During a press conference convened at the Ministry of Tertiary and Higher Education’s conference room at its New England Ville office in Freetown on Tuesday 9th April 2019, the Minister, Professor Aiah Gbakima, said they are embarking on the development of a National Policy for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Present at the meeting were members of the Technical Committee set up to develop the Policy, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Gilbert Cooper and members of the Press.
In his introduction, Gilbert Cooper stated that his Ministry deals with two categories of education, Higher Education, which is concern with colleges and the universities and the second category being that of Technical and Vocational Training. On the former, he said, that operations are going on with little itches, but the latter is the sticking point, for which this policy is being developed. He informed the media that technical experts are already in the process of formulating a Policy, which will embrace all disciplines and inputs from the public will be welcomed.
Addressing the meeting, Professor Gbakima said that over the years, two similar policies (2010 and 2014) have been developed by the previous Government, but these have not seen the light of day as they were left in the preliminary stages. This policy, he noted, will be sent to cabinet and later tabled in Parliament for enactment. He, however, stated that the past two drafts will be closely looked at and other additions made to stream line it with the needs of the country. He noted that a lot of youths from the University and from schools are unemployed. This, according to him, is due in part to the relevance of their courses to the job market, whilst others lack the necessary skills training to get them gainfully employed. He lamented over the fact that mining companies in this country hire foreigners to work in their companies because of the absence of the requisite skills in the country.
The policy, he went on, will take into cognizance all these facts to ensure they create the skills to meet the needs of the job market. It is therefore the responsibility of his Ministry to solely focus on technical and higher education. Its operational responsibilities include among others: Development of robust policies on TVET, Development of framework for public-Private-Partnership with a view to increase private sector participation in TVET, expand access, improve quality of TVET particularly in areas highly potential for job creation, review and standardize curriculum and certification for TVET, develop a national apprenticeship scheme which can provide internship for trainees of TVET and at the same time provide direct training for youth. Promote agricultural TVET to enhance food production and food security.
Development of the TVET Policy
Minister Gbakima maintained that the MTHE is currently developing a National TVET policy in collaboration and in consultation with all relevant stakeholders/ partners including GIZ. The process is being led by a national consultant with both national and international experience in policy development and implementation. Regional Consultation will be conducted simultaneously to further solicit stakeholders inputs in five regions: East in Kenema, South in Bo, North West in Port Loko, North in Makeni and West in Freetown.
He stressed that a final validation workshop will be held by the 4th week of April leading to the finalization of the policy. The final document, he said, will be presented to Parliament for approval and enactment. The purpose of the policy is to set up a common vision for the TVET system in Sierra Leone, to facilitate alignment with both national development frame work and coherence with other policies, to enhance coordination of planned actions and reforms for improving outcomes and input of TVET, to clarify institutional arrangement and stakeholders roles and responsibilities for TVTE, to integrate best practices at national and international level, to pledge the political and collective will of the GoSL and implementing stakeholders.
In that regard, he is appealing to members of the general public and interested parties to participate by sending their views, comments and suggestions to the TVET Policy Secretary Technical Working Group at email: mempower1981@yahoo.com or contact: +232 76 966959.
MTHE Embarks on National TVET Policy Development
MoF Signs Transparency MoU with Port Loko Councils
The Port Loko District Council and the Chiefdom Councils Revenue Platform recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development for the project titled, Increasing Transparency and Accountability on Revenue Mobilization and Reporting; Case of Port Loko District Council, funded by the World Bank, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MOFED) and the Non-State Actors (NSA) National Secretariat and facilitated by Democracy and Development Associates Sierra Leone (DADA-SL).
The MOU provides the framework for Local Councils and representatives of Chiefdom Councils to work together for the development of the District. The mandate of the Joint Revenue MOU will be reviewed at the end of each year while the role of DADA-SL/Non-State Actors and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is to provide support and monitor the two parties for effective implementation of the MOU in ensuring increase in domestic revenue mobilization and reporting for more effective service delivery at community level.
The platform will be governed by the following principals: neutrality and impartiality, mutual respect, openness, discretion, participation in flat form activities, inclusion, diversity and support to strengthen the capacity of Council.
