In a landmark meeting held on Monday, March 11th, 2024, the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, secured a crucial resource and bolstered ties with the Kingdom of Denmark, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s diplomatic efforts. The discussions led by Dr. Sengeh underscored a pioneering partnership model aimed at fostering mutual growth and advancement across key sectors including education, green energy and global security.
A pivotal moment of the visit was the formal signing of a Letter of Intent between the two nations, orchestrated by Dr. Sengeh and Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Dan Jorgensen. The agreement, valued at $5 million, earmarks $2 million for educational initiatives and $3 million for green energy projects in Sierra Leone, with implementation facilitated through the European Union partnership.
In addition to this, Dr. Sengeh engaged in fruitful dialogues with Danish Prime Minister, Madam Mette Frederiksen and Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, exploring avenues for practical collaboration in critical areas of mutual interest.
Denmark’s steadfast commitment to supporting Sierra Leone and Africa, particularly in international forums like the United Nations Security Council, was underscored during these discussions. Denmark’s active engagement is emblematic of its forthcoming presidency of the European Union and its pursuit of a UNSC seat, recognizing the strategic importance of Sierra Leone in global affairs.
These high-level exchanges not only address Sierra Leone’s pressing needs but also exemplify a blueprint for fostering robust African-European partnerships on the global stage.
Sierra Leone will play host to the West Africa Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly or WATRA on March 19 to 22, 2024. WATRA was established in November 2004 and is responsible for working with the telecommunications regulators of all 16 member States of ECOWAS to promote the adoption of regulations that stimulate economic growth through telecoms, deliver more affordable telecoms services to a greater number of West Africans, facilitate swift economic transactions using telecoms and improve wider and easier access to public services.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation Md. Salima Bah is expected to deliver the keynote address at the event and is expected to show case Sierra Leone’s remarkable improvement in the telecommunications sector over the last five years of President Bio.
The Director General of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority , Amara Brewah, will take over the chairmanship of WATRA. This gives Sierra Leone a platform to advocate for reforms in the sector and strive to improve telecommunications services in the country and within the West Africa sub-region.
WATRA seeks also to ensure West African countries collaborate and become proactive in leveraging the digital economy’s advantages and emerge as key players in the global digital world. It seeks to build synergy and collaboration within the West African region for greater impact across Africa and the world generally. During the conference it is expected that WATRA would push for increased broadband penetration, and facilitate digital education too. There’s a need for the West African subregion to leverage its vast population with a view to positioning and boosting the West African digital economy.
The need for West African countries to explore their strength and weaknesses to force efficient and productive collaboration for a sustainable digital economy would be discussed.
Digital Public Infrastructure which is the responsibility of everybody to build and not just governments would be deliberated on. The positive strides by each participating country would be touched with a view to share knowledge and learn from varying experiences. The various challenges faced by each country towards the attainment of digital economy could also form a part of the conference.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Planned Parenthood Association Sierra Leone (PPASL) and Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) have on Friday 8thMarch 2024 concluded a one-day thought-provoking panel discussion on Gender Equality. The panel discussion which focused on crucial issues related to gender parity in the country was held at Sierra Palms Resort on Lumley Beach Road in Freetown.
In her statement, the Prevention and Advocacy Manager of Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Madam Esther Teh, highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day (IWD) as a platform to recognize women’s achievements and address challenges they face.
She emphasized the importance of identifying gaps and challenges in gender equality, especially in Sierra Leone and globally and pledged the organization’s commitment to addressing them.
Madam Teh underscored AHF’s role as an International Non-Governmental Organization providing treatment, care and support to people living with HIV and AIDS in Sierra Leone. She explained that the event included panel discussions on gender equality, aiming to amplify the voices of vibrant women present.
Amara S. Libbie, Senior Technical Adviser at the National HIV/AIDS Secretariat highlighted efforts to control the HIV epidemic, stressing the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
He addressed the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on women and the need for gender inclusion in addressing these issues.
Foday M. Sesay, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts to promote gender equality and end gender-based violence.
He highlighted specific policies aimed at guaranteeing the rights and participation of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Hannah Sesay, representing concerns for disabled women and children, emphasized the significance of IWD in empowering women and building a resilient and inclusive society. She highlighted the challenges faced by women with disabilities, including discrimination and violence, and called for inclusive approaches to address those issues.
