kebbie Town, Bo; Reservation Road, Off Maxwell Khobe Street, Kenema; Mena Hills, Makeni; 27 Conteh Street, Port Loko, and 37 Masingbi Road, in Kono; or on hotlines 077-985-985, 077-986-986, or 515 free on all networks, except Qcell. It stated that it is assuring members of the public full protection of identity where such is required or requested.

In a similar vein, the ACC said it wishes to inform the public that the investigation into allegations of corruption involving the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Paran Tarawally and Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh of Constituency 132, it had commenced in November, 2019 is at an advanced stage for conclusion.

The ACC concluded by stating how the public will be accordingly updated on developments regarding the said investigations and reassured the general public of its commitment to fight corruption at all levels in Sierra Leone.

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