Furthermore, all stakeholders should openly share information that contributes to the effective mobilization of revenue, reporting, planning and monitoring of development initiatives and processes in the District, jointly assess the progress of the implementation of the Local Councils and Chiefdom Development Plans and progress on revenue generation.
Also, Local Councils and Chiefdom Councils to co-chair the Revenue Accountability Platform meetings on rotational basis with backup from DADA-SL/Non-State Actors and other CSOs within the District.
Chiefdom Councils and CSOs/NSAs should submit quarterly and/or annual activity plans and budgets for inclusion into council’s development plan.
The introduction of decentralization after 36 years saw the need for the establishment of Local Government structures to champion all development programs/activities at the same time to further coordinate all development partners’ intervention at the district level and municipalities as enshrined in the Local Government Act of 2004.
The Act places significant responsibilities on Local Councils in service delivery. This is done through the preparation and implementation of a Local Council budget, one of the most important processes of governance undertaken by Councils.
The MOU is for Local Councils in Port Loko District to post their financial statements on notice boards, make public monthly Council meetings, consult residents before approving and or reviewing development plans and more importantly to make council budgets a public document.
The project titled, Increasing Transparency and Accountability on Revenue Mobilization and Reporting; Case of Port Loko District Council, funded by the World Bank, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MOFED) and the Non State Actors (NSA) National Secretariat.
The MOU was established by the chiefdom councils of Bake Loko/Marforki, Lokomasama/Kamasondo and Kaffubulom Chiefdom Councils and Port Loko District Council, facilitated by Democracy and Development Associates-Sierra Leone (DADA-SL), in a bid to strengthen synergies, collaborations and partnership ties among and between the different councils in the areas of local tax and market dues collection and reporting, both at chiefdom and district levels.
The Executive Director of DADA-SL, Mr. Foday D.M. Sesay, lamented that the MOU is a relevant tool and mechanism that both partners would bank on as reference document which has clearly defined respective roles and responsibilities in revenue generation including other important portions that have more ingredients that provides the basis for including added value into the local tax and market dues collection within Port Loko District.
He assured the public and government that from the commitments obtained from the diverse duty bearers targeted by the project, Port Loko District Council and its allied chiefdoms have the potential to realize and enhance more cooperation and compliance of local tax and market dues payment this 2019 Financial Year.
The Executive Director concluded by acknowledging and thanking the World Bank, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the PFMICP Department of the Ministry of Finance and the Non-State Actors Component National Secretariat, the District NSAs of Port Loko, the Local and Chiefdom Councils of the project targeted Chiefdoms/communities, the media, the former Clerk of Parliament (currently CEO for Concern for Accountability), Mr. Ibrahim Sesay, the Local Government Finance Department of the Ministry of Finance, the respective Service Providers and the entire Board of Directors, management and staff of DADA-SL for their unflinching support and cooperation provided during the implementation of the NSA Grant project.
According to the Executive Director of DADA-SL, Mr. Foday Sesay, this transparency process of involving citizens is not properly carried out by Local and Chiefdom Councils although some efforts have been made underscoring that a lot more needs to be done to close the gaps.
He furthered that this lacuna has affected the revenue generation drive of Councils affirming that it is a now a prerequisite in the recently enacted Finance Act for an increase in local revenue generation in addition to bringing onboard the budget process for Chiefdom Councils as they are mandated to intensify revenue mobilization.
He continued that if the new Finance Act is fully adhered to by Councils, it would contribute to effective service delivery and financial prudence in addition to community ownership and project sustainability.
Deputy Youth Minister Highlights threats to Security
Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Lusine Kallon, has informed the United Nations that lawlessness, poverty and corruption are the real security threat in the whole world.
He made this statement on 6th April 2019, in USA, at the UN Roundtable Discussion on UN Youth Strategy 2030-Economic and Social Council – ECOSOC, on the theme: “Youth: Empowered, included and equal”
Minister Kallon said, “I strongly believe that we can mitigate these social maggots if only we can join hands as a United Nations in winning the fight.”
In attendance were the President of the Economic and Social Council, President of the General Assembly, The Envoy of the UN Secretary General on Youth, youth leaders and host of other distinguished personalities across Africa.
