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VP Juldeh Jalloh Launches $2M Western Area Peninsula Water Fund

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a landmark development on Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh,  unveiled the Western Area Peninsula Water Fund (WAPWF), a groundbreaking $2 million initiative aimed at safeguarding the watershed of Greater Freetown and ensuring a reliable supply of clean water for both upstream and downstream users.

This collaborative effort, a partnership between Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in coordination with various local and national stakeholders, marks a significant stride towards sustainable water resource management.

The Western Area Peninsula Water Fund (WAPWF), Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, is a pioneering initiative,  first of its kind in West Africa and aims to establish financial mechanisms supporting water conservation and accessibility in the Western Area.

The $2 million Western Area Peninsula Water Fund is a collaboration between the Ministry of Water Resources, Water Fund for Africa, Catholic Relief Services and The Nature Conservancy. Gracing the launch were representatives from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies dedicated to water resources, planning, and environmental protection.

Chaired by the Honorable Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Ing Francis Alpha Kallon, the event marked a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s commitment to sustainable water management.

The partnership between diverse stakeholders highlights the government’s dedication to addressing water scarcity concerns and preserving the environment for future generations.

As the Western Area Peninsula Water Fund embarks on its operations, it is poised to make a substantial impact on water conservation efforts in the region. The fund, totaling $2 million, aims to ensure a stable and reliable water supply for communities in the Western Area, contributing to the overall well-being of the population.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh expressed the historic significance of the launch, emphasizing the Government’s commitment to delivering tangible results in providing clean water for all citizens. The Western Area Peninsula Forest National Park, a biodiversity hotspot hosting 80-90% of Sierra Leone’s terrestrial biodiversity, will be a focal point for the Water Fund’s efforts.

Managed within the National Water Resources Management Agency of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Water Fund seeks to secure water sources, protect livelihoods, combat climate change, and conserve natural habitats and water towers.

Jennifer Overton, CRS’ Regional Director for West Africa, emphasized the foundational role of water security in humanitarian and development programs, stating, “This program will restore the Western Area Peninsula National Park, safeguard the delicate balance of nature, and secure the future of Freetown’s water supply.”

Ademola Ajagbe, TNC’s Africa Regional Managing Director, highlighted the collaborative approach of the Water Fund, uniting various sectors for the common goal of achieving water security. The projected economic and social benefits of the fund for Greater Freetown are estimated to reach $55 million over 30 years, with a $20 million investment allocated to protect and restore critical ecological infrastructure. This groundbreaking initiative is expected to generate significant benefits for the community, with every dollar invested by the fund projected to yield at least $2.70 in returns.

Research indicates that this initiative will play a vital role in ensuring water quality and quantity in Greater Freetown, delivering economic and social benefits to the community. The Water Fund is projected to generate approximately $55 million in economic and social benefits over a 30-year period, with a $20 million investment dedicated to protecting and restoring critical ecological infrastructure. This means that every dollar invested is expected to yield at least $2.70 in benefits for the community, demonstrating the potential for lasting positive impact.

Africell: 11 Years of Setting the Bar High with ISO 9001 Certification

Africell
Africell

In a landmark achievement, Africell commemorates more than 11 years of holding the ISO 9001 Certification, a feat attained on August 14, 2012, setting a historic precedent as Sierra Leone’s pioneering Telecommunications company to earn this prestigious accreditation.

From its inception in Sierra Leone, Africell prioritized fostering trust with its clientele, recognizing it as pivotal to securing and upholding its position as a telecommunications leader in the nation’s market. The cornerstone of this trust lay in consistently delivering top-tier services, benchmarked against global professional standards as affirmed by independent certification entities rather than subjective criteria.

Embarking on the journey towards ISO 9001 certification spanned over 18 months, encompassing the establishment, training, and certification of a dedicated quality management team. This process entailed meticulous documentation of all company procedures, alongside the implementation of requisite systems and structures stipulated by the standard, ensuring Africell’s capability to:

a) Consistently furnish products and services aligning with customer expectations and pertinent statutory and regulatory mandates.
b) Cultivate avenues for augmenting customer satisfaction.
c) Mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities inherent in its operational environment and objectives.
d) Validate adherence to specified quality management system requisites.

