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MaMJGEF Hosts National Education Champions Awards & Dinner

By Millicent Senava Mannah

Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation (MaMJGEF) has organized a National Education Champions Awards (NECA) and a Fund Raising Dinner on the 27th January, 2024 during an event that was held at Hotel Cabenda on Signal Hill in Freetown.

Speaking at the event, the Founder and CEO of MaMJGEF, Mohamed Justice Ganawah, expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners for their relentless support to the Foundation further informing that the organization was founded in 2021 in honor of his late mother, Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah, after whom the organization was named.

He revealed how she was a woman who valued education and single handedly went all out to educate him also underscoring that because of the late woman’s passion for education that was the major reason why he created the Foundation in honor and memory of her.

Ganawah also disclosed that when they started the Foundation they promised that they will restore Sierra Leone’s legacy in education as the Athens of West Africa saying one way through which they believed that could be achieved was by initiating the National Education Champions Awards.

He intimated that the Foundation has forty two beneficiaries, who are pupils, attending various schools saying three of them have never had access to formal education until the organization’s intervention, and that another three attained double promotions in their schools adding how they do monitor their performances and wellbeing from time to time.

The CEO appealed to the audience to support the Foundation in order to enable them to positively impact more lives.

Guest Speaker of the occasion, in his statement, commended the Founder of the Foundation for such an initiative saying that in recognizing the remarkable achievements of others they must adhere to the principles of hard work, honesty and dedication in every endeavor of their lives.

He maintained that stories of examination malpractice abound and that sometimes it is with the active connivance with parents, guardians and staffs of the educational institutions.

“This unholy practice must be discouraged.  Integrity must guide the way to conduct our affairs,” he admonished, and noted that the lifetime achievement award is a symbol of gratitude and admiration for individuals who dedicated their lives to shaping the minds of the future, “leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of our country.”

One of the recipients of the award, Prof. Joe A.D. Alie, expressed his gratitude to the Foundation and NECA for awarding him such an honorary award, maintaining that it is good that they are receiving such an award when they are alive.

He commended the foundation for the good work they have been doing and pledged his moral support.

The event featured a documentary showcasing the Foundation’s journey so far, climaxing with several recreational performances.

MOPADA SL Commissions Mobile Clinic Services for Kailahun Beneficiaries

By Jonathan HINDOLO Kurabu Esq.

Five (5) Chiefdoms in Kailahun District namely: Peje Bongra, Peje West, Upper Bambara, Jawia and Yawie will in February 2024 benefit from a free mobile clinic services courtesy of Movement Towards Peace and Development Agency Sierra Leone (MOPADA SL) in partnership with specialist German doctors.

The project tilted: “Enhancing Health Outcomes for Vulnerable Population in Kailahun District, Eastern Sierra Leone” has a lifespan of three years and also has a component to train Sierra Leonean Health practitioners resident in all 16 Peripheral Health Units from the listed beneficiary chiefdoms in Kailahun District.

Accordingly, the project seeks among plethora of positives to provide free healthcare services to Pregnant women, Physically challenged persons, Children under 5, among many others.

The Executive Director of MOPADA SL,  Patrick Momoh, stressed the importance of providing affordable and accessible healthcare services to vulnerable and marginalized people in Kailahun district.

He commended the German Doctors for accepting to be of help to the beneficiaries and appealed to the stakeholders and beneficiaries present to make judicious use of the available services.

He pledged MOPADA’s unwavering support to alleviating all forms of poverty and to provide the needed support to the people of Kailahun District.

Health Project Officer, German Doctors, Anja Bujak showered profuse thanks and appreciation on the Executive of MOPADA SL for prioritizing the healthcare services of the people of Kailahun District amid inherent challenges in the healthcare delivery and pledged to offer their utmost best to boost the healthcare services in Kailahun District.

