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Ex-Sierra Leone Rebel Leader Released

Gbao will be able to serve the remainder of his sentence in his community of Blama, a town in Sierra Leone's Eastern Province, subject to close supervision and strict conditions

By Amin Kef Sesay

A former rebel leader in Sierra Leone, Augustine Gbao, imprisoned for crimes against humanity committed during the country’s civil war, has been granted conditional early release, the country’s UN-backed tribunal said.

Augustine Gbao, 72, a former leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), was given a 25-year sentence for acts including terrorism, extermination, murder, rape and sexual slavery.

“Former RUF commander Augustine Gbao has been granted conditional early release, with a three-month delay, during which time he must undergo specific training geared to his understanding of and acceptance of responsibility for the harm he inflicted by his crimes,” the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, based in The Hague, said in a statement released on Wednesday.

The court said it found that Gbao, who was detained in 2003 and is serving his sentence in Rwanda, had “largely behaved properly in prison” and showed remorse.

Gbao will be able to serve the remainder of his sentence in his community of Blama, a town in the country’s Eastern Province, subject to close supervision and strict conditions.

The conditions include a radio and television apology to the victims of his crimes and to the people of Sierra Leone.

The Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone is the successor to a court established by the United Nations in 2002 to try those who bear “the greatest responsibility” for the atrocities during the country’s 1991-2001 civil war.

The conflict, financed largely by so-called “blood diamonds”, left 120,000 people dead and tens of thousands mutilated.

Between 1991 and 2001, the RUF carried out a series of atrocities in an attempt to gain control over Sierra Leone’s lucrative mining districts.

On Tuesday, the court rejected a bid by former Liberian President and convicted war criminal Charles Taylor – who is serving a 50-year sentence for crimes committed in Sierra Leone – to be moved from a British jail, where he claimed he risks dying from coronavirus.

“Over Le 5 Billion Generated in 9 Months…” -Lands Minister Intimated Parliament

Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning Dr. Denis Sandy

By Festus J. Lahai

On Wednesday 9th September 2020, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning Dr. Denis Sandy intimated Parliamentarians that his Ministry has generated over Five Billion Leones for Government between January and September, 2020, with the support of his Deputy Rex Bhonapha.

The result- oriented Minister was speaking in a Parliamentary Committee Room on whilst explaining his Ministry’s activities with regards to land issues in the Western Area.

According to the Speaker, Hon Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, some residents within the municipality have complained that the Ministry is converting private lands into State lands. “This is the reason why the House Parliament summoned you (the Minister), your Deputy and top officials of the Ministry”, he said.

The Speaker welcomed the Ministry’s delegation to the House and told them that the Ministry was actually doing a wonderful job for the people but they needed clarifications on certain issues surrounding land in the Western Area.

Responding to allegations against him and his Ministry, Dr. Denis Sandy appreciated the House of Representatives for inviting him to explain his activities as Political Head and the Permanent Secretary Mr. Israel Jigba as Head of Administration who is also in charge of the day to day activities of the Ministry.

Dr. Sandy disclosed that his Ministry’s achievements within the last two years under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio are incomparable. He told Parliament that he has provided State Lands to over 1,500 Sierra Leoneans in a transparent manner but further informed that he has reclaimed over 1,500 acres of Land from Land Grabbers.

The Minister also told MPs that he has granted 150 freehold leases to civil servants and the general public.
“The Ministry has put proper documentation process in place for all the State lands acquired for a very long time, prepared, implemented and monitored Five structural layouts and community planning and designed modern cities for Grafton, Number 2, Mongeba, Gloucester Saddle and Mile13,” he added.
He said his Ministry has generated over Five Billion Leones from leases, building permits and freeholds.

He further revealed that his Ministry has signed over 8,000 private survey cadastre plans, pointing out his Ministry’s determination to serve the nation diligently and fairly, despite the few baseless criticisms against him and his Ministry for doing the right thing by settling the many land conflicts he inherited.