To uphold the integrity of the Quality Management System and sustain certification, Africell diligently underwent three triennial recertification audits and eight annual surveillance audits over the past eleven years.

Joe Abass Bangura, Africell’s Head of Quality Management Systems, boasts a prestigious Quality Management Systems Lead Auditors Certificate from the CSA Group in Ontario, Canada, a distinction held by a select few in Sierra Leone. Complementing Bangura, Africell’s Quality Management Team comprises six adept and certified QMS Auditors.

Rooted in the seven principles of quality management, Africell’s system prioritizes: engaging personnel, customer-centricity, leadership, process optimization, continual enhancement, evidence-driven decision-making, and relationship nurturing.

Reflecting on Africell’s enduring ISO 9001 certification journey, Managing Director Mr. Shadi Gerjawi emphasized its significance, affirming that sustaining the Quality Management System’s certification for over a decade through a reputable Canadian certification body underscores Africell’s unwavering dedication to delivering superior services, meeting customer expectations, and complying with regulatory mandates, thus reinforcing its market leadership position. Gerjawi reassured Africell subscribers of the company’s steadfast commitment to maintaining these standards.

Africell’s distinction as Sierra Leone’s inaugural Telecommunications entity to obtain ISO 9001 certification remains undisputed, with comprehensive details accessible through certification bodies’ websites and archived news articles from 2012.

ISO, denoting the International Organization for Standardization, serves as an impartial global entity that formulates and disseminates standards to ensure quality, safety, and efficacy across diverse industries. ISO 9001, the international benchmark for Quality Management, is embraced by over a million enterprises worldwide, fostering a culture of continual improvement anchored in customer exigencies.

ISO 9001
ISO 9001

Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation Wraps Up Transformative Three-Day Retreat in Bo District

The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation on Friday February 2, 2024 successfully concluded a three-day retreat at the scenic Galliness Paradise Hotel in Bo District. The retreat, held from January 31st to February 2nd, centered around the theme: “Strengthening the Sanitation Component Within the Water Sector for Effective Service Delivery.”

In her address at the closing ceremony, the Minister underscored the significance of the event as an opportunity for key stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector to reflect on the accomplishments of the past five years. Emphasizing the expansion of the ministry’s mandate to include sanitation functions, she officially welcomed the staff recently transferred from the Ministry of Health to augment the efforts of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

Dr. Macarthy acknowledged the historical lag in sanitation activities compared to the water component and expressed her commitment to reversing this trend. She urged Ministry and agency staff to collaborate effectively, emphasizing teamwork to achieve the strategic goals outlined in the ministry’s 2024-2030 plan. This plan aligns with the recently launched Medium Term National Development Plan (2024-2030) and the Sustainable Development Goal 6.

The Minister concluded her statement by pledging unwavering commitment and support from the ministry to assist sector agencies in realizing their strategic objectives. She emphasized that such achievements would create a mutually beneficial scenario for the entire sector.


The event was graced by distinguished guests, including  Kobba Musa, Mayor of Bo City Council; Hon. Musa Lahai, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation; Hon. Amie Moriba, member of the Parliamentary Committee on Water Resources and Sanitation; . Peter Amara, Board Member of Guma Valley Water Company; Ing. Francis Kallon, Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation;  Brima Sowa, Permanent Secretary, and various staff from the Ministry and its affiliated agencies, such as Guma Valley Water Company, Sierra Leone Water Company, National Water Resources Management Agency, and the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission.

ECOWAS Parliament Applauds Pres. Bio’s Commitment to Regional & National Peace

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr Julius Maada Bio received a cross-section of members from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament on Friday 2 February 2024 , who paid a courtesy visit in recognition of  his role in the many national and regional peace efforts and for serving with humility.

Led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dr Sidie Mohamed Tunis and the First Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, the legislators from the different countries said they were also there to present the President with a frame of appreciation for his leadership, describing his humility in service as exceptional.