Medical Superintendent, Kailahun Government Hospital, Dr. Jowo Aberdeen on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Healthcare Professionals in Kailahun District expressed gratitude to the Management and staff of MOPADA SL and promised to fully cooperate with the visiting delegation added that they themselves have a lot to benefit from the German Doctors throughout the subsistence of the Project.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Princess H. Momoh, District Health Sister 1, Kailahun District.

Paramount Chief, Pejeh Bongre Chiefdom, Kailahun District, PC Henry H. Baion ,on behalf of colleague paramount Chiefs and beneficiary chiefdoms, thanked MOPADA SL and the German Doctors for the opportunity and promised to tap positively into the positives of the project.

Beneficiaries present lauded the implementing partner and donors and also promised to grab and make prudent use of the mobile clinic services.

President Bio Launches Ambitious 2024–2030 National Development Plan

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a landmark event at the Freetown International Conference Center on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio officially unveiled Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) for the years 2024–2030. Titled “A Transformative Acceleration Agenda for Food Security, Human Capital Development, and Job Creation,” the plan is hailed as a strategic roadmap for unprecedented prosperity and progress.

President Bio declared the launch a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, showcasing a comprehensive national development plan that not only hears the aspirations of Sierra Leoneans but meticulously addresses them. He emphasized the intrinsic connection between democracy and real development, asserting that the latter forms the foundation for freedom, equality, and prosperity.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, President Bio underscored his government’s commitment to confront them head-on, guided by principles of equity, justice, and sustainability. He stressed the plan’s objective to empower and liberate the people, emphasizing that development should unleash potential rather than constrain it.

“To actualize this grand vision, it is crucial to have synergy and alignment across all levels of government,” President Bio stated. “Our mission is to transform areas of economic challenge into havens of economic opportunity.”

The President highlighted the importance of peace and unity in achieving these development goals. The National Development Plan aims to create an inclusive, green, middle-income society by 2039, with a focus on food self-sufficiency by 2030 and a skilled, healthy, and inclusive workforce.

President Bio outlined ambitious targets, including the creation of at least half a million new jobs by 2030, fostering a cashless economy, and enhancing financial inclusion. He envisions a vibrant e-government and an efficient, innovative public administration system.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Madam Seraphine Wakana, expressed optimism at the launch, describing the plan as a collective commitment to sustainable development, inclusivity, and resilience for Sierra Leoneans. The UN, she assured, stands ready to collaborate with the government and partners to leverage expertise and resources.

Dr Jonathan Titus Williams, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, provided an overview of the plan, emphasizing its continuity from the New Direction government’s development trajectory. He highlighted the plan’s role in building on the nation’s foundation for progress, propelling Sierra Leone forward among the community of nations.

ECOWAS Parliament Holds an extraordinary session of Fifth Legislature in Freetown

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

While opening the extraordinary session of the Fifth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament on January 31, 2024, at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown, President Julius Maada Bio highly commended the outgoing Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, for his commitment to bringing the ECOWAS Parliament closer to the people through the integration of valuable projects aimed at strengthening the interests of people in the sub-region.

The President highlighted how Speaker Tunis did Sierra Leone and the region proud by accomplishing vital initiatives which, according to him, created significant results in the history of the ECOWAS Parliament.

“My endorsement for Hon Sidie Mohamed Tunis to serve as Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament has yielded great dividends not only for Sierra Leone but the sub-region as well. We are appreciative of him for making the Parliament visible to the people,” President Bio further commended.

It must be noted that, as a lawmaker, Hon. Tunis has successfully demonstrated a strong leadership role by tackling issues surrounding countries in the sub-region, promoting gender equality, and supporting trade deals that are in the best interests of the sub-region.

Earlier, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio emphasized the urgent need for collective action against illegal mining in the region.

President Bio expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Parliament for its unwavering support in strengthening democratic processes and good governance, particularly in Sierra Leone and urged all member states to enhance their commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing shared challenges.

