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Sierra Leone News: MTHE meets Public Tertiary Institutions

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Aiah Gbakima

On the 4th and 5th of July 2019 in the Eastern City of Kenema, major public education stakeholders in Sierra Leone converged  to identify and discuss progress and challenges faced by public tertiary institutions over the last one year.

At the stocktaking retreat organized by the one year old Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), various universities, colleges and polytechnics made presentations bordering on the status of their institutions in line with an eighteen-point terms of reference given to them by the Ministry.

Representatives from the University of Sierra Leone, Njala University, Milton Margai College of Education and Technology, Freetown Teachers College, EBK University and Eastern Polytechnic were unanimous in showering accolades on the current leadership of the higher education Ministry.

According to the higher and technical education administrators, they had not enjoyed a cordial relationship based on mutual respect and trust in the past as they do with the current dispensation.

While funding remains a major challenge across the board, the tertiary institutions have managed to make significant progress in debt management, staff welfare, infrastructural development and digital migration, using internally generated funds and government subventions.

Delivering his keynote address, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Aiah Gbakima described the gathering as a unique opportunity for education stakeholders to discuss the past, present and future of technical and higher education in the country.

He emphasized the need for admission into the universities to be strictly based on merit and for registration to be done online.

He said staff and students discipline could enhance professionalism and support a conducive learning environment.

He also spoke of the need to speedily review outdated academic curricula.

According to him, the retreat was meant to review the status of the tertiary institutions in line with an eighteen-point activity plan given to them about a year ago.

Minister Gbakima announced that the University Act is being reviewed.

The Minister urged Njala University to return to proper agriculture system including the introduction of college farms.

He called on the universities to put in place a system that will discourage delay in issuance of certificates.

The Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr.Turad Senesie disclosed that the rationale for the retreat was to review progress, identify gaps, and map out the way forward for the various institutions.

The retreat, he said, was also meant to identify and learn from administrative best practices among the institutions.

He reiterated President Bio’s passion for education, especially with regards to improvement of middle level human resource.

He bemoaned the status of institutions that are not producing the required output and urged them to take realistic steps to enhance standards.

Tertiary Education Commission’s (TEC) Prof. Algalie used the forum as an opportunity to refresh memories of the participants about the roles of TEC, which include registration of tertiary education institutions, approval of programs, quality assurance, and payroll management for public institutions among others.

TEC, he said, has successfully revised the TEC Act and Regulations, initiate process for accreditation of five universities, engaged teaching service commission on payroll management and midwifed the revised University Act.

He mentioned issues of recruitment of executive and adminstrative staff, and conditions of services as major challenges faced by TEC.

Presenting on behalf of the University of Sierra Leone, Prof. Foday Sahr said a strategic plan spanning 2019-2023 has been developed.

An ICT Directorate, according to him, has been established with competent personnel.

The University has established an ICT portal for online registration, he said.

According to him, the curricula has been reviewed in line with the job market.

“The University is currently rehabilitating existing structures and constructing new ones,” he said.

Prof Sahr disclosed that Students Union elections have been successfully conducted for IPAM and COMAHS, with FBC pending.

He furthered that the University has installed CCTV cameras in all examination halls.

“There is prudent fiscal management at all levels,” he assured.

Principal of Njala University, Prof. Abdullah Mansaray disclosed that his administration inherited a huge financial liability.

He reported that Njala has been able to largely fulfil all the eighteen points terms of reference with the exception of payments of outstanding end of service benefits and ex- gratis.

Njala, he said, has discovered a near-extinct plant species.

He pointed out that work for the completion of the new school of education building at Bo campus has commenced, adding that hostels, laboratories and faculties have been rehabilitated.

He said funding has been a major challenge, in addition to inadequate lecture facilities and offices for staff.

Prof. Momoh of the EBK University highlighted several gains made by his institution over the last one year, including digital migration, prudent financial management, capacitating staff and students’ discipline.

Dr. Philip Kanu of MMCET displayed in a PowerPoint presentation dilapidated structures his administration inherited and how much progress has been made to transform the institution.

Major rehabilitation works have been done on infrastructure and two staff bus and students’ bus have been purchased using internally generated funds and support from government.

Prof. Lahai and Dr. Samba Moriba presented progress made and challenges faced by the Eastern Polytechnic, while the FTC also made a presentation capturing gains and challenges.

The retreat ended with discussions on best practices on prudent financial management, digital migration and quality assurance among others.