The First Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament and former Deputy Speaker of the 9th Assembly of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Wase, thanked President Bio for his good work in Sierra Leone as well as in the sub-region. He praised his commitment and high interest in the region, particularly during their tenure, saying they had greatly benefited from his support.

“We have a lot to copy from you. We pray that many young Africans will copy from you as well. You are among the men of character who have served and are still serving. I wish to have another opportunity to learn from you. You have served in many capacities, globally and in the region, with that same humility and good conduct. Thank you very much,” he said.

President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the ECOWAS Members of Parliament and said he was always happy and proud to host them in the country, pointing out that their visits to other member States were part of an integration process.

He said it was an indication that the MPs were keen on the integration process as a continent, stressing that it took ordinary people to actualize that dream. He thanked the leadership of the ECOWAS Parliament for making that distant dream become a reality.

The President also noted that the sub-region and the continent, in particular, had a lot to gain from conducting movements from within and across borders.

He explained how proud and happy he was to be a host to the final Parliamentary Sessions that would bring an end to the present tenure. He congratulated all the Members of Parliament for serving the sub-region and for working with the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, a Sierra Leonean.

Earlier in the day, recognizing the pivotal role of education in global sustainable development, Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, unveiled a significant initiative during the closing session of the extraordinary meeting in Freetown ,the final High-Level Seminar of the 5th Legislature.

He disclosed a fund of Ten Billion Leones ( NLe 10 Million), for five years, dedicated to supporting tertiary students in Sierra Leone across various courses.

Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis unveiled the Scheme while addressing University students from FCB, IPAM and Milton Margai Technical University.

Highlighting the continuity of this effort, Speaker Tunis mentioned that Sixty-Seven university students have already benefited through the One Love Salone Foundation. He emphasized their commitment to expanding the program, aiming to grant scholarships to One Hundred students this year and targeting One Hundred and Fifty students in the coming year.

The initiative, conceived by the Speaker and his wife, Nabeela Ferida Tunis, is a testament to their dedication to giving back to society by providing education opportunities for the country’s youth.

In addition to scholarships, the project includes providing laptops to second-year students, alleviating the challenges of rushed assignments and facilitating convenient access to learning materials. Two Billion Leones have already been allocated to support this aspect of the project for 2023/2024 academic year.

Acknowledging the positive strides made by female students, Speaker Tunis expressed the intention to encourage more girls to benefit from the scheme, recognizing their current outperformance compared to male counterparts.

The overarching goal, as Speaker Tunis concluded, aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision to enhance human capital investment through education. The project aims to elevate the country’s literacy rate, positioning Sierra Leone competitively on the global stage.

Revolutionizing Trade: NRA Launches Cutting-Edge Product Tracing System in Freetown

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Revenue Authority (NRA), on Thursday February 1, 2024, has successfully activated the Product Tracing System (PTS) at manufacturing companies in Freetown, marking a pivotal step in revenue protection. The initial rollout targets importers, distributors, and retailers dealing with tobacco, wine, spirituous, and other alcoholic beverages.

Commissioner General, Jeneba J. Bangura, expressed pride in achieving this significant milestone, emphasizing the system’s role in ensuring transparency, combating illicit trade, and boosting revenue. The initiative aligns with the broader goals of infrastructure, technology, and innovation outlined in the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024-2030, known as the Big Five Game Changers.

The PTS, a state-of-the-art track and trace solution, monitors products from production or importation to distribution, underlining a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, Senior Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department at NRA, highlighted the system’s capability to trace goods effectively, preventing smuggling, tax evasion and identifying potential loopholes.

Beyond revenue protection, the system enhances efforts to combat contrabands entering the country. Leveraging advanced technologies like barcode scanning, GPS tracking, and data analytics, the PTS provides the NRA with real-time, accurate information on the movement of goods. This meticulous documentation aims to bolster domestic revenue mobilization.

Khalil Farhat Hidjazi, Managing Director of a beverage company, integrating with the system, urged companies and consumers to support the reform and cautioned that non-compliance would designate products without proper markings as potentially smuggled.