He told his audience that President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment in youth development and empowerment is underpinned by a National Youth Policy that is set to be reviewed in synergy with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Africa Union Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Youth Strategy.
He said he was at the roundtable youth forum in two capacities, firstly as a Sierra Leonean youth, and secondly as its youngest Deputy Minister of Youth ever appointed. According to him, this was made possible because President Bio, is strongly committed to youth empowerment and development.
In the demonstration of the President’s commitment, he added, “more than 40% of the high-level appointees in Government positions are youth or young people.”
Explaining how the country’s youth policy tie with the UN Youth 2030 Strategy, he said, “our national vision to inclusively and equally empower our youth mirrors that of the Youth 2030 Strategy, whose vision is to create “a world in which the human rights of every young person are realized; that ensures every young person is empowered to achieve their full potential; and that recognizes young people’s agency, resilience and their positive contributions as agents of change.”
He went further to state that in developing the youth policy they were going to engage the youth on consultative dialogue through workshops, seminars and media engagements.
The Minister disclosed that the Government of Sierra Leone recently launched the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2019-2023, and Cluster Six speaks about transforming the lives of young people of Sierra Leone by meeting the following key targets: By 2023, we hope to increase youth employment by 15%, with special attention to gender equality. By 2023, we are certain that the number of young people involved in entrepreneurship will increase more than the 2018 figures, with emphasis on promoting innovation. By 2023, we are hopeful that the National Youth Service and the Skills Development Project will be fully operational.
He asserted that, “Sierra Leone recent history might have been blighted by accounts of the abuse of young people in our civil conflict. Since we turned the page in 2002, our focus now is development, recognizing our youthful population as agents for such paradigm change.”
With this in mind, he said, “our President has created the platform for the youth to serve themselves and represent themselves in national governance and policy design to fit their desires. One of the best ways in catering for the majority of our youth is through the National Youth Service (NYS).”
He submitted that Sierra Leone will be the hub for youth entrepreneurship and innovation in winning the fight against “Lawlessness, Poverty and Corruption
Bio Has A Big Problem With Inducing Sustainable Development
Commentary
The people say they are tired with hearing President Bio and his men and women constantly ringing into their ears that the Government inherited a broken economy. As far as the people are concerned, President Bio told them during the campaign that he is up to the task of fixing the problem, so that is all what they want to hear and what they look forward to – Period.
As it is, President Bio has the daunting task of inducing sustainable development and implanting into the society sustainable peace: Two sides of the same coin.
With more than half of the country’s population living on less than USD2 a day, sustainable development is key to sustaining peace and vice versa.
Traditionally, peace has been approached in sequential and separate steps: creating a new governing system; and investing in economic, social and environmental development.
But peace-building and development are symbiotic, like getting fit: you would not stop smoking for a month, exercise the next month, then eat well the following month – you would work on all together.
This is why the 2030 Agenda that contains the SDGs and the Resolutions on the UN’s peace-building architecture call for the dissolution of silos and the advancement of a strongly coherent and integrated approach, recognizing that development, peace and security, and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.
The radical heart of the SDGs is their promise to leave no one behind and to reach the furthest behind first. This is a game-changing commitment to the poorest, most vulnerable people.
Old development agendas might focus on boosting a narrow idea of economic growth, industrialization or social services. Alone, none of these achievements leads to welfare, sustainable economic transformation or sufficient support to a peace process.
They could even worsen tensions in a country if growth is not inclusive, services are captured by an elite or development generates unbalances between regions.
A rising tide only lifts all boats if everyone has a boat. Sustaining peace and sustainable development are two sides of the same coin. For any country to reach a lasting peace, the journey must always be led by its own people.
Peace is not simply a benchmark to achieve. It requires ongoing, dynamic participation from the entire society in its governance and economy to ensure that conflicts don’t escalate into violence. That is why a country’s development must be inclusive and sustainable; it gives everyone a stake in a shared future.
We are living in a country that is increasingly divided. Peace, stability, human rights and effective governance based on the rule of law are important conduits for sustainable development.
