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How Mayor Aki Sawyer Controls Traffic in the City of Sierra Leone

Perspective

By Penpusher Sesay

From reliable sources, this medium has learnt that it is undeniable that the traffic congestion in Freetown has recently been minimized by the current Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki Sawyer who has employed the right kind of remedial measures.

Through her leadership skills, the once traffic congestion areas of Kissy Road, Goderich Street, Lumley Market, East End police, Abacha Street, Shell, etc, are relatively calm with traffic flow and ease of pedestrians’ access. This timely intervention and implementation and enforcement of stringent laws have decreased high traffic and many commuters now have easy access to the vicinities of the city.

The high traffic jam that once prevented many people plying the Central Business District for work, schooling and other transactions has minimised.  This bold step by Mayor Sawyer has helped even the free flow of goods and services for consumers and further contributing to the socio-economic viability of the city. Environmentally, accidents incurred from Okada injuries and others have decreased.

In the past, authorities tried to address this traffic issue but their efforts failed probably due to the kind of policies they applied. But for Aki Sawyer, she decided to embed the army personnel in handling the traffic and other environmental problems.

Definitely these and many other plans laid by her would make her succeed and transforms Freetown into becoming one of the most enviable cities in Africa and attracting tourists for investment. As I carefully perused ‘Transform Freetown’ initiative, I can attest that the policies now in place in our beautiful city of Freetown can help Freetown to be ranked amongst the most beautiful cities in the world because Transform Freetown initiative has bunch of goodies to offer.

 

Milton Margai College Sierra Leone Lecturer Wanted for Exam Malpractices

Dr. Adikalie Sesay, a lecturer in the Physical Health Education Department

By Sumner Kungbap

The Principal of Milton Margai College of Education Science and Technology Dr. Philip John Kanu has revealed that Dr. Adikalie Sesay, a lecturer in the Physical Health Education Department of the college has been found guilty by the Examinations Malpractice Investigation Committee, and therefore wanted.

He disclosed in an interview with this medium at his Goderich campus on Tuesday 29th October 2019 that the accused has pleaded for forgiveness from the administration and appealed not to dismiss him. According to a notice served him, it states that the matter involving him will be handled appropriately according to the conditions of his services in the institution.

Dr. Adikalie Sesay has already been served a notice according to sources, and it said that there was sufficient evidence abound that he was warned in several letters about exams malpractices but he failed to stop.

The principal lamented that many people who are now under investigations had secured employment to the college with fake certificates. “There will be zero tolerance on fake results and perpetrators would soon be identified and dealt with before they would destroy the image of college and the country”, warned the tough talking principal.

The issue of changing grades came to light when some students protested about their colleagues who did not take examinations but had their references and other issues cleared awarded passing marks and grades on allegations that they were being aided by Dr. Adikalie Sesay.

In the exams fraud syndicate, Dr. Kanu accused Veronica Rogers who said she never attended the college and was in corroboration with Mr. Lamin Bawoh in helping her to carry her nefarious acts both at MMCET and Eco Bank.

The report of the Committee against Dr. Adikalie Sesay recommended that he should be dismissed, and the principal affirmed that the administration would not tolerate change of grades in favour of students.

Mr. Samuel Kargbo is the college’s Examinations Officer and he confirmed that few weeks ago he received complaints from employers to verify the certificates of five staff members including that of Ms. Veronica Rogers for false claims.

NP-Sierra Leone: A Symbol of Excellence & Dedication

By Amin Kef Sesay

 Sierra Leone’s leading petroleum importer and marketer, the National Petroleum Limited, NP (SL-Ltd) has become the most steadfast company in the country delivering value for money for the people and government.

With a competent manager in charge in the person of Kobi Walker and a powerful Board of Directors, NP has always endeavoured to be at the pinnacle of affairs within the petroleum industry. It always looks for best options for service delivery of goods and services.

The secret behind this is customer satisfaction which NP is utilising very effectively to achieve its niche. Thus, prioritizing customer care is key and this is considered very paramount out of the strong conviction that the company will be nowhere without its cherished customers.