Dr. Denis Sandy said the Ministry’s Dispute Resolution Mechanism headed by the Deputy Minister, Rex Bhonapha and other top officials, has settled over 150 disputes peacefully and 150 development control and enforcement issues within the Western Area and the Provinces.

“Our collective effort as a Ministry has yielded dividend towards the New Direction Agenda steered by President Julius Maada Bio”, he noted.

Dr. Sandy ended by stating that they have paid for all Airfield and Reservation Quarters in the provinces and that his administration has resurveyed learning institutions like Fourah Bay College (University of Sierra Leone), Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (Goderich Campus) and Njala University (Mokonde). Places that had been long shredded and shared among land grabbers, he added.

All the Parliamentarians showered praises on the Minister and his Ministry for such remarkable achievements, adding that this will help to build public trust and confidence in doing business with him instead of using the back door through Land grabbers to secure land.

The high-powered delegation from the Ministry included the Minister Dr. Denis Sandy, his Deputy Rex Bhonapha, Permanent Secretary Mr. Israel Jigba, Acting Director of Survey and Lands Mr. Tamba Dauda, Director of Country Planning, Kai Banya and Madam Mariama Tutu Vandi, the Chief Building Inspector.

Parliament was represented by the Speaker of the House, Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, Honorable Hassan Kamara of the APC, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella Leader of National Grand Coalition, Clerk of Parliament Hon. Umar Paran Tarawallie and many others.

Big Idea of the Week: Violence Must be Combated Through Collective Resolve

SLAJ and NACOVERC Big Idea of the week

By Amin Kef Sesay

Our Big Idea of the Week, 6th-12th September 2020 is “Violence is Everyone’s Business-Do not Keep Silent Look Out and Speak Up”. Violence in all its form is very inimical to development. Peaceful co-existence in any community creates the space for progress to thrive.

This is all the more reason why we must discourage the perpetration of violence because in the wake of any violent incident destruction of lives and properties lives sorrow and misery.

This could never be an overstatement as it is evident that violence has permeated most communities in the country. Violence is most times perpetrated by young people, the vast majority of whom are unemployed and always high on drugs. Gang, that is clique, violence has sent young people to their early graves, left some maimed sometimes leading to looting and destruction of properties.

Another form of violence that we are today grappling with is that which is known as Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

Gender-based violence is violence toward a person because of their gender or identity. Gender-based violence is a human rights violation deeply rooted in gender inequality.

Gender-based violence can happen to anyone – women and girls, men and boys – but women and girls are the ones who suffer most often.

Physical and armed violence are the most common types of gender-based violence among boys. Women and girls, especially those with disabilities, are more likely to face neglect, physical and emotional abuse, and sexual violence and exploitation.

The spread of coronavirus around the world and in Sierra Leone has added stress to many of our lives. We have overcome difficult times before and we will get through this too.

Let’s support one another by listening to each other, offering words of understanding and encouragement and helping through small acts of kindness.

Worry about loved ones getting the virus, children being out of school and earning the money to feed and support one’s family is a lot to manage. You are not alone. It is understandable to feel worry, fear, and anger in these challenging times.

While anger is a normal human emotion, violence is never ok. If you are angry about something try to step away from the situation. Take a moment to breathe and think before you act. Doing this helps us to calm down and avoid hurting others when we are upset.

Staying at home and away from crowded places is important to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but home is not always a safe place for many women and girls. We all have a responsibility to protect and create a protective environment for women, girls and boys in our community by reporting acts of violence and abuse.

Men and boys can lead by example and treat women and girls with respect. Men and boys can be role models by stepping in when they see other men and boys doing harm toward women or girls.

Because violence toward women and girls is so common some men and boys may not even realize that certain acts of violence are wrong, because they have seen other men and boys doing it their whole lives. That is why it is so important for men and boys to publicly support women and girls, listen to them and treat them with respect and step in to prevent or stop violence by other men and boys.

If you are harmed, feel afraid or pressured, or someone is disturbing you, you have the right to ask for and get help. Do not keep quiet!