The panel discussions, involving various partners, which climaxed the event served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore collaborative strategies for advancing gender equality in Sierra Leone.
As the event concluded, participants left with renewed commitment and determination to accelerate progress towards a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
A Call to Business (ACTB), a leading microfinance institution, has on Monday, 11th March 2024, unveiled its inaugural Easter-Ramadan promotion. The launch event which heralds a season of giving back to their cherished customers nationwide was held at their headquarters on Brookfield in Freetown.
As part of the promotion, ACTB customers or anyone who walk into any of their branches across the country to receive money worldwide will get rewarded with exciting gift items, including ACTB branded merchandise such as pens and cups, essential household items like bags of rice and gallons of vegetable oil, as well as religious items like prayer mats and key holders.
David A. Kamara, Chief Executive Officer of ACTB, expressed the institution’s commitment to serving their customers and the community, emphasizing the institution’s vision to bring prosperity to every home in Sierra Leone and their mission to provide top-notch financial services for the benefit of all citizens.
“We operate with honesty, transparency and a commitment to doing what is right at all times,” Kamara stated. “This promotion marks a significant milestone for us, being our first since our establishment over 15 years ago.”
He revealed that despite facing challenges such as the Ebola pandemic, COVID-19 pandemic and currency fluctuations, ACTB has emerged stronger and more resilient, highlighting their dedication to continuously improving their services and supporting their customers through various initiatives.
“With over 30,000 clients nationwide, both borrowers and depositors, ACTB aims to make a positive impact in the lives of their customers. The Easter-Ramadan promotion will be rolled out across all 12 branches, offering prizes to customers who engage in receiving money worldwide” he maintained.
Rockslyn Alwyn Findlay, Marketing Manager at ACTB, explained that the purpose of the promotion is to mobilize deposits, increase awareness and give back to society. He emphasized that the timing of the promotion during the Easter-Ramadan period reflects Sierra Leone’s embrace of religious tolerance.
Responding to questions from the press, Findlay clarified that individuals visiting any ACTB branch to receive cash, whether customers or not, are eligible to get rewarded with exciting gift items, adding that the gift a customer gets will be determined based on the amount of his or her transaction, but however said prizes are available for everyone who receives money at any of their branches across the country.
The launch of the Easter-Ramadan promotion signifies ACTB’s commitment to fostering positive relationships with customers and the community, spreading joy and goodwill during this festive season.
Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, the strategic agent of Promasidor Holdings responsible for introducing and growing the Onga food seasoning brand in Sierra Leone, have embarked on a heartfelt initiative to appreciate their loyal female customers during the International Women’s Day week.
The week-long celebration which included Saturday 9th March, 2024 saw Onga representatives visiting major markets across Freetown, accompanied by traditional drumming and dancing to the nation’s favorite cultural music. That endeavor was aimed to honor women who have supported the Onga brand over the years, affectionately referred to as “Onga Mummies.”
During their visits to various markets such as Waterloo, Tombo Park, Wellington, Calaba Town, Portee, Kroo Town Road, and Dove Cut Markets, Premium Divine Trading distributed free samples of their new Onga stew and beef products to women. Additionally, they organized a lucky dip, surprising and delighting market women with free gifts as a token of appreciation.
The Onga Mummies expressed their gratitude for the unprecedented initiative, pledging their continued loyalty to the brand. They commended Onga for recognizing their contribution to the culinary landscape of Sierra Leone and vowed to support its growth in the future.
Speaking to pressmen, Kwaku Ampadu Afoani, Head of Sales at Premium Divine Trading Limited, emphasized the significance of holding such events for the past three years. He expressed confidence that these initiatives would motivate Onga Mummies and women across Sierra Leone to continue supporting the brand.
Afoani highlighted the global tradition of women coming together on March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day, emphasizing the company’s commitment to honoring their Onga Mummies on this occasion.
He underscored the pivotal role of women in the food industry and emphasized Premium Divine Trading’s role as a marketer and distributor of food products, mentioning the company’s portfolio, which includes popular brands such as Cowbell, Miksi, Kremela, and Onga, the favorite seasoning in Sierra Leone.
