Sierra Leoneans are urged to seize the opportunity and secure their Biometric ID Cards as proud citizens of a nation moving towards heightened security and smoother transactions. The ongoing issuance of these cards, mandated for all citizens and non-citizens alike, carries a deadline of March 31, 2024, signaling a crucial phase in the country’s drive for enhanced security measures and simplified daily interactions.
The introduction of Securitized and Multi-purpose Biometric Identity Cards, integrated with an advanced ID Verification System, marks a significant stride towards bolstering citizen safety and streamlining transactions across the nation.
“The primary aim of this initiative is twofold: to strengthen citizen safety and facilitate local transactions,” says the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA). These Biometric ID cards, now indispensable at checkpoints nationwide, not only serve as identification but also safeguard personal information, prioritizing individual rights while granting access to vital services. Beyond mere cards, they represent a future brimming with opportunities.
To expedite the application process, citizens are encouraged to visit designated NCRA Offices and Centers nationwide. These include locations in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Port Loko, and others. Additionally, to cater to organizations and institutions, the NCRA has introduced corporate services tailored for entities such as Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), Foreign Missions, and Financial Institutions.
NCRA Office: Waterloo along the Freetown High Way (Opposite the Police Station).
NCRA Offices: Respective Regional Headquarter Towns of Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko.
For further information on these services, interested parties can contact the NCRA via phone at +232-33-433-333 / +232-30-500-000 / +232-60-000 / +232-78-221-812 or via EMAIL: idverification@ncra.gov.
The introduction of biometric national identity cards underscores the Government’s commitment to fostering a safer, more efficient, and accessible environment for all Sierra Leoneans, empowering individuals and organizations alike to thrive in a secure landscape. Citizens are urged to act promptly and secure their Biometric ID Cards, marking a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s journey towards a brighter and more secure future.
Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, Chairperson of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), in a significant address delivered at the 28th Session of the Expert Committee on International Tax Matters during the 2024 ECOSOC Special Meeting on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, emphasized the critical need for capacity building within the Committee of Experts on tax matters at the United Nations.
Taking the floor at the ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday, March 18, 2024, the erudite NRA Chairperson expressed deep gratitude to ECOSOC for convening the special meeting. She highlighted the importance of the meeting’s focus, which aimed, “to identify effective approaches to fiscal policies for inclusive and sustainable development and to support a fair, inclusive and effective international tax system,” aligning closely with the goals of the Sierra Leonean Government under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairperson underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment to the key themes of the dialogue, particularly emphasizing the promotion of inclusive and effective international tax cooperation and exploring the role of net wealth taxes in fostering equality and financing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Highlighting the challenges faced by developing countries in combating aggressive tax avoidance and evasion, Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara maintained that capacity building remains a significant barrier to domestic resource mobilization also stressing the necessity of tailored capacity building initiatives that encompass technical assistance, knowledge sharing and institutional strengthening to address the unique needs and challenges faced by each nation.
Recognizing the transformative impact of digitalization on the global economy, she underscored the importance of adapting tax systems to evolving digital trends. The NRA Chairperson reiterated Sierra Leone’s progress in transitioning from manual to digital tax systems and stressed the importance of fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge in critical areas of international tax cooperation.
She pointed out the imperative of collective commitment to strengthening the capacity of nations in administering their tax systems effectively calling for increased investment in capacity building initiatives to empower tax authorities, foster collaboration and promote good governance, ultimately paving the way for a more equitable, transparent and sustainable global tax regime.
Assuring the Committee of Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to international cooperation in tax matters, Mrs. Gento-Kamara called on all stakeholders to intensify efforts in building the capacity of nations to navigate the complex challenges of the 21st-century tax landscape.
The delegation of Sierra Leone expressed profound appreciation for the convening of the 2024 ECOSOC Special Meeting on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, recognizing its significance in advancing the goals of inclusive and sustainable development on a global scale.
In a poignant ceremony held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, alongside over 4,000 mourners, bid farewell to his elder sister and maternal figure, Agnes Deen-Jalloh (nee Bio), laying her to rest at the family’s ancestral home in Tihun, Bonthe District, Southern Region.
Agnes Deen-Jalloh, aged 74, passed away on February 18, 2024, at Choithrams Hospital in Freetown, prompting an outpouring of grief from family, friends and well-wishers.
Addressing the gathering as the chief mourner, President Bio honored his sister’s memory, describing her as more than just a sibling but a pillar of strength, a guiding light and an unwavering source of support throughout his life.