Talk to someone you trust and go to the nearest Family Support Unit (FSU) or One Stop Center (in select hospitals) where they will listen to you, give you the care and support you need and help you report all forms of abuse.

You can also report to your local authorities including the Child Welfare Committee and religious leaders.

Violence is everyone’s business and communities have a role to play in preventing it and supporting those who experience it. Do not keep SILENT, LOOK out and SPEAK up!

If you see or learn of any act of sexual violence happening in your community, you must SPEAK out to help the survivor and punish the perpetrator.

EVERYONE has the right to say NO to sex!

Any sexual contact between two people must be fully and freely agreed by those two people, on EVERY occasion. Any forced sexual act where one person does not want it, is violence and a crime.

Report ALL cases of sexual violence to the nearest Family Support Unit (FSU) or hospital, or call the 116 Rape hotline for free on Orange, Africell or Q-cell at any time of the day.

You can also report to your local authorities including the Child Welfare Committee or religious leaders,

Having sex with a child under 18 years is an abuse and an offence against the State!

Most of the violence against women and girls happens in their own homes. Girls are especially vulnerable to violence if they are left unsupervised. The person who uses violence is always the one to blame. We should support women and girls who have experienced violence – not blame them!

Asking for sex in exchange for food, money, or materials is an abuse of power and does great harm to women and girls as well as boys. This is corruption and should be reported on the Anti-Corruption’s free mobile hotline, 515

Parents and caregivers should talk to their children at an early age about ‘good’ touch versus ‘bad’ touch. They should teach their children to talk to an adult they trust if they have experienced a ‘bad’ touch. They should believe and encourage their girls and boys to talk about people or situations that make them uncomfortable.

As a parent or caregiver, when a child comes to you with such information, you must take the child’s claims seriously and immediately ensure that the abuse stops.

Survivors of rape can go to a One Stop Center. One Stop Centers provide a range of services under one roof. Each Center provides medical, psychosocial counselling, and legal aid for survivors in an environment that is confidential, private, safe, respectful, and without judgment.

Rape is a crime in Sierra Leone! Taking money to settle a matter or not reporting rape cases is also a crime! If you try to settle a sexual offence such as rape out of court, you will be sentenced and / or charged a fine.

Don’t underestimate the power of your voice as a community to let women and girls know it is not their fault and where they can get support!

With Corruption & Bad Governance Rife… Is Parliament Truly Seeking The Interest Of The People?

Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Audit Report on use of the country’s monies from 2015 to 2018 paints a very unflattering picture of alarming misuse of public funds by those they are entrusted to for provision of the basic essential goods and services the citizenry needs to improve on the standard of living.

Anyway we look at it Parliament bares the greatest responsibility for corruption and bad governance in any democratic system of Government if it fails to perform properly and diligently the all-important role of keeping the Executive arm of Government under control.

It is apparent that Parliament that is supposed to hold Government to account, defend the interests of ordinary people and make policy, has been impotent in the face of our Executive Presidents.

In order to be able to be in a command position to help the Executive arm of Government push forward robustly and sustainably the country’s development agenda, it is time for Parliament to frame concrete policy actions to improve Parliament’s oversight of the Executive and independence from the governing party and the President as over the years.

No gainsaying that, an independent and effective Parliament, which allows for maximum participation of ordinary citizens and which holds leaders accountable is essential for democratic governance.

As such, as the institution elected by the people to oversee the affairs of the State on behalf of the nation, one wants to ask: how responsibly, conscientious and committed has the House of Parliament been in ensuring that the findings and recommendations made by the Auditor General’s office to MDAs are religiously followed in order to prevent the huge misuse of public funds that the audit reveals every year?

If Parliament has not got the integrity, honesty and competence to perform its numerous oversight functions diligently and effectively, the country’s development ambition will always falter on the rocks of incompetence, cronyism, corruption and self-interests as against that of the general good.

The President, the Judiciary and all top State functionaries would be more accountable when Parliament adequately scrutinizes laws, policies and decisions. But with the President and Executive dominating Parliament, the institution has been unable to do so effectively, as most times they only rubber-stamp Executive decisions.