 

Sierra Leone News: Fatima Bio Demonstrates Sincere Determination to Combat  Cancer

Mrs Fatima Bio

Her Excellency, Fatima Bio, was in unity with other First Ladies as they supported and participated in a plenary session on the elimination of Cancer in Africa.

Mrs Bio is excited that First Ladies are taking initiatives in supporting their husbands, in seeking African solutions to our problems. The event organized by the First Lady of Niger, Her Excellency, Madam Malika Issoufu, shows commitment and a drive to develop Africa.

She was in Niger, for the African Union and OAFLAD (Organization of African First Ladies for Development) summit which commenced on the 4th and ended on the 8th July.

She was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Solomon Jamiru Esq and the CEO of Maada & Fatima Bio Foundation, Paul Massaquoi. She was received and celebrated by H. E. Laila Malika Issoufou, the First Lady of Niger.

She believes in the holistic development of Africa and for African First Ladies to play key roles in sustainable development. The untapped potentials of African youth is part of what needs to be addressed. With changing funding environment, First Ladies are working together under the umbrella of OAFLAD, to develop effective programmes encompassing various countries. OAFLAD are committed to positive change in Africa.

“As we work towards ensuring access to quality and affordable health services, we will work to ensure gender equality and women empowerment and enhance both empowerments,” OAFLAD.

The summit looks into challenges and constraints faced by women and children including the vulnerable population. OAFLAD believes that it is only when issues of such nature are discussed that government of different countries will  prioritize them.

The theme for this year’s assembly is “Collaborating to Transform Africa: Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Populations”. The delegation also looked at the strategic vision 2019 – 2023.

On the 5th July 2019 she attended a Dinner and award ceremony hosted by First Lady Lalla Malika Issoufou of Niger. It was held at Radisson Blue Niamey, Niger.

The dinner was for First Ladies and top dignitaries including stakeholders and partners in the fight for women empowerment in Africa.

Persons that have shown exemplary commitment in their various charitable causes were awarded cash donations in recognition of their work.

Sierra Leone News: Statistics SL Becomes Member of the United Nations Statistics Commission 

In a new development, Sierra Leone, represented by Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has been elected a member of the coveted United Nations Statistics Commission, one of five (5) African countries for a period of four (4) years from 2020 to 2023 to develop standards and norms for statistical activities and support countries’ efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems.

According to the Statistician General, Professor Osman A. Sankoh, this is due to the country’s transformative ethics of sourcing out, compiling and disseminating of credible data for national development ventures.

Professor Sankoh furthered that their newly adopted policy of data credibility generated interest in their activities in a matter of months, with the positive outcome of government commitment to Stats SL and renewed donor trust and funding for data collection.

Under his leadership which commenced a year ago, the Agency has published and popularized more than three reports to be adopted by government entities, local and international bodies, including researching entities. This has significantly limited the publications of inaccurate data by third parties without the prerequisite holistic image of prevailing circumstances and underlying issues.

As a member of the United Nations Statistics Commission, Sierra Leone will facilitate the coordination of international statistical activities and support the functioning of the United Nations Statistical Commission as the apex entity of the global statistical system.

 

Sierra Leone News: NP-SL Bags Best Company of the Year

General Manager NP-SL, Kobi Walker

As one of the most viable, sustainable companies that has been operating in this country for a very long period now and has stood the test of challenging times, the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited has proven beyond all reasonable doubts that it is making meaningful and positive socio-economic contributions to overall national development.

It is against this backdrop of excellent performances that on the 6th July 2019 the company was bestowed the prestigious honour of being the “Best Company of The Year” during the National Business Award 2018/2019 held here in Freetown.

Bagging such a prestigious award undoubtedly is indeed a very clear manifestation of how NP-SL is held in high esteem by many institutions and individuals for its efficacy in churning out best customer care services and being a result-oriented entity.

Receiving the award on behalf of the company, General Manager of NP-SL, Kobi Walker, first thanked the organizers of the programme furthering how they felt humbled for being recognized as a best company. “I want all and sundry to know that we are dedicating this award to the 35 Sierra Leoneans, whom we refer to as the founding fathers of NP-SL, extolling their foresight, selflessness, relentless efforts and dedication to establish this illustrious company that continues to spread its tentacles near and far to the admiration of many amidst the challenges we do face,” he profusely expressed appreciation.

It must be noted that the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Management and its shareholders are always in agreement about what is good for the company, consumers and the country as a whole. In other words, both the Management and shareholders of this indigenous company are always energised and are of the view that they must be on top of situation in ensuring that the required stock of petroleum products are available to serve the nation thereby preventing the occurrence of shortage.

