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Sierra Leone News: Kandeh Yumkella Spits Fires

Hon. Alhaji Dr. Kandeh Yumkella

The Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Wednesday 29th May 2019 unanimously approved the Motion of Thanks to President Julius Maada Bio for his Address to Parliament on the occasion of the State Opening of the Second Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.

Contributing to the debate, the Leader of NGC, Hon. Alhaji Dr. Kandeh Yumkella said he could not agree more with President Bio that the necessary spaces be created for Sierra Leoneans in the Diasporas to participate in the democratic process through voting outside of the country. He commended President Bio for the detailed Speech he delivered to Parliament “for four arduous hours”, suggesting that it should be truncated in future to save time and the detailed copy is circulated for the consideration of Members of Parliament. Speaking on the economy, he said “it is still not in good shape due to debt servicing and the payment of salaries and wages that is hugely affecting education and healthcare in the country”. He acclaimed the Government for introducing measures that have resulted in a surge relating to effective revenue mobilization with an addition of Le 1 Trillion. Relating to procurement, he spoke against over-pricing which is undermining the future of the children of Sierra Leone and the need to control Government expenditure. He praised the Government for payment of $1.5 Billion of debt inherited from the past APC government and for re-engaging the IMF to support development programmes in the country. Speaking on effective monitoring and supervision of the education sector, he called on Government to declare a war on corruption in education evidenced by examination mal-practices and the use of technology to promote same. Relating to electoral reforms, he called on Government to introduce the quota system for women’s representation as in Rwanda. Speaking on energy, agriculture, national cohesion and overseas remittances, he said he could not agree more with President Bio that the necessary spaces be created for the Diasporas to participate in the democratic process through voting outside of the country. He spoke on capacity building for MPs including research, provision of offices, adding that “if Parliament fails in its duties, this country will wreck”. He concluded by calling on Parliament to enact a Transition Law as in Ghana and Kenya.

Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, the Leader of C4C commended President Bio for the detailed and comprehensive Speech he delivered to Parliament. Speaking on the economy, he said that “President Bio inherited a dismal economy”, but “judging from the efforts he had made the economy would soon yield dividends for the people of Sierra Leone”. He also praised the Government for the monthly repayment of internal and external debts that run into Billions of Leones. He made reference to the outputs of education citing NPSE, BECE, WASSCE and university graduation, adding that the Government has mobilized $ 200 Million to boost Agriculture in the country. He also spoke on the need for doing the roads between Kono and Guinea with the aim of making the District an international gateway for business. Relating to Government earnings from mining export, he praised the Government for the passage of the Extractives Revenue Bill into law, and the recent launch of three mining policies including geo-data and artisanal mining policies and the review of the Mines and Minerals Act is at an advance stage. Relating to the fear of career development by civil servants and national cohesion, he charged that “for the past ten years the society has been characterized with divisive and toxic politics, mistrust and corruption”. He recalled that the verdict on the illegal sacking of Alhaji Sam Sumana has cast a slur and a serious dent on the image of the judiciary, adding that in 2017 the Supreme Court of Kenya overturned the elections result and ordered for a re-run. Speaking on indiscipline, he called on the Government to review the White Paper on the constitutional review process for onward consideration by Parliament.

Hon. Emilia Lolloh Tongi, an independent MP from Kailahun District commended President Bio for the Speech he delivered to Parliament, adding that “Rome was not built in a day”. He praised the Government for the mobilization of resources to boost Agriculture especially with the creation of 25 ABCs. She questioned the students’ loan scheme saying that one could hardly get employed after graduation. Speaking on the revival of Koindu market, she said that most of the produce from Kailahun is taken to Guinea due to bad roads and that “the Yenga situation still remains unresolved”. Acclaiming the Government for the car-wash project for the youth, she recalled that women who were raped in SLPP offices for the past ten years are yet to get justice.

Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament commended President Bio for the solid Speech he delivered to Parliament, adding that those policy statements will be quantified into budgetary terms for implementation. He also said that the austerity measures introduced by the last government gravely impacted the salaries of MPs and civil servants, whilst praising the current Government for effective revenue mobilization. He also said that the people are impressed with the introduction of the Free Quality Education and advised the opposition not to play politics with it. He also said that the FQE will enable the SLPP to score more than 60% of the votes in the 2023 general elections. He said that the Government has removed the burden from him relating to the payment of school fees for more than 500 pupils in his constituency. He charged the APC MPs for being controlled by outside forces during the course of executing their duties in Parliament. He decried Journalists and CSOs who are acting as Civil Society Movement with political motives. Speaking in favour of expunging seditious libel from the law books, which the last government had promised but failed to deliver, he suggested that it should be replaced with civil litigation to protect the reputation of the citizens from defamation and other excesses of the media and society.

The Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo commended President Bio for the Speech he delivered to Parliament, adding that the APC demands respect because of its large following. He recognized the past APC government for constructing quality roads from Kenema-Pendembu and Port Loko to Kambia, adding that over-taxation is crippling businesses in the country. He charged Government with the deteriorating state of electricity supply in the country, saying that the APC gave energy to Bo and Kenema. He also called for concerted efforts aimed at working together and the need for the acceptance of truth where mistakes had been made for the development of the country. He said that the former president, Ernest Bai Koroma could not attend the conference on national cohesion because his security had been withdrawn. He decried the decapitation of the forest cover which may come with dire consequences such as acute water shortage in the country. Speaking on the importance of ICT, he denied that APC MPs are being controlled by outside forces.

Concluding the debate, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Sidie M. Tunis commended President Bio for his detailed Address to Parliament in light of the existing situation in the country. He said that in spite of the walk-out, he wanted to thank the Speaker for allowing the APC to participate in the debate. In making some clarifications, he denied the rapid deterioration of the energy sector, citing an upsurge in the customers’ base of EDSA from 175,000 to 195,000. He acclaimed President Bio for facilitating Bintumani 1, 2 & 3 for national cohesion and decried the APC for failing to take part in the recently concluded Bintumani 3 conference on national cohesion. He also questioned the role of the Bar Association recalling the statements made by its president regarding the election of the Speaker, and the dismissal of officials with security of tenure, but failed to point to the SLPP women who were raped in 2007, the sacking of the Bank Governor and the unconstitutional sacking of the former vice-president. He said that institutions such as the Bar Association should go far from politics. He referred to a report from the IMF that praised the Government for the effective management of the economy and the extended credit facility, assuring that by the end of the year the challenge with the Dollar would be a thing of the past. He called on the Opposition to cooperate and work with the Government for the development of the country and not to subject themselves to manipulation and control from external forces.

 

 

 

Sierra Leone News: Isha Johansen Acquittal: ACC to Fire Back

Francis Ben Kelfala, Commissioner for Sierra Leone’s Anti Corruptions Commission (ACC),

Francis Ben Kelfala, Commissioner for Sierra Leone’s Anti Corruptions Commission (ACC), has told journalists that without any prejudice and with all due respect for the judge, the Commission plans to appeal the ruling on Monday that saw SLFA President Isha Johansen and Christo Kamara being acquitted and discharged.

He said the Commission will appeal because it disagrees with the judge’s interpretation of Misappropriation of Public Funds.

Francis in his own words said: “While I was away in Vienna, the judgement was sent to me, I had reviewed it and my preliminary observation of the judgement is that the ACC has discontent at the way the judge addressed the issue of Misappropriation of Public Funds. The precedent that he has established is very dangerous for the fight against corruption, particularly when the court rules on what constitutes Misappropriation. We have no issue with his general judgement, he is the judge and we respect his decision but we believe those issues have to be looked into by a higher tribunal and that is why we are constituting an appeal against that. We at the ACC are doing the right thing and we are doing this in the interest of the country. Corruption is a very dangerous thing and for so long we have been babysitting corruption in Sierra Leone. For the first time the people can see that real effort has been put in fighting corruption. We have won seventeen state cases this is the first case that we have lost”.

In another development, the ACC announced that it has entered into a settlement agreement with MESSRS SAMA SESAY, ABDUL MOHAMED KARGBO and JOSEPH CONTEH-Revenue Officers of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) attached to the Immigration Department, to repay the sum of three hundred million Leones (Le 300,000,000), representing the full amount they had been investigated for.

According to the agreement reached with the ACC, as settlement, each of the three NRA staff is required to pay one hundred million Leones (Le 100,000,000).

At the commencement of the agreement, MR. SESAY agreed to pay and has paid fifty million Leones (Le50,000,000) cash; MR. KARGBO agreed to pay and has paid fifty million Leones (Le50,000,000) cash; and MR. CONTEH agreed to pay and has paid fifty million Leones (Le50,000,000) cash. The remaining amounts of money due the ACC should be paid not later than 31st July, 2019.

It could be recalled that in April 2019, the ACC instituted an investigation into the operations of NRA staff attached to the Immigration Department Headquarters in Freetown following reports that funds generated at the Department were not properly accounted for, as there were variances between the original receipts issued to customers and the duplicate copies maintained by NRA.

