J&J Produce Company Awards Kono Farmer with Le240M Fully-Furnished House

January 19, 2024

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

In a gesture of appreciation for farmers contributing significantly to the cocoa and coffee industry in Sierra Leone, J and J Produce Company, a prominent player in the market and based in Kono District has awarded Mamadi Mansaray with a fully furnished house valued at 240 million Old Leones. This annual fair-trade raffle has been ongoing since 2020, with previous winners receiving prizes such as bikes and vehicles.

Mamadi Mansaray emerged victorious in this year’s draw, having sold an impressive 56,000 kg of cocoa to J and J Produce Company from 2022 to 2023.

The award is part of the company’s efforts to recognize and reward farmers for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the industry.

Sahr Pumue, the CEO of J and J Produce Company emphasized the challenges faced by farmers and underscored the importance of increasing the prices of cocoa and coffee in the market. He detailed the various incentives provided by the company, including valuable prizes like houses and vehicle, to motivate farmers to enhance their production.

Pumue shared insights into the initiatives taken by J and J Produce Store to support agriculture, expressing a commitment to empowering individuals and highlighting the profitability of cocoa sales. The “golden staff prize,” which includes a house and additional land, was valued at over 240 million Old Leones.

The winner, Mamadi Mansaray, expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted his involvement in the cocoa business since 2009. He encouraged young people to consider farming as a viable career option and expressed motivation to continue excelling in the industry.

During the award ceremony, Paramount Chief ,Aiah Moses Kamanda, commended the integral role of agriculture in the country’s development strategy. He praised J and J Produce Company for its contribution to boosting the economy of Kono District and urged farmers to remain consistent in their efforts.

Councilor Thomas, representing the Kono District Council, expressed appreciation for J and J Company’s positive impact on agriculture in the district. He noted that the company’s initiatives align with the Government’s Feed Salone program and emphasized their importance for Kono District and the country as a whole. The Councilor commended the company for spurring increased agricultural production and competitiveness among farmers.

Gov’t Must Ensure that Every MDA Employee Secures Biometric National ID Cards

January 19, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In order to achieve an increase in the citizenry turning out to secure the Biometric National ID Cards that the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) started issuing last year, it has been logically recommended that the Government should make it mandatory for every employee in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to secure one. It was further averred that one rationale way to make such possible is for the NCRA and MDAs to enter into an amicable agreement whereby payments for the issuance of the ID Cards deducted from employees’ salaries and such monies paid into an NCRA account.

It must be noted that such a move was instituted in Ghana recently when it was mandated by the Ghanaian Government, “Beginning February 2024, all public sector workers without Ghana ID Card numbers will have their salaries frozen…” .Such a move, it was further stated, will greatly help cut out ghost names on the Government’s payroll as it will automatically create a data base of all employees in MDAs.

For Government to make it mandatory could only be deemed as an expedient move against the backdrop that it has become evident that since the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) of Sierra Leone commenced the issuance of Biometric National ID Cards nationwide, there has been a lukewarm response from the bulk of the citizenry to turn up at designated centres to secure their cards at a minimal fee.

Notably, a key sector of the populace that has shown less enthusiasm in securing their Biometric National ID Cards is MDA employees, who disappointedly, have so far failed to be at the vanguard to fulfill such an important statutory obligation.

There is no way it could be swept under the carpet or in downplaying the fact that owning a National Biometric ID Card is a vital requirement which every citizen must fulfill. Owning one shows one’s identity as a citizen of Sierra Leone thereby helping to easily dispel doubts in questionable times. It saves one going through any identity check hassle at checkpoints during tense moments.

Besides, securing the National Biometric ID Card will save holders from the hassle and embarrassment of opening bank accounts, withdrawing money from bank accounts, and even at Foreign Bureaus, as it is an acceptable document in achieving or accessing those services.

Against such a backdrop, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) is urging all citizens and residents in the country to secure their Biometric National ID cards which were introduced early last year.

