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

May 30, 2019

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

May 30, 2019

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 29^th 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?

May 30, 2019

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

May 30, 2019

On the 30^th 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

May 30, 2019

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:

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

Dr. Kelvin F.E Anderson-Member, Board of Directors, Sierra Leone Local Content Agency
Mr. Umaru Napoleon Koroma-Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice
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

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

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.

Abdul Karim Tarawallg on the run for being gay

May 30, 2019

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Report reaching this medium last night indicates that one Abdul Karim Tarawallg is presently in a state of dilemma after his only Uncle drove him out of the house.

The whole problem started after Tarawallg lost two of his parents Jusufu Tarawallg and Memunatu Tarawallg and his only sister died in a gruesome road accident along the Freetown Makeni highway on the 14th February 2019.

A senior member of the family Ishmael Tarawallg told journalists that after the funeral arrangements, Abdul Karim’s Uncle drove him out of his late father’s house. Abdul became homeless for a month as nobody was ready to accommodate him.

He said on the 7th April 2019, Abdul Karim explained his plight to one man of God Victor Johnson at the Holy Cross Parish Church who later agreed to house Abdul Karim for a while.

He said Abdul Karim never knew that Johnson was a gay activist.

He said during their interaction, both fell in love contrary to the laws governing the nation. The law states that anyone arrested, charged to court, and found guilty of gay-related activities will be sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor. Such practice in the country is completely forbidden.

The Women’s Leader Aminata Kamara said after irate youths realized that both men are practicing gay, they stormed their Magazine Cut residence on the early hours of the 25fh of May 2019. She said the two guys were mercilessly manhandled by the irate youths until they became unconscious. She said the police had to intervene and later took them to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention due to their deteriorating health conditions.

While at the hospital, family sources say, Abdul Karim, regained consciousness two days later while Johnson died as a result of the heavy pains inflicted on him.

A nurse at the Sarolla Hospital at Kissy, Mohamed Conteh said Abdul Karim later left the hospital after rumors went around that the angry mobs were threatening to attack the hospital to kill Abdul Karim for practicing gay.

The police officers investigating the matter urged the nurses to speedily treat Abdul Karim as he is wanted for questioning in connection with the alleged gay matter.

Abdul Karim who hails from a religious background angered his family over the issue, stressing that he has brought shame to the family for which punitive measures must be taken against him.

The nurse said she was shocked to learn the following morning of the disappearance of Abdul Karim from the hospital. Abdul Karim was later spotted at the border town of Kambia and since then his whereabouts remains unknown. Family members have expressed serious concern about his safety and well-being.

Abdul Karim Tarawallg on the run for being gay

May 30, 2019

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Report reaching this medium last night indicates that one Abdul Karim Tarawallg is presently in a state of dilemma after his only Uncle drove him out of the house.

He said on the 7th April 2019, Abdul Karim explained his plight to one man of God Victor Johnson at the Holy Cross Parish Church who later agreed to house Abdul Karim for a while.

He said Abdul Karim never knew that Johnson was a gay activist.

The Women’s Leader Aminata Kamara said after irate youths realized that both men are practicing gay, they stormed their Magazine Cut residence in the early hours of the 25fh May 2019. She said the two guys were mercilessly manhandled by the irate youths until they became unconscious. She said the police had to intervene and later took them to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention due to their deteriorating health conditions.

While at the hospital, family sources say, Abdul Karim, regained consciousness two days later while Johnson died as a result of the heavy pains inflicted on him.

A nurse at the Sarolla Hospital at Kissy, Mohamed Conteh said Abdul Karim later left the hospital after rumours went around that the angry mobs were threatening to attack the hospital to kill Abdul Karim for practicing gay.

The police officers investigating the matter urged the nurses to speedily treat Abdul Karim as he is wanted for questioning in connection with the alleged gay matter.

Abdul Karim who hails from a religious background angered his family over the issue, stressing that he has brought shame to the family for which punitive measures must be taken against him.

Threat to Life and Public Safety….. Aruna Bangura’s forceful initiation raises public safety concern in Sierra Leone

May 29, 2019

By Taimu Thulla

Report from Makeni, Bombali District, Northern part of Sierra Leone has intimated this medium that some members of the ‘Poro Secret Society’ within the district are said to have declared ”Operation Kidnap Mission’’ whilst searching for one Aruna Bangura whose name was ticked for a forceful initiation into their secret bush.