As a matter of fact, one of the outstanding characteristics which continue to catapult the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited to an enviable position is its efficacy in impressively rolling out effective service delivery to its numerous esteemed customers near and far.

NP prides itself in ensuring that the interests of its numerous customers are well addressed to the best of the abilities of its staff in all their locations.

“We are very mindful that our customers should be our number one priority which is why we are very keen on doing our utmost at all times to give them optimal satisfaction,” Kobi Walker frankly informed.

Indeed, it will not come as any surprise to many, especially those dealing with the company, that in all its state of the art, customer friendly filling stations located in various parts of the country qualitative as well as timely services are always implemented in accordance to customers’ needs which has made the company to be rated as one of the most efficacious indigenous business entities that this country could really boast of.

For always ensuring that there are high grades of petroleum products available on the market has continuously restored customer confidence in the company.

The way and manner in which the company is exceptionally operating continues to impress many especially with its spectacular posture.

Although varying and emerging challenges keep rearing their ugly heads, one of which is the fluctuation of the dollar exchange rate to the Leone, within the context that the company purchases petroleum products using the dollar to do so, creating a situation whereby whenever the exchange rate is high NP –SL spends more to procure the dollar and vice versa, however, it has been trying all its best to keep business going.

Of course the company continues to offer various job opportunities to Sierra Leoneans without discrimination as long as they possess the requisite qualifications.

Management of the company thought it wise that if it is dealing in selling gas then the citizenry must be offered a basic gadget that functions with that product. This was how making available NP Gas for safer and convenient cooking purposes was introduced.

NP Gas is user friendly, readily available, cheap and very guarantee to use, a fact that has been corroborated through various interviews conducted to sound the opinions of people around the country. These gas cookers are found in all the filling stations operated by the company.

To be in line with latest technological trends the company has availed its customers the opportunity to use Smart Cards for purchasing purpose, meaning that buyers could top-up their cards to the tune of any amount which they can use intermittently to procure petroleum products. This has made it convenient for easy transactions to be done avoiding carrying huge physical cash or using chits and many are comfortable with that arrangement.

Astonishingly, as one of the only outstanding 100% indigenous company that has stood the test of time going the extra mile to establish branches in Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia which are vibrantly operating, is indeed no mean feat; it is an accomplishment worthy of recognition and indeed something good to write home about.

The company is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.

Timely payment of taxes to Government makes NP one of the largest taxpayers to Government.

With all the sterling strides the NP-SL had and is making that continue to deepen sustainable socio-economic impact in improving the country’s economy and individual standards of living it did not come as any big surprise to especially those who are au fait with its operations for it to be awarded as the Best Company of The Year during the National Business Award 2018/2019.

From what this medium got from its Deputy Managing Director this recent singular achievement will serve as a motivational platform to forge ahead.

 

Sierra Leone News: Thomas Moore Conteh Emerges as Best Civil Society Leader of the Year

Thomas Moore Conteh

The African Consulting Group (ACG) has awarded Executive Director of the Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN), Thomas Moore Conteh, as “Emerging Best Civil Society Leader of the year” during the National Civil Society Award 2018/2019 held on the 6th July 2019 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Aberdeen Freetown.

According to ACG the aim of dishing out the awards is anchored in the belief of recognizing leadership and to empower individuals as well as organizations that have been playing tremendous roles in society which are very essential to moving the country forward.

The National Professional Awards also aim to raise the profile of dedicated professionals in the public and private sectors and highlight the contributions they are making towards developing a fairer, sustainable, peaceful and prosperous future for all Sierra Leoneans.

Commenting after receiving the Award, Thomas Moore Conteh disclosed that, “This award is heartily dedicated to the cause of promoting the ideals of human rights, the rule of law and democratic good governance in our beloved nation”.

This is not the first award Thomas Moore Conteh has received. In 2018 he was awarded and certified as a Youth Ambassador and also one of the 100 Most Influential Youth in Sierra Leone by the Federation of Patriotic Youth and Child Advocacy Network, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the National Youth Commission. He was also recognized among the 100 Most Outstanding Sierra Leoneans 2019.

His organization, Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN) has been working to strengthen and expand democracy, human rights, the rule of law, electoral processes, monitoring and evaluating government’s policies and programs in Sierra Leone.

The Organization networks with citizens to build political and civic consciousness, to safeguard elections and promote citizens participation, openness and accountability in Governance and he has been a key player in achieving the objectives of the organization.

Because of his outstanding performances in the field of civil society that is why his contributions have been recognised globally.