The NCRA has reiterated that the campaign for the securing of the ID Cards is intended to enhancing holders’ personal security and as well enable them to easily have access to Government and private sector services. The ID-issuing authority says the cards will not only streamline the way individuals access public services, they will also contribute to the security architecture which the West African country is trying to build.

According to the NCRA, all citizens who have attained the age of 12 are eligible to secure Biometric ID Cards and can visit any of its nearest branches in various districts for an application. Emphasizing the importance of citizens acting as patriots in securing the ID Cards, NCRA hopes to see an increase in the number of registrants in the course of 2024.

It must be noted that the card contains an embedded chip which carries the biometric information of the holder, to enable easy ID authentication. It also has an 11-digit National Identification Number (NIN) which acts as a unique identifier linked to the personal details of the card holder in the national population registry. Officials say the NIN will henceforth be a requirement for students of the primary education sector preparing to take pubic examinations.

As part of the use cases, the NCRA has also directed that from this year, the biometric ID card will be required at all of the country’s checkpoints for those travelling around the country.

Significantly, NCRA’s transformative initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to fostering a safer, more efficient and accessible environment for all citizens.

Designated centers and six specific offices have also been opened throughout the country, and 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.

In a bid to enhance accessibility, the NCRA has introduced corporate services tailored for organizations and institutions. For comprehensive information on these corporate services, interested parties can contact the following numbers: +232-33-433-333 / +232-30-500-000 / +232-60-000 / +232-78-221-812 or via EMAIL: idverification@ncra.gov.

Cognizance must be taken that it is a civil responsibility which citizens must fulfill.

Minister Kenyeh Barlay Discloses Extension of National Development Plan from 5 to 7 Year Plan

January 19, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, during a Government Press Conference convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room on Tower Hill in Freetown, on Tuesday 16^th January, 2024, disclosed an extension of the National Development Plan from the traditional 5-year cycle to a 7-year plan, spanning from January 2024 to December 2030.

Pointing out that the National Development Plan is aligned with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Minister Barlay highlighted the inclusive nature of the planning process, involving consultations with over 8,000 citizens nationwide.

She informed that the National Plan is designed based on the People’s Aspirations and guided by the five key priorities of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

Minister Barlay clarified that the Feed Salone Project is not a political ploy but a strategy to expedite economic development adding that with agriculture constituting 50% of the country’s GDP, the project aims to enhance such. She further maintained that economic diversification; Governance, Climate Resilience, Gender Mainstream Financing, Implementation and Resource Mobilization are the core enablers of the National Development Plan.

Speaking on the plan’s importance, Hon. Musa Fofanah, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Local Governance and former Chair of the Economic Development Planning Committee in Parliament, outlined achievements in Health, Education, Energy, and Mining sectors. He highlighted reductions in maternal mortality rates, increased energy generation, and successful reforms in the mining sector.

Executive Director of the Institute of Governance Reform, Andrew Lavali, called upon citizens to embrace and align themselves with the National Development Plan to actualize their dreams and aspirations. He urged Sierra Leoneans to take ownership of the plan and work collectively towards its success for the benefit of all.

Citing IGR’s Biometer report on President Bio’s promises from the previous year, it was revealed that 79% of the promises were either partially achieved or fully realized.

The National Development Plan is slated for public release by January 30, 2024, offering citizens insight into the Government’s vision and strategies for the nation’s development.

WHH Supports WASH Sector Coordination Meeting

January 19, 2024

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation) and her Deputy (Third and Fourth from Left respectively) pose with WASH Sector Representatives including WHH Sierra Leone, represented by Frederick Fabba, Head of Project WASH (Third from right).

By Tamba Borbor (Communication & Advocacy Officer WHH Sierra Leone)

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Sierra Leone has supported the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in holding the Quarterly WASH Sector Meeting held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.

In his presentation at the meeting, the WHH Head of Project for WASH, Frederick Fabba, highlighted the importance of a systems strengthening approach in the WASH sector. He explained about the significant impact of the 200 EMAS Pumps constructed in Bonthe District under the Global WASH Programme, which has increased access to clean water in remote communities.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao Kpato Hannah Isata Max-Kyne, in her keynote address stated that her Ministry is delighted to be hosting the Quarterly Meeting while stressing that the President of Sierra Leone priorities the WASH sector in achieving the objectives of the “Big Five” and the “Peoples Manifesto” by expanding their responsibility to include sanitation which is a critical part of the WASH sector.