Our investigations discovered a long standing corrupt practice known as “carding”; a fraudulent process through which public servants place a card under the original receipt so the actual amount written on it does not get recorded on the duplicate which remains as the actual record of the NRA. They then place a white sheet of paper on the duplicate and write a lesser amount on it. After that, they keep the difference in the amounts on the original and the duplicate receipt to themselves and pay the lesser amount on the duplicate to the State. The amount they keep could be far more than what ends up going to the NRA. The ACC settled this case because the duplicate receipts are illegible and the evidence will be difficult to rely on upon prosecution.

The Commission wishes to further reassure the public that it shall not relent in ensuring that public funds are protected, and where necessary, recovered.

 

Sierra Leone News: 7 RSLAF Personnel in CID Net

Lt-General Brima Sesay

Officials of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), on Wednesday, 29th May, 2019, disclosed to journalists at MOD’s headquarters on Tower Hill, Freetown, that seven military personnel are currently being investigated at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in relation to the escape of Captain Patrick Edwin Kamara.

Capt. Kamara, who is believed to have escaped from the military custodial centre at Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown, in the early hours of Tuesday, 21st May, 2019, was on a court martial trial with two other accused persons.

Major Yayah Brima, Staff Officer Grade II in-charge of public relations and information, said Capt. Kamara and the other two accused persons-Warrant Officer Class I Samuel Conteh and Warrant Officer Class II Abu Bakarr Jalloh-were on court martial on five count charges.

“These charges include conspiracy to steal service property, larceny by servant, wilfully damaging service property, wilful neglect causing damage to service property and conduct to prejudice of good order and military discipline,” he noted.

He said Capt. Kamara and the two others were key members of the security detail of former President Ernest Bai Koroma from 1st January, 2008 to 19th June 2018.

“The quantities of ammunition for which they were being tried under the various offences include 4,245 rounds of 12.7 millimetre (mm) anti-aircraft rounds, 3,828 rounds of 14.5mm anti-aircraft rounds, 11 bombs of rocket propelled grenade, six rounds 7.62 × 39mm ball lint, 11,476 rounds of 7.62×39mm ball, 14,100 rounds of 7.62×39mm tracer, 6,740 rounds of 7.62×51mm ball lint and 515 rounds of 9×18mm ball,” he explained.

He added that the MOD/RSLAF would like the public to know that the value of the above mentioned ammunition is eighty thousand, four hundred and two dollars and thirty cents (US$80,402.30), approximately six hundred and eighty-three million, four hundred and nineteen thousand, five hundred and fifty Leones (Le683,419,550).

He recalled that the very day Capt. Kamara escaped from the military custodial centre, his twin brother coincidentally passed away at Makoth, seven miles off Yonibana near Mile 91, Tonkolili district, North-western Sierra Leone, after a long illness.

He said the deceased, Michael Kamara, had first been admitted at the Chinese Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Centre at the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown before later moved to the village for native treatment, where he died.

“Following these coincidences, the MOD/RSLAF has followed some misleading and inaccurate story purporting that Capt. Kamara has died in detention. The writer is believed to have deliberately mistaken the death of Michael Kamara for the fugitive Capt. Kamara,” he said.

However, he said, the remains of Michael Kamara was conveyed to Freetown on the very day by the deceased’s wife, Capt. Alice Koria Sesay, who is also a serving military officer.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. Gen. Brima Sesay, said they have instituted necessary and proper actions regarding the escape and they have acted swiftly to hand over seven military personnel who were on duty during the escape, noting that they are being investigated at CID headquarters.

He said they have always been taking stringent actions against any military personnel who misbehave, noting that the military would always be as good as the citizens want it to be.

He called on media practitioners to always crosscheck with MOD before they publish anything relating to the military.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Col. (Rtd.) Simeon Nasiru Sheriff, said regarding the escape, they have enhanced standard operating procedures, revisited security advisory, among other measures.
He also called on all media practitioners to crosscheck with MOD before they publish anything relating to the military.

 

Sierra Leone News: Statistics SL Clears Air on Sacking of 244 Staff

Professor Osman Sankoh, Statistician General, Statistics Sierra Leone

The Management of Statistics Sierra Leone has defended the sacking of over 200 workers it says are incompetent.

Officials of the government agency responsible for generating statistical data on Friday confirmed the dismissal of a total of 244 employees who they say were found to be either not qualified to serve in the positions they occupied or were recruited through the wrong procedure.

A new recruitment drive has been put in motion to fill the vacancies created by these sacking, they said.

The confirmation comes amidst growing public outcry after rumours about the dismissals appeared on social media.

Critics of the government say the move is part of an ongoing purge of people thought to be supporters and sympathizers of the main opposition All People’s Congress.

Professor Osman Sankoh, Statistician General, said the decision was based purely on efforts to revive the agency and make it more efficient. He said as head of the institution, he would need a competent team to help him achieve his goals.