Highlighting the significant role of the Fifth Legislature in promoting peace and stability in West Africa, President Bio stressed the detrimental impact of illegal mining and trafficking in precious minerals on the region. He commended the ECOWAS Parliament for organizing the workshop, recognizing the importance of united action to tackle issues transcending borders.

Rt. Honourable Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, marked the conclusion of the Fifth Legislature and his tenure. He expressed gratitude to President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone for their support, recognizing the pivotal role of the events in shaping the Parliament’s agenda.

The three-day session, held at the Freetown International Conference Center, focused on the implications of illegal mining on peace, stability, security, development, governance, the rule of law, the environment, and the economy in West Africa.

APC Women’s Leader Forced into Exile Amid Death Threats

Madam Fatmata Turay
Madam Fatmata Turay

By Alpha Sesay

Madam Fatmata Turay, a prominent Sierra Leonean political activist and former Women’s Leader of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), has been declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police and now lives in hiding, fearing for her life amid escalating political persecution and threats.

Born in Kono District and raised in Conakry, Guinea, Madam Fatmata Turay’s life has long been marked by political turmoil and personal tragedy. Her late father, a soldier, was reportedly arrested and detained in 1992 for opposing the military takeover in which the current President Julius Maada Bio by then a military Captain actively participated.

He later died in detention under mysterious circumstances and his body was never returned to the family. That incident left a deep scar on her, shaping her lifelong defiance against injustice.

Her mother, widowed and determined, became an active supporter of the All People’s Congress Party (APC), introducing her daughter to politics at a young age. At just 18, Madam Fatmata Turay officially joined the APC and began mobilizing women and youth across Sierra Leone before later seeking refuge in neighbouring Guinea due to mounting insecurity and political unrest.

In Guinea, she quickly rose through the party ranks, becoming Deputy Chairlady of the APC branch in 2007, where she played a key role in the campaign that brought former President Ernest Bai Koroma to power. By 2018, she was appointed Chairlady of the APC branch in Conakry, leading the party’s campaign efforts against the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP); the same political movement now led by President Julius Maada Bio, the man she holds responsible for her father’s death.

In a recent interview, Madam Fatmata Turay described how her life became increasingly endangered under President Bio’s administration. She recalled that political intimidation intensified after the disputed 2023 elections, following the deadly August 8–10, 2022 protests that left several opposition supporters dead or detained. Matters worsened in November 2023 when the Government announced a failed coup attempt, after which numerous political activists and civil society members were reportedly arrested, tortured or killed.

While still in Guinea, Madam Fatmata Turay discovered that her name and photograph had appeared on an official list of wanted persons accused of involvement in both the August 2022 disturbances and the November 2023 coup attempt. Authorities alleged that she had mobilized and supported opposition protesters. As her name circulated across borders, her situation became increasingly precarious.

Fearing arrest, she relocated from Conakry to Kankan to seek temporary safety. However, her hiding place was soon compromised when Guinean police, acting on an extradition request from Freetown, raided the residence where she had been staying. Although she narrowly escaped, several other Sierra Leonean opposition figures were arrested and severely beaten during the operation. According to reports, the landlord of the house later received a copy of an arrest warrant bearing her name, confirming that she was being actively pursued.

In January 2024, collaboration reportedly intensified between Sierra Leonean and Guinean authorities, with Interpol facilitating information exchanges that led to a series of arrests and deportations of Sierra Leonean opposition figures residing in Guinea. Sources close to Madam Fatmata Turay say she was among those targeted for extradition. Terrified by the prospect of capture, she managed to flee Guinea and has since remained in hiding.

An official police notice issued in January 2024 confirmed that the Sierra Leone Police had declared Madam Fatmata Turay wanted in connection with the August 2022 protests, alleging that she mobilized young people to participate in what the Government described as “unlawful demonstrations.”