“The Ministry has an overarching mandate to increase access to safe and portable water and to promote the provision of safe hygiene and sanitation… formulate policies and engender collaboration amongst WASH sector partners and stakeholders,” the Minister stated.

She stressed the willingness of the Government to build partnerships to achieve the country’s national development priorities.

Minister Sao Kpato went on to say that the Government has embedded as part of its target to increase access to water supply including hygiene and sanitation.

“The support of our partners including NGOs and other Agencies is very important in achieving these set targets,” the Water Resources Minister said adding that implementation is key in achieving Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Establishing the Water Fund is critical and we are launching this very soon this month,” she further stated highlighting plans and strategies to further improve the sector.

A Representative of UNICEF, in his statement, catalogued the various interventions they have made in the WASH sector of Sierra Leone. He emphasized the commitment of the Government of Sierra to achieve the SDG 6 by 2030.

He noted that the sector faces challenges in meeting the WASH needs of the country’s population noting that just 6.5 percent of schools and 5.7 percent of health facilities enjoy access to basic WASH services.

“This meeting is an opportunity to consolidate our resources; technical, human and financial to improve the lives of children and families in Sierra Leone and I therefore call on the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and other actors to also focus on climate change and WASH to mitigate the impact,” the UNICEF Representative stated.

He committed his organization’s commitment to working with partners to increase access to sustainable water and sanitation for children and families in Sierra Leone.

The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, said that WASH is extremely vital in the learning environment to ensure pupils prosper physically and mentally.

He noted that without WASH facilities, learning doesn’t take place which makes their work very challenging. Minister Sackey thanked crucial partners in the WASH sector and urged that efforts are doubled to improve the sector in achieving the SDGs.

RSLAF Refutes Allegations of Imminent Military Attack in Freetown

January 17, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Colonel Issa Bangura, the Director of Defense Public Relations & Information for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) on Tuesday January 16, 2024, issued a stern warning regarding recent social media posts alleging a planned attack or protest by military officers in the nation’s capital.

The Ministry of Defence and RSLAF categorically deny the authenticity of these messages, which include audio and video content suggesting a planned disturbance on January 17 and 18, 2024. Colonel Bangura emphasized that these claims are not only baseless but also a harmful attempt to spread misinformation and create unnecessary fear among the populace.

“This is a clear-cut case of propaganda aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the RSLAF,” Colonel Bangura stated. “We urge all social media bloggers and platforms to refrain from inciting soldiers and causing public alarm.”

The RSLAF reaffirms its position as a professional entity that adheres to the rule of law and maintains its dedication to its constitutional duties of protecting Sierra Leone and its citizens. The recent social media posts are seen as a deliberate distraction and a misrepresentation of the RSLAF’s commitment to national defense.

The RSLAF also addressed another spurious claim circulating online. The post in question suggested that the RSLAF Presidential Guards and the Operational Support Division (OSD) volunteered for a cleaning exercise in the Central Business District (CBD) on January 17, 2024. The RSLAF confirms that this information is also fraudulent and should be disregarded.

The public is advised to remain calm and continue their daily lives without undue concern. Colonel Bangura assures the nation that the RSLAF will not waver in its mission to serve and protect the country.

For more information or to report any concerns, the public can reach out directly to Colonel Bangura at the provided contact numbers: +23278252625 or +2329299767.

The RSLAF and the Ministry of Defence call for vigilance and responsible sharing of information, reminding citizens to verify news through official channels before dissemination.

Information Minister Assures of No Protest Threat Today

January 17, 2024

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Today, Wednesday 17^th January, 2024, the adjourned trial of the former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma will resume at the Magistrate Court on Pademba Road to be presided over by Magistrate Santigie Bangura. The Ex-President is standing trial on four count charges including treason, misprision of treason and two counts of harbouring all in the name of his alleged role in a failed military attempt to topple the Government headed by President Julius Maada Bio on November 26, 2023.