As the PTS goes live, it is anticipated to set a precedent for other beverage producers and importers to adhere to the Excise Stamps and Other Markings Regulations of 2022. The implementation stands as a testament to the NRA’s commitment to modernizing trade practices and ensuring a secure and accountable marketplace.

ACC Commissioner Celebrates Positive Data of Reduced Corruption Across Sectors

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

While President Julius Maada Bio has warmly embraced the recent Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report, which positioned Sierra Leone at 108 out of 180 countries ,the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq, in a message he delivered on February 2, 2024,  brimming with optimism and triumph, shared groundbreaking revelations from the recently released Afrobarometer Corruption Survey 2023, highlighting remarkable progress in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.

Ben Kaifala revealed that Sierra Leone has emerged as one of the standout success stories in Africa, with a staggering 58% majority of its citizens expressing confidence in the Government’s fight against corruption. According to him, such marks a monumental ascent from the mere 19% approval garnered in 2015, signifying a resounding 39% increase.

He said surprisingly, only 7% of citizens now consider corruption a major issue, a stark contrast to its previous status as the primary concern for the nation further expressing gratitude for the vote of confidence, emphasizing the significance of such a shift in public perception.

The Anti-Corruption Commissioner disclosed that Sierra Leone stands as the third-best country in Africa for the judicious management of COVID-19 funds, learning from past mistakes during the Ebola crisis. He proudly asserted that, aside from Tanzania and Seychelles, no other African nation outperformed Sierra Leone in handling pandemic-related funds.

Furthermore, he highlighted that corruption prevalence in Sierra Leone has plummeted well below the African average of 58%, showcasing a resounding victory for the nation. While acknowledging a need for improvement in the police sector, he celebrated positive data reflecting reduced corruption across various other sectors.

With Transparency International confirming a commendable leap in rankings from 130 in 2017 to an impressive 108 in 2023, the ACC Boss noted Sierra Leone’s prominent position, surpassing 71 countries globally and 31 in Africa. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) scorecard also revealed consistent excellent passes for six consecutive years since 2018.

Ben Kaifala concluded by emphasizing the need for sustaining the momentum in the fight against corruption and credited this transformative journey to the leadership of President Brig. (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, asserting that Sierra Leone has successfully laundered its image in just five years. While also acknowledging the remaining challenges, he expressed optimism about the country’s path to greatness and urged continued collective efforts.

In a final note, the Anti-Corruption Commissioner extended heartfelt congratulations to Sierra Leone, stating, “We are winning big; but it is because we are winning that we must keep fighting as though we are losing!”

Biometric Identity Cards: A New Requirement for Lands Ministry State Land Transactions

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Emerging developments continue to portray the significance in obtaining  the National and Non-National Biometric Cards that has now positioned Sierra Leone making it as  a beacon of progress more especially in this age of rapid technological progress and a global focus on security.

The Biometric Identity Cards can be viewed as a transformative emergence that will enhance public life for both citizens and non-citizens. As was previously mentioned by this medium, Biometric Identity Cards helps in streamlining Government services and improve public administration efficiency. A standardized identification system ensures timely and organized service delivery, contributing to reduced bureaucracy, minimized corruption, and a more transparent Government.

Biometric Identity Cards also helps in streamlining Government services and improve public administration efficiency, spanning sectors from healthcare to education. A standardized identification system ensures timely and organized service delivery, contributing to reduced bureaucracy, minimized corruption, and a more transparent Government.

As recent as the 2nd February, 2024 the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning in Sierra Leone has introduced a set of new requirements for individuals seeking state land lease, freehold, grant, building permits, and land registration.

The move , according to the Ministry, comes as part of a broader initiative to overhaul the land management systems across the country and mitigate conflicts associated with land transactions.

In a public notice signed by the Senior Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands Housing and Country Planning, a directive, effective immediately, mandates that applicants must submit a copy of their National Identity Card, non-national ID card, or ECOWAS Identity Card containing the unique National Identification Number (NIN).

This directive, the Ministry said,  is in accordance with Cabinet directives and parliamentary ratification from March 2022, which stipulated the mandatory linkage of the NIN inscribed on ID cards to access various services, including land and property registration.