For Madam Fatmata Turay, this is no longer just a political battle; it is a struggle for survival. Her ordeal reflects the deepening risks faced by opposition members and activists who dare to challenge the prevailing political order. Surrounded by fear, uncertainty and the constant threat of arrest, Madam Fatmata Turay remains a symbol of resilience, a woman determined to stay alive even as her homeland grows increasingly hostile to dissent.

Karpowership to Shut Down Operations Over Unsettled Arrears

By Amin Kef (Ranger)
This medium, on January 29, 2024, was reliably informed that the Turkish Karpowership in Freetown will shut down operations due to huge arrears amounting to over thirty million dollars ($30M) and non-commitment on the part of the SLPP-led government to offset the aforementioned arrears.
It was further learned that this decision emanated as a result of the government reneging on an earlier promise made that it would settle the aforementioned arrears by the end of 2023 through the Ministry of Finance.
On November 17, 2023, Karpowership’s management issued a written 21-day notice of disconnection to the Government of Sierra Leone due to non-payment for services rendered.
On December 13, 2023, Karpowership’s management issued another written notice, this time for 14 days, expressing their intent to disconnect services if outstanding payments were not settled. The Finance Minister, once again, pledged to clear all arrears by the end of December 2023. However, as of now, no payment has been made to Karpowership.
The management of Karpowership has warned of shutting down operations if the Finance Minister persists in his unfulfilled commitments.
Against this grim backdrop, the Turkish Karpowership, which supplies 95% of electricity to Freetown, has decided to shut down operations any time soon.
It could be recalled that in September 2023, Karpowership, Sierra Leone’s main source of grid electricity, suspended operations for several days due to an unpaid bill, but the impasse was somehow micromanaged and resumption of power supply took place.
Worthy of note is that Karpowership is a Turkish company that supplies electricity to Freetown, operating power ships with floating power plants that use gas to generate electricity, which is then fed into the electricity grid.
For now, it is imminent that power outages will soon hit Freetown, with the main factor attributed to the suspension of electricity supply by the entity due to an unpaid debt totaling over $30 million.
Karpowership is a subsidiary of the Karadeniz Energy Group that entered into agreements in 2018 and 2020 to supply electricity to Sierra Leone’s state power utility. The company has previously struck similar deals with several African nations grappling with electricity shortages.
According to the company’s website, it has been providing Sierra Leone with approximately 65 megawatts of power generation capacity since 2020, covering 80 percent of the nation’s total electricity needs.
Karpowership serves as one of three primary sources of electricity for Freetown, with the others being the country’s hydro dam and power supplied through an interconnection with Ivory Coast, which also provides electricity to Guinea and Liberia.
All efforts to reach officials in the Finance Ministry were unsuccessful.
The Energy Minister, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, is expected to issue a public statement highlighting the government’s stance or position on this impending embarrassing situation.

Ministry of Health & Helen Keller Intl Showcase Strides Against NTDs on World NTD Day

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Ministry of Health, through its National Neglected Tropical Diseases Program (NNDTP), in collaboration with Helen Keller International and supported by the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Act to End Neglected Tropical Diseases Program, celebrated World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day on Tuesday, 30th January, 2024, with a focus on the theme: “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”

The commemoration commenced with a symbolic walk, titled “Waka for Don Away with Blen Yai en Bigfut,” from Aberdeen Roundabout to the Gulf Club on the Lumley Axis in Freetown. Following the walk, a high-level meeting with key stakeholders took place at the Freetown Golf Club on Lumley Beach Road in Freetown.

Dr. Ibrahim Kargbo-Labour, Neglected Tropical Diseases Program Manager at the Ministry of Health, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the impact of NTDs on impoverished communities due to limited access to quality healthcare, safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. Globally, over 1.5 billion people, particularly in tropical regions, are affected by NTDs, resulting in more than 200,000 annual fatalities.

