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NP-SL: From an humble Beginning to a Towering Petroleum Marketing Company

By Amin Kef Sesay

It has been widely agreed and endorsed that the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is without any iota of doubt one of the companies  that falls within the category of Sierra Leone’s successful indigenous companies.

NP-SL, many have attested, has been hugely contributing towards overall national development, particularly in the areas of job creation, timely payment of taxes to Government via the National Revenue Authority (NRA) as well as the steady and meaningfully rolling out of its Corporate Social Responsibility that are all positively impacting on the socio-economic development of the country.

Indeed, if it has taken quite a considerable period of time since this country has not been experiencing fuel shortage, then such could be largely attributed to the pro-active and sterling initiatives that the Management of NP-SL has been executing with regards timely procurement of petroleum products and making such available on the market for public consumption.

Without holding any brief for NP, it is highly commendable for a well-established and result-producing company like NP to have ascended to such an enviable position, especially when cognizance is taken of the fact that it is exclusively owned by Sierra Leonean shareholders, a typical testimony of how local entrepreneurs could raise the bar high.

Interestingly, the members of staff referred to were workers of the former British Petroleum Company, an entity that later decided to sell its shares to the Government of Sierra Leone at that material period of time.

Things took another dimension when in 1996 the Government sold its 60% shares in NP to some members of staff who were working for the company. Again it was made known that 55 % was paid upfront from the end of service benefits of the workers from BP and the 5% offered to all the other workers. Thus the company known as LEONEOIL was born.

The 55% sale of Government shares to NP came as a result of the World Bank’s advice to privatize the company. It was also revealed that among the 4 companies that bid, which included ELF, LEONOIL won the international competitive bidding conducted by Arthur De Little, a United States based Management consultancy firm hired by the World Bank.

It could be recalled that the World Bank, which advised Government to privatize NP, monitored the bidding process for the three international companies and one local company that competed culminating in LEONEOIL, which metamorphosed to NP, meeting all the set criteria.

Economists this medium had the privilege to talk to noted that the aforementioned members of staff were indeed serious enough to properly manage the company to such an extent that, unlike others, it survived most of the challenges that it had been bedeviled with.

Further digging into the historical background of NP, in a bid to give readers the opportunity to see how it has become so successful, it came out glaringly that the 40% PMMC’s stake in the company, owned by the late Jamil Sahid Mohammed and Tony Yazbeck, was given as collateral for a loan from a Bank by one of the parties.

The controversial and highly influential, Jamil Sahid Mohammed, later sold to Cape Oil PMMC’s 40% shares to offset a fidelity loan, but LEONE OIL was not satisfied with that move and took the matter to court on the grounds that it was in violation of the M and A which dictates that the other side has the first option to buy. The outcome of the matter was that the High Court gave judgement in favour of Leone Oil.

For reasons best known to them, certain individuals have been peddling rumors that NP has a monopoly over the petroleum market in the country, but such have been proven baseless and misleading, as it is factual that there are other Marketing Companies marketing petroleum products that are registered with the Petroleum Regulatory Agency.

It is worthy for readers to note that Petro-Leone is a storage company developed by both Addax and Leone Oil so that petroleum products will always be available in the country and avert shortage. Experts further state that if such a venture is disrupted, the country will relapse to the former state of shortage of fuel and long queues will once more re-surface across the country, causing a lot of inconvenience and national hiccups.

Currently, NP has filling stations in different parts of the country and is even operating in some countries within the West African sub-region namely: Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia, delivering qualitative services and sales.

The company has really etched a name for itself because of its unique ways of rolling out customer care, which has been rated as the best and have earned it the reputation of 1st for customer care. Quick responses to queries and concerns always go like lightening, leaving those trying to find out very satisfied. This proactive stance by the company had placed it at a vantage position to make informed decisions that have contributed greatly to the growth of the business entity.

To make cooking simple the company introduced what has now become a household companion and here we are talking of NP Gas, a device that is in line with best practice, as it is non-hazardous, environmentally friendly and easy to refill. Designed in different cylinder sizes they could be accessed at the company’s Filling Stations and authorized dealers.

Still in a bid to make fuel transaction convenient for its numerous customers, it introduced what today has gained currency, NP Smart Card. With this card, a particular customer could purchase a required quantity of petroleum product, especially diesel and petrol as long as the card contains money. Key advantages of using this device are saving time and providing security from any financial scam.