“In the garden of memories, my dear Ngor Agnes, you will forever be the most beautiful flower,” President Bio expressed, invoking a poignant metaphor. “Your fragrance lingering in our hearts and your essence guiding our paths until we meet again in a realm where love knows no bounds and souls find their eternal abode.”
Accompanied by his wife, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, and other dignitaries including Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and Chief Minister, Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, President Bio emphasized his sister’s enduring legacy and the profound impact she had on their lives.
The Reverend, Father Von Tucker, a nephew of the late Agnes Deen-Jalloh, delivered a heartfelt homily, highlighting her role as a strong pillar within the family and a beacon of hope for all who knew her.
“As we mourn, let us also take solace in the promise of life after death,” Father Tucker shared, drawing from scripture to offer comfort to the grieving assembly. “I admonish mourners to believe in the scriptures and hold on to God’s word for the resurrection of our beloved Aunty Agnes.”
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the eternal peace of Agn es Deen-Jalloh, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love that will continue to inspire generations to come.
The tech sector is growing faster in Africa than any other region. The Digital Her Conference (21 March 2024) asks how can we ensure Sierra Leonean women share fully in the opportunities facilitated by the digital economy as creators, consumers, and beneficiaries?
Sierra Leone is on the brink of a transformative digital explosion with the potential to enhance financial inclusion, access to information and services, job creation and economic growth. But, as digital technology becomes ever more integrated into everyday Sierra Leonean life, a growing digital gender divide means that women are in danger of missing out on many of these opportunities unless we act now.
The country has plenty of reasons to be pleased with its recent record on digital development. Mobile internet penetration increased from about 13 percent in 2014 to about 27 percent of total population in 2019 (GSMA, 2020), making us one of the most improved countries, and is estimated to have reached 30 percent in 2021. The latest data shows Sierra Leone’s continued expansion in the number of internet users (2.4 million persons in 2021), the number of persons using social media platforms (850,000 people), and the number of mobile connections (equivalent to 100 percent of the population). Sierra Leone is also rapidly adoptingdigital financial services (DFS), from about 9 percent of adults using a DFS account in 2017 to about 30 percent in 2019.
As with other nations, COVID-19 accelerated Sierra Leone’s adoption of digital technologies. In the face of lockdowns and travel bans, both the public sector – led by the Directorate of Science Technology and Innovation, and the business sector found innovativeways to deliver goods and services. The launch last year, of the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation to harness digital tools to leapfrog the country into middle income status is a clear signal that Sierra Leone is serious about building on its progress.
Despite our progress, there is still a long way to go if we are to catch up with other countries in the region.
Around 1.5 million Sierra Leoneans live out of reach of mobile signals and still do not have access to mobile broadband services. Also, although mobile connectivity is broadly in line with the regional average, it is below the regional average in terms of individuals’ use of the internet. Mobile broadband services remain more expensive than in most African countries. According to the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), Sierra Leone ranked 68 out of 72 countries in the Affordability Drivers Index 2020 and broadband remains expensive as Sierra Leoneans are paying 9.86 percent instead of 2 percent of their monthly income to purchase 1GB equivalent of mobile broadband data.
Nowhere are these opportunities and challenges more profound than among womenwho are disproportionately excluded from the digital revolution.A recent study by UNICEF found that boys in developing countries are 180 per cent more likely to own smartphones than girls.UNICEF’s research also shows thatin Sierra Leone, young men are twice as likely as young women to have digital skills and 11% of young men use of the internet compared to only 9% of young women.Furthermore only 17 per cent of women use mobile phones for financial transactions, compared to 30 per cent of men.
The various barriers to women’s inclusion include the cost of devices and data, inequalities in education and digital skills, social norms that discourage women and girls from being online, and fears around privacy, safety and security.
The danger is that, without equal access and skills, this digital revolution will exacerbate existing inequalities and reinforce traditional gender hierarchies, instead of improving accessibility and expanding opportunities.Tackling this now, with a better understanding of the barriers to access, more inclusive public policies and to leverage the strength of public-private partnership, is essential.
‘Digital Her’ an upcoming conference (21 March) from Elba SL Ltd – a multi-sector investment firm promoting private sector growth in Sierra Leone–looks at some of these issues and asks how women can position themselves to close the divide and really seize the opportunities.