This year’s World NTD Day theme, “Unite. Act. Eliminate,” underscored the call for collective action to eliminate NTDs. Dr. Kargbo-Labour shared Sierra Leone’s endemic status for Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, highlighting significant progress in enhancing Mass Drug Administration in 15 out of 16 districts for Lymphatic Filariasis.

After rounds of Mass Drug Administration, the impact prevalence of Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis was reported to be less than 20%. Dr. Kargbo-Labour set ambitious targets for the elimination and control of these diseases, aiming for Lymphatic Filariasis by 2025, Onchocerciasis by 2030 and sustained control of Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis by 2030.

Dr. Kargbo-Labour concluded by introducing Sr. Ekundayo Karim, the NTD Program Supervisor, expressing gratitude for attendees’ time and urging continued collaboration in the fight against NTDs.

Following Dr. Kargbo-Labour, Dr. Brima Osaio Kamara, the Director of Primary Health Care at the Ministry of Health, highlighted Sierra Leone’s achievements in eliminating Elephantiasis, Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths.

He showcased the success of Mass Drug Administration, reaching over 5.2 million eligible individuals, with 500,000 School Age Children receiving treatment for Schistosomiasis annually.

Dr. Kamara emphasized the importance of addressing the sustainability of NTD programming amidst diminishing donor funds. The Sierra Leone NTD sustainability plan is underway, incorporating NTD priorities into routine planning, financing, service delivery, and monitoring. NTDs have been integrated into strategic government policy documents, ensuring successful implementation of Universal Health Coverage.

Victoria Turay, Neglected Tropical Diseases Program Manager at Helen Keller International, expressed honor in participating in the global initiative against NTDs, stating that Sierra Leone, with support from USAID through Helen Keller International, has made remarkable progress, targeting the elimination of Lymphatic filariasis, control of Soil Transmitted Helminthes, and Schistosomiasis by 2030.

Turay highlighted the success of stopping Mass treatment against lymphatic filariasis in 15 out of 16 districts, with almost 5.5 million Sierra Leoneans receiving treatment for river blindness over the past 17 years.

She stressed the need for effective cross-sector coordination and integration to address inequities in access to healthcare services for those affected by NTDs.

Turay concluded with gratitude to USAID, the NTD workforce, and community stakeholders for their relentless efforts. She urged everyone to unite, act, and eliminate NTDs in Sierra Leone, quoting Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

Representing the US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, Dayo Spencer Walters, the Acting Health Officer Director at USAID, highlighted the achievements in eliminating neglected tropical diseases. Walters discussed collaborative efforts with the Sierra Leone government and other partners, emphasizing a five-year sustainability plan to mainstream NTD diagnosis and treatment into routine health services.

Despite global disruptions from Ebola and COVID-19, Walters acknowledged the US Government’s provision of over 125 million treatments for NTDs in Sierra Leone, significantly reducing cases of blindness due to onchocerciasis.

Walters reaffirmed the US Government’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to control and eliminate NTDs in Sierra Leone. She stressed the importance of strategic partnerships and diverse resources to accelerate WHO’s 2030 NTD goals and the Sustainable Development Agenda.

The National Neglected Tropical Adviser at World Health Organization, Dr. Louisa Ganda, and a representative from Africa CDC also made statements at the ceremony.

NP (SL) Unveils State-of-the Art Fuel Station on Aberdeen Road

By Millicent Senava Mannah

NP (SL) Limited has, on Monday 29th January, 2024, commissioned a  state of the art Fuel or Filling Station on Aberdeen Road in Freetown, popularly referred to as NP Aberdeen Road Fuel Station, during an auspicious event that was graced by the Management and staff of the petroleum importing and marketing entity, a representative from the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), the Proprietor of the new Fuel Station, his family members and well wishers. As was vividly pointed out during the commissioning of the strategically placed Fuel or Filling Station, the move or new development is geared towards expanding NP’s brand and market volume throughout Sierra Leone.