The Ministry further said it aims to enhance transparency and streamline the land management process to minimize disputes.
It reminds the  public  that National ID cards with NIN can be obtained at all National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) district offices and other designated centers/outlets throughout the country.

In that direction, the Ministry urges the general public to cooperate with these new requirements for a more efficient and transparent land management system.

It ended by stating that the reforms mark a significant step towards modernizing the land administration in Sierra Leone, and the Ministry emphasizes the importance of public cooperation in achieving a smoother and more accountable land transaction process.

Worthy of note is that designated centers and six specific offices have been opened throughout the country in locations that are easily-accessible, as part of efforts to facilitate the ID registration process. The centres are:

  1. NCRA Headquarters: 2 Walpole Street, Freetown.
    2. NCRA Office: 23B Off Kingharman Road, Freetown.
    3. NCRA Office: Kennedy Street, Freetown.
    4. NCRA Branch Office: 230 Lumley Road, Freetown (By the Round about).
    5. NCRA Office: Waterloo along the Freetown High Way (Opposite the Police Station).
    6. NCRA Offices: Regional Headquarter Towns of Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko.

The NCRA has introduced specialized corporate services designed for organizations and institutions. For detailed information on these services, interested parties can reach out to the following contact numbers: +232-33-433-333, +232-30-500-000, +232-60-000, +232-78-221-812, or via email at idverification@ncra.gov

Through embracing the ID Cards, Sierra Leoneans will pave the way towards a more connected, transparent, and prosperous nation.

NP (SL) Delivers on its Promise as it Unveils New Aberdeen Road Fuel Station

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Ltd, is an indigenous petroleum importing and marketing company that was established by thirty-five Sierra Leoneans years back and since then has demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess in the provision of high-grade petroleum products across the country. One outstanding attribute that the company possesses is its unwavering focus on enhancing and optimizing Customer Care, a feat that it has marshaled well to an extent of earning the coveted accolade of 1st for Customer Care.

A key component of NP’s modus operandi is its commitment to enhancing partnerships with reputable individuals to establish Fuel or Filling Stations in various parts of the country. This commitment, Management of the company has executed well over the years to the utmost satisfaction of the investors and customers of it products.

It must be underscored that the underlying reason why that commitment was mainstreamed in NP’s activities is to ensure the seamless flow and accessibility by the vast majority to its quality products that it markets as well as to also ensure that scarcity or shortages do not easily occur that will lead to unpleasant situations. It goes without saying that the advantages that have accrued to residents in hard to reach areas where Fuel or Filling Stations were eventually established, ranging from job creation, reducing the time and cost of accessing petroleum products cannot be over emphasized.

It is against such a backdrop that the recent commissioning of a state of art Fuel or Filling Station on Aberdeen Road fondly known as NP Aberdeen Road Fuel Station materialized. Representing a new architectural face and adding to the aesthetic allure of the city, the station marks NP’s continuous dominance in the petroleum marketing landscape of Sierra Leone and the West African sub-region.

Expanding its brand and market share across Sierra Leone, NP-SL’s collaboration with the Proprietor of the state of art NP Aberdeen Road Fuel Station, Alpha Sowe, exemplifies such a strategy, ensuring the widespread availability of quality petroleum products to the public.

The Chief Executive Officer of NP (SL) Ltd,, Ambassador Kobi Walker, during the commissioning event, expressed his delight at the partnership with Alpha Sowe further highlighting the positive impact of the investment. He pointed out how the new station, under Alpha Sowe’s Proprietorship, has already created employment opportunities for twenty individuals, with indirect benefits extending to over a hundred people.   Ambassador Kobi Walker emphasized the empowerment potential of business partnerships for ambitious individuals, contributing not only to personal success but also to national development.

On his part, the General Manager of NP-SL, Saidu Mansaray reiterated that the station’s commissioning reflects the company’s strategic partnerships and hinted at future developments in the fuel business. He underscored the importance of customer experience in spreading the benefits of NP’s products.

The Proprietor, Hassan Sowe, expressed gratitude for NP-SL’s partnership, encouraging others to explore the opportunities available at the new Fuel Station.