Against this backdrop, the Black-hall filing station in the East End of Freetown that was commissioned on 25th September 2019 stands as a testament to this. During the short but very important event was made clear by General Manager Kobi Walker that the company was there to serve humanity. He added that this is within their reach and further promised to do more for customers.

Amongst most appreciative consumers were the Bike Riders and Motor Drivers Unions who commented during the commissioning ceremony that  they are appreciative of the company especially its giant strides in rebranding and accessing high grade petroleum products such as diesel, petrol, kerosene, gas as well as lubricants like Castrol oil, all very good for vehicles, bikes, Kekehs and machines.

In its drive to optimize customer satisfaction the company’s calibrated pumping machines installed across the country speak volumes of a great management.  The company always enters into payment plans with customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for supply of fuel and lubricants as well other necessities.

NP-SL Ltd is one of a few companies that also upholds and practice in full implementation of the Local Content Policy by employing a large section of Sierra Leoneans for economic empowerment. By providing job opportunities for Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd continues to help in alleviating poverty. Their products like NP Gas, NP Smart Card, etc make good products unlike others.

Abu Dhabi Fund Pledges Support for Sierra Leone

By Sam Pratt

Leading Arab financial conglomerate, the Abu Dhabi Fund, in the United Arab Emirates has expressed interest to support Sierra Leone. This was disclosed to President Julius Maada Bio who was on a visit to the UAE.

The news which was broken on Wednesday 30 October 2019 stated that the Fund’s Director General His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi while holding a meeting with Sierra Leone’s Head of State His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio assured him that the Fund would support development initiatives and projects of the Government of Sierra Leone.

The Abu Dhabi Fund is owned by the Government of UAE with focus on financing infrastructural project and supporting developing countries to achieve sustainable socio-economic growth.

The Director General said that he was honoured and delighted to meet President Bio and his delegation, and added that their institution has a very good relationship with Sierra Leone where they had operated before. He said they were looking to partner with the government in infrastructural and other development priorities.

“We are ready to implement government priority programmes. With the vision and determination that we have seen from your government, we think that Sierra Leone is on the right footing and we will be more than happy to help your country,” he said.

President Bio thanked ADFB for supporting Sierra Leone in the past and appealed for more support in the present and even future. He highlighted the challenges his government has encountered especially on the economy, but informed with effective management, the economy has now been stabilised.

“Priority has been placed on Human Capital Development as the basis for development with a focus on education, food security and health”, he informed his counterpart.

“We are a determined government and we have changed quite a lot in terms of the economy within this short time. We want genuine partners now who are ready to work with us in moving our country forward,” he concluded.

Also in the meeting were Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay, Minister of Agriculture, Jonathan Joe Ndanema, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Infrastructure, Dr John Edward Tambi and the Director General of the Petroleum Directorate, Timothy Kabba.

New Sierra Leone Integrated Household Survey Report Highlights Poverty

Dr. Francis Kai Kai

By Brima Sannoh

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai has launched the Sierra Leone Integrated Household Survey (SLIHS) 2018 Report on Monday October 29th, 2019 at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Aberdeen in Freetown. The program was organised by Statistics Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, development partners including the World Bank, IMF and the African development Bank amongst others.

Launching the document, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai said the SLIHS 2018 Report was a critical milestone in the generation of relevant statistics for national development. He said Statistics-SL has provided another opportunity for evidence-based policy and decision making through a credible data base.

The Minister said the report, which is based on the most essential information collected about the living standards of all segments of the population, should serve as a basis on which to make policies and guidelines for socio-economic development of the poverty reduction strategies of the country, like the Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2019-2023).

“I am particularly proud of this achievement because the SLIHS 2018 Report will provide a natural baseline to monitor implementation of the MTNDP (2019-2023). It will provide the most reliable poverty profile for Sierra Leone using the new World Bank poverty line of $1.90 per day and assist the Government in determining the socio-economic impact of key policies”, he said.

Dr. Kai-Kai noted that the development of such a comprehensive document usually takes time and involves a lot of collaboration among stakeholders, and thanked all those in divers ways who contributed to the production of the document.

He maintained that, as a Government they know it is important not to continue on the same trajectory in the last couple of years, but rather they were truly committed to the global 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and to the principle of “leaving no one behind”, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.

