Home Blog Page 1202

NP-Sierra Leone Maintains Excellence in Service Delivery

By Amin Kef Sesay

Sierra Leone’s leading importer and marketer of high quality petroleum products, the National Petroleum Company Limited, NP (SL-Ltd) is now rolling out initiatives that will give the general public what they do desire.

The company’s General Manager Kobi Walker and Board of Directors have looked at best options give effective service delivery to the people. Customer Care has been strengthened and today we are hearing about plans for better enhancing this priority so that customers would come to appreciate the company more.

Reports from its most recent Blackhall Road Filing Stations said that customers in the East End of Freetown now enjoy good customer service. Times un-numbered, Kobi Walker has reiterated that the company is here to serve their customers well by giving them best services.

Looking from the current modern calibrated pumping machines installed in all its locations, there is ease of doing business as customers no more queue to get refilled. They are friendly and pump attendants are trained in KYC (Know Your Customer).

Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honoring their obligations.

In this country today, for one to see a successful business entity that is owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans and having a maximum number of indigenes as members of staff is like trying to find a lost needle on the beach, although there are some that could be identified..

For NP-SL Ltd this has been a big achievement as the company is strongly adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local brains has been identified as one of the conduits through which developing countries like Sierra Leone could attain economic empowerment. Correspondingly, if there is a continuation of the colonial mentality that it is only by importing foreign ideas and skills that we will get there then such could be a very sad mistake.

By providing job opportunities for hitherto jobless Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd continues to help in alleviating poverty by putting monies into pockets which could be utilized to take care of responsibilities.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the required financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).  NP- Sierra Leone is one of the big time tax payers in the country and it is very compliant in that direction.

From all indications, it is crystal clear that NP-SL Ltd is here to stay in order to give the best and contribute tremendously to the socio-economic development of the country. Indeed the company is passionate and committed towards attaining those objectives.

Hon. Tunis Champions New Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission Amendment Bill in House

Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis

By Samuel J. Kargbo 

The Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Sidi Mohamed Tunis has demonstrated true leadership qualities by lobbying the Main Opposition APC Party to support the amendment of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 in order to specify categories of public officers affected by the declaration requirement under Subsection (1) of Section 119 which applies to penalties for offences under the Act and other related matters.

Presenting the Bill in Parliament, the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice Umaru Napoleon Koroma informed MPs about the importance of the Bill which he said is aimed at curbing corruption. He added that the new law will increase penalties for offences under the Act, strengthen protection of those who assist the Commission, provide the Commission with alternatives to prosecution, widening  the scope of corruption that includes  an accused person offering, soliciting, obtaining or receiving bribes  in addition to giving and accepting an advantage.

The new amendment will also reduce the year-long requirement that people who cease to be public officers would have to file declarations in respect of their assets and the Commissioner would be empowered to specify categories of public officers for the purpose of declaration by Statutory Instrument published in a Gazette.

It also provides for administrative sanctions for public officers who fail to submit their Assets Declaration Forms or knowingly register false, inaccurate or misleading information in the form; and to vest in the Commissioner, powers to direct that contracts may not be proceeded with. He praised MPs for agreeing that corruption in Sierra Leone must be treated with all the seriousness it deserves.

Acting Leader of the Main Opposition Party in Parliament, APC Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo assured Parliament of his party’s continued support in the fight against corruption. He underscored how corruption was taking the country backwards. Therefore he called on the MPs to collectively support and amending the Bill so that it will come to pass.

Leader of Government Business Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis said for the first time Sierra Leone is being recognized as a “responsible State” that is championing the fight against corruption. He told MPs that the fight against corruption must never be discriminatory as it is supposed to be a clean fight which the President himself and other institutions have pledged to fight and win.

“We know corruption will fight back, but as a responsible government we will ensure we endure the fight to stop it,” he expressed optimism. Hon. Tunis concluded that the Bill should be amended to make it painful for those who are involved in corrupt practices.

As Anti- Corruption Commission Sierra Leone Seeks Stiffer Penal Legislation… Let Us Ask Ourselves: What Is Corruption?

Commentary

By Amin Kef Sesay

The term corruption comes from the Latin verb ‘to break’, rumpere – which implies that something is badly broken. This might be a moral or ethical code or more often  an administrative rule or law. The person who breaks it derives some recognition or benefit for him/herself, family, tribe, party, or some other relevant group.

After  independence, most  African  countries drifted  from a  bureaucratic  administration  that  emphasized  good  governance  to  one  that  emphasized the sovereignty of politics. This resulted in the emergence of a politicized bureaucracy which began to engage in centralized economic decision-making and patrimonialism.

The new states were not only autocracies rather political and economic monopolies now lacking in accountability, transparency and the rule of law.  Thus,  the  post-independence bureaucracy  that  emerged  in  most  African  countries  contributed  to institutional  instability,  the  politicization  of  the  State  and  patrimonial  economic management  and  incentives,  whereby  clientelism  replaced  moral  and  political legitimacy and political and personal loyalty and obedience were rewarded more than merited.

This was the genesis of corruption in Africa. The unethical politicization  of  the  bureaucracy  allowed  for  the  entrenchment  of  the  use  of  personal aggrandizement and  patronage  as  a means of  exercising authority  and  influence.  The politicians and the bureaucrats forged a dependent patron/client   relationship   through   which   administrative decision-making occurred. This process, inevitably led to a cooperative and institutionalized abuse of public office for private and personal gain. Corruption can now be defined against that foregoing background.