Parliament, both in terms of its composition and its structure has proved incapable of providing robust oversight of State institutions as it has poorly developed offices, structures and Committees. See for example what has come out about the mining sector, now that the Parliamentary Committee has risen up to its oversight function.

To check the excessive powers of the President under the country’s 1991 Constitution, appointment of the heads of democratic, constitutional and State institutions should be removed from the President and given to Parliament.

Speaker of Parliament, Heads of Public Accounts Committees and other significant offices should ideally be appointed from opposition party ranks.

The power of Parliament to hold the Executive to account can also be measured in whether the Parliament has the power to scrutinize and reject national budgets drawn up by the Executive.

Parliamentary staffs are part of the public service. It is better for Parliament to create a parliamentary service separate from the public service.

And to maintain its independence, key parliamentary staff must not be appointed by the governing party. It is important that parliamentary staff is appointed on merit, to be non-partisan and professional.

Human rights abuses are still committed with impunity by various State institutions supposed to guard, protect and promote them.

Parliament, as par the constitution, has the duty of ensuring that we live in a rights-based society.

It must ensure that the Government protects fundamental human rights of citizens by ensuring that the Government adheres to equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or closeness to the leader.

In conclusion, by effectively holding Parliament to account, civil society, the media and democratic activists can go a long way to strengthen its capacity to hold the President, leaders of MDAs and the Government responsible and accountable.

SLBC Undergoes Extensive Transformation

Director-General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Mr. Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Director-General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Mr. Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa on Tuesday 7th September 2020 revealed at his New England Ville office in Freetown that the SLBC Act of 2009/2010 has transformed the institution to an independent public broadcaster established by Parliament and that the institution now acquires and disposes of its properties including the 8 acres Leicester Peak that used to be the property of the Sierra Leone Government.

He enlightened that the former Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS) and the former United Nations Radio merged to form the new entity for which the past United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon visited Sierra Leone.

Mr. Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa articulated that he has visited most of the SLBC stations and properties nationwide to ascertain their status, ownership, that frantic efforts have been made by the SLBC Management to reclaim all its properties through its retainers, Berewa and Co. and named such properties as those now occupied by the Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB), the Sierra Leone Scouts Association, Yeanes Restaurant and another restaurant by the New England Ville Police Station in addition to those at Goderich and Waterloo intimating that Demand Letters have been issued to the squatters to come with their documents after which legal action would be taken against defaulters but observed that some of the institutions are Government-owned and therefore must be accommodated.

Enlightening about other achievements since his appointment about two years ago, he informed that the SLBC is now on multi-TV and social media platforms which means it can now be viewed worldwide, has an entertainment channel, that unlike in the past there is now uninterrupted power supply, live broadcast of public/national events with only four staff on duty as they now have the high-tech equipment citing the live coverage of the funeral service of Bishop John K. Yambasu on Sunday 6th September 2020 at the King Memorial United Methodist Church, Regent Road in Freetown.

He went on to disclose that he has just returned from visits to the regional stations, that Qcell has provided a generator for the Kenema Station, underscored that the Corporation is making progress in spite of the challenges reiterating that they are gradually getting there.

According to the Director General, the youngest in the history of the Corporation, SLBC Stations in Bo, Kenema and Makeni now broadcast locally and only links with Freetown for national issues like the Presidential Address.

He also clarified that the SLBC Board and Management approved the lease of the Leicester Peak and other properties and that funds from such initiative are paid into the SLBC account and properly accounted for warning that those who occupy their properties and fail to negotiate with Management would be evicted and the property reclaimed affirming that arrangements would soon be finalized for such intervention.

For the Yeanes Restaurant that is using SLBC property at New England Ville, he revealed that staff of the Corporation pay half the price for food at the restaurant and that they are also entitled to a discount for using the facility for weddings and parties adding that he himself eats daily at the restaurant that sells delicious food.