The Statistician General, Prof. Osman Sankoh described the launch of the report as very important and commended his Team and other development partners for the day to day leadership and guardian of the work. He said that measurement of households and their living standards was a critical statistical function as it will help government and other policy makers make the right decisions for the right set of people depending on their needs

World Bank Advisor on Statistics, Elizabeth Forster, during her presentation, described the report as significant in supporting the development objectives of the Government. She noted that the data will better inform Ministries, Agencies and Departments in addressing the most relevant and significant poverty issues facing the country, adding that it was built in conscientious and use of objectives and activities.

A key highlight of the ceremony included a presentation from the head of Agricultural Statistics, Mohamed Kamara on the key findings of the report. Other dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Minister of Trade, Minister of Sports and the Deputy Minister of Defence among many others.  The ceremony was chaired by the Chairman of the Statistics Council, Moses Williams.

Chemicals Management Bill Put Before Sierra Leone Parliament

By Fatmata Jenbeh

Sierra Leone has drafted a regulation that would require importers and manufacturers to register all chemicals and pesticides in the country, and pay a fee for a licence to use or distribute them.

The draft bill is currently with the country’s Justice Ministry for legal review. It will then be sent to the cabinet of President Julius Maada Bio for approval, and then to Parliament. It sets out a process for chemicals and pesticides to be registered, monitored and, in some cases, restricted from use in Sierra Leone.

Decisions will be made by a board of directors, chaired by the head of the country’s Environment Protection Agency. This will comprise government officials from different sectors, a representative from the chamber of commerce and an appointed registrar of chemicals and pesticides, who will be responsible for maintaining registers of:

  • pesticides, stating registered, provisionally cleared, restricted and banned chemicals;
  • all chemicals, stating registered, provisionally cleared, restricted and banned chemicals; and
  • manufacturers, importers, distributors and commercial applicators of pesticides and chemicals.

All substances used in, or brought into, Sierra Leone must be registered. And importers and manufacturers must also obtain a licence in order to use a registered substance. Registrations will be valid for two years and can be renewed for another two years. The draft bill sets out fees for the registration and licensing of chemicals and pesticides. The registration fee for one substance is 500,000 Leones, or around $104. A manufacturer licence is also $104, and a licence to import or export a substance $52.

These fees will go into a fund for managing chemicals and pesticides, controlled by the board, which will be used to further ensure environmentally sound management in the country. The bill says the fund will be used in part to raise public awareness of safe and appropriate handling, which the country has identified as a problem in the past.

When considering whether to grant a registration, the board will look at, among other things, whether the substance has been restricted or banned in other countries.  Registration and licences will cost more if the substance has been identified as restricted in Sierra Leone. And companies will need to provide details about how it will be used safely.

The draft bill does not set out a timeline for when this system will be in place, or cut-off dates for registration.  It does set out provisions to address issues that have arisen in developing countries, such as the re-use of chemical containers to collect water without being properly cleaned, and deaths resulting from improper handling of highly hazardous pesticides.

When the board approves a chemical’s registration, it will also designate a container for its handling and storage. Manufacturers or importers may then be required to dispose of them, the draft bill says, and they cannot be used for other purposes.

It also requires landowners, doctors and public health officials to notify the registrar within 24 hours if they believe an injury or death was the result of chemical or pesticide exposure. The registrar can then launch an inquiry.

Alie Jalloh, head of the chemical control department at the EPA, told Chemical Watch the bill was drafted as part of a wider project to strengthen and align chemicals regulations among countries in ECOWAS, the West African trade bloc.

Trend towards better management

Sierra Leone is one of the world’s poorest countries and faces many problems in controlling chemicals. Nevertheless, it has made strides to improve its chemicals management.

President Bio, who took office on 4 April last year, published a medium-term national development plan earlier this year that cited enacting legislation on environmental standards and management of toxic chemicals as a key policy action. Sierra Leone published an ambitious plan this year for implementing the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

And Mr Jalloh said the country also hopes to join the Bamako Convention and the Basel Convention’s so-called Ban Amendment, two mechanisms that prohibit hazardous waste being sent to developing countries. This year, it has also established a dedicated court to prosecute environmental crimes. This draft bill, if enacted, would be one of the strongest regulations on the African continent.