“We are trying to regain Statistics Sierra Leone’s credibility,” Sankoh told journalists at a press conference, noting that lack of competence among the bloated staff base of the institution had been found to be hindering its progress.

Professor Sankoh, a renowned Statistician with international repute, assumed the leadership of the organization in April last year after being appointed by former President Ernest Bai Koroma. Until then he headed the international research outfit, INDEPTH Network, which is based in Ghana and specializes in health data management.

Thursday’s press briefing was designed to present the state of the agency since he took over.

In a power point presentation to an audience that also included senior staff of the institution and members of the Statistics Sierra Leone Council, the Statistician General highlighted the achievements he’s realized as Chief Executive Officer of the institution and his goals.

“We want to be a winner and we cannot be a winner if the team behind me is not strong enough,” he said.

Prof. Sankoh added that there was a need for credible statistics to not just save Sierra Leone’s image internationally, but also to help the Government make evidence based policies for development.

“Efficiency is not possible with staffs that are misfits,” he stressed. Established in 2002, SSL, which was recently rebranded as Stats SL, operates as a corporate body, tasked with the responsibility to collect, compile, analyse and disseminate accurate, reliable and timely statistical information on priority areas of the government to enable it make informed decisions.

Statistics SL is governed by the Statistics Sierra Leone Council which provides guidance for the Statistician General who presides over the implementation of the decisions taken by the Council.

Before the mass sacking, the agency had a total number of 321 staff. Over 200 of these were at the head office in Freetown.

The dismissed staffs are from all over the country, according to the agency. Other than the Statistician General, only the Council has the power to hire and fire employees of Statistics Sierra Leone, according to the Act that established the institution.

Members of the Statistics SL Council are appointed by the President and subject to parliamentary approval. The membership is drawn from diverse group of people, representing all the regions of the country as well as institutional representatives from relevant government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and the civil society, including the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists.

Veteran staffer at Statistics Sierra Leone, Moses Williams, has been chair of the Council since June last year. He reiterated the reason behind the review that led to the mass sacking.

“This is an institution that has to be efficient. It has to have the right competence,” he said, adding: “If you are in a place without the right procedure, we have to correct that.”

Mr. Williams dismissed suggestions that people had been targeted based on their perceived political affiliation. He said as a Council they had no idea where those affected by the review were from, noting that if they were predominantly from a single region, then it only meant that that region had been unduly favoured in the Council.

Williams said in spite of the situation, all those sacked have equal opportunity to apply when the job vacancy adverts are out.

“If a person applies and has the requirement, they have a chance,” he said.

 

Sierra Leone News: Chinese Ambassador Engages Chief Minister

The Chinese ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador HU Zhangliang on 29th May, 2019 paid a courtesy call to the Chief Minister Professor David John Francis as a sign of his commitment to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to working closely with the Government in strengthening the long-existing Sierra Leone- China relationship.

Ambassador HU Zhangliang said China is ready to partner with the Sierra Leone Government to promote investment and that he as the Ambassador will pave the way for credible investors to come and invest in the country. He highlighted some of the Projects the Chinese Government is implementing and those awaiting implementation. He commended the Government for the good work in the past one year and reassured the Chief Minister of their support to move the New Direction agenda forward.

The Honourable Chief Minister in response said he was pleased to receive and hear from Ambassador HU Zhangliang. He said, the visit of the Chinese

Ambassador demonstrates the willingness of the Chinese Government to support Sierra Leone. He stated that, they as Government were not looking for permanent friends, but permanent interest. And that they were open to working with any Government/ institution as long as it is in the interest of Sierra Leoneans. He thanked the Ambassador and the Government of China for their support towards the New Direction Government and the people of Sierra Leone.

 

Sierra Leone News: NP-SL Introduces Smart Card for Easier/Speedier Transactions

In order to keep abreast with latest international technological trends, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NP-SL) has introduced for its customers the opportunity to use Smart Cards to purchase petroleum and other goods; meaning that buyers could top-up their cards to the tune of any amount which they can then use intermittently to procure petroleum products. This has made it convenient for easy transactions to be made and many customers are very comfortable with this arrangement.

NP-SL has been highly commended for remarkable service delivery to its numerous customers both within and out of the country. Without any iota of doubt the company has been greatly contributing towards poverty reduction with regards putting money in the pockets of its employees.

With unique state-of-the-art filling stations that are providing timely services, the company has been rated as one of the most successful indigenous business entities that  always ensures it lives up to expectation. .

Management of NP places premium on offering the best geared towards giving value for money.

As a matter of importance NP considers its customers of different categories to be paramount treating them with all the attention they deserve.

The company is very particular that there are high grades of petrol, diesel, kerosene which are easily accessible.