Edleen Elba, Managing Director of Elba SL Ltd, explains that the one-day conference, is intended to create a platform for people in the industry to network, as well asprovide business and professional development: “Digital Her is a day to support women to unlock their potential, empower women’s innovation and continue the process of bridging the digital divide. There are many inspiring examples of Sierra Leonean women who have stepped boldly and whole heartedly into the digital economy. Their unique innovations have given them a distinct business advantage in their sectors. We hope their stories and experience will serve to encourage others,” she says.
“We have an outstanding line up of national and international speakersfrom the public and private sectors. We will hear how Government is using technology to enable women’s entrepreneurship; explore how digitisation can help grow Sierra Leone’s economy and discuss how and where to acquire the essential digital skills for business and professional success,” she continues.
The conference has attracted two high-profile leaders from the world of African tech and innovation.
These include the Keynote Speaker Efe Ukala, who has just been named one of ‘Africa’s 50 Power People who embody resilience, leadership and advocate for women’s empowerment and inclusion in Africa’ by Eloy Foundation and theAfrica Women CEOs Network. Efe founded Impact HER, an impact driven organisationtargeted at bridging the financing gap for women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa through investor-readiness training, mentorship, market access, and other support.
Guest speaker, Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho– the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Futuresoft, one of Nigeria’s leading IT and digital solution providers,has been recognised as an Obama African Leader, Forbes’s Top Ten Female Tech Founders in Africa, Global Digital Women top 10 Most Inspiring Women in Africa, Lionesses of Africa top 100 Women and Ventures Africa 42 most Innovative Africans.
She draws on her commitment to bridging the digital divide and transforming Africa by harnessing the benefits of technology for her talk – Digital Transformation in Africa: Strategies for professional and business development for women, and says: “Embracing digital transformation is not just about technological advancement; it’s about fostering a culture of inclusivity where women in Africa can thrive, excel, and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.”
Edleen concludes: “Africa hasthe highest proportion of women entrepreneurs – a quarter of all businesses are started or are run by women who demonstrate every day, their willingness to seek out and accept challenges. We also have the fastest-growing youth population, and the fastest-growing market for mobile phones. Bringing all these strands together is a win-win for women, the government and for the economy. I hope that Digital Her helps women in business understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and how best to move forward together.”
To attend Digital Her: Digital transformation for the elevation of women
In a momentous event brimming with anticipation and solidarity, the Kenema District Council Hall, situated on Nyandeyama Road, witnessed a pivotal juncture in Kenema’s political narrative. On Friday, March 15, 2024, an atmosphere charged with purpose and unity enveloped the hall as Paramount Chiefs, Regent Chiefs, and their representatives gathered from all corners of the district’s sixteen chiefdoms. Their mission: to appoint a new Paramount Chief Member of Parliament, following the passing of the esteemed P.C Foday Fabba Kpakra of Dodo Chiefdom.
Far beyond a routine electoral procedure, this occasion symbolized the steadfast determination of Kenema’s leadership to chart a course of cohesion and advancement. Among the contenders were three distinguished Paramount Chiefs – P.C Alameen Kanneh of Koya Chiefdom, P.C Momoh Sandi Forwai of Dama Chiefdom, and P.C Mohammed Sadiq Capuwa of Nongowa Chiefdom. Despite exhaustive attempts at consensus-building, democratic resolution through voting became inevitable.
As ballots were cast and counted, a profound reverence for democratic principles pervaded the atmosphere. P.C Alameen Kanneh, a scholar versed in English and holder of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, emerged triumphant, securing 12 out of 16 votes – a resounding mandate from his peers. This victory not only underscored the trust bestowed upon him by fellow Chiefs but also heralded the dawn of a new era for Kenema District.
The journey leading to this historic election was characterized by mutual understanding and commitment among the sixteen Paramount Chiefs. They collectively pledged to honor the outcome and stand united against dissent, prioritizing the greater good over individual ambitions. In a display of solidarity, P.C Kanneh was formally endorsed by his peers at the SLPP Executives’ office on Hanga Road, Kenema, where they called upon Party Leader HE Bio and other stakeholders to rally behind P.C Kanneh’s quest for unity and progress within the district.
As P.C Alameen Kanneh awaits his nomination, an air of anticipation and unity envelops the Council of Paramount Chiefs Kenema. This forthcoming event transcends mere formality; it embodies a celebration of shared values and a reaffirmation of support for both the democratic process and the chosen leader.
The path ahead for P.C Alameen Kanneh is paved with expectations and the collective aspirations for unity and development across all chiefdoms within the district. His commitment to fostering unity among Paramount Chiefs and advocating for development resonates deeply. It reflects the timeless truth that leadership is divinely ordained, demanding collective respect and collaboration irrespective of personal inclinations or electoral outcomes.