Afoani elaborated on the various variants of Onga, including Onga Beef Flavour, Onga Shrimp Crevette, Onga Chicken Poulet and the new Onga Stew Flavour, noting that all these products are manufactured in Ghana by Promasidor Ghana Limited for export to West African countries, including Sierra Leone, with Premium Divine Trading serving as the sole distributor and marketer.
In conclusion, Afoani encouraged women in Sierra Leone to continue patronizing the company’s products, particularly the new Onga Stew Flavour, which he hailed as one of the best food seasonings in the country.
Isatu Kamara, one of the beneficiaries of the company’s gesture, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, highlighting the exceptional taste of Onga products. She commended the company for its efforts and emphasized the motivation it provided to all Onga Mummies and women to continue supporting the brand.
She took the opportunity to wish all women across the country a Happy International Women’s Day and urged them to choose Onga products for their exceptional taste and quality. Isatu concluded by encouraging women to continue purchasing Onga products to enhance their culinary experiences.
As the celebrations concluded, Premium Divine Trading reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-quality food products to the people of Sierra Leone, promising to uphold its tradition of celebrating and honoring its loyal customers, especially women, in the years to come.
The BBC has not been weaned of controversy and libelous publications over the decades it has been in operation and is still marred in dubious reports. Their Panorama program in particular has come under serious grill over the years, and even lost legal battles that have incurred huge legal costs on the BBC. There is the case of Maggie’s militant tendency in 1984 in which two Labour MPs dragged the BBC to court. After three days of hearing the BBC’s Assistant Director General then, Alan Protheroe, asked that the matter be settled privately. The two MPs who sued the BBC, Neil Hamilton and Gerald Howarth, were paid compensation and damages to the tune of £240,000. The BBC filmed Gerard Howarth wearing a train driver’s uniform at a train station, and claimed he had attended a fascist meeting in Italy.
That’s how low they can go at times. Examples abound of their recklessness over the decade including the falsified coverage of miners’ strike, Libyan raid controversy, secret society controversy and the famous Sinn Fein broadcast ban. So for those who think the BBC is infallible, you better have a rethink.
The latest prejudiced show by the BBC involving the Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki Sawyer, has raised eyebrows about the objectivity of the BBC and got tongues wagging about its credibility. The much vaunted film: “Mayor on The Frontline: Democracy in Crisis”, turned out to be anticlimactic and exposure of the film makers and their futile attempt to smear a Government that has deepened the democratic credentials of the country and rebranded the country’s image.
The BBC was so unfair with their global audience that they even failed to scratch beyond the Mayor’s puerile allegations of the central Government not working with her for about three of her five year tenure in office.
They failed to or deliberately refused to show how the Government of President Julius Maada Bio has been constant in fulfilling its financial obligations to the Freetown City Council during Mayor Yvonne Aki Sawyer’s tenure.
In 2018, Government pumped NLe 9,605,567 (old Leones Le9,609,567,000) into Freetown City Council; the same Government in 2019 poured NLe 13,752,757 (old Leones Le 13,752,757,000); in 2020 (COVID-19 period) Government ploughed NLe 8,716,365 (old Leones Le 8,716,365,000) into same FCC; in 2021 Government transferred into FCC account NLe 8,344,821 (old Leones Le 8,344,821,000); in 2022 the central Government remitted NLe 5,979,349 (old Leones Le 5,979,349,000).
Even in the current stormy year where the Mayor’s party opted not to work with Government over bogus elections malfeasance claims, the Government of President Julius Maada Bio poured NLe 10,841,683 (old Le 10,841,683,000) into Mayor Yvonne Aki Sawyer’s Council. Is that how a Government as she claimed in the BBC documentary that does not want to work with her, behaves?
The BBC did not cover all the financial inflows from central Government to Mayor Aki Sawyer’s FCC and how she has nothing to show for all of the huge support she is getting from Government. All they focused on was following her foot steps to rehearse a drama that is clearly intended to tilt the country’s optics and paint it black, under a Government that has received so much international accolades for the transformations taking place in the country and the rebranding it has created.