The incident which was filed by our northern correspondent and as well fact checked and crosschecked was echoed by a research done by one organization who stated that the incident of repeated forceful initiation into secret society in 2019 alone has become a cause for concern.

Bangura who was said to have rejected the proposal as a religious man and in lieu of his fear that he might not come back alive as it has happened to others in the past, got the society men angry when it was recently revealed that it is only him who the ‘poro devil’ has ticked for the initiation ceremony. Poro Society is one among many secret societies in Sierra Leone that have mystic powers to the extent that majority of the masses are afraid of them whenever they are in operations.

Family sources disclosed that Bangura was ticked to be their next candidate based on the society’s doctrine that if the leader dies, his eldest son must succeed him. In March 2019, Bangura lost his father and just after his burial, issues of the late man’s successor came up. Bangura was said to have been first approached by his uncle who himself is a member of the society. He was reported to have resisted the call for him to be initiated into the ‘poro society’ and had bitter argument with his uncle. This according to family sources angered the uncle who was left with no option than to bring it to the fore of the society.

Times SL also gathered that Bangura’s refusal and reluctance to join the society created more problem for him to the extent that his safety became a concern to his siblings and friends.

A close friend of Bangura told our northern correspondent that on the night that the society men abducted him, he had to escaped from the society bush when the celebration was on going for his initiation ceremony. His friend said they only came to know about it when members of the society stormed the house pelting stones and sticks on the doors and windows with the loud cry of the poro devil.

He said the society men were shouting in temne opoh dinneh meaning he has escaped. So when he heard them saying such he knew straight that his friend must have maneuvered from the society bush. He said the incident happened at a time when residents within the township had all gone into their houses after got the news that the ‘poro devil’ will come out on the very night.

In their tradition, whenever the ‘poro devil’ comes out anyone spotted will not come back alive with the exception of only those who are members of the society. Therefore, it has become a tradition and customs to the people to always stay in-doors so as to be safe.

Explaining further, Bangura’s close friend disclosed to Times SL Newspaper that when the ‘poro society men‘ arrived, ”they unleashed and displayed their traditional and supernatural powers resulting in serious threats to people within the community. Anything they met outside like goats, sheep and other creatures were taken away.

Bangura’s whereabouts remained unknown though the search place on his head is still in force. The possibility of having a replacement for him according to investigation is not visible because the society men have made it openly that their new candidate who should satisfy the desire of their master is Aruna Bangura.

However, though concern have been raised by civil society organizations over the rampart invasion of secret societies into towns and districts right across the country, the government is still unable to handle the situation as most of the government authorities are alleged to be members of the said secret societies who themselves have been used to protect and cover their evil deeds.

Some among the government authorities have also been accused of taking undue advantage of their secret society to commits acts of ritual murder and that many a time there have been reported cases of dead bodies discovered with missing parts. The ‘poro secret society’, it is believe has part of its traditions to tear and disfigure human flesh which they usually used as part of their sacrifice.

Therefore, the 1945 Universal Declaration of the United Nations Convention on the Rights to life and Movement is not followed to the latter as there are reported cases of such forceful initiation in the country.

Bangura’s case is one among many in Sierra Leone who have been suffering in silence but unable to get protection as a result of the influence commanded by members of the societies

Sierra Leone News: Statistics Sierra Leone: Key Achievements

May 28, 2019

Professor Osman Sankoh, Statistician General, Statistics Sierra Leone

Stats SL’s Key Achievements
Period: April 2018 – March 2019
Management with new Statistician General