It is no gainsaying that NP (SL) Ltd has strategically expanded its presence in Sierra Leone and neighboring countries such as Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and The Gambia.

The company’s mission, centered on maintaining a leadership position in the local market and operating at the sub-regional level, emphasizes environmentally friendly practices and superior value for customers, employees and stakeholders

Cognizance must be taken that with gas as one its marketable products it was thought wise to be producing gas cookers, popularly known as NP Gas, which could be access at their different Filling Stations including this latest  NP Aberdeen Road Fuel Station  . According to investigation conducted NP Gas is cooking-friendly, safe and long lasting. It is going at an affordable price and many are going for it.

The company, in line with matching with technology, introduced the use of a Smart Card widely known as NP Smart Card which is a Card with memory chip embedded that can be credited with money and debited when it is used during the purchase of fuel. The holder only slots the loaded card into the space on the pumping machine after commanding the amount of fuel to be pumped and the exact amount is discharged with the card ready for another recharge to be used for the next purchase. It has been acknowledged that it is a safe, cashless way of conducting transactions assuring greater security and budgetary adjustments.

When reference is made to the effective implementation of the Local Content Policy, then NP-SL Ltd stands tall within that realm as nearly all its members of staff are Sierra Leoneans thereby making use of local talents everywhere they are operating. The Local Content Policy is indeed an engine of growth and NP is making full use of it.

NP (SL) Ltd’s growth aligns with its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen, complementing Government development efforts through impactful Corporate Social Responsibility. It consolidates its position as a dominant force in the petroleum marketing landscape.

Orange SL Emerges with Unprecedented ISO Certification

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a historic event held at the prestigious Lagoonda Complex on Aberdeen in the West End of Freetown, Orange SL marked a significant milestone on February 1, 2024. The telecommunications giant announced its attainment of the ISO 9001:2015 Certification, making it the first telecom company in Sierra Leone to receive global recognition for its quality management system.

The announcement took place during a grand dinner attended by distinguished personalities, including the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, Deputy Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Sannoh, and the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NatCA) Amara Brewah. The gathering also included the EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Manuel Müller, Honorable Members of Parliament, Heads of Government Departments and Agencies, Corporate Customers, and Members of the Fourth Estate.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems. It signifies Orange SL’s commitment to enhancing performance, meeting stakeholder needs, and exceeding customer expectations. The certification establishes the telecom giant as a pioneer in implementing robust quality management systems, aligning with international standards.

Sekou Amadou Bah, the Chief Executive Officer of Orange SL, expressed his elation at being the first telecom company in Sierra Leone to achieve this prestigious certification. He emphasized the achievement as a testament to Orange SL’s dedication to superior services, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. The certification reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, setting them apart in the competitive telecommunications market.

The ISO 9001:2015 Certification demands the implementation of policies and procedures to ensure the delivery of high-quality products and services. CEO Sekou Amadou Bah highlighted that this recognition strengthens Orange SL’s credibility, showcasing their dedication to prioritizing customer satisfaction above all else. He affirmed that the certification is a powerful message to customers, partners, and stakeholders that Orange SL is a trusted and reputable mobile network company.

Orange SL’s CEO underscored the significance of customer-centricity in their business strategy, stating that the ISO 9001:2015 Certification reinforces their focus on open communication, feedback integration, and continuous improvement. He reiterated the company’s commitment to quality management policies based on values of trust, exemplarity, simplicity, excellence, and performance.

Rufina Adjivon Tucker, Project Lead and Program Director of Orange Sierra Leone, emphasized the certification’s importance in signifying the company’s commitment to quality standards and its relentless pursuit of excellence.

Cheikh Diongue Mbaye, the Chief Compliance Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, emphasized the certification as a test of the company’s integrity and dedication to upholding the highest international standards.

Commending Orange SL for this remarkable achievement, Minister of Information Chernor Bah praised the company’s exemplary performance and its contribution to the Government’s development efforts through Corporate Social Responsibility.

Amara Brewah, Director-General of NatCA, commended Orange SL as the telecom regulator, urging other service providers to follow Orange SL’s example in optimizing customer care and providing quality services.