That is one major reason why the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited is always held in very high esteem.

Indeed, this assertion has been unchallenged against the backdrop that the company has never faltered in its obligation.

It is a fact that human existence can be difficult in the absence of fuel which is why the relevance of NP cannot in any way be underrated.

One outstanding thing that the company is noted for its immense contribution in offering jobs to different class of people proving that it is not just the prerogative of Government to do such as the private sector too could play a vital role in that direction.

NP is widely known for facilitating safer and cleaner means of cooking. NP Gas Cooker are now household commodities which are affordable and readily available in all their outlets nationwide.

When we talk of an indigenous company that has put smiles on the faces of Sierra Leoneans and is making the people of this country very proud, the National Petroleum Company stands taller than the rest! For a company to move beyond the shores of this country and establish branches in Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia which are vibrantly operating is no mean feat. Indeed, NP has added another feather to its cap and is being copiously praised for such an accomplishment.

The company’s result-oriented managerial team will definitely and sustainably continue to put NP at the top.

NP-SL Ltd. is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is operating and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.

It can therefore be justifiably stated that the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited is the country’s reliable fuel provider as it always ensures that its stockpile is always at an appreciable level.

Against this background NP is believed to be one of the strong back bones of Sierra Leone’s economy.

The Management of NP is well determined to continue to contribute to development and despite the challenges it is currently grappling with it is steadily make commendable strides that will benefit the majority.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: Hill Cut Flyover Bridge Nears Completion

In a bid to introduce the country’s first-ever flyover bridge at Hill Cut Road, Sierra Leone’s leading road construction company, with services ranging from building and the construction of estates and roads to granite production and haulage, Gento Group of Companies on 29th May 2019 erected 175 tons of iron (the heavy iron carriers of the flyover bridge), which when coupled will be about 200 tons.

The company is 100% owned by a young Sierra Leonean entrepreneur Mohamed Gento Kamara who has been working tirelessly to bring development to the country and create job opportunities for young people.

Following the end of the 11 years civil war, Sierra Leone was left in a deplorable state, as it affected all sectors in the development of a nation.

In addressing some of these challenges, both past and present governments have made frantic efforts to improve the road network in the country.

Gento Group of Companies, which is the leading indigenous road construction company in Sierra Leone, has taken the lead in helping the government to achieve this goal.

Recently the company was hailed by Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad for the speedy and quality work done so far on the Jomo Kenyatta, King Harman and Hill Cut roads.

Since the commencement of the second phase of the project, Gento has mesmerised Sierra Leoneans as they watched in amazement the workers frantically erecting various sectors of the construction work on the flyover bridge and work is fast coming to its logical conclusion.

On-lookers at the site were full of praise for the indigenous Sierra Leonean entrepreneur for taking this massive venture. Residents in the area now move around with pride as they claim immediate ownership of the flyover as it is in their backyard, whilst residents in other parts of the country feel proud to be identified as Sierra Leoneans.

During the erection of the iron fittings for the flyover bridge, the Minister of Works, Peter Bayuku Conteh and his Deputy, Philip Tondoneh, both praised the work of Gento Group of Companies. They were satisfied with what they saw.

According to drivers and other road users, the King Harman Road, Hill Cut roads that are currently under construction by Gento Group of Companies, when completed will be one of the best roads in the country.

Jomo Kenyatta, King Harman and Hill Cut roads according to road engineers are one of the most difficult terrains in Freetown because of its hills, rocks, and topography, but the fact that Gento and his professionals are able to undertake such construction work, is a testimony of the professionalism of workers he has.  These roads are very much important to ease the traffic congestion in the capital Freetown linking the Central Business District (CBD) to the hill sides at Wilberforce, Regent, etc. Gento Group was first named Fimet Benton-Villa SL-Ltd. due to the inclusion of other companies.

Speaking on some of the past challenges the company had faced, Ing. Idrissa Koroma said they were facing serious challenges with some utility companies like Electricity Distribution Supply Authority (EDSA), Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) and SIERRATEL. Idrissa Koroma stated that Gento Group is the only construction company that conducted hydraulic survey before construction, in order to avoid overflow of water from the drainages unto the environs. He further explained that to access their quarry, they drive up to 45 km to collect granite and this entails time and money as fuel is heavily consumed.

To access water was another challenge and if measures are not put in place in the coming years, accessing water in the capital will be difficult, the engineer said.

On the construction of the Waterloo Township roads, he said they are facing some financial challenges, but that they are in advanced talks with the government and are getting positive response. He further said that they will commence work early next year, adding that they will finish the Hill Top roads later this year.