The BBC’s image as a reliable news outlet has once again come under the spotlight. Will they eat the humble pie and apologize?
Deputy Statistician General of Stats SL, Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh, on Saturday, March 9, 2024 undertook a visit to Kamakwie, Karene District, to supervise the ongoing training of enumerators and supervisors for the Comprehensive Health and Epidemiological Surveillance System (CHESS) survey. The training sessions were held at the King’s Palace, Growth Center, and Galaxy Halls in Kamakwie.
He journeyed from Freetown to Karene to observe the training of field staff participating in the CHESS survey, a cutting-edge population surveillance initiative aimed at delivering timely and high-quality data on disease-specific morbidity, pathogen-specific morbidity, and cause-specific mortality.
During his visits to the training venues, the Deputy Statistician General expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved thus far and commended the participants for their engagement and grasp of the material. He emphasized the importance of attention to detail in data collection and reiterated Stats SL’s unwavering commitment to producing credible and reliable data for national decision-making processes.
The Deputy Statistician General urged the field staff to fully engage in the training process to acquire the necessary skills for effective data collection, emphasizing the pivotal role their efforts would play in achieving the objectives of the CHESS survey.
In addition to monitoring the training sessions, Lansana Kpewolo Kanneh held discussions with key stakeholders, including Karene District Council Chairman Abdul Kandeh and members of the media, to address misinformation regarding the recruitment of field staff. He clarified the rigorous selection process undertaken by Stats SL and garnered support from stakeholders for the survey process.
The Stats SL number two man’s visit not only bolstered confidence in the survey process within Karene District but also underscored Stats SL’s dedication to excellence in data collection and analysis.
Simultaneously, a similar training was conducted in Pujehun district, another CHESS survey site, which was overseen by Stats SL Council Chairman, Moses Williams, and Council Representative for the North-West Region, Alhaji Yillah. They provided encouragement to trainees and assessed progress in the district, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to producing credible data for the CHESS survey.
In a joint effort between the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency on March 8, 2024 , health authorities have confirmed the presence of the Polio Virus in Kambia, Northern Sierra Leone. The case, identified after rigorous testing, has raised concerns about the potential spread of the disease within communities.
According to the official statement released on March 8th, 2024, the virus was determined to be vaccine-derived, a rare occurrence which, while less severe than the wild polio virus, still poses a significant risk, particularly in areas with under-immunized populations. Health officials emphasized the importance of swift action to prevent further transmission and potential mutation of the virus.
Sierra Leone’s health authorities are actively engaged in cross-border surveillance and public education campaigns to raise awareness about polio and the necessity of vaccination. Parents and caregivers are urged to ensure that children under the age of five receive recommended vaccinations according to schedule, including protection against polio.
The confirmation of the virus comes as a setback after Sierra Leone, along with other African nations, celebrated a significant milestone in public health in August 2020 when the continent was declared free of the wild poliovirus. The resurgence of the disease highlights the critical need for continued vigilance and immunization efforts.
While Africa had not reported any new cases of the wild polio virus since 2016, Sierra Leone’s last confirmed case dated back to 2010. Since then, the country has made substantial progress in strengthening disease surveillance and immunization campaigns, supported by Government commitment and partnerships with international organizations.
The Ministry of Health remains committed to containing the spread of the virus and protecting the population through coordinated efforts and strategic interventions. However, the recent detection serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by infectious diseases and the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to safeguard public health.
In a recent conversation with the media, Ambassador Kobi Walker, CEO of NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL), commended the Parliamentary Oversight Committee of Trade for their initiative in engaging with the operations at NP (SL) terminals. During the interview, Ambassador Walker highlighted the need for collective action to tackle the challenges faced by the company and to bolster the safety measures surrounding its terminals.
Drawing attention to an unfortunate event in Guinea, Walker underscored the critical importance of preventing similar incidents in Sierra Leone by enhancing security protocols at NP (SL) facilities. He stressed that the proximity of NP terminals to residential zones is uncommon in Western countries, and it is vital to acknowledge and address the unique risks this presents.