High levels of economic and social insecurity have a destructive impact on a country’s development, affecting economic growth and often resulting in long standing grievances among communities that can last for generations. Sexual violence, crime, exploitation are also prevalent where there is conflict or no rule of law. The government must take proactive measures to protect those who are most at risk.
As such, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to significantly reduce all forms of violence, and work with governments and communities to find lasting solutions to conflict and insecurity. Strengthening the rule of law and promoting human rights is key to this process.
Promoting peace and justice is one of 17 Global Goals that make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. An integrated approach is crucial for progress across the multiple goals.
The 2030 Agenda requires a greater involvement among governments, civil society, private sector and international organizations to build more peaceful and inclusive just societies. Peace also brings new business opportunities by increasing stability, improving economic prospects and by building social and economic fabric in a community.
The above, principally, more than anything else should be what informs and drives the New Direction Government as it endeavours to create a new humanitarian nation standing on strong prosperous foundations of ideological, economic and cultural independence.
ORANGE-SL ENGAGES MEDIA PRACTITIONERS
During a well-attended engagement with journalists from both the print and electronic media landscape on the 8th April 2019 at the Country Lodge in Freetown, Head of Media and Public Relations, Annie Wonnie Katta intimated that the rationale behind convening the Press Briefing was simply geared towards giving an incisive and comprehensive updates on the telecommunications company’s operations in the country.
She underscored that they will specifically focus on the company’s digital revolution journey, Corporate Social Responsibility and the expansion of their network.
Various officials of Orange, belonging to the marketing, network expansion and investment, Corporate Social Responsibility, Orange Financial Services and heads of various products and services such as the Orange B2B, respectively made comprehensive and succinct presentations bordering on their different areas of operations.
One of those who made a presentation was Felix Macauley who dilated on the various products, voice and data services offered by Orange Sierra Leone. He confidently informed that the company has the widest, affordable and efficient coverage.
Felix Macauley further noted that they are the first to have a female CEO in the telecoms sector in the country and also the first in introducing a number of products and services to remote parts of the country ascertaining how they have huge customer base.
Strategic Marketing and Partnership Manager, Abibatu Baxter, made a presentation on the financial service access point. She highlighted that they are the first to introduce such a financial service in the country further explaining the features of the product, noting that it employs over 5,000 people both directly and indirectly; and has enabled people to transfer money, pay for goods and services in shops, supermarkets and stalls, enable salary payments and payment for utility bills, amongst others.
According to her, Orange Money played a very significant role during the country’s Ebola scourge. “It was the platform used to pay caregivers and is very good due to the fact that it has accountability and audit trails,” she maintained.
She said such largely accounts for the increasing partnership between Orange Sierra Leone and a number of INGOs and NGOs both nationally and internationally.
Dilating on the area of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility, Desmond Spaine, who happens to be the Manager of that Department, intimated journalists about the various ambitious and costly projects already facilitated, funded and in some cases executed by Orange Sierra Leone as a way of giving back to society and its numerous subscribers.
Spaine mentioned the 1.5 million dollar commitment to the country’s free and quality education, the two billion Leones yearly support to 50 kids at various SOS homes in Bo, Kenema and other major towns.
He also cited the 20,000 Euros support to the building of a separate orthopedic and pediatric theatre unit at the Connaught Hospital for children, amongst other key supports to the religious community and the Freetown City Council’s environmental and sanitation drive.
He went further to state that Orange continues to leave a very strong footprint in the Educational, Health, Environment and the empowerment of women and children.
Representatives from the Orange B2B and Network expansion and investment also made presentations on the strides already taken by Government, which have resulted to the spending of over fifty five United States dollars (US$ 55,000) with over 925 local sites in the expansion of the network to various rural communities.
“This massive and the unprecedented expansion have taken place since July, 2016 when Orange took over AIRTEL,” he disclosed.
Daniel Fornah, Networks Panning and Engineering Manager dwelled on the Company’s network expansion and investment drives, noting that this has been informed by market surveys and license conditions. He unravelled a number of changes done to equipments, machinery in sites and locations in the country, which he noted is responsible for the wide coverage and efficient network.