“99% of the top staff of Gento Group are young Sierra Leoneans and we will live to see these roads for decades, and so we are doing all our best to do quality work and our CEO, Mohamed Gento Kamara, is very passionate about developing this nation” he said.”

Jomo Kenyatta, King Harman and Hill Cut roads will have the first ever Flyover Bridge in the country when completed, and will be the best road in the country, road users say.

In addition, Gento is also commended by residents in the car wash area for building a mosque and church for the community. The company is also providing humanitarian assistance to Muslims during this month of Ramadan and is also on record for dishing out various gestures aimed at improving the lives of the people residing in this community.

 

Sierra Leone News: Is Sheka Sama a Honest Gentleman?

Hon. Sheka Sama

The recent social media post from Hon. Sheka Sama of Constituency 104, Pujehun District, which comprises of Sowa and Sahn-Malen Chiefdom complaining of intimidation and threats from the security apparatus in Pujehun District, is a bit thoughtless from the legislator.

According to the lawmaker, he was informed that a group of armed soldiers in a Socfin vehicle went to his family home in Bomuvulahun Malen and threatened family members. “They went there three times and promised to return to beat them; some of my family members ran away from the armed men.” The above statement from the Member of Parliament is sending a negative feedback to the outside world especially investors.

The Government should come out strong and try to educate Mr. Sama that his social media messages will continue to put Sierra Leone in a bad light to potential investors.

In his social media post, the legislator insinuated that his life is in threat and all official security reports are manipulated and tailored against him and his supporters. “We don’t have to wait until an attempt is made on my life to appreciate the urgency and seriousness the situation demands, the soldiers are harassing our people and are potential threats to my life, my family and other supporters.

The continuous lip service by the Government in seeing Mr. Sama portraying the country’s image is uncalled for. Sierra Leone is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, but the cheap politics and currying favour by the legislator is something the Government should take prompt decision to halt.

Sahn-Malen Chiefdom is one of the peaceful chiefdoms in Pujehun District. It is no secret that certain residents in the chiefdom are in the habit of stealing and harvesting the fruits of Socfin Agricultural Company, but with the robust security patrol by Sharp Security and the military it is now possible to continue to recover loads of fruits in the backyards of close associates of Hon. Sheka Sama.

The resilient patrols from the military and Sharp Security have lessened the plethora of fruits theft within the chiefdom, and some of the villagers are fuming against this with the help of the Member of Parliament.

The trumpeted issues by Hon. Sheka Sama had nothing to do with Bumvaluhun village. The Socfin vehicle drove through his village on return from Manaro which the District Officer visited.

The reading public should know that one of the major challenges the company is faced with is fruits theft, which continue to hinder the company financially.

If only Hon. Sheka Sama is a true patriot and also working in line with the New Direction Government he should be giving a lending hand to the agricultural company by helping sensitize his subjects on the danger of fruits theft.

Hon. Sheka Sama should know that the establishment of Socfin Agricultural Company in Sierra Leone has given much hope to the Government of Sierra Leone that the country’s economy can be diversified from depending on the mining sector to that of agriculture through foreign direct investment.

Before now, little has been said about the potential of the agricultural sector in revenue mobilization for the country as export rate was low. But the involvement of foreign direct investors like Socfin Agricultural Company (SAC) has helped the government to realize huge revenue from the sector through export duties.

The impact of Socfin on the economy was recently captured by the Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa’s 2018 Budget Statement and Economic Financial policies for the Financial Year 2019 in the Well of Sierra Leone Parliament on paragraph 19 which states, “…the performance of the external sector improved during the first half of 2018. Total value of exports for the period January to June 2018 is estimated at $518.8 million. The sharp increase in exports is accounted for primarily by the export of palm oil by SOCFIN Agricultural Company…”

The Corporate Social Responsibilities of the Socfin Agricultural Company is second to none; the Member of Parliament should proffer solution to the company on behalf of his constituents.

The Member of Parliament should know that Socfin was never a fly-by-night company that was established through the back-door, but a legitimate one that went through the nitty-gritty of the laws of Sierra Leone. Any attack on Socfin is a direct attack on the Government and by extension; this could have the tendency to undermine the clarion call for investors.

BELOW ARE SOME OF THE COMPANY’S CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTIES

Going beyond corporate social responsibility, Socfin continues to invest significant amount of United States Dollars in the following sectors.

Agriculture: In order to support the people of Sahn Malen in agriculture, Socfin has been directly involved in the yearly cultivation of 600 acres of boli-land with floating rice varieties for people within the company’s operation, yearly distribution of 800 bushels of seed rice for inland valley swamp cultivation, distribution of 351 bushels of groundnut seeds to 16 groups of women in Malen Chiefdom.