“I remain humble and committed to promote the ideals of human rights, the rule of law and democratic good governance in our beloved country,” he proudly stated.

 

Sierra Leone News: As Africell Comes under Attack… Skewed, Unfounded & Sweeping Allegations Hit Rock Bottom

In a recent Social Media post titled, “NATCOM TRIVIALISING CORRUPT PRACTICES TODAY” authored by a so-called Leaf Network there were series of sweeping allegations levied against one of the GSM Companies operating in the country, Africell, bordering on poor quality services that it is offering to its subscribers also trying to create the impression that the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), which is the statutory telecoms regulator in the country is turning a blind eye on the lapses it accuses the company for.

In no way should this piece be mistaken for holding a brief for Africell but rather an attempt to set the record straight of a company that has been doing extremely well in terms of providing qualitative, timely and standard telecommunications services which are intermittently sandwiched by its commendable promotions that continue to deepen national development and improve standards of living right across the country.

It cannot be disputed that everywhere in the world technology do have its ups and downs due to a number of varying factors and the telecommunications sector has not being spared these “inconveniences and failures”. Some of the attributing factors could be adverse climatic and weather changes, unforeseen damage to infrastructure by other service providers (eg. SIERRATEL, Guma Valley Water Company), emerging national developmental transformation or project implementations among a host of others.

In order to overcome some of these challenges it is noticeable that telecommunications companies are constantly or intermittently engaged in upgrading their facilities or fixing damages all in a bid to ensure that they get it right and restore sanity to keep on functioning efficiently. This is exactly how Africell is operating because the Management of the company is very mindful of the fact that customer satisfaction is their number one priority and therefore is always on their toes to give their esteemed customers the best within the context of giving them value for money.

Naturally, when things are working well, individuals do feel happy and when it is the opposite then sadness chips in. For Leaf Network to paint the picture that “cries from the public for the bad service delivery at the expense of the subscribers,  complaints about their money being stolen through top up, MB bundles, irregular and unagreed engagement with the Africell Company via phones,” could sound as if such are unending. This is really and honestly not true as some of these experiences by subscribers could probably emanate from the wrong ways of using their phones or internet facilities which could be completely out of the purview of Africell’s modus operandi. Besides, these pitfalls could be intermittent and not permanent occurrences as the impression is created.

Research so far conducted has validated that Africell’s 4G LTE is one of the fastest and cheapest, used by many countrywide. It is very efficient in terms of giving optimal convenience to its numerous customers. It is important to note that to make effective use of 4G LTE one has to have a phone that is 4G enabled with a 4G sim to access and enjoy the service.

“I can attest that as a 4G user the speed I experienced when I migrated from 3G was exceptional and have been very satisfied with its operations as well as fastness,” a banker, Abdulai Konteh told this medium his assertion resonating with the feedbacks we got from other subscribers that were interviewed. That could not be contested.

In terms of Customer Care 111, late responses to enquiries are not peculiar to Africell as other GSM Companies inadvertently do the same and the company is experiencing that most because of its large subscriber base. Sometimes the phone lines are so engaged to such an extent that calls are not responded to timely which therefore requires the exercise of patience. In life we need to be really patient in whatever transaction we do.

For a company that has one of the largest subscriber base in the country it is just justifiable to maintain that because of what it has been impressively offering the people of this country that is why Africell is from time to time becoming the favourite of many and within the shortest possible time grew by leaps and bounds. If on the other hand the company was and is not effectively performing then it would have lost steam instead of continuing to become a household name.

To say that NATCOM is trivializing corrupt practices sounds like an indictment on the Telecoms Regulator. In other words it is tantamount to saying it is not doing its job as it should. Here is a situation where we have an institution that comprises seasoned engineers and telecoms experts who are in a better position to take appropriate decisions according to emerging circumstances. We have witnessed in the past the levying of heavy fines by NATCOM for default and errant performances by GSM Companies which were indeed genuine. It could be understandable that NATCOM is aware of what obtains around the operations of GSM Companies which is why they are using different approaches in order to ensure that services that fluctuate in terms of being up and down are timely stabilized.

The same happens with commercial banks but that could not warrant the Central Bank to come down heavily on them. It must be the carrot and stick approach. Period!

Though it is helpful to healthily criticise but such should be logical enough instead of basking in unfounded exaggeration clothed under the robe or guise of incitement or hate in this competitive world we are living.