Another thing that was evidently underscored relating to the company’s modus operandi, while the unveiling ceremony was underway was that NP(SL) Ltd  is focused on boosting partnerships with reputable individuals, as seen done  this time round  with the Proprietor, Alpha Sowe,  to enhance the supply of quality petroleum products to the general public with the main objective of making their products easily accessible.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of NP (SL) Ltd, Kobi Walker, informed all that Management is very elated to partner with the Proprietor of the new Fuel Station, Hassan Sowe, thanking him for believing in their mission and vision which, he highlighted, prompted them as a company to partner with him which is now culminating in the commissioning of such a state of the art Fuel or Filling Station.

Kobi Walker mentioned that Hassan Sowe is no stranger to NP (SL) Ltd, recalling how the Proprietor’s father has been one of their long time partners. He used the occasion to send a message to every Sierra Leonean that it is possible for any ambitious and serious minded individual to do business with his or her fellow compatriots, making it clear that NP is an indigenous company set-up by 35 Sierra Leoneans further emphasizing that Sierra Leoneans are the only people that will contribute significantly in nation building.

“When we empower the nation we are also empowering individuals,” he averred pointing out that through his investment, Hassan Sowe, has created employment for twenty people which, he said, with benefits cascading to over 100 people who will be surviving from that.

He extended appreciation to everyone, who in one way or the other, participated in various ways to make it possible for the station to be commissioned further underpinning that buyers of products from the station must note that for every liter of fuel they buy, they are somehow helping a fellow Sierra Leonean.

Kobi Walker proudly intimated that NP-SL is doing exceptionally well with regards the importation and marketing of petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which the most widely used is the highly regarded Castrol Oil that has been widely accepted for the proper functioning of  engines especially vehicle engines.

The General Manager of NP-SL, Saidu Mansaray, on his part said the commissioning of the station is part of the company’s strategic partnership that they are promoting.

“This station is just the beginning; it has a lot to tell about what NP has in mind to do in terms of fuel business. Now is the time we talk less and let our actions speak for us,” the General Manager said.

According to him, when customers start buying and experiencing their products, they will cascade the benefits to other people furthering that doing so is a powerful tool that is capable of bringing in more customers.

Saidu Mansaray revealed that from now on customers will start taking ownership of their transactions in all their various stations across the country assuring of giving them convenience, as they enjoy efficient and effective services.

The Proprietor of the new Fuel Station, Hassan Sowe, also commended NP- SL for the partnership, further expressing appreciation for his father’s long standing relationship with the institution. He called on all well meaning individuals to take ownership of the station as there are many opportunities to benefit from. The Proprietor further commended all his staff for their relentless efforts in making the investment a success.

Climaxing the event was the cutting of the tape by the CEO of NP-SL Ltd, Kobi Walker and the Proprietor, Hassan Sowe marking the official commissioning of the NP Aberdeen Road Fuel Station.

Sierra Leone Leads 72 Countries Including 31 African States

For the 5th consecutive year in five years, Sierra Leone has, again, progressed upwards in Transparency International’s Global Corruption Country Rankings, moving from 110 in 2022 to 108 out of 180 countries surveyed in the 2023 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (TI-CPI) published on 30th January, 2024.

Sierra Leone also increased its 2022 score of thirty-four (34) to thirty-five (35) in 2023, which is again above the sub-Saharan average, and the highest the country has ever recorded since the CPI rankings began. In five years consistently, Sierra Leone has moved twenty-two (22) places upwards on the CPI, from 130 in 2017 to 108 in 2023.

The just-released CPI reveals that Sierra Leone continues to make remarkable progress in the World’s most respected corruption watchdog’s assessment and rankings and now leads Seventy-Two (72) countries in the global campaign against corruption, including Thirty-One (31) African countries, among which are; Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Cameroon, Uganda, Kenya, Angola, Madagascar, Mozambique, Niger and Libya.