He concluded by disclosing the rolling out of the 4G SERVICE, including the level of infrastructure the company was able to build in Freetown. He further highlighted plans for all major towns and cities.
Wrapping up the updates, Madam Annie Wonnie Katta talked about the commitments of Orange Sierra Leone for 2019, which include an additional expansion plan of 24 million dollars and also efforts at further supporting communities, the GoSL and its numerous subscribers, amongst other development plans.
The charming Head of Media and Public Relations, noted that it is the intention of Management to continue to expand the network by building more sites connecting rural areas,, which, she noted, is in line with the Government’s aspirations.
Journalists present highly appreciated the updating some maintaining that was very informative and helped to dispel hitherto notions which were not contextual.
It was recommended that the Orange New PR team to roll out timely information and tightly embrace the media.
Rokel Bank to Open in Kailahun
A recent exploratory visit by the Management of Rokel Commercial Bank to the resource rich district of Kailahun may pave the way for the establishment of a new branch – the first by a government owned bank in over ten years.
A Team including the Managing Director, Walton Gilpin, Deputy Managing Director, Emmanuel Borbor and Directors held fruitful discussions with the leadership of the district including Paramount Chiefs, business leaders and ordinary indigenes who reportedly expressed delight at the prospect of having a government owned bank in their district after years of neglect by successive regimes.
Whilst the Bank’s Board of Directors has reportedly granted approval for the establishment of the new RCBank Kailahun branch, certain conditions would have to be met for the Bank of Sierra Leone’s approval of this unprecedented milestone for the agriculture and mineral rich district. The district’s very remote communities remained grossly unbanked – a situation the Managing Director of Rokel Bank considers unacceptable given its huge economic potentials.
“Our decision to expand to Kailahun is motivated by a recent market assessment we conducted coupled with our ever-increasing appetite to promote financial inclusion across the country” Gilpin said.
In another development, the Bank is set to unleash customized kiosks for its revolutionary Rokel Simkorpor mobile application.
The Kioks, to be stationed in strategic parts of Freetown and the provinces will be manned by specially trained agents who will help customers carry out normal banking transactions way from the usual long queues in banking halls. SimKorpor is figuratively a branchless banking service.
As Government continues with its sweeping reforms of the financial sector, Rokel Bank appears to be catching up very fast by repositioning itself as an effective player in the sector. The move to establish a presence in Kailahun is no doubt another bold step in promoting financial inclusion in Sierra Leone. The bank has continued to implement key reforms aimed at increasing its profit margins and operational effectiveness. A recently constituted Board of Directors has been very pivotal in ensuring the bank employs innovation to effectively compete.
On the heels of numerous local and international awards early this year, the bank also recently received another award by a Women’s Advocacy outfit- HE for SHE for being the best commercial bank of 2018. To date, Rokel Commercial Bank remains the second most profitable bank in Sierra Leone, netting a whooping Le62.7 Billion Profit (after tax) in 2017.
There are indications 2018 figures will be much higher.
Sierra Leonean Youth to Benefit from Japan, IOM Partnership
At least 2,000 Sierra Leonean youths facing chronic unemployment or underemployment will receive market-driven vocational training over the next three years under a project funded by the Government of Japan.
“IOM has a long-standing experience addressing issues related to youth, migration and employment,” said Sanusi Savage, Head of the IOM Office in Sierra Leone. “We hope that through this new initiative, we can unlock the entrepreneurship potential of Sierra Leonean youths and help them contribute to the development of the country.”
More than 60 per cent of Sierra Leonean youths are unemployed or underemployed. The West African country has been slowly recovering from the devastation caused by an 11-year civil war (1991 – 2002) and the recent Ebola crisis (2013 – 2016), which has led to massive rural-urban mobility, especially among young people.
This population growth in urban areas has impacted infrastructure and essential service delivery, including housing, schools, jobs, water, health, electricity, sanitation, etc.
Funded by the Government of Japan, Reducing the Risk of Irregular Migration through Employment Promotion and Entrepreneurship Support for the Youth will be implemented over three years from 2019 to 2022.
The new project will contribute to youth and women’s empowerment through vocational and entrepreneurship skills training. A partnership will be developed with Sierra Tropical, a Sierra Leone-based juice manufacturing company, to provide internships and on-the-job training to young people and women across the country.