Strengthened collaboration with global development partners
o Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) – support for research activities
o Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD) and the Africa Regional Data Cube (ARDC).
o UNFPA, World Bank, USAID, Global Fund, CDC, UNICEF, UNDP, and DFID – support for SLIHS, MICS 6 launch, DHS, Capacity Strengthening activities
o Chinese Embassy and JICA – Capacity strengthening and training
o Made the National Statistical System (NSS) one of three components of the proposed World Bank’s Statistics Project for Stats SL.
o UN Women – raised planning grant to develop a Project for the compilation of Gender Statistics including Gender-Based Violence.
o AfDB funded consultants for mid-term review of National Strategy for the Development of Statistics II and study tours by Stats SL staff, five each to national statistics offices in Uganda and Rwanda.
o IMF maintained technical support to Stats SL.
Successfully partnered with organisations across Sierra Leone to bring better information about Sierra Leone
o Successfully advocated to the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development to make the NSS an integral part of the Mid-Term National Development Plan, ensuring better decision making for Sierra Leone. Worked closely with MoPED on SDG tracking and reporting.
o The Immigration Department to provide training on migration policy and data collection on migration statistics.
o Ministry of Basic and Secondary School Education – to collect data for the National School Census
o Ministry of Health and Sanitation – both to implement the DHS and to implement the Public Health Surveillance Systems survey
o National Commission for Democracy – to produce the State of Democracy Report
o National HIV/AIDS Secretariat – supporting the DHS data collection activities
o Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation – provided data and technical support for DSTI’s spatial analyses projects.
o The Sierra Leone Police to produce key statistics on crime, traffic management, and road safety data analysis.
o Ministry of Tourism and Culture – Conducted national census for spatial and attribute data collection of tourist and cultural sites.
o National Revenue Authority – Joint proposal with NRA funded with Le6bn to conduct a rental property census.
o Ministry of Finance – Worked with the research department on research capacity and data analysis and participated in relevant meetings.
o Research Department, Bank of Sierra Leone – supported the Bank with data and participated in relevant meetings.
o National Civil Registration Authority – participated in the biometric verification of Government workers and worked closely together in various areas of mutual interest.
o National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) Social Safety Net (SSN) Qualitative Assessment study funded by the World Bank implemented.
Worked to make Sierra Leone a leader among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in ensuring full transparency of data and development and in using data to ensure achievements targeting the SDGs. This will help Sierra Leone collaborate with countries across the Global South and North and help sustain our development path.
o Developed and submitted Stats SL Proactive Disclosure Scheme as requested by the 2013 RAI Act, which made Stats SL one of the few NSOs in Africa to implement a Publication Scheme proactively.
o Helped Sierra Leone move upwards (from position 122 in 2018 to 86 in 2019) in the Open Data Inventory (ODIN) 2018/19, by demonstrating Sierra Leone’s commitment to the coverage and openness of official statistics to help identify gaps, promote open data policies, improve access and encourage dialogue among National Statistical offices (NSOs) and data users in 178 countries, including almost all OECD countries.
o Collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) to address data gaps for SDG Goals 13 and 14 on Climate change and Environment.
o Strengthened Stats SL’s international reputation and visibility by presenting the situation of multidimensional child poverty in Sierra Leone at the UN Statistical Commission in New York.
o Won Stats SL a permanent membership of the Expert Group on Measuring Violence against Children in New York, further garnishing Stats SL’s international reputation
o Cemented Stats SL’s international reputation and visibility at the WHO in Geneva, Switzerland, when Stats SL’s work in conducting verbal autopsies for under-five’s was presented at the Maternal and Child Epidemiology Estimation Group Meeting.
Ensured technical expertise available and supported the collection of essential routine data about Sierra Leone
o Consumer Price Index (CPI) monthly data
o Producer Price Index (PPI) data
o Business Confidence Survey
o Foreign Trade data. We process trade data from customs ASCUDA++ using EUROTRACE Software. We work with stakeholders to harmonize the system of trade data compilation in the country
o Agriculture data
o National Accounts data
o Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by production, expenditure and income approaches. Using the SNA-93 to compile GDP and other aggregates. We compiled and disseminated the final figures for 2017 in September 2018. GDP in line with the ICP-Africa Project of the AfDB
o Implemented Hep B Household Listing exercise
o Technical and Logistical support provided for the DHS Household Listing exercise
o Reproduction of enumeration areas (EA), AO and other map specifications for Stats SL and external clients for data collection, research and planning.
Launched new initiatives and completed others to collect better data and strengthen development across Sierra Leone