It could be seen that starting from a humble beginning the NP-SL as an indigenous petroleum marketing company has now become a towering business entity within the West African sub-region.

 

Over Orange-SL 4.2 Billion Leones Saga… ACC Exonerates Orange

Anti -Corruption Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Anti-Corruption Commission has on Wednesday 15th January, 2020 cleared the air on news making the rounds that the telecommunications giant operating in Sierra Leone that Orange-SL owes the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and by extension the Government of Sierra Leone the whooping sum of 4.2 Billion Leones as tax arrears  highlighted in the 2018 Auditor’s General Report.

Speaking to this medium in an interview at ACC Office on Gloucester Street in Freetown, the Public Relations Officer of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Margret Morray, she disclosed that the Press Conference convened on the 7th January, 2020 by the Anti- Corruption Commission, the Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala  mentioned the names of entities including Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Telecommunications  Companies etc allegedly said to owe the Government of Sierra Leone public funds and among them he named Orange-SL as one of those entities that fell short of honouring its tax obligations to the NRA.

She noted that after the Press Conference Orange-SL contacted the ACC in relation to the said issue and categorically pointed out that they have honoured all their taxes and so were very surprised to learn about that.

She further intimated how the ACC contacted the NRA to shed light on the issue to which it was abundantly made clear that Orange-SL doesn’t own the Government of Sierra Leone the said 4.2 Billion Leones as inter alia purported.  She also underscored that at the time the Audit Service conducted its audit they could not establish or capture whether Orange-SL had paid the 4.2 Billion Leones in 2018.

The ACC PRO also informed disclosed after conducting a thorough investigation it became glaring that Orange-SL doesn’t owe the Government of Sierra Leone as it is being mooted in certain quarters.

 

 

 

Tourism Ministry & Stats-SL Commission National Tourism Census Report

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt & Minister Internal Affairs Edward Soloku commissioning the report

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to enhance the improvement and the development of the tourism sector in the country, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone on Monday 13 January, 2020 launched the first National Tourism Census Report, an event that took place at the Miatta Conference Hall at Brookfields in Freetown.

In her statement, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt expressed appreciation to his Excellency The President for making tourism one of his top priorities in the New Direction manifesto, adding that the tourism sector is very significant to the country’s economy and one of the top priority areas within the development paradigm of the New Direction Government.

She pointed out that the goal of the survey is key and will provide the fundamental basis for the initialization of tourism development and promotion in any country, also adding that one of the key indicators in the New Direction manifesto is for the development of a tourism master plan.

She further stated how this is the first time, since the aftermath of the civil conflict in Sierra Leone, that a comprehensive census of tourism, cultural sites and related establishments was undertaken, noting that such has provided an insight and understanding of the vast array of the natural, cultural and historical resources of the country furthering how the census effectively identified all touristic and cultural assets as well as establishments operating in the country.

She noted that with the launch of the National Tourism Census such will help the Ministry to physically map out the country’s tourism master plan through geospatial data in order to know what are available in the country.

The Minister said that the exercise was conducted in collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone. Additionally, 150 young men and women were hired together with officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its sub-vented agencies to visit every nook and cranny of the country including isolated coastal areas. She informed that the main goal is to digitalize the tourism sector through the use of GPS mapping of a wide variety of tourism and cultural assets and establishments countrywide.

Dr. Memunatu Pratt further disclosed that the exercise was conducted over a period of seven (7) days and an impressive result obtained saying it is a demonstration of the high potentials of the tourism and cultural sectors of Sierra Leone. She said the findings, when properly marketed, will lead to an increase in revenue collection within the sector also stating that they are creating opportunities in collaboration with Local Councils to protect, preserve and restore important cultural, historical and natural sites. Minister Pratt underscored how such will generate more interest in local and international visitors to visit urban and rural communities to enjoy and experience the vast array of tourism assets.

She applauded Statistics Sierra Leone, Ministry of Finance, and Staff of the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies for their tireless support in putting the report together.

Underscoring the purpose of the National Census Report, Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh, disclosed that the Tourism Census Report is a resource audit and fundamental ingredient in the development trajectory of any successful tourist destination. He informed that the report clearly spells out the tourism resource base of a destination which, he said, forms a strong appeal in attracting tourists, adding that some tourist destinations make the silly mistake of embarking immediately in glamorous advertisement and promotion of their destinations leading in most cases to a mismatch between tourism demand and supply.