Two hundred and forty youths will also receive entrepreneurship trainings, business start-up kits, and long-term mentoring from industry professionals to ensure the sustainability of their ventures.
Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs for Sierra Leone, said this new project will support the country’s National Development Plan: “[The project] will help provide young people with the skills in areas relevant for the job market, reduce rural-urban and irregular migration and contribute to economic growth and development,” he explained.
Since 2017, more than 950 vulnerable Sierra Leoneans have returned home with IOM’s assistance. The project will also develop activities to raise awareness on the risks and dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking.
“Over the years, the Government of Japan has been very committed in providing support to Sierra Leone, and we are very happy also to support this wonderful project,” added Tsutomu Himeno, Japan’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone.
For more information, please contact IOM Sierra Leone:
Alhaji Sanusi Tejan Savage, Email: ssavage@iom.int
Kunikazu Akao, Email: kakao@iom.int
Lawmaker engages Information Ministry on Cyber Crime
Members of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Information and Communications, Chaired by the Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon.Mathew Nyuma, in engagement with senior officials of the Ministry of information was presented with the status report of the said ministry in a bid to chart the way forward on how to combat cyber crime.
Hon. Mathew Nyuma said there were lots of problems and complaints made by citizens bordering on the telecommunication companies, which has to do with drop calls and poor network among other issues, adding that the Committee has the responsibility to listen to the cry of the people they are representing and that they want to know what step has been taken by the Ministry and NATCOM to ensure that they combat the situation.
Hon. Nyuma said if there are any challenges, the Ministry should bring it to them, so that they will help them to achieve their goal, adding that the President is very keen to know about the status of the ICT and the monies given for ICT training, stressing that if there are no responses, the committee will bring in the ACC for further investigations.
Hon. Mathew Nyuma expressed dissatisfaction on the departments and agencies under the supervision of the ministry, adding that drop calls have become very alarming and they want to know about the gateway and what are the plans to combat sim box fraud, noting that the Committee will go on an oversight tour to get first-hand information.
On his part, Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo said the Committee is very much interested to know the way forward for the Fiber Optic Cable and that a lot of money has been put in by the World Bank to land that cable, adding that the ministry has to work tirelessly to ensure that SALPOST and Sierratel are maintained and deliver the utmost service to the nation in comparism with other telecom companies.
Responding to the issues raised by committee members, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry said that they are ready and willing to work to ensure that cyber-crime becomes a thing of the past, adding that it is the advancement of technology that has resulted in the drop of SALPOST, but as a responsible ministry, they are working tirelessly to ensure they revamp both institutions because it is owned by the country. He concluded that the ministry will continue to work closely with the committee to ensure that they succeed in the New Direction and on the issue of drop calls; they will engage NATCOM, as they are the regulatory body for the mobile operators.
Parliament engages CAC
On Friday, 5th April,2019 Members of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Trade and Industry headed by Hon. Veronica K. Sesay, engaged the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Corporate Department on oversight in a bid to get a first-hand information on their activities.
Giving her submission, Hon. Veronica K. Sesay said the Committee is not here to witch- hunt any official of the CAC, but to ensure that the right things are done. She maintained that as a legislative organ of Government, they want to see the status report of the Commission and also want to know how many companies have been registered under the CAC and their successes and challenges.
She also threw light on the announced visit members of the Committee paid to the two Commissions of Government after the approval of five Human Rights Commissioners in the Well of Parliament.
Hon. Sesay underscored the point that as the people’s representatives, their mandate is to ensure business should not be as usual and that with the New Direction, they want to see the country move forward.
Hon. Veronica Sesay reiterated the point that as a responsible Government, they want to see the Commission move to another level so as to benefit the lives of the citizenry, while echoing the point as an overseer of the Ministry of Trade, they have the mandate to oversee activities of all agencies under the Ministry, as that is what they are doing presently.
Time for Cabinet Reshuffle
Exactly a year ago, President Julius Maada Bio took office after a nail-biting Presidential election which saw his SLPP party winning State House, but failed to gain control of the country’s parliament.