o Commenced the four-year COMSA project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which seeks to undertake mortality surveillance in Sierra Leone using a Sample Registration System (SRS).
o Successfully launched, nationally the 2017 Sierra Leone Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Report, which was the first of the sixth round of MICS surveys to be conducted globally, clearly placing Sierra Leone as a global leader in the current data landscape.
o Successfully completed the data collection for the Sierra Leone Integrated Household Survey (SLIHS) 2018 that produces poverty figures for Sierra Leone.
o Contributed to the development of the new Multidimensional Poverty Index for Sierra Leone, funded by UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
Ensured essential transparency for Stats SL, to make it a leader amongst LMICs
o Provided effective, transparent and accountable Leadership to Management and Staff in the executive of Stats SL operations.
o Developed processes of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) across Stats SL.
o Worked closely with the Chairman of the Statistics Council and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development to regain institutional credibility and visibility.
o Compiled and submitted on time Stats SL Annual Report to the parliamentary committee on development and economic planning and to the Cabinet Secretary.
o Completed first, second and third quarterly 2018 financial year (FY) internal audit.
o Increased effectiveness and transparency of procurement processes through strengthening of the procurement committee.
o Introduced an integrity management committee (IMC) that works with Anti-Corruption Commission
o Ensured more efficient management of the institution’s assets
o Submitted Annual Financial Report for 2017 and 2018 to Accountant General and Auditor General.
o Submitted financial reports for all projects and activities undertaken in 2017 and 2018 to the relevant stakeholders especially development partners.
o Undertook financial management activities for all GosL funded activities as well as those funded by development partners
o Prepared and submitted on time Stats SL Annual budget FY 2017 and 2018 and took part in the bilateral budget discussions.
o Discussed with the Appropriation Committee of Parliament for the approval of Stats SL budget.
o Submitted requests for all funds due Stats SL to Ministry of Finance and other development partners.
o Supported internal audit processes and implemented internal audit recommendations.
Strengthened Capacity at Stats SL, in Freetown and in offices across Sierra Leone
o Training of eighteen (18) staff for the hepatitis B household listing exercise using electronic hand held devices (phone).
o Training of sixty (60) Stats SL staff for the DHS household listing exercise using tablets.
o Monitored the 2018 SLIHS data entry clerks in data capture at district level
o Trained data entry staff on Developing CS Pro dictionary
o Designed data capture template for Cash Transfer Survey
o Trained field staff and Monitored 2018 DHS listing exercise
o Facilitated the training of forty (40) staff of the family support unit (FSU) from the Sierra Leone police force on Data management by Stats SL.
o Facilitated the training of staff from the procurement, finance and internal audit departments on World Bank procurement issues in October 2018
o Coordinated the five-day Stats SL Regional internal training programme on STATA statistical software for 22 Stats SL district staff in Bo city from 4th -8th march 2019
o Coordinated the two day Stats SL Regional internal training programme on vehicular regulations and maintenance for 4 Stats SL drivers in Bo city from 4th -5th march 2019.
o Started the refurbishment of the HQ building to create a conducive work environment.

Source: Statistics Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone News: VP assures implementation of Peace Conference resolutions

May 28, 2019

Sierra Leone’s Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has assured of the Government’s commitment to fully implementing the outcome of the just concluded National Peace Conference. He said everyone’s view during deliberations over the course of the three days would be taken into account.

He was speaking as he received the Communique from the conference.

“It is with humility that I receive the final communique containing the key highlights of the deliberations over the last three days,” he was quoted saying.

The conference unofficially dubbed Bintumani III, was organized by the Government as part of efforts to unite a country seemed to be divided along political, ethnic and regional lines.

The Government also said the conference is a precursor to the formation of a National Peace Commission.

But the run up to host the event has been dominated by boycott by opposition parties.

The main opposition All Peoples Congress and the Coalition For Change say the organizers did not do enough consultations to incorporate opposition views.

Nonetheless, VP Jalloh believes the deliberations were worth it.

“It is evident that the conference to a large extent responded to the need to stimulate consultations,” he said.

Transparency and accountability, good governance, and equitable distribution of national resources were on top of the issues raised by participants.

The organizers say the Communique, which has not been released to the public, is just a draft. Therefore ordinary Sierra Leoneans still have a few more days to present their views for possible inclusion to the final document.

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