He further enlightened that the Ministry of Lands has prepared the Title Deeds for SLBC properties, the first in the history of the institution that were handed over to management by the Ministry of Lands at an official ceremony on 20th March 2020 revealing that he is working in collaboration with other stakeholders to address the issue of encroachment on its properties for which he commended the Ministry of Information and Communications for its unflinching support.

The Director General continued that a committee has been setup to protect the Leicester Peak site from encroachers and that plans are underway to fence the property disclosing that among the ten (10) tenants using the facility are the Sierra Leone Cable Network (SALCAB), the National Communications Commission (NATCOM) and an Islamic Radio Station all of whom signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the SLBC for use of the facilities.

He said the MoUs signed with the various tenants vary depending on the facilities they are using at Leicester Peak such as the type of communication gadgets, provision of electricity and security and the period and disclosed plans by the Chinese to upgrade the road leading to Leicester Peak concluding that Management is interfacing with Government to improve on other properties and that the MoUs signed with the tenants at Leicester Peak has been reduced from 5-3 years and reviewed regularly.

ACC Signs MOU with AYV

CEO, of AYV Amb. Anthony Navo Jnr & the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie

By Amin Kef Sesay

On Thursday 10 September 2020, the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding, at the AYV Tower Hill offices in Freetown, which will see both parties cooperating in disseminating relevant information to the public on corruption matters.

Welcoming guests to the ceremony, AYV’s Lamrana Bah explained that both parties have been cooperating for some time now and want to strengthen the ties between them.

Giving a brief background to the event, the Director of Public Education and External Outreach in the ACC, Patrick Sandi said though they have been partnering with the media institution over the years, they are desirous of further enhancing that partnership and the MOU will cement the strong bond that had existed between the two institutions.

He further maintained that their choice of the AYV is due to its accessibility by the ordinary man in the most remote part of the country. It is the desire of the ACC to let their message in the fight against corruption reach the farthest corner in the country. In this regard, the ACC had been in negotiations with the AYV prior to this signing with meetings held between the ACC Czar and the AYV CEO.

In his own statement, the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie expressed appreciation to the media, especially for the support given throughout the years. He furthered that he is representing the Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. who is out of the country on some important official assignment. He maintained that the fight against graft is done through several pillars, among which is the public education sector, observing that the media’s function in this sector is vital to their work.

The ACC, he went on, believes it cannot fight corruption without the people and a credible institution that is nationally known and listened to is of great value and importance in this fight. He called on the AYV to join them in this fight for the good of the country, assuring that they will stand by the institution and give it all the support it needs in the fight.

Speaking on behalf of the AYV, CEO, Amb. Anthony Navo Jnr. digressed a little, recalling the ideology of the AYV, which was established to complement the efforts of the Government and institutions in the development of Sierra Leone. He furthered that they have a wide listening public, both at home and abroad. He recalled the partnership done with the EU in 2018 to cover the elections, this, he said, is a major partnership. He disclosed that 8 weeks ago the AYV signed a partnership with the National    Sports Authority (NSA), less than 48 hours ago, they also signed another MOU with Stats SL, and now they are signing another MOU with the ACC.

The AYV is desirous of seeing a corrupt free society in Sierra Leone, he stressed and assured the ACC that they will join them and other institutions to fight corruption. He furthered that the ceremony is merely a formal way to cement the relationship between them as the AYV had always been cooperating with them in the fight against graft.

Giving the vote of thanks, Samuel Wise Bangura of the AYV stressed that whilst partnering with the ACC, the AYV will not compromise its principles and will carry out its duty to the nation in accordance with its policy of disseminating credible information to the public.

The signing of the MOU by both the CEO of the AYV and the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC climaxed the meeting, followed by photos of the historic event.

Orange-SL to Stage 2020 Young Innovators Competition

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It is right at your doorstep. A big opportunity awaits young innovators in Sierra Leone as Orange Sierra Leone will be hosting the 2020 Social Venture Prize Innovators Competition, the second to be held in Sierra Leone.

The Orange-SL Social Venture Prize Innovators Competition is geared towards providing a platform for young innovators and creative thinkers in Africa & the Middle East to exhibit their business ideas.