Sierra Leone News: Egyptian Youth Ministry Extends Invitation to Sierra Leone Youths

The Ministry of Youth and Sports in Egypt has extended an invitation through the Ministry of Youth Affairs to male and female youths (with artistic talents) in Sierra Leone, to participate in the Oscar African Creativity Forum. This event will take place in Aswan (the Capital of African Youth 2019) in Egypt, from 1st – 10th September 2019.

Single or group applicants can apply in any of the following:

  1. Short Films
  2. Music; Individual and Group Singing
  3. Individual Strumming
  4. Plastic Arts (Photography, Painting, Arts Work, Caricature and Animation)

The aim of the Forum is to provide opportunities to develop and discover young talents as well as to activate cultural and artistic activities in African countries.

Please note that applicants will have to bear the cost of round air travel to Egypt, while the Ministry of Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Egypt will provide accommodation, meals and local travel.

Male and female youths (15- 35 years), or groups interested in any of the categories above, can collect the application form at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, National Stadium Hostel, Monday to Friday, from 10.00 am- 4.00pm daily starting Wednesday 10th July, 2019.

Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 30th July 2019.

For further enquires please call on +23276-657-838

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sierra Leone News: AID-SL Engages Stakeholders

Cross-section of participants during one of the trainings

Receiving funding from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Advocacy Initiative for Development – Sierra Leone (AID-SL) has engaged key stakeholders in Kambia and Kono Districts on Adaptive Capacities of Climate Change on Water Services.

This was disclosed on Friday 4th July 2019 by the Executive Director of AID-SL, Sylvanus Murray at his 17 Circular Road office in Freetown.

He enlightened that since 2012, AID-SL has been working extensively with the UNDP in enriching and transforming lives and communities in Sierra Leone, that in April 2019, AID-SL successfully solicited funding from UNDP to implement an engagement titled:  ‘Awareness Raising on Adaptive Capacities of Water Services to Climate Change” in both Kono and Kambia Districts between April and July 2019 adding that AID/SL, in close collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in both districts, identified and mobilized the project communities, the beneficiaries.

Sylvanus Murray further revealed that the full implementation of the project activities started with two inception meetings organized and held in Kono and Kambia Districts recalling that in Kono, the meeting was held at the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office at Bona Street in Koidu City while that for Kambia took place at the District Resource Centre, Kambia Town targeting sixty (60) key stakeholders, (30) thirty from each District with participants drawn from the Local Councils, Traditional Leadership (Chiefs), Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), WASH-Net members, NGOs in WASH, youths, women, EPA, ONS, ordinary citizens, CSOs and activists.

The well-attended meetings were chaired by the Chairman, Council of Paramount Chiefs, Kono District, Emmanuel T. Foryor and the Deputy Chief Administrator, Kambia District,  respectively.

The objective of the event was to increase stakeholders’ knowledge about the project details including activities and its designed objectives, ensure effective project monitoring and quality compliance while copies of the project set objectives, activities and expected comes were distributed to all the participants with stakeholders firmly pledging, on behalf of their institutions, to support the awareness-raising drive on the issues and effects of climate change on water services.

Furthermore, during the implementation of project activities, two focus group discussions were held with project beneficiaries to thoroughly discuss the causes, effects, perpetrators and prone communities and seriously affected communities to climate change and its consequence

on water services within the two Districts during which it was discussed, agreed and noted that the effects of climate change are visible and experienced in the communities and the districts and therefore requires serious and immediate attention by the district stakeholders.

Few climate change effects and causes discussed were continuous deforestation activities even within reserved forest areas, indiscriminate mining activities, water and air pollution while seriously affected communities identified in Kono were Kombayendeh in Lei Chiefdom, Tama forest in Sandor Chiefdom and Kwidadu and Chenedu in Gbense Chiefdom and Konta and Kenema communities in Khoninaka Chiefdom, Kambia District. The focus group discussions increased stakeholders’ knowledge on climate change and its hazards on the environment as well as the country’s water services.

Also, four dialogue fora between duty bearers and right holders were organized in both districts. The engagements created a level playing field for the two groups to discuss the effects of climate change on water service/points.  Furthermore, the fora were participatory, inclusive, interactive and result-oriented.

The Kambia District Council Chairman, Mohamed Yayah Bangura expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing funds to AID/SL for the activities in his district noting that this was his first opportunity to engage in climate change project face-to-face with people in the district underscoring that climate change has resulted to a lot of suffering for his people as almost yearly, the roofs of houses are blown off, poor harvests as a result of the change in the weather pattern, water shortages etc. and promised to work with other stakeholders to put and enforce bye-laws on tree-felling, charcoal-burning and timber-logging although he acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead.