 

Audit Service Sierra Leone Tables Assessment & Building Permits Bill

By Martin Sandy

The Auditor-General of Sierra Leone has informed the public that they have tabled in Parliament the Performance Audit Report on Assessment and Issuance of Building Permits on Tuesday 29th October, 2019. Section 11(2) (c) of The Audit Service Act, 2014 confers on the Audit Service the authority  to conduct  value-for-money and other audits in a bid to ensure that efficiency and effectiveness are achieved in the use of public funds.

Section 16(1) (d) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 states that the      Auditor-General, in accordance with the Constitution of Sierra Leone and the Audit Service Act, 2014 may at any time review or examine any aspect of the operations of the entities referred to in paragraph (a) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016.

 

In addition to the financial and regularity audits undertaken by the institution, performance audit is one of the tools employed by the ASSL to measure the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which state institutions expend public resources in the discharge of their various mandates.

Considering the above, and in compliance with the Auditor-General’s mandate, as detailed in section 119 (2) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) conducted a performance audit on the assessment and issuance of building permits..

The audit was motivated by several risk factors that were identified during the sector analysis phase. Key among these factors was the fact that construction projects were carried out in Sierra Leone without consulting the housing division that has been responsible for the assessment and issuance of building permits.

In August 2017, an incident occurred on a hilltop at Regent where developers had encroached into protected forest areas on the hills overlooking the city, thereby causing a mudslide that killed more than 400 people. 11 years ago, the government attempted to prevent people from erecting houses in those areas. This was because building permits were not obtained, and the areas were considered dangerous for habitation. However, people were defiant, and construction progressed until that fatal incident.

The audit covered the period between 2015 and 2018 with the main objective of assessing whether the housing division in the assessment and issuance of building permit effectively followed procedures.

The report reveals that in the north and southern regions, building permits were not issued for construction projects in 9 of 11 districts. According to the officers in charge of those regions, the low manpower, lack of mobility and logistical constraints made it impossible for them to cover those districts.

Building fees were calculated in contravention with the guiding Building Fee Act of 1993. The funds lost to government due to wrong calculations amounted to Le178, 560,579. There were also instances in which payments amounting to Le65, 470,000 were made for building permits as evidenced in the register of the housing division but were not recorded in the cash book of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).

The housing division of the MLHE has not been effective in the discharge of its roles and responsibilities across the board. Its efforts in ensuring that assessment and issuance of building permits are absorbed in all building projects have been faced with several huge challenges but not limited to the following:

  • Out-dated legislations in respect of the assessment and issuance of building permits.
  • Lack of basic equipment and logistics to carry out housing activities.
  • MLHE’s failure to prioritise resources for the housing division.
  • Lack of staff capacity.

In consonance with the Auditor-General’s mandate and as a guardian Sierra Leone’s economic security, the ASSL undertook this performance audit in compliance with best practice of the International Standards of Supreme Auditing Institutions (ISSAI) and the Performance Audit Guidelines.

Chinese Embassy Boosts Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association

By Foday Moriba Conteh

After two days participation at the International Table Tennis Tournament supported by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown the Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association has received support from the Chinese embassy.

During the opening ceremony, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Wang Xinmin, disclosed that Table Tennis has been one of the most popular sports in China and that is why they were promoting and circulating its knowledge and skills in Sierra Leone. He noted that China has recorded the best players in the world and they have flourished all over the country and outside world in the championships worldwide.

He recognized the fact that young people are gifted and passionate about playing Table Tennis which he underscored that in the years to come he foresees the country would record the best players not only in Africa but the world as a whole.

Mr. Xinmin added that this is not the first time the Chinese Embassy has supported such initiatives in Sierra Leone, rather the Embassy has also aided the country in every field of sports and athletics ranging from equipment, sponsoring seminars and training courses which is part of their polices and they are proud to say they have been getting remarkable results which truly benefited each and every Sierra Leonean.