The Orange Social Venture Prize has been in existence for almost ten years now but 2019 was the first year for it to be hosted in Sierra Leone. The event has been rewarding by showcasing the best innovative and socially responsible business projects in Africa and the Middle East in order to support them.

It will be streamed live on Orange Facebook on the day of the program. Also, in compliance with the stringent health measure instituted by the Government of Sierra Leone to maintain social distancing, this year’s Orange-SL Social Venture Prize Innovators Competition will be done via various Television Stations and Orange-SL partner radio stations across the country. The TV Stations are SLBC, Star TV and FTN.

It will bring on board young innovators and entrepreneurs across the country to pitch their best business ideas on how to solve simple societal problems or create businesses on their own. A panel of judges will judge participants based on their business ideas and winners will receive financial support to upkeep and improve on their innovative ideas and businesses.

The winner will eventually be participating in an international competition wherein a team of international judges will award the grand prize to the best winners at both national and international levels.

It could be recalled that in 2019 Orange-SL came up with the first Social Venture Prize Innovators Competition. The two runners-up, Aminata F. Kanneh, a young Agro-Fish Farm innovator and Samuel Kamara a young E-Net innovator, were awarded start-up support by Orange-SL to commence their businesses.

Be rest assured that Orange-SL is passionate about empowering young people in this country and it is doing so in order to positively contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Further details for the upcoming competition will be communicated shortly.

NP (SL) Remains a Dominant & Progressive Company

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, NP (SL-Ltd).

By Amin Kef Sesay

Indisputably, one of the dominant companies that have been making steady progress, growing by leaps and bounds within the business landscape of this country is the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd). It is widely acknowledged that the company has dominated the petroleum trade in the country based on its proactive stance with regards the importation and marketing of high grade petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which one of the best is the widely used Castrol oil.

Being an indigenous company that cherish its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which it has effectively rolled out over the years to such an extent that it has earned the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

The company has also sustained an open door policy in the sense that it encourages customers to express their concerns as well as recommendations which the Management takes into consideration whenever major decisions are taken, geared towards the development of the company. It has been ascertained that whenever customers have the feeling that their inputs are well respected such does not only bring them closer but also gives them the satisfaction that they are indeed relevant and highly regarded. This is exactly what NP-SL Ltd does and that has been paying good dividends. As far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned their customers do matter.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively  to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company make use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured and suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious company that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and is an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is a truly a success story!

As Audition Ends for Housemates Salone…   Names of Fifty Applicants to be Announced Soon

Housemates Salone Season 2

By Amin Kef Sesay

Audition for Housemates Salone Season 2, the Last Couple Standing with the theme “Quarantine Drama” which took place at the AYV Empire on Wesley Street ended on the 9th September 2020. It was indeed very interesting as all the aspirants did their very best in terms of responding to questions posed by the judges and the performances they displayed to convince the panel of  judges that they are fit to enter the House on the 14th October 2020.

Next to come will be the announcement of the names of Fifty (50) applicants or aspirants out of the total number of those who applied and went through the audition. These successful fifty applicants will then go through another form of audition in order to get the final Twenty (20) applicants that will ultimately enter the House. The announcement will soon be widely communicated but for now all the applicants that went through audition are praying and hoping that they will be among the Chosen Fifty.

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.

The underlying rationale for the organizers to package this entertainment show goes beyond providing mere entertainment to that of Youth Empowerment. With twenty young Housemates, from different backgrounds,” Quarantined” under one roof for up to about two months, they will be taken through certain mental and physical exercises that will impact their personalities and it is certain that after the competition they will never be the same again.

They stand to benefit from being guided to be motivational speakers, to think critically as well as rationally, how to healthily interact, how to solve problems, to set goals, to cook, how to eat and dress for different occasions, to sing, dance, control emotions and stress. They will have the opportunity to learn from what visiting guests from certain corporate institutions will teach them, learn how to play games and a host of other things that are aligned to coping mechanisms as well as development of strong characters.