Twelve months on, there has been very little shift in general public opinion, especially regarding the economy, poverty and unemployment, despite big changes in the fight against corruption and the introduction of free education for all primary and secondary school children.
Whilst President Bio and his communications team at State House are quick to point at the government’s disciplined approach in managing government’s finances and budgets through the single treasury spending and tracking system, the robust and timely collection of taxes, and austerity measures introduced almost twelve months ago across government departments, one thing is clear – economic hardship is biting very hard in Sierra Leone.
There is very little money circulating in the economy. Inflation – the cost of goods and services, has risen by 18% since taking office twelve months ago. The country’s currency – the Leone has lost about 15% of its value since April 2018.
Unemployment – a key performance measure of government’s success n in managing the economy, remains stubbornly high at over 70%.
The economy is struggling to get out of recession. Investors are holding on to their cash – waiting to see what steps the government takes in restructuring the economy, improve the justice system and overall business climate.
Whilst there is general feeling that impunity and abuse of office – fuelled by so called ‘orders from above’ may not be as rampant as in the previous Koroma led government, lawlessness in Sierra Leone remains Sierra Leone’s most protracted social and economic ill.
But turning back to the economy, after twelve months without the Koroma led APC in power, how much have things improved?
If improvements are to be judged by changes in levels of unemployment, inflation trends, economic growth, exchange rates, and interest rates, then certainly there is very little to write home about, as Sierra Leoneans continue to suffer growing economic hardship.
But these problems were not created by the SLPP government, though expected to be fixed by them.
When the APC government was kicked out of office a year ago, Sierra Leone’s economy was already on serious life support. And that was the reason the APC lost power to the SLPP.
Months before general and presidential elections, the IMF and other international partners suspended their funding agreements with president Koroma, as ministers and senior government officials not only recklessly abandoned their offices to campaign to prolong their stay in office, but used scarce public funds to pay for electioneering. Corruption became rampant.
As government borrowing rose, so did money supply became scarce, with commercial banks restricting customers’ withdrawal of cash from their personal accounts. But ministers and senior public officials were withdrawing thousands of dollars on a daily basis.
Interests rates on personal and business borrowing became unaffordable, as commercial banks ran out of cash. Business expansion suffered, jobs were not created, and poverty worsened.
The government’s own bank – the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, became piggy bank for those in power. Loans and overdrafts were granted to ministers and senior state officials without any intention of paying back.
As the economy contracted and recession bites hard, unemployment and poverty grew. The mining sector which accounted for almost 40% of the economy went into severe shock. Production at Sierra Rutile and the country’s iron ore mining plants contracted.
China’s Shandong iron ore mining company pulled out of Sierra Leone just months before elections last year. Iron ore mining is yet to make any appreciable recovery.
There is no magic wand that can be waved at the economic hardship that is biting in Sierra Leone today. Government can throw money at the problem – if it can find the money, by increasing the minimum wage, employ more people to work in the public sector, increase pensioners income, and spend more on public service delivery. But such a strategy can only make things worse.
Government cannot spend its way out of economic mess and growing poverty. The only viable solution, though far from being a quick fix – is job creation. And this is perhaps where the Bio led government is lacking innovation, expertise and clear direction.
Sierra Leone is still not exporting enough high value added goods to earn its way out of poverty.
Prioritising education is great. But an educated society is only good for the economy when a country can create or attract high quality jobs, for which people can be paid good salaries to take home to their families.
A few months ago, president Bio chaired his second ministerial and heads of public service retreat, where he not only read the Riot Act for ministers and senior civil servants to buckle up, he also announced that ministers will be subject to performance contract management reviews, under the direction of the Chief Minister – professor Francis.
What has become of the ministerial performance contract reviews?
Notwithstanding the fact that twelve months in power is not long enough to expect big changes in Sierra Leone, but the people of Sierra Leone are suffering economically, as poverty grows. They are fast becoming impatient.
Twelve months is long enough to see whether ministers in the Bio government are best suited for the positions they are currently occupying, and most importantly, whether they can be expected to make any improvement. Their probationary period is long overdue.
There must now be a cabinet reshuffle, if the president is to keep hope alive.