In the spirit of unity and progress, we commend P.C Alameen Kanneh on his election to this esteemed position. Many have expressed wish that his tenure be marked by inclusivity, progress, and the strengthening of bonds among all stakeholders in Kenema. They expressed the view that together, guided by the blessings of the Almighty, all should labor hand in hand for the prosperity and elevation of the beloved district with a strong belief that the journey’s essence lies not in individual triumphs but in collective success and harmony.
In a startling revelation at the court martial proceedings, Lieutenant Colonel Sheik Ahmed Sandi, Commanding Officer at Joint Provost Unit, testified that he was ordered by Amadu Koita Makolo to forcibly open the prison gate and release all the inmates.
During his testimony before Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba and Board Members, he recounted being coerced into obeying the order under threat of firearms.
Under questioning led by Colonel Mohamed S. Kamara, the Lieutenant Colonel detailed the events of November 25, 2023. He revealed that while initially detaining three soldiers for assault, he was later instructed to release them for an operational patrol due to intelligence suggesting an impending attack on Freetown.
Sheik Ahmed Sandi explained that Koita, alongside other assailants, directed him to facilitate the release of prisoners and coordinate with various Unit Commanders. According to him, despite attempting to resist, he reluctantly complied, fearing for his life under the pressure exerted by Koita.
As they approached their destination, he described a tense encounter with police vehicles, where the assailants forcibly enlisted the officers to join their mission.
Upon reaching Pademba Road Prisons, the Lieutenant Colonel recounted Koita’s orders to break the prison gate and release specific inmates, including Retired Captain Milton, who remains at large.
Sheik Ahmed Sandi further detailed his harrowing escape, revealing how he managed to blend in with the released prisoners to evade detection, aided by his familiarity with Captain Milton.
His escape, fraught with danger, involved encounters with fellow military personnel, including Staff Sergeants Kallon and Abu Dauda, whom Sandi persuaded to aid in his flight to safety.
Lieutenant Colonel Sheik Ahmed Sandi’s testimony concluded with his return to Cockerill headquarters, where he expressed gratitude to those who assisted him, albeit lamenting Abu Dauda’s refusal to relinquish his phone.
The court martial continues to unravel the intricacies of the events surrounding the prison break, shedding light on the roles played by various military personnel implicated in the incident.
In a commendable humanitarian effort, the City of Light Helping Hand Organization, a charity Organization under Kings & Priest International Court Ministries (KPCI) aka ‘City of Light Church’, successfully conducted a two-day mobile clinic and feeding event on March 9th and 10th, 2024. The event, held at the Kings & Priests International Ministries in Benguema, Waterloo, aimed to raise awareness about personal health, offer medical treatment and distribute essential supplies to the community’s residents.
The organization, whose headquarter is based in Maryland, USA, and extending its outreach across Africa, including Sierra Leone, with branches in Lungi, Rokel, Tambaka, Waterloo, Hill Station and beyond, has established hospital, schools, orphanages, and water wells in order to address various community needs in the country.
During the two-day event, over 400 individuals received health screenings for various conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and malaria. Those diagnosed were promptly provided with treatment, including medications sourced primarily from the United States. Attendees not only benefited from medical services but also received nutritious meals and gained insights into personal hygiene and infection prevention. Clothing items like clothes, shoes, and bras were also generously distributed to participants.
The City of Light Helping Hand Organization demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity by ensuring equal care and support for all attendees, irrespective of age, status, gender or religious affiliation. Christians, Muslims, persons with disabilities, and others were treated with dignity and respect.
City of Light Helping Hands is also providing free water supply to some residents by allowing them access to fetch water from well constructed in a compound . The need for quality education is very paramount for the City of Light Mission and thus the General Overseer, Dr Abdul K Sesay has commissioned and laid the foundation for the erection of the Kings and Priests Academy.
The General Overseer of the organization expressed satisfaction with the event’s success, stating, “We are pleased with the positive impact our two-day mobile clinic and feeding event had on the residents of Benguema Community. The City of Light Helping Hand Organization remains committed to improving healthcare access and addressing essential needs in communities across Sierra Leone.”
Sarah Kargbo, the Director of Medical Services, expressed pride in the team’s efforts and vowed to do more. “As Director of Medical Services, I am proud of our team’s efforts in providing comprehensive health services to the residents of Benguema. We will continue to prioritize the well-being of those we serve and strive for excellence in our medical outreach programs.”