However, what the judges will be keenly watching for is originality. The Housemates should do things naturally instead of faking certain performances.

Another good thing about the show is that it will put all the Housemates in the spotlight as the Reality TV Show will be viewed by many in and out of the country via AYV Television Channel 34. People will come to know them, the talents that they possess and what they are capable of doing. The show could be a window of opportunity for the Housemates as some people out there could be interested in tapping the talents that they have seen displayed which could end up in changing their fortunes for life. Indeed something has to start somewhere!

Some people may be having reservations as to whether it is apt to stage the show amidst the coronavirus. To allay such a fear, the organizers have put all the necessary modalities in place to ensure that all the Housemates to enter the House are coronavirus free, that precautionary measures are observed and the House is kept safe.

For now Housemates Salone is the most talked about upcoming social event that continues to dominate conversations in social circles and many are looking forward to be viewing an entertaining and educative programme from which a lot could be learnt.

As the expectations are running high, the organizers are methodologically and meticulously putting finishing touches to once again avail viewers a lively, tantalizing and thought-provoking Reality TV Show.

NMA DG Demonstrates Determination to Transform the Mining Sector

Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), Julius Daniel Mattai

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 9th September 2020, the Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), Julius Daniel Mattai, during a Press Conference held at the institution’s Board Room updated journalists about the mineral sector in Sierra Leone.

In a pragmatic and professional way, the Director General started by stating that Sierra Leone is endowed with mineral resources but lamented that the lack of proper management of the mineral sector has created the ugly situation of Sierra Leoneans not benefitting from the country’s mineral resources.

He disclosed that the National Minerals Agency is a semi-autonomous entity that was established seven years back with the mandate to promote the development of the mineral sector by effectively and efficiently managing the administration and regulation of mineral rights and minerals trading as well as to provide other supports.

“It is also our responsibility or our obligation to guide investments in the sector and ensure that the populace benefit from the country’s mineral resources,” Julius Daniel Mattai further revealed.

He noted that the mineral sector has been encumbered with so many challenges underscoring how it is extremely difficult to govern our mineral resources without proper laws. The Director General made it categorically clear that when it comes to regulating the mineral sector the onus does not only lie in the hands of the NMA but on all the citizenry pointing out that they are just an Agency that is working in line with the Ministry of Mineral Resources and other institutions.

“We at NMA are responsible to manage the sector and the Ministry of Mineral Resources has the mandate to formulate policy. In other words, we roll out the implementation of policies that are formulated by the Ministry,” he intimated newsmen adding that the institution has a Board of Directors having on it  the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and a representative from the Ministry of Finance being members alongside other members. He stated that the Board performs oversight functions.

Julius Daniel Mattai highlighted that there is the Minerals Advisory Board whose main function is to proffer advice to the Minister of Mineral Resources on certain issues.

He bemoaned that the 2009 Minerals Act has outlived its usefulness, is outdated and therefore need to be reviewed as there are certain inconsistencies. “A review is highly significant if we are to effectively govern the mineral sector in this country,” he recommended and added that the National Minerals Agency was established after the promulgation of the Act.

The NMA Director General told journalists that he supervises the Director of Mines but he has no authority to sign mining licences as their own responsibility is to implement and enforce the Minerals Act. He underscored that his leadership role is limited when it comes to the implementation of the Act.

He informed that there is a process in applying for mining licences underscoring that the acquisition of licence goes with obligations and price. The DG further revealed that besides the Minerals Act, traditional (uncodified) rules and regulations are also taken into consideration in certain cases to grant mining licences. “However to marry codified and uncodified laws is a big challenge we are grappling with,” he asserted also revealing how they have five regional offices.

The Director General succinctly stated that his burning desire, which he and his team are assiduously working to achieve, is to professionalize the National Minerals Agency in order for it to effectively provide the technical expertise needed to sanitize the mining sector.

“We assess the operations of mining companies in the country but we do not collect monies as it is the National Revenue Authority that has that responsibility. However, we do have funds generated through application fees and imposition of fines which are utilized for operational purposes but these are not frequently coming in meaning that the institution is financially constrained,” he stated.