The construction of four fish ponds, one in Kpangba, one in Gboyama, one in Jumbu and one in Senehun, the supply of 135 bundles of fishing nets with their accessories to four fishing communities; Gangama, Hongai, Massao and Kortumahun in Malen Chiefdom are all part of Socfin’s Corporate Social Responsibility.

Health Sector: Providing medical facility in some parts of the country remains a challenge for the Government. People used to walk far distances from the district to major towns for medical services. Seeing this as a challenge, Socfin Agricultural Company has invested lots of money in the rehabilitation and supply of furniture to Niahun Clinic. The reconstruction and electrification of Sengema Health Quarters, Electrification of Sengema, Taninahun and Bendu Clinics has been done single-handedly by Socfin.

Supply of hospital beds to Niahun, Sengema, Taninahun and Bendu clinics and supply of furniture to Sengema Clinic has also been done by Socfin.

The availability of ambulance services for Malen community with all expenses paid for by the company. The construction of one facility at Sahn Bemoc Centre and the provision of 24 hours electricity and water supply to Sahn Bemoc.

Education: The 30-35 literacy rate of Sierra Leone is far below other countries in the sub-region. This is because majority of children in Sierra Leone cannot get access to schools within their localities. Changing such a narration requires not only the intervention of Government, but also the private sector. Even before the Proclamation of the Free Quality Education by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio last year, Socfin has invested enough money in education in the chiefdom, such as the construction of the new Bendu and Mallay primary schools. Kortumahun Primary School, Sinjo Primary School, the rehabilitation of Malen Junior Secondary School and Kassay Primary School, Besides the construction of these schools, the company also provided them with learning materials to facilitate teaching. Also, sanitation facilities were provided by rehabilitating water supply and the development of modern toilet facilities for these schools.

Payment of stipends to 9 teachers who were not on Government payroll and 2 security personnel in Malen Junior Secondary School, one teacher in RC School in Sahn and one teacher in Bendu Primary School.

Payment of scholarship to 220 students; amounting to Le83, 000,000 (eighty- three million Leones) for BECE students with aggregate 25 and below from Malen Junior Secondary School,

Support of transport and feeding to BECE Students taking examination in Pujehun has been done by Socfin.

Support of transport and feeding to NPSE pupils and their teachers in Socfin’s operational areas that were taking examination in Sahn is part of the company’s CSR.

Other support to education include, the rehabilitation of Malen Junior Staff Quarters, financial support to all schools during the June 16th Day of the African Child celebration.

Micro Finance: In order to support the growth of small scale/ medium enterprises in the chiefdom, Socfin has been providing micro finance to 102 petty traders in 27 communities in Malen Chiefdom with over 200 million Leones as seed money.

Water and Sanitation: Socfin has provided water-wells with hand pumps and latrines in all its operational areas which have helped reduce the outbreak of cholera in the chiefdom.

Infrastructure:

The area of infrastructural development has also been paramount in Socfin`s operation as is seen in the construction of community halls in every village in its areas of operation. The construction of football fields in village communities, the rehabilitation of praying fields in village communities, the construction and equipping of Malen Community Radio Station, worth more than Fifty Thousand United States Dollars, construction of roads, bridges and culverts in all communities in Socfin’s operational areas. The construction of the Central Mosque in Sahn and the rehabilitation of mosques in villages have been carried out by the company.

The chiefdom that used to be a moribund place with less economic activities has now been the hub for job seekers, not only from the district, but also from other parts of the country.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: President Bio Welcomes Mercy Ships Delegation

On the 30th  May 2019 a delegation from the Mercy Ships led by its Chief Executive Officer, Donovan R. Palmer, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio at State House.

Mercy Ships is an international faith-based organisation bringing hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor. Since 1978, the organisation has delivered services to more than 2.71 million direct beneficiaries.

Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Anthony Sandi, who chaired the meeting, said the team was visiting the President to discuss their intention to support the health system in the country. He said the team was planning to bring into the country the largest clinical ship, adding that they had already done site visits to the proposed venue for the ship.

The CEO said they were excited about coming back to the country to provide assistance in terms of improving the country’s health delivery system. He said that Sierra Leone was a special place to them and that they value the partnership they had enjoyed with the nation.

“We are interested to assess Government’s healthcare plans for the next five years so that we might fit in. We have now added training and capacity building into our programmes in line with Government’s agenda for human capital development and also are looking at new possibilities on how we can help you realise your vision for the national healthcare programme. We are here to serve and to be part of your plan,” he assured.

In his brief response, President Bio said he was very excited about the possibilities of having the team back into the country. He said the country is still struggling to provide adequate healthcare service for the people. He said having the team again in the country is a welcome idea and that would help to look at more areas of intervention.