He said the report will help the country to have an incisive knowledge, insight and understanding of what tourism can offer adding how the Tourism Resource Audit has identified, assessed and analysed tourism natural resources such as beaches, important rivers, lakes, mountains, parks, forested areas and reserves.

He noted that cultural resources having to do with historic buildings, heritage sites, shrines, burial sites, ancient mosques and churches, historic monuments and relics, event resources, activity resources, purpose built tourist or leisure attractions such as entertainment centres, parks, shopping spots were captured during the survey.

According to the Director, students from tourism institutions also embarked on the data collection exercise across the country, adding that the survey team were equipped with GPS gadgets that aided them to capture location tourism resources. He said the information and statistics collected are tabulated and analysed with tables, graphs and charts.

Deputy Statistician General, Andrew Bob Johnny, disclosed that the Tourism Census covers each and every region, district, chiefdom and section in the country as long as there is tourist interest in that area, adding that it collected both statistical, geospatial data and they worked in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism in the preparation of the survey instruments.

He said that several countries in Africa rely on tourism to provide a substantial revenue base and contribution to the GDP, noting that the tourism sector has been identified by His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio as one of the key sectors for the diversification of the economy to improve Government’s revenue generation and create job opportunities.

Commissioner of Right to Access Information Commission, Ms. Yeama Sarah Thompson, disclosed that over the Christmas period, they witnessed an increased influx of Sierra Leoneans living abroad, tourists, black Americans seeking to return to their roots, including the Gullah Geechee that visited the country to relax at the beach, explore nature, embark on sightseeing or simply to enjoy the country’s hospitality.

She noted that the tourism industry has indeed been experiencing a boom in the past 12 months and is continuously generating increased revenue for the country.

She said that as the Commission responsible for the facilitation and enforcement of freedom of information rights and obligations, they have signalled their commitment to one of their core mandates which is facilitating and strengthening measures that promote openness through the initialization of an open data initiative: a revolution that seeks to foster collaboration for the ultimate improvement of data quality and accessibility.

“We are very pleased that the benefits of open Data re-use are gaining recognition in the tourism sector and pleased to be part of this launch and want to applaud the Ministry of Tourism and Statistics-Sierra Leone as the intended outcomes of the GIS tourism data will support many priority areas,” she underscored.

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt delivering her statement at the ceremony

YAEP unveils Biggest Cassava Farm in Koya Chiefdom

Chief Executive Officer of Youth in Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Lamrana Alieu Jalloh at the Farm Land

By Foday Moriba Conteh

To support Government’s efforts to make Sierra Leone attain food sufficiency, Youth in Agriculture and Environmental Protection (YAEP) on Sunday 12 January, 2020 unveiled its biggest cassava farm in Koya Chiefdom, an event that took place during a working visit to the farm at Koya Chiefdom, North Western Province, Port Loko District.

Speaking to this medium, the Chief Executive Officer of Youth in Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Lamrana Alieu Jalloh, disclosed that the farm is predominantly a cassava farm located in the Koya Chiefdom, North Western Province, Port Loko District.

He said that if the country wants to achieve food sufficiency, the Government must put more priority on agriculture which he averred is very key, adding that agriculture could serve as the backbone of the nation’s development.

He called on Sierra Leoneans to engage in mechanized faming arguing that such will help in making Sierra Leone food sufficient and reduce unemployment further noting that all over the world where food sufficiency has been attained it is as a result of Government’s interventions, adding that if all the expenses in the production of agricultural food products are factored then the total costs will be very high and so in that regard he called on the Government to support the said project as he has been the major sponsor.

He applauded the various communities that have been helping him with manpower to make the said project a success.

Headman of Masibara Village in the Koya Chiefdom, Morlai Kamara, extended appreciation to the Chief Executive Officer Youth in Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Lamrana Alieu Jalloh, for the great initiative which he said has contributed to the development of not only the lives of the residents but Koya Chiefdom as a whole.

He said the project has improved the livelihoods of the people of Koya Chiefdom as through the project most residents are now able to put food on their tables, buy school materials for their children etc.

He called on other Sierra Leoneans to follow the footprints of Lamrana Alieu Jalloh in investing in agriculture which, he said, is pivotal in enhancing food sufficiency in the country.

One Mohamed Tarawallay, a youth of Koya Chiefdom also expressed appreciation  to the Youth in Agriculture and Environmental Protection for bringing such a project to their chiefdom which, he said, has enabled them as youths to empower themselves by deriving wages paid by the organization.