He stressed that China and Sierra Leone share good relationships and have very close cooperation in all matters over many years since 1971  supporting each other in sporting activities, bilateral relations etc. Therefore, he pledged that they will continue to promote and strengthen the bilateral cooperation in the area of sport.

President of the Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association, Henry Frazer, applauded the Chinese Embassy for their support to the Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association. He noted that the event impressed a good number of people and it also left an impact that strengthens the cordial relationship with the People’s Republic of China and Sierra Leone.

He acknowledged China’s support to Sierra Leone in diverse ways almost in every sector in the country. The idea of the tournament, he stated, was initiated by the Chinese Government through their Embassy in Sierra Leone two years ago and they  want it to become a traditional event every year that will bring the Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association and other competing sides locally or internationally to spar and motivate the desired effect of sportsmanship in young people.

Besides Table Tennis, Mr. Frazer also appealed to the Ambassador to consider other opportunities for the youth of the country such as scholarships and training programmes which could help them push forward towards achieving growth levels in sports.

Coach Alosak of the Table Tennis Club Edward Saio whose team won this year’s tournament applauded the Chinese Embassy for organizing such an event which he said has created a lot of impact on the lives of young Sierra Leoneans who have made up their mind to choose table Tennis as a career.

He disclosed that it is no secret that his team won this year’s tournament as he was effectively training his players and they showcased it at the competition. In future, Mr. Saio assured that his players will continue to train hard, will be well prepared for international competitions to represent Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, he called on the Government of Sierra Leone to support the Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association as they are really challenged as an Association. Alosak Table Tennis Club Player, Beresford Sawyer, who won the competition three in a row this year expressed appreciation to his team for the support, especially coach Edward Saio who has been very supportive to him in achieving his career in Table Tennis.

He applauded the Chinese Embassy too for organizing the Sierra Leone International Table Tennis tournament and said it has impacted not only his life but his colleagues as well. He encouraged his colleagues to believe in themselves and take the table tennis sport seriously. The event was climaxed by certification and awarding of prizes to deserving winners of the tournament.

Sierra Leone Commercial Bank Introduces ‘Small World Money’ Transfer Service

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of the country’s strong banking competitors, the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, is seriously busy making a landmark in the industry as the Bank has just launched another product quite recently. This is to enhance customer satisfaction and improving financial service delivery in Sierra Leone.

The 100% indigenous owned bank on Wednesday 30th October 2019 launched the “Small World Money Transfer”, a new service at their Head Office on Siaka Steven Street in Freetown. Managing Director Sierra Leone Commercial Bank Abdulai Fidelis Turay said that time and time again the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank has expressed its strategic vision to provide financial services across Sierra Leone to enhance prudent financial transactions.

He outlined the new product’s key objectives to include the following:

  1. Security- for peace of mind
  2. Convenience- from wherever you are, whenever you want
  3. Accessibility- Using tools those customers already own

In addition, he said the Money Transfer product will enhance customers’ satisfaction allowing money transfers directly at bank accounts at the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank and other banks.

The new product adds value to the cash payment services the Bank is delivering. The MD further disclosed that the money transfer is instant and competitively priced; adding that the receiver can pick up money at any of their locations across the country within minute after the transaction is completed by the sender.

At the climax of his speech, he officially launched the Small World Money Transfer Service on behalf of the bank which he officially presented to its customers and the general populace.

The Regional Manager for Africa Small World Financial Services Yves Doho said that Small World Money Transfer is a product owned by Small World Financial Services based in United Kingdom that operates in 190 countries with over 260,000 locations worldwide. He added that Small World is the largest financial service provider in the Third World

He disclosed that he partnered with Sierra Leone Commercial Bank because it is the biggest bank in Sierra Leone and the  partnership is poised to give customers access to send and receive money using small world across the country and the world as a whole

With the launching of this service, communities will be connected and it will enhance access to get funds to Sierra Leone faster and at a much lower cost. According to Yves Doho, with the SLCB Small World service a person can send money directly into a bank account to any country among the 190 countries they are operating.  “Any customer can use this platform for someone overseas to send money directly into your bank account with SLCB,” he stated.

The head of Money Transfer Operations, at the SLCB, Amadu Sanu-Sesay said the Small World Money Transfer product will make it easier for business people to pay for goods and services into their business partners’ accounts overseas without travelling with bulk cash.