 

Sierra Leone News: Hon. Rado Yokie & 17 others Approved

Hon. Foday Rado Yokie-Minister of Mines and Minerals Resources

In a positive development Parliament has on Thursday 30th May 2019 debated and unanimously approved the First Report in the Second Session of its Committee on Appointments and the Public Service, chaired by Hon. Sidie M. Tunis.

The Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu said that he was pleased with the nomination of Hon. Foday Rado Yokie in light of his experience and hoped he would assist Parliament to solve two thorny issues relating to welfare and capacity building for Members of Parliament. In this regard, he considered Hon. Yokie to be the Ambassador of Parliament to the Executive, so to speak.

The following presidential nominees were approved by Parliament:

  1. Hon. Foday Rado Yokie-Minister of Mines and Minerals Resources
  2. Dr. Alie Kabba-Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, New York

111. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh-High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland

  1. Dr. Kelvin F.E Anderson-Member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone Local Content Agency
  2. Mr. Umaru Napoleon Koroma-Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice
  3. Madam Mamadi Gobeh Kamara-Deputy Minister of Information and Communications

VII. Mr. Edward Hinga Sandy-Minister of Trade and Industry

VIII. Hon. P.C Bai Sebora Kasanga II-Member, Local Government Finance Committee

  1. Mr. Alhaji Fanday Turay-Chairman, National Commission for Privatization
  2. Mr. David S. Woobay-Member, Local Government Finance Committee
  3. Mr. Habib Thorpe-Member, Local Government Finance Committee

XII. Mr. Anthony Fonnie-Member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority

XIII. Mrs. Marie Kabba-Member, Board of Directors, Petroleum Regulatory Agency

XIV. Mr. Sheriff A. Sesay-Member, Board of Directors, Produce Monitoring Board

  1. Mrs. Amie Moriba-Member, Board of Directors, Produce Marketing Board

XVI. Mrs. Amie E. Greene-Member, National Commission for Privatization

XVII. Madam Emma S. Banya-Member, Board of Directors, Petroleum Regulatory Agency and

XVIII. Mr. Abdul R.C Sesay-Director General, HIV and AIDS Secretariat

Seconding the motion, Hon. Bashiru Silikie of SLPP decried nominees who failed to pick calls from MPs after they had been approved by Parliament, adding that MPs visit on purpose of development and not for begging. He cautioned the nominees to deliver on their appointments as excuses would not be tolerated for the attainment of success under the watch of President Bio. He eulogized Napoleon Koroma as the youngest Secretary General to win an election for the SLPP. He recognized Hon. Yokie as his mentor who inspired him in Parliament and described him as a visionary who is full of confidence, assuring that he would succeed as the Mines Minister for the benefit of the people of Sierra Leone.

Hon. Hassan Sesay of APC thanked President Bio for elevating a former Member of Parliament in the person of Hon. Foday Rado Yokie to serve in his Government as a Cabinet Minister in charge of Mines. He also spoke on the need for human relationship to transcend politics and called on nominees to deliver on their duties devoid of partisan considerations. He also called on the Deputy Minister of Justice to disrobe his SLPP regalia to serve and bring sanity to the justice sector. He recognized Mamadi Gobeh Kamara as a household name in the media realm.

Hon. P.C Bai Kurr Kanagbaro Sanka III implored the nominees to use their brains effectively for the development of Sierra Leone, adding that their success would determine continuity for the SLPP in governance. Recognizing the nomination of Hon. P.C Kasanga and Hon. Yokie, he particularly commended President Bio for the appointment of Dr. Alie Kabba to the United Nations, given the importance of the world’s governing body and its role during the war in Sierra Leone.

Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, Deputy Leader of the Opposition said that the APC is made up of patriotic citizens who are willing to cooperate and work with the Government of Sierra Leone, championed by President Bio. Speaking on women’s empowerment, he assured the House that Mamadi Gobeh Kamara is going to succeed in her new appointment as he had mentored her very well.

Hon. Mathew S. Nyuma, Deputy Leader of Government Business referred to Hon. Yokie as a fearless man who could not succumb to political pressure. Recalling when President Bio was stoned in Bo, he said trumped up charges were heaped on him and was later incarcerated because of his fervent and unwavering belief in President Bio and a pioneer of the “PAOPA” phenomenon. To this end, he said “the person could be incarcerated but not his spirit”.

Concluding, the Leaders of Government Business and the Opposition, Hon. Sidie M. Tunis and Hon. Chernor R.M Bah respectively endorsed the nominees and referred to them as competent and qualified to serve in high offices of State. They also implored the nominees to serve in the best interest of Sierra Leone.

 

 

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