At the end of each meeting, participants adopted resolutions and actions with responsible persons in the awareness-raising drive to mitigate the effects of climate change on water services at all levels.

The resolutions adopted at the District level are that stakeholders should develop community bye-laws on the cutting down of trees, identify and develop chiefdom reserve forests, that Councils should develop climate change strategy and plans, that Councils should also identify and organize coordination meetings for partners working on climate change, undertake robust monitoring exercise of deforestation activities, popularize national documents on climate change at community levels and that communities and stakeholders must embark on regular tree planting exercises.

At the national level, stakeholders unanimously agreed that Government, through Parliament, should develop policies, laws, national strategy and plan on climate change mitigation, simplify and make available approved documents relating to climate change, ensure enforcement of the policies and laws  and that Government should ensure that politicians are not involved in timber-logging.

Increasing stakeholders’ awareness on climate change issues on water points in Kambia and Kono, AID-SL has lined up the following ongoing activities: regular radio discussion and phoning programmes with panelists identified and drawned from Local Councils, MDAs and CSOs to discuss, key amongst many, is the impact of climate change on water resources.

Also, two drama groups were contracted to perform skits on the effects of climate change on our water services in both districts, especially in disaster-prone communities while AID-SL will continue its routine follow-up exercises in the communities to ensure compliance as well as note change and case stories.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: In Ghana Sierra Leone Aviation Boss Talks Tough

Director General of Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority says aviation is a key enabler of socio-economic development; therefore governments in Africa must take the opportunity to invest in the sector.

He made this statement during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Regional Aviation Forum for West and Central Africa held in Ghana. The theme “Aviation: Business for Regional Prosperity” saw the need for panelists to discuss possible plans to improve on the Air Transport industry in the region.

DG Baio said an improved Air Transport system would provide significant social benefits in Africa by facilitating tourism and trade, promoting culture, boosting careers, providing jobs, and increasing revenues from taxes to trigger economic growth.

“Investing in Aviation Infrastructure for economic growth is not limited to building improved terminal buildings alone, but rather investing in the fundamental aviation infrastructure makes more sense towards enhancing aviation safety and security in compliance with ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). Successive government should consider aviation as a flagship project because it is an enabler of socioeconomic development,” he said.

Being part of the panel, he mentioned that the role of CAA Director Generals must not be limited to monitoring and enforcing compliance at industry level, but also requires some awareness-raising amongst key stakeholders including political leaders, adding that the fight towards the enhancement of Africa safety and security requires a collective and coordinated approach from all stakeholders.

“Regardless of the posing challenges, Africa is set to become one of the fastest growing Aviation regions in the next 20 years with an annual expansion of nearly 5% as referenced in IATA’s report,” he said.

The IATA Regional Aviation Forum was organized to discuss pertinent regional issues ranging from securing the Prosperity of Aviation Businesses in West and Central Africa; supporting Regional Tourism Growth, Aviation supporting Agro-Industry, removing impediments to slow collaboration among African Airlines to growing Political Will to drive the Aviation Agenda.

Sierra Leone News: Politics At The Bar: The Sierra Leone Legal Profession In The 21st Century – The Way Forward

Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Esq.

As we move through the second decade of the twenty-first century, the legal profession in our beloved Sierra Leone confronts a confluence of pressures and realities that have the potential to greatly change how law is practiced at all levels of the profession.’ Like multiple rivers coming together to create a larger more powerful river, these pressures and realities are coming together to exert inordinate pressure on the legal profession for change. While no one can predict the future with a high degree of accuracy, we can try to understand how the recent past and current realities influence how the future develops. One thing that is certain is that in one way or another, like a rushing river, the future is at hand with imminent changes to the practice of law and the legal profession.

During the twentieth century, there was unprecedented growth in the influence of law and legal systems across all levels of our society. Over the last forty years, the lawyer population in Sierra Leone has increased profoundly. The segment of the bar and law firms representing entities grew dramatically, while the sophistication of these entities in the purchase of legal services has likewise expanded and developed. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the legal needs of many of our people go largely unmet. A significant segment of society, including those in the socio-economic lower middle class simply cannot afford to hire a lawyer and as a result, do without legal representation.

These glaring realities are buttressed by significant pressures that are demanding and compelling changes in the practice of law. Clients, technology, competitive forces, globalization, and, to an extent, the government are exerting unprecedented pressures on the legal profession to change how law as a profession and as a business is practiced and regulated. These forces are often working in tandem, and, at times, at cross purposes, to mold the ever changing landscape of the legal practice.