He called on the Government of Sierra Leone to support such an initiative as that will enable young people to see agriculture as very important saying it will motivate them to invest in it and in return will help the country to achieve food sufficiency.

The Cassava Farm Land
The Cassava Farm Land

10 Limba Churches Receive 200 Bags of Rice from Mabohanday Organisation

By Esther Wright

In a humanitarian gesture, from the 22nd  to 25th December 2019  the Mabohanday Organization, a non-profitable cultural entity formed in 1982 by a group of Sierra Leoneans belonging to the Limba tribe in Sierra Leone but currently residing in the USA donated 200 (two hundred) bags of rice to 10 (ten) Limba churches across the capital, Freetown.

The distribution in the 10 Limba Churches include 30 bags in First Street, 20 bags in Fourah Bay, 20 bags in Kissy, 20 bangs in Wellington, 20 bags in Congo Cross, 15 bags in Moeba, 20 bags in Lumley, 20 bags in Goderich, 15 bags in Nicole Terrace and 20 bags in Faith Assembly Bible Church.

Meanwhile, this humanitarian gesture resonates perfectly with Sierra Leone’s religious tolerance as the Organisation earlier in June 2019 donated 135 bags of rice to 6 Limba mosques across Freetown.

The mosques at the time included Majid Amin on Sanders Street, Masjid Salam at Brookfields, Masjid Baiti  Nurr on Peacock Lane Fourah Bay Community, Limba Mosque on Taylor Street, Masjid Imadu Deen at Kuntorloh and Masjid Isha on Palmer Street in Wellington.

Meanwhile, though, Mabohanday is a Limba organization that helps everyone irrespective of tribe or religion. This is why Mabohanday has been helping Muslim and Christians in Sierra Leone with issues regarding scholarship to students and supporting the construction or renovation of mosques.

The organization, according to its vision statement was borne out of the desire to bring together people of Limba descent, to work for the development of the tribe in particular and Sierra Leone on a broader scope.

The organization’s main vision is to build a stronger Limba community within and outside Sierra Leone, with a mission to preserve, enhance and perpetuate the unique and distinctive cultural and traditional values of the tribe.

Consequently the organization scored accomplishments in the areas of providing medical gloves and other medical items to hospitals in Sierra Leone; provide scholarships, textbooks and other school items to schools and colleges in Sierra Leone. It also provided cash donation to support mudslide and flood victims in Sierra Leone and has been providing financial and humanitarian aid to mosques and churches in Sierra Leone.

The organization aims to continue supporting community development projects geared towards alleviation of poverty and human suffering in Sierra Leone.

Mabohanday currently has about 500 members in 8 states in the USA and also in U.K.

Dr. Peter Belmoh Samai  Indicted by ACC  for  Corruption Related Offences

By Amin Kef Sesay

Dr. Peter Belmoh Samai, a Medical Doctor employed by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and attached to the Bo Government Hospital has on 13th January 2020 been indicted by the Anti-Corruption Commission on three (3) count charges of corruption offences –  Misappropriation of Public Property contrary to Section 36(1); Unlawful Disposal of Public Property, contrary to Section 48(1)(b); and Abuse of Office, contrary to Section 42(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No.12 of 2008 and as amended.

According to the particulars of offence, Dr. Samai, being a Medical Doctor at the Government Hospital, Bo, between the 23rd February 2017 and 31st August 2019 conferred an advantage on himself by the unlawful disposal of one 25ES 20 KVA generator from the Bo Government hospital for use in his private premises while the hospital continued to experience challenges with electricity supply.

Investigations so far conducted confirmed that as medical doctor, he instructed the removal and transfer of the generator from one of the Wards and the generator was never returned. The Commission later found a generator of the similar description in his home albeit newly sprayed from green to Yellow. He instructed one Muctaru Monrovia, an electrician at the said Hospital, to disconnect the aforementioned generator and remove it from the said premise. When search was carried out at the residence of Dr. Samai, two generators were found for which he failed to produce receipts. A prior search was conducted by the Sierra Leone Police based on intelligence given by a journalist, who found what is believed to be the aforesaid generator in the premises of Dr. Samai.