He added that Sierra Leone domestically struggles to move money from people’s bank accounts to offshore bank accounts using the two traditional forms of money transfer; that is Western Union and MoneyGram. He assured that with SLCB, the Small World products give possibility with competitive tariffs for the service.

With this new product, it was guaranteed that tariffs will exceed what the normal money transfer offers to the people. “Using the SLCB Small World service, you can send money directly into a bank account to any country among the 190 countries they are operating. Any of our customers can use this platform for someone overseas to send money directly into your bank account with SLCB,” he said.

“The SLCB Small World will offer bank deposits and cash picks for a start as this new product has additional features like mobile wallet and bills payment, adding that SLCB customers can also use the product to pay their children’s fees directly to their schools or colleges’ bank accounts overseas”.

He reiterated that this new product will make it possible to utilize the customers’ Leone account to remit money to an overseas account with foreign currencies, using the designated rate set by the Central Bank for conversion of stipulated foreign exchanges. “These efforts indicate SLCB’s leading financial service posture in the commercial banking sector as it puts smiles on the faces of customers,” he ended.

150 Church Leaders in Sierra Leone Trained on Legal Compliance

Cross Section of Participants

By Esther Wright

LEGAL LINKS (Christian Lawyers Centre), a nonprofit legal advocacy group that seeks to defend the rights of religious communities and vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone, has offered an opportunity to 150 people to be trained on legal education.

The training of 150 church leaders and administrators conducted the Legal and Compliance Course in the West of Freetown on Friday 25th October 2019. The training took place at Wilberforce Baptist Church in Wilberforce and was organised against the backdrop of cases currently being handled by LEGAL LINKS. These cases bothered on the non – registration of churches, illegal acquisition of land, properties and real estates as well as the non – payment of Nassit contributions and end of service benefits to employees.

This is done to reduce the number of cases in court against the church and to further broaden the knowledge and horizon of church leaders on the various laws and procedures regarding acquisition of land, properties and real estates as well as the handling of staff employment matters.

Speaking at the occasion, Executive Director of LEGAL LINK, Rashid Dumbuya Esq, said with the help of a few other lawyers, interns and some pastors the training was quite timely. A similar training was earlier conducted for churches in the East of Freetown and when completed it will surely meet the 2019 target of training 1,000 pastors and church administrators on legal compliance issues in Freetown, stated Mr. Rashid Dumbuya.

The course taught six important modules during the training session and the first one dealt with the understanding of the processes involved in setting up and registration of churches in Sierra Leone; the second was on church acquisition of properties; the place of conveyance, lease agreements, tenancy agreements, deed of gifts, Wills and Letters of Administration.

The third module was about Church ethics; the fourth was about Church handling of labour and staff employment matters: understanding the Minimum wage law, Nassit Act and the Income tax Act. The fifth module concerns Church versus politics and governance while the sixth module was about Church versus court proceedings.

Mr. Dumbuya who is also a lecturer on international human rights law delivered modules 1,2,4, & 6 while Pastor Paul Ken Bockarie, a board member of LEGAL LINK lectured modules 3 and 5 respectively.

Various legal interns and volunteers working at LEGAL LINK also participated in the training. The training was done through power point presentations and participants took notes on the various topics that were being discussed.

Testimonies about the legal challenges being encountered in court by various churches regarding land acquisition, non-registration and wrong handling of employment matters captivated the audience and made the training of immense significance.

Several participants that took part in the programme commended LEGAL LINK for coming up with such a timely training for pastors in Freetown where land conflicts have become a great challenge for the church. They encouraged and called on LEGAL LINK  to roll out similar trainings in the provinces so that pastors there can benefit from this all important training.

The training ended at 5pm with prayers for the members of LEGAL LINK as well as the distribution of certificates to all participants of the programme. The Executive Director further thanked the senior pastor and members of the Wilberforce Baptist church for hosting the programme as well as the organizing committee for their sacrifice in putting modalities together for a successful outcome of the conference.  He further promised that such trainings will be replicated over to the other regions in Sierra Leone come next year.

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