During the nineteenth century, almost all lawyers ‘went to court’ and, as a consequence, the profession was largely defined by the norms and practices of litigation; I will gladly refer to this time in the history of the legal profession as a “club” because the profession displayed the following features: membership exclusivity, members engaged each other outside of their roles as professional service providers, competition was constrained by norms of politeness and courtesy, there was little lateral mobility, relations between providers and clients were stable and long lasting, based on institutional history and not personal connections.

Also, prior to the twentieth century, the practice of law was fairly regulated. Sadly, this is not the case today. Nowadays competition comes from non-lawyers of all sorts. Lawyers engaged in fairly wide open advertising and client solicitation. Many lawyers practice multiple professions within the same office, often out of economic necessity. The profession as at then, and as now, has not always been held in high esteem.

While the structural pillars of lawyering of these various generations remain largely constant over the years, they were a creature of the environment within which they were created. They reflected a profession that was fairly homogeneous and relatively small. They reflected a profession that was comprised of generalists, with a heavy focus on litigation and individual client counselling, working in solo or very small private practices. They reflected a profession that predominantly serviced a fairly unsophisticated client base even when those clients were entities. They reflected a profession that maintained fairly stable employment situations in which many lawyers spent their entire careers at one location similar to many employees of other business entities.

On another spectrum, lawyers, by training, tend to be fairly conservative and notoriously risk adverse. The heavy reliance on precedence means that past practices often limit or dictate current practices. At the same time, many of the more significant political and social changes in the last century have been initiated or assisted by lawyers. The current and evolving state of affairs calls for profound changes in the governance and regulation of the legal profession at a time when competition, clients, technology, globalization, and the government are all exerting significant pressures on the profession to do things differently. Not change for change’s sake, but change that will enhance competitiveness and efficiency, drive down costs, increase competence, provide greater access to legal assistance, and promote innovation in the delivery of legal services across the spectrum of clients.

There can be little doubt that we live in exciting and interesting times. For lawyers, these times bring clear challenges and opportunities. Significant pressures are pulling the profession in numerous directions. With these pressures come opportunities. Whether one wishes to characterize the winds blowing against the legal profession as a paradigm shift, a move from a profession to a business, or simply a profession in decline, the facts remain the same: change is coming. Perhaps within the legal profession, change is always coming. The fact is that because lawyers exist to serve the interest of clients, the public, and society, their fate is directly attached to the current needs and pressures of the time. I will now point out a key pressure point of our time:

Politics at the Bar: In Sierra Leone as elsewhere, Lawyers since time immemorial have famously dabbled in politics. A good number of lawyers have headed Governments more than any other profession. Of the seven democratically elected Heads of State in Sierra Leone, (28.5%) were lawyers (Albert Margai and Alhaji Tejan Kabbah) and 71% Vice-Presidents (A.A. Koroma; F.M. Minah; Dr. Abdullai Conteh; J.B. Dauda; and Solomon Berewa). So, as lawyers, we must take responsibility for the good, the bad and the ugly happenings of the past and the present.

In the mid-sixties, when Prime Minister Albert Margai, attempted the introduction of a One-Party State, the role of lawyers was as conspicuous, as it was facilitating. Come 1978, Siaka Stevens mastered that art, and ushered in a One-Party State. Again the role of lawyers was pivotal. So clearly while lawyers used politicians for personal aggrandizement and gain, and vice versa, the politicians use the lawyers to lengthen their stay in power and as a result their increased executive powers led to arbitrariness. “Na sense make book nor to book make sense”, Siaka Stevens, would retort derisively whenever he outwitted the “Learned Profession”.

During the One-Party era, the stereo of the Bar Association as an entity was put on pause. Individual voices were raised in isolation, on issues such as land tenure, independence of the Judiciary and corruption in high places. The pens of T.S Johnson, Cyrus Rogers-Wright, Riby Williams, Dr Bubua K. Jabbie, Edmund Michael, and Blyden Jenkins-Johnston to name a few, wrote articles condemning the excesses of the one party government. Their acidic voices kept the flames of objectivity alight.

Interestingly also, in that same 1978 Constitution, Section 24 (1) provided that “the Chief Justice shall be the Returning Officer for the election of a President”. I can only imagine the reaction of the public if that provision was to obtain today. Blessedly however, the 1991 Constitution uprooted that provision completely.

The politics at the Bar also continued to be mirrored along the lines of the pre-colonial days, between Non-Natives of the Colony and the Natives of the Protectorate. The paucity of lawyers from the latter made it impossible for them to exert control or leadership at the Bar at the time.