The DG revealed that as a matter of fact they do not have sufficient vehicles informing that recently GTZ donated some bikes to them. He said the institution receives subvention from Government stating that for the 2019 fiscal year a total of 575 million Leones was disbursed to them out of a total amount of 1.3 Billion Leones that was budgetary allocated to them. Again, he pointed out that for 2020 the sum of 1.8 Billion Leones was allocated less than 7.8 Billion Leones that was allocated for the purpose of performance of the Hajj. He expressed gratitude to their partners for the assistances so far rendered to the institution.

“As a nation we have to take the regulation of the mining sector serious as it is very important for the socio-economic development of the country,” he maintained

The Director General stated that the country’s iron ore has not been governed very well, suggesting that one of the ways to get out of this situation is to have credible investors disclosing how they have been encouraging mining companies to frequently dialogue with them.

He lamented that what the country derives from its mineral resources on a yearly basis are pittances.

“The ongoing arbitration between SL Mining Company and Sierra Leone is going on well contrary to the fake news peddled by certain mischievous people,” he disclosed.

Mattai said in terms of safety and health of workers at mining sites they do from time to time organize trainings, engage mining companies in order to ensure that they implement safety measures in order to prevent the occurrences of accidents at mining sites. Besides, he revealed how the have a Grievance and Complaints entity that deals with controversial issues of such nature.

The DG  informed that they have developed a five year Strategic Plan which they will soon launch saying the first one was done by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) but this time round he decided that they must develop a comprehensive one which they have done and the Board has perused it. He also pointed out that they have developed a new Bill which if it successfully goes through all the legal processes will metamorphose into an Act that will replace the current Mines and Minerals Act.

With respect to the purchase of three vehicles, the Director of Admin and Finance at NMA said they did so by going through all the right channels. He underscored that as per legality the NMA Board gave approval for the procurement to be done and bids were advertised with the procurement done through competitive bidding.

On his part, the Director General of NMA said the creation of two new offices within the institution was approved by the Board contrary to the misinformation that is been churned out by certain sections of the media that he did so unilaterally.

He revealed that at the moment there are 14 large scale mining companies in the country but there are 4 that are really functionally operating in the country bemoaning that there is a lot of artisanal mining taking place but the miners still continue to wallow in abject poverty as much proceeds are not realized as there are various middlemen, most whom are foreigners.

With regards the issue of him owing a company that does environmental assessment for mining companies and being the Director General of NMA is a conflict of interest, he pointed out that such is not the case. He made it clear that the company in question is not a sole proprietorship but one that is registered as a limited company that has its own management structure that takes decision although he has hundred percent shares. He made references to Sections 43 and 44 of the 1991 Constitution to substantiate his argument.

“As a matter of fact the company got contracts from mining companies way before I become the Director General of NMA and so do not understand where this conflict of interest is coming from as purported by some miscreants,” he fired referencing Sections 43 and 44 of the 1991 Constitution to substantiate his argument.

He said he is proud of creating job opportunities for young people in the country as well as paying billions of Leones yearly in the form of taxes to Government.

He ended up by stating that there is the Minerals Advisory Board of which he is not a member but sometimes invited to certain meetings to offer his professional knowledge but has no permanent seat on the Board.

“It was at one instance that I left the meeting for another engagement that certain news outlets erroneously reported that I was dragged out of the meeting which is absurd because as you see my built I am someone who is hard to be dragged,” he euphemistically pointed out, provoking a fit of laughter from the audience.

He revealed how they are working on modalities to ensure that residents in mining communities will develop project proposals which they and the Ministry of Rural Development will peruse and if need be will be funded from certain funds that are paid by mining companies.

The NMA Director General stated that there are certain people who are averse to reforms in the mining sector but stressed how he and his colleagues are determined to roll out those reforms to ensure that the country benefits immensely from its resources. “We cannot be deterred as long as we are convinced that we are on the right trajectory,” he affirmed.

The Press Conference wrapped up with a question and answer session.

 

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