Ambassador Walker shed light on the economic hurdles of fuel importation and distribution, pointing out the difficulty inherent in purchasing fuel with dollars and selling it in Leones. However, he acknowledged the support from the Bank of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade, and the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), which has been instrumental in securing the necessary foreign currency for fuel imports.
In terms of employment, Ambassador Walker proudly noted that NP (SL) is setting an example in gender diversity with over 42% of its workforce being female. He credited this to the company’s conviction that women are exceptionally capable in this industry. Furthermore, Walker expressed his advocacy for gender equality, referencing his support for the HE for SHE campaign, which champions women’s empowerment.
In closing, CEO Walker called for a unified approach among stakeholders to ensure the uninterrupted operation of NP (SL) terminals and the consistent supply of petroleum throughout the country. He emphasized the paramount importance of maintaining safety standards to protect both the infrastructure and the citizens living in the vicinity of these facilities.
The faith community and followers of The End-Time Harvesters Evangelistic Ministry, more commonly known as Zion Praise Tabernacle, rejoice as they celebrate the birthday of their esteemed General Overseer, Reverend James Bangura, on March 12. The congregation extends heartfelt prayers for his continued guidance and divine protection.
Reverend Bangura has become synonymous with the Christian mission, zealously spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ across nations. His commitment to nurturing dedicated followers of Christ has been unwavering, as evident through his lifetime of evangelistic work.
Together with his wife, Pastor Esther Bangura, they form a dynamic duo in the spiritual realm, fervently praying for the redemption of the lost and setting a standard for a life led by Christian values. Their children, Philip James, Joel Miracle, Jessie Godwill, and Judah Zion Bangura, are a testament to their strong family foundations based on faith.
Renowned for his spiritual leadership and deep understanding of faith’s impact, Reverend Bangura is a figure of inspiration, tirelessly working to showcase the glory of God and bring people closer to the core truths of Christianity.
During a candid conversation, Reverend Bangura shared insights into the expansive nature of the gospel. He drew parallels between the Great Commission’s call to discipleship and the Creation Commission’s mandate for growth, emphasizing the church’s role in fostering lives transformed by Jesus Christ and dedicated to righteous living.
Zion Praise Tabernacle has experienced significant growth under Reverend Bangura’s vision, reminiscent of the biblical mustard seed’s evolution into a great tree. This growth is attributed to divine grace and the strategic leadership provided by the General Overseer.
The importance of faith in achieving God’s will was highlighted by Reverend Bangura, who advised believers to seek divine clarity, document their vision, and persevere against challenges that may arise.
Zion Praise Tabernacle actively participates in social initiatives that align with national efforts to instill sound moral values through biblical teachings. The church’s expansion plans aim to increase its capacity to further its mission of evangelism and prepare individuals for Christ’s return.
With existing branches in Tengbeh Town, Patricia Kabba school, and Rokel, and with plans to reach Makeni and Lungi, Zion Praise Tabernacle has grown since its establishment on June 17, 2012. The church thrives through the dedication of its ministers, elders, deacons, and workers, all driven by a spirit of servitude and the pursuit of God’s glory.
Zion Praise Tabernacle is steadfast in its mission to elevate Jesus Christ, conveying the entirety of God’s word and challenging believers to draw nearer to the Almighty. Worship is a cherished practice, with energetic praise times, thoughtful communion, and generous offerings made in gratitude.
Regularly convening, the congregation stays intimately connected with their faith, and at this special time, they welcome all to partake in the celebration of Reverend Bangura’s life and the remarkable works of the Lord.
On this auspicious day, we honor Reverend James Bangura, a beacon of hope, a mentor to many, and a true changemaker in the world of Christian ministry. Your enduring legacy of faith and service shines brightly, touching lives and inspiring countless souls.
As Reverend James Bangura celebrates another year of life, we recognize his role as a beacon of hope and a tireless advocate for the gospel.
His birthday is not only a personal milestone but also a celebration of the far-reaching impact of his ministry.
The congregation of Zion Praise Tabernacle invites all to join in their frequent gatherings, maintaining a steadfast relationship with God through shared worship and praise.
On this special day, we extend our warmest wishes to Reverend James Bangura. May his new year be filled with abundant blessings, continued success in his ministry, and the grace to persist in his sacred calling.