“This year’s CPI shows mixed results in Africa, with significant improvements in a few countries. However, most African countries experienced stagnation, maintaining the region’s consistently poor performance, with an unaltered regional average score of 33”. Nonetheless, Sierra Leone performed better than the Average Score in Sub-Saharan Africa for the fourth year (score of 35 in 2023), and has consistently improved in the past four years.

The CPI is an annual survey used by TI, the leading global civil society watchdog on the global fight against corruption, to assess comparative perceived levels of public sector corruption in countries across the World.

It could also be recalled that, Sierra Leone has been outstanding in its Score in the ‘Control of Corruption’ Indicator in the Millennium Challenge Corporation Scorecard, with consistent excellent scores above 70% in 6 consecutive years.

Similar exponential jumps have been recorded in other respected global corruption measurement institutions, like Afrobarometer which confirmed that corruption prevalence has considerably reduced from 70% in 2015 to 40% in 2020, when the last survey was conducted.

In light of the foregoing, the Commission wishes to reassure all Sierra Leoneans of its continued and consistent determination to ensure the country continues to perform favorably in National, Sub-regional, Regional, and Global anti-corruption governance indices.

Rev. Dr. Lucy-Ann Ganda: A Stalwart Leader in SLBC with Untainted Character

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In the realm of broadcasting, there exists a beacon of unwavering character and dedication—Reverend Dr. Lucy-Ann Ganda, the esteemed Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). With a career spanning over a decade and a half, Ganda’s journey in journalism commenced in 2004, and her commitment to the field has only grown stronger with time.

Having contributed to prominent media outlets such as UN Radio and Cotton Tree News (CTN), Rev. Dr. Lucy-Ann Ganda has become a household name as one of the hosts of SLBC’s popular TV show, “Weh Yus.” However, her role as the Director of Administration and Human Resources at SLBC stands out, showcasing her as a woman of substance with an untainted character.

Rev. Dr. Ganda’s professional trajectory began as a reporter at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS), where she steadily climbed the ranks. The decision to appoint her as the Director of Administration was no mistake, as she has proven herself more than worthy of this multifaceted position.

During the fight that led to one faction influencing ordinary staff to hate each other while carrying out smear campaigns on social media, she remained neutral and held the balance to sustain the institution.

In an era marred by skepticism and allegations, Rev. Dr. Lucy-Ann Ganda stands as a paragon of integrity. Her hard-earned reputation remains unparalleled, despite attempts by some to tarnish her name through unwarranted smearing campaigns.

Unlike some, Rev. Dr. Ganda’s name is not synonymous with corruption, hatred, or backbiting. Instead, she is known for her relentless efforts to elevate SLBC into a better institution, benefiting both Sierra Leoneans and the dedicated staff members who work under her leadership.

As a Reverend, Dr. Ganda has extended her influence beyond the confines of the broadcasting studio, engaging in various human rights activism initiatives. Her commitment to combating harmful practices and her exemplary leadership within and outside SLBC have left an indelible mark on the institution.

Rev. Dr. Lucy-Ann Ganda is part of a select few who have played a pivotal role in the transformation of SLBS into SLBC. Her respectful collaboration with different Director Generals, marked by sincerity and an unblemished record, speaks volumes about her commitment to the institution’s progress.

Colleagues at SLBC regard Rev. Dr. Ganda as a trailblazer in the development and progress of the institution. Her legacy, akin to an enduring footprint, will be remembered long after her dedicated service to SLBC.

Rev. Dr. Ganda’s belief in fostering good working relationships is evident, as she bears no grudges and harbors no ill-will towards anyone. Her open-hearted approach and genuine interest in the progress of others demonstrate a refreshing absence of petty grudges and jealousy.

In an age where character and integrity are invaluable assets, Rev. Dr. Lucy-Ann Ganda shines as a beacon of trustworthiness, dedicated to the advancement of SLBC and the well-being of all its stakeholders.

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