In any event, Politics at the Bar continued to be polarized but in a subdued fashion, until the establishment of the Sierra Leone Law School in 1989. The twist in the event shockingly appeared between lawyers ‘made in Sierra Leone’ and those ‘made in the United Kingdom’. In a very short period, the huge numbers of Graduates of the Sierra Leone Law School gave rise to the power of the vote and hence ultimate control of leadership at the Bar. This gave the opportunity for the clash of the Titans of the Protectorate in the persons of George Banda Thomas, ostensibly representing the SLPP, and Abdul Serry-Kamal, undoubtedly representing the APC. To my memory, that was the nucleus of the political divide and to date considered the most acrimonious elections at the Bar. The lines were drawn and Chambers served as cells to nurture political ambitions and the recruitment of lawyers based on party lines.

In the latter years, the unsavory political experience at Fourah Bay College, descended upon the Bar like an avalanche and subsequently scattered the association like an archipelago. Thus reflecting the naked rivalry between the SLPP and APC parties – and in today’s parlance BLACK vs WHITE Camps.

Successive Governments exploited the malaise and used the Bar to control dissenting opinion, whilst the opposition, used the Bar as an obtrusive mechanism to undermine Government. Either way, the Bar lost its independence, professionalism, integrity and esteem in the eyes of the Public. Regrettably, the Judiciary became a collateral by-product of the damage. Politicians will capriciously remove Chief Justices, with barely any voice from the Bar. It started with the unlawful removal of Chief Justice Okoro Cole, Hon. Chief Justice Dr. Ade Renner-Thomas, (save the voice of Chukuemeka Taylor, a Lone Ranger) and resignation (compulsory) if it maybe, of the Hon. Chief Justice Charm. The opportunism within the Bar and Bench, and party loyalty, blinded the vision and intellect of the many a practitioner, that would otherwise have been vociferous.

However, all is not lost. A breath of fresh air was ushered into the Bar, with the election last year of Mrs. Basita Michael. Her leadership of the Bar has shown outspokenness for the truth, value judgments in decisions of the Bar and the pursuit of litigation, as recourse for redress. Disappointingly and very worrisome, is the fact that none of the cases filed on behalf of the Bar, were ever listed for hearing nor assigned. This is singularly the most dangerous development in the wake of rebranding trust in the Judiciary. This is a threat to the enforcement of the Constitution, contrary to Section 23(2) of Act No. 6 of 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. Even the Writ of Mandamus, filed to compel assignment of the cases, remains largely ignored. I seize this opportunity to make a direct plea to the Hon. Chief Justice, to do the utmost needful.

Now, what is the way forward, one may ask. The legal profession cannot continue to operate in a political “Agbada”: something has to give. In deciding what areas need to change, key principles come to mind:

(a) First and foremost, promoting ethics, integrity and commitment to affordable justice for all. In this regard, continuing Legal Education could play a vital role. What this means, is that, compulsory attendance at legal training sessions in the course of a year must be a prerequisite for Counsel to obtain the Annual Practicing Certificate.

(b) Secondly, the practice of the law should facilitate innovation, efficiency, and competition, including the dramatic impact that technology is playing and will continue to play in the practice of law. Generally, innovation, efficiency, and technology tend to drive down the cost of services and enhance the quality of the practice. Lack of innovation, efficiency, technology and competition create an environment where the profession appears to serve its own interests while, in significant ways, neglecting the needs and wants of clients.

(c) Finally, the legal profession cannot ignore many of the realities of life as affecting the society, including but not limited to the ever increasing external influence by other branches of the government, as well as the judiciary.

These forces appear to be gaining greater traction as we move into the second decade of the twenty-first century, and they will exert even greater influence on the legal profession in the coming years. The Bar must maintain its independence, refrain and resist toxic overtures and pressures of party politics.

The inevitability of change is upon us. One constituency or another will push change. Whether it’s sophisticated and powerful clients, national and international competition, technology, the profession itself, or a combination of some or all, change is inevitable. Clinging to the past is not an option.

Change from within would seem to be preferable to change imposed from without. The profession needs to craft new rules that will enhance competition, promote innovation, embrace technology, and promote efficiency, limit political party intrusion and demand competence, while preserving core-client protections.

This will not be an easy task, I must concede. Not every interest will get what it wants, and numerous compromises will be made along the way. But true to form, the legal profession can no longer operate as if it was 1980, let alone 2000. We must recognize the realities of the twenty-first century and incorporate rules of practice and ethics that acknowledge those realities. If we don’t, others will.

The choice is ours.

I thank you all!