Corruption is seen, first  and  foremost,  as  the  utilization  of  official  positions  or  titles  for  personal  or private gain, either on an individual or collective basis, at the expense of the public good, in violation of established rules and ethical considerations, and through the direct or indirect participation of one or more public officials whether they be politicians or bureaucrats.

In  a  simplistic  sense,  corruption  may  be  seen  as  partisanship that challenges statesmanship. It is an act or acts undertaken with the  deliberate  intent  of  deriving  or  extracting  personal  and/or  private  rewards against  the  interests  of  the  State.

The development of resource rich countries like Sierra Leone were seriously held back in the decade after independence in 1961 by bad State governance, poor public sector financial management and the most cancerous disease of them all – corruption.

Corruption reached cancerous proportions in the 1980s when systems collapsed, the economy faltered, jobs disappeared, inflation set in followed by its attendant youth frustrations and hopelessness about a better future among the population. Presidents Ahmed Tejan Kabbah and Ernest Bai Koroma tried between 1996 and 2018 to put the disease under control, with mixed results; yet corruption continued to affect the nation’s future.

Corruption reflects the general climate of unethical leadership and bad governance found throughout most of the continent. The  pandemic  of  corruption  in  Africa,  and  it’s  extremely  negative  impact  on socioeconomic  development  and  the  fight  against  poverty  in  the  region,  became  matters  of  global  concern;  with the World Bank, USA, UK and other Western development partners  focusing  their  attention  on  the  root  causes  and  consequences,  as  well  as  on action  to  control  this  cancer  in  society.

At  the  1996  joint  annual  meeting  of  the World  Bank  and  International  Monetary  Fund  (IMF),  had former World  Bank President  James  Wolfensohn  declaring that:  ‘Let’s  not  mince  words,  we  need  to  deal with  the  cancer  of  corruption.  In country after country, it is the people who are demanding action on this issue’.  Mr. Wolfensohn also made similar statements in his  1997  address  to  the  Board  of  Governors  where  he  said:  ‘We  have  seen  how corruption  flourishes  in  the  dark,  how  it  prevents  growth  and  social  equity,  and how it creates the basis for social and political instability’.

Similarly and quite surprisingly, the United Nations General Assembly issued a resolution, on 16 December 1996, aiming at promoting social responsibility and ethics.  The  ‘UN  Declaration  Against  Corruption  and  Bribery  in  International Commercial Transactions’ emphasized the need to ‘promote social responsibility and appropriate standards of ethics on the part of private and public corporations, including  transnational  corporations,  and  individuals …’.  It  further  stated  that fighting  and  controlling  corruption  are  also  necessary  to  ‘enhance  fairness  and competitiveness in international commercial transactions’.

In the ACC’s fight against corruption, it is crucial that we the people talk  openly  about  how  our  everyday  lives  are permeated  by  behaviors  and  values  which  are  unethical  and  contribute  to  the entrenchment   of   norms   perpetrated   by   corrupt   politicians   and   bureaucrats.

Such  concern  is  a  good  thing,  for  until  we the people  decide  to react forcefully against the stench of corruption to which we are currently subjected,  it  will  remain  a  societal  norm  poisoning  civil  society  and splitting it into rent-seeking elites and helpless spectators.

Kobi Walker Assures Employers Confidence in Sierra Leone

Kobi Walker

By Amin Kef Sesay

At a banquet organised by National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) on Friday 25th October, 2019, Managing Director of National Petroleum Company Sierra Leone and Chairman for Sierra Leone Employers Federation, Kobi Walker, praised two indigenous companies for their effective performances.

Speaking to distinguished personalities during the banquet, he said that he was particularly exultant witnessing the inaugural employers’ banquet organised by NASSIT.  The objective, he disclosed, was to interface and engage the employers on pertinent issues regarding the obligations of both parties. Being strong partners with NASSIT, Sierra Leone Labour Congress (representing employees), etc Mr. Walker said the initiative comes in the wake of the recently ended Customer Week.

During the occasion, the “My NASSIT Companion” was also launched and this was disclosed will aid and guide employers in discharging their sacred obligations as enshrined in the NASSIT Act No. 5 of 2001. He also informed the guests about plans for a joint NASSIT and Employers Federation engagement which is designed to create awareness and to brief employers and employees on their various obligations as propagated in the NASSIT Act No. 5 of 2001 in the near future.

The “My NASSIT Companion” was circulated to members and it encouraged employers to use their Human Resource Departments to embolden their employees to update their records when necessary with NASSIT, i.e. addition to  family members, death, next of kin etc

“Our Federation will also engage NASSIT personnel to develop a channel of communication dialogue between NASSIT and Employers nationwide whereby issues can be proactively discussed and resolved to avoid penalties which include legal proceedings,” he stated.

He therefore notified the employers that NASSIT was like a regulatory body that deals with matters of non-compliance and adherences to the NASSIT Act No. 5 of 2001. In addition, he said the proposed engagement will speak for receipt of Members’ Statements from NASSIT which he promised to address and resolve in advance of their retirement.

Plans to address the situation of members retirement will also be addressed to resolve the issues relating to their former employers’ contributions, pensions etc. “As employers we are all aware that our biggest and best assets are our revered and venerated employees, it is therefore incumbent on us to ensure we pay the various contributions for our staff to afford them the opportunity of a decent pension when they retire even though some of them may not be tired,” he notified his colleagues.

As a result, Mr Walker assured members of the Federation that there will be effective collaboration with them as outlined and this will enable the pensioners or their next of kin to promptly receive their benefits including pensions which will serve as a testimony of the high quality, value added services offered by NASSIT, amidst applause.

 

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.

 

1...1,2011,2021,203...1,358Page 1,202 of 1,358