It has also been discovered that Dr. Samai, being a Public Officer, failed to declare his assets and liabilities for the period 2018 and 2019, as is provided for in Section 119 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008.
Dr. Samai is expected to make his first appearance at the High Court of Sierra Leone Holden at Bo, on the 16th January 2020.

Meanwhile, the Commission wishes to further reassure the public of its national commitment to controlling corruption at all levels.

Kabala Gets New Rokel Commercial Bank

By Theresa Kef Sesay

Residents of Kabala in the Koinadugu District received their New Year’s gift from the Rokel Commercial Bank where a new branch of the bank was commissioned during an auspicious occasion. The opening of a new branch some say has brought relief to residents in that part of the country as that will greatly help them to conduct banking transactions.

The new branch, just few meters away from the town center will provide full banking services to residents and visitors and as the Managing Director, Dr Dayo Gilpin puts it, “We were here before as Barclays Bank from 1984 but the war stopped our operations….. We resumed with mobile banking and today we are here with a permanent outfit…..”

Dr Gilpin was optimistic that the Kabala new branch would significantly promote financial inclusion as products like the Rokel Simkorpor will not only take banking to the doorsteps of indigenes but will also enhance economic growth in the district.

It was clear the new Rokel Bank branch in Kabala enjoys the endorsement of the district’s stakeholders as according to the Chairman of the Koinadugu District Council, Alex Sorie Conteh, most Government employees in the district have their accounts with Rokel Bank thus the opening of the  new branch was long overdue. “Agriculture is the mainstay of our district and we understand that Rokel Commercial Bank supports agriculture and this is a huge blessing to the people of Koinadugu” he said.

Resident Minister North East, Abu Abu Koroma, whilst formally opening the new branch, underscored Government’s commitment to cushion the burden people face to carry out banking transactions in distant Makeni and encouraged all to bank with Rokel Commercial Bank for maximum satisfaction.

The event attracted several other dignitaries including Paramount Chiefs, senior military and police personnel.

NP-SL is a Propelling Force for National Developments

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

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is a well-established fact that the No 1 oil marketing company in the country, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone, is one of the propelling forces of  various emerging socio-economic developments that have materialized in all the places it is operating in country as well as in countries within the West African sub-region where it has branches. The selfless commitment of the shareholders of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NP-SL) has been a major factor driving the success of the company resulting to it employing and empowering hundreds if not thousands of hitherto those yearning for employment..

Talking about effective implementation of Local Content Policy, NP-SL stands tall as it is truly the only 100% indigenous company that employs 100% Sierra Leoneans as workers. This is one of the factors which has made the company a success story..NP-SL, by giving preference to employing Sierra Leoneans, gives a clear indication that it adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy as utilizing local talents makes it possible for indigenes to acquire useful knowledge and skills through training courses that could be applicable in other places.Furthermore, it has been discovered that the synergy that runs through management, staff and board members of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NP-SL) company is the reason why the company is contributing greatly to improving the lives of its workers and their dependents and also contributing to the company’s growth and the socio-economic development of the country at large.

The National Petroleum- Sierra Leone (NP-SL) is on record for having a capable and competent managerial team of Sierra Leoneans at the helm of affairs, which from time to time comes up with good initiatives, always ensuring that those initiatives are effectively and efficiently implemented to create value for money.

It is also on record that the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited, apart from it being lauded for being one of Sierra Leone’s biggest tax payers, is also being lauded for its invaluable contributions towards building the country’s economy.

Apart from it having filling stations in various parts of the country, NP-SL also vibrantly functions in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.This 100% indigenously-owned company has so far offered various jobs to residents in the afore-mentioned countries, thereby reducing poverty to a considerable level.

Since it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who bought shares from the Government years back, the company has grown from leaps and bounds; weathering storms that would have run it down. But the resolve of its shareholders and Management to succeed has been the centre-piece that has propelled NP to a higher level, equal to none in the sub-region.

Asking those who really know NP, the feedback you get indicate that around its commitment to customer care, NP strongly believes that it must prioritize the offer of total satisfaction.NP has maintained a good business relationship with its numerous customers’ right across the sub-region where it exists and most consumers have confessed that they are realizing optimum satisfaction in dealing with NP.

The company deals with individuals and various sectors of society, always ensuring that its various petroleum products are available and are sold at affordable prices. This keen symbiotic relationship with its customers has been paying huge dividends, always resulting in a win-win situation, making NP very endearing to all and sundry.