Santigie Kamara, one of the recipients, expressed gratitude to the City of Light Helping Hand Organization for providing medical treatment and essential supplies during the two-day event, emphasizing the significant difference it made in his life and the lives of many others in the community.
Mariatu Samai, another recipient, valued the organization’s support and care, highlighting their dedication to serving all members of the community, regardless of background or circumstance. She eagerly looks forward to more of the same.
The National Revenue Authority (NRA) and the Freetown City Council (FCC) convened to strategize on enhancing revenue generation within the Freetown municipality in a groundbreaking move aimed at bolstering revenue mobilization and tax administration,. The historic meeting, convened at the highest echelons of both organizations, signals a new era of cooperation.
Deputy Mayor, Kweku M. Lisk, hailed the collaboration as unprecedented, emphasizing the alignment of FCC’s revenue strategies with NRA’s, particularly in tax education initiatives.
Commissioner General, Jeneba J. Bangura, underscored the significance of the partnership, citing FCC’s pivotal role in revenue generation, notably in rental income tax. The alliance seeks to capitalize on synergies through joint tax education and data sharing, aiming to optimize revenue collection for the betterment of the populace and the nation.
To operationalize this alliance, a Joint Committee comprising representatives from both entities has been formed. Charged with tasks ranging from reviewing existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration, the committee aims to leverage the strengths of both the Authority and Municipality to achieve mutual objectives and maximize domestic revenue generation.
Sierra Rutile Holdings Limited (ASX: SRX) has confirmed the suspension of all mining and processing activities at its Area 1 operations, as announced on February 29, 2024. This move comes amidst ongoing market challenges and uncertainty surrounding the fiscal regime governing Area 1 operations.
Approximately 25% of the workforce, including expatriate staff, will receive redundancy notices by the end of March as part of the company’s engagement with the Government of Sierra Leone. This decision was foreshadowed in the commentary of the 2023 Annual Financial Report.
The company remains optimistic about a swift resolution with the Government, hoping to resume operations in conjunction with favorable rutile market conditions. However, failure to reach an agreement may force Sierra Rutile to consider a complete closure of mining operations at Area 1, affecting a significant portion of the remaining workforce and contractor personnel.
Sierra Rutile is utilizing its finished goods inventories to cover statutory termination benefits for redundant staff. Meanwhile, the company is progressing with the definitive feasibility study for the Sembehun project, with results anticipated in April 2024. In the event of Area 1’s closure, a strategic review of the Sembehun project will be undertaken to optimize value for all stakeholders.
This announcement was authorized by the Board for release to the ASX. Sierra Rutile continues to navigate challenges while striving to safeguard the interests of its workforce and shareholders.
In a fervent plea to bolster the nation’s fight against corruption, Joel Tejan Deen-Tarawally Esq., a Prosecutor at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), emphasized the critical role of proportionate punishment in deterring corrupt practices. He underscored concerns over minimal penalties imposed in anti-corruption convictions, pointing to their potential to undermine the efficacy of Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption campaign.
Addressing the issue from both a deterrence perspective and the broader impact on societal behavior, Deen-Tarawally stressed the necessity of aligning judicial sentencing with the gravity of corruption offenses. He highlighted the intricate interplay between human behavior, societal norms and the legal framework, emphasizing the need for penalties potent enough to deter corruption effectively.
From an economic standpoint, the prosecutor elucidated on the staggering costs corruption inflicts upon society. Drawing parallels between corruption and societal harm, he articulated how corruption siphons resources, exacerbates inequality and impedes national development. He emphasized the imperative of judicial synergy in aligning penalties with the social cost of corruption to mitigate its pervasive impact.
He referenced legislative efforts to fortify anti-corruption laws, including the enactment of tougher penalties under the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act No. 9 of 2019. However, he lamented instances where minimal fines or lenient sentences failed to reflect the gravity of corruption offenses.
In a bid to galvanize judicial resolve, Prosecutor Deen-Tarawally appealed to the Judiciary, urging Judges to consider the broader societal ramifications of corruption and impose penalties commensurate with the offense. He reiterated Parliament’s call for tougher penalties, emphasizing the Judiciary’s pivotal role in translating legislative intent into tangible action against corruption.
Amid Sierra Leone’s strides in combating corruption, Joel Tejan Deen-Tarawally’s impassioned plea serves as a clarion call for a unified front against graft, underscoring the imperative of robust penalties to safeguard national integrity and foster a culture of accountability.