The ISO 9001:2015 Certification not only reinforces Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to stakeholders but also establishes satisfaction, trust, sound quality control processes, productivity, and a culture of continuous improvement, as the company continues to lead the way in the telecommunications industry.

Auditor General Calls For Collaborative Approach with Journalists for Enhanced Accountability

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a media engagement on issues relating to the Auditor General’s Report 2022 held on Thursday, 1stFebruary 2024 organized by Audit Service Sierra Leone, Abdul Aziz, the Acting Auditor General of Audit Service Sierra Leone emphasized the pivotal role of auditors in ensuring a positive impact on the nation, underscoring the importance of stakeholders’ engagement and communication during the discussion on the recently published 2022 Annual Report.

Addressing journalists at their office, on the 12th Floor, Freetown City Council Building on Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown, Aziz stated: “The work that we do at the Audit Service is not for the Audit Service; it’s for the public, it’s for our people.” He highlighted the need for auditors and journalists to work as partners in development, recognizing the powerful role of the media in disseminating audit reports to the public.

Aziz explained the three main types of audits performed by the Audit Service, namely financial statement audit, compliance audit, and performance or value for money audit. He stressed the significance of going beyond financial statements and evaluating the impact of Government spending on service delivery.

“The work that we do should make a difference in the lives of our people. If we are unable to do that, then we should not even exist as an institution,” declared Aziz, emphasizing the importance of changing the approach to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

Aziz urged auditors to address issues that go beyond cash losses, focusing on service delivery challenges in sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. He acknowledged the media as the “court of public opinion” and encouraged journalists to play a crucial role in holding public officers accountable.

During the briefing, Aziz mentioned ongoing efforts, supported by the World Bank to improve stakeholders’ communication and engagement. He emphasized that collaboration with journalists is essential to achieving the desired impact on citizens’ lives.

Aziz concluded by expressing the Audit Service’s commitment to ongoing communication with the media, emphasizing the need for regular meetings and open dialogue to enhance accountability and transparency in Sierra Leone.

In a comprehensive briefing on the report, Philip Goba, the Training Manager of Audit Service Sierra Leone, provided insights into the meticulous audit process and the criteria employed for selecting clients. Giving a detailed account, Goba emphasized the importance of transparency and outlined the steps followed by auditors throughout the audit engagement.

Goba commenced the briefing by shedding light on the structure of the audit report, guiding attendees on the essential components. He stressed the significance of understanding what was examined, why it was examined, and the findings, considering it as a key to grasp the essence of each chapter.

Furthermore, Goba addressed the common queries raised about client selection, emphasizing the criteria used to determine the entities subjected to audit. With over 400 clients, the audit service prioritizes based on budget allocation, public interest, revenue generated by the entity, donor interests, and adherence to financial statement preparations.

He clarified that the audit service also considers the Government’s agenda, which plays a crucial role in selecting clients. For instance, the focus might shift from education to agriculture based on the Government’s priorities.

Delving into the audit process, Goba explained the operational meeting organized within different divisions to discuss the areas of focus. He highlighted that auditors carefully examine and critique each division’s choices during this meeting, ensuring a robust and comprehensive audit plan.

To maintain transparency, Goba detailed the communication process with clients, starting with an engagement letter outlining responsibilities and expectations. The auditors conduct an initial meeting, explaining their intentions, duration, and document requirements.

Throughout the audit, queries are issued, and verbal communication ensures that issues are promptly addressed. An exit meeting is then organized, providing clients with an overview of the findings before the report is finalized.

Addressing the concern of surprises, Goba emphasized that clients are well-informed at every stage, leading to an exit meeting where all issues are thoroughly discussed.

The briefing concluded with Goba outlining the types of evidence used in the audit, including documentary, pictorial, analytical, and testimonial evidence. He assured that all queries and observations in the report are substantiated by evidence on file, reiterating the transparency and openness of the audit process.

The Assistant Auditor General, Audit Service Sierra Leone, Morie Lansana also spoke on key issues in the report followed by the Principal Auditor, Audit Service Sierra Leone, Mohamed Mustapha who spoke on the submission of the report to Parliament.

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