The regulatory institution of the different petroleum companies in the country, the Petroleum Directorate, has also lauded NP in recent time for its efficient service delivery in its areas of operation.

The company is also known for offering Sierra Leoneans affordable NP Gas Cookers of various sizes, which are safe and very friendly to use. NP Gas cookers could be purchased at all their filling stations across the country and the very gas is also sold to replenish those that have been used.

Another most important feature of NP-SL is its smart cards which customers can use to make transactions very easily and conveniently. The company always ensures that petroleum products are always available, thereby preventing shortage that could create shocks in many quarters. The level of confidence which overseas business partners have reposed in the company has made it possible for it to enter into payment agreements thereby keeping the demand and supply chain open and running.

In addition, the company sells the best cooking gas that is available in hundreds of outlets across the country, thereby contributing to creating cleaner environments, thus aiding the work of EPA.

It can be safely said that the petroleum giant is a real propelling force for development.

Audit Service Sierra Leone in the Spotlight

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) draws its mandate from the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, the Audit Service Act of 2014 and the Public Financial Management Act of 2016 giving the Auditor-General the sole prerogative to audit all government institutions in which government has the majority interest, and submit a report to Parliament at the end of the audit exercise.

The audits are conducted in accordance with the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions and aims to impact the lives of the citizens by adding value to the work of the audited institutions.

A successful audit exercise starts with adequate preparation by the auditors during an annual operational planning meeting, where the ASSL outlines institutions to be audited during the year in accordance with its strategic plan.
The ASSL selects public institutions for audit, using the Risk-Based Approach; taking into consideration certain factors such as level of budgetary allocations, expected level of service delivery to the citizenry, public interest sensitivity and government priorities amongst others.

Having selected the institutions through the Risk-Based Approach, the institution audit these institutions and present our report to Parliament in line with section 119, subsection 4 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, within 12 months of the ensuing year.
The institution is informing all interested parties that, as a result of challenges ranging from inadequate financial resources to insufficient manpower, the ASSL is unable to audit all institutions in a given year. In such situations, the audits of such entities are normally carried forward to subsequent audit years.

The most common reasons why audits may not be carried out in any given year include but not limited to:
• the client failing to submit their financial statements on the statutory deadline of 31st March or submitting late, in which case the audit is delayed and may be carried forward to subsequent audit years;
• the client being considered a low risk client and as such is only audited every two or three years cumulatively; and
• the high cost of carrying out the audit annually, as in the case of embassies, which results in audits being carried out every three years or more cumulatively.
It must be noted that there are some institutions which, though required by statutes to submit financial statements for audits, persistently fail to do so. These institutions have therefore not been audited. A list of these defaulting institutions is in the Auditor-General’s Annual Report.
The ASSL will continue to carry out its mandate of being the Guardian of Sierra Leone’s Economic Security.

FBC Students Express Dissatisfaction over Transportation Constraint

By Theresa Kef

The perennial problem of accessing commercial vehicles by students of Fourah Bay College, to and fro campus still persists. Fourah Bay College has over 9,000 enrolled students who are not residing on campus and almost half of this number attend classes every day. The day starts with long queues at Model Secondary School. Students stand in the sun for hours waiting for the buses, taxis or commercial motorcycles. The latter is often very expensive. For those who have early classes, the challenge is they are either late or absent. Some students who live far from campus have to wake up in the early hours devoid of all the security issues in the city just to make it for the 8 am class.  Most lecturers do not allow latecomers.

The transportation problem is at its critical stage and there is an urgent need to alleviate or minimize this problem. According to the Minister of Transport, Mr. Eric Lebbie  “there are only 2 buses out of the 3 that are plying the Mount Aureole route. ”  He added that” the bus that was donated by NRA to the Student Union is currently in a bad shape and thus cannot be used to commute students “.  This means a college of over 9,000 students who are not living in hostels at the moment only has 2 buses for transportation and there are limited taxis plying that route.

When some students at Model were interviewed one of them said, “We have been suffering for too long. That is why we voted for a student Union President whom we believe can come to our aid by exerting the necessary pressure on the Administration for them to see reasons why they should allay this problem. “Another student retorted, “We are sick and tired of this sickening problem. The Administration must know we are fed up with this age-old problem…”

Majority of students have been expressing their dissatisfactions that the transportation problem is having a toll on their academic work and many are beginning to muster the courage to openly express revulsion about it.

They are calling for affirmative to be instituted to solve this problem.

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