In anticipation of the trial, on Tuesday 16^th January, 2024 Social Media was awash with videos and statements making the rounds of unsubstantiated claims that there will be a planned protest to be mounted to register indignation as to how the former Head of State is being treated.

This alleged Social Media hyped planned protest comes amid news that is in public domain that the Court is to determine an ECOWAS appeal for the Ex-President to be relocated to Nigeria on medical grounds, a development that is yet to be seen materialize contingent on the court’s decision.

During a Government Press Conference held on the 16^th January 2024 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room on Tower Hill in Freetown, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, took center stage to dispel rumors surrounding an imminent protest by reassuring the citizenry of their safety, well-being and urged to go about their normal business today, Wednesday 17^th January, 2024.

The Minister commended the Chairman of APC Minkailu Mansaray for disassociating the APC from any illegal protest emphasizing that there will be no protest further encouraging all citizens to be peaceful and go about their normal business.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the protection of its citizens.

The Minister categorically pointed out that: “If anyone stages an unapproved protest without the knowledge of the Inspector General of Police, he or she will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.”

He further explained that the security apparatus had been alerted to face individuals or groups that might pose a threat to the peace and security of the nation further urging citizens to go about their daily lives without fear, assuring all that the Government is fully capable of maintaining law and order.

In a notable show of unity, the Minister revealed that neither the All People’s Congress (APC) Party nor the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) supports the rumored protest, and both had distanced themselves from such activities.

He said such a collaborative effort between the major political parties serves as a strong message, signaling a collective commitment to maintaining peace and stability within the nation.

The Minister concluded by urging all Sierra Leoneans to trust in the democratic process and the rule of law, assuring all that the Government is working tirelessly to address national concerns.

Trade Minister Emphasizes Local Content’s Key Role in Industrial Growth

January 17, 2024

Minister of Trade and Industry, Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, while addressing a Local Content Workshop held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, underscored the pivotal role of local content as a catalyst for industrialization.
The Minister Sesay laid emphasis on the significance of leveraging domestic resources along value chains to achieve the goals of increased average local content levels, enhanced capacity utilization, and a boost in manufactured exports.

The workshop, which was organized by Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL), witnessed a substantial turnout, including the Director General of Sierra Leone Local Content Agency, Heads of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as representatives from SRL, local suppliers, contractors and service providers.

Highlighting the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency’s mandate, Minister Sesay stressed its commitment to fostering Sierra Leonean content development, fortifying the domestic private sector, and creating an investment-friendly climate that supports local supply chains. He referenced the regulatory role of the 2016 Act in ensuring the effective implementation of local content provisions.

Urging companies, especially those operating within specific environments, to prioritize qualified local businesses, the Minister affirmed the Government’s dedication to encouraging mining companies like SRL to bolster the capacities of local businesses, ensuring the delivery of quality services and implementing fair and transparent procurement and employment policies.

He called on Management of Sierra Rutile to engage regularly with local suppliers, fostering mutual understanding and transparency in procurement processes. Emphasizing the importance of beneficiaries treating the workshop with utmost seriousness, he expressed optimism that it will not only enhances knowledge and capacity but also expand business networks and linkages with multinational companies.

Fodeba Daboh, the Director General of Sierra Leone Local Content Agency, commended Sierra Rutile Limited for taking the lead in hosting the workshop, expressing the agency’s readiness to provide support where necessary. He emphasized the competitiveness and value addition aspects of local content, urging local suppliers to meet service delivery obligations.

Daboh debunked the perception that local content regulations are overly complex, rigid or harsh, citing the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency Act of 2016 as less restrictive compared to similar regulations in other African countries.

He asserted that the agency’s role has been more of a facilitator than a regulator, positioning the 2016 Act as an incentive with realistic targets for hiring Sierra Leonean citizens and encouraging raw material inputs.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Rutile Limited, Theuns de Bryun, affirmed the company’s commitment to collaboration, economic development and empowering local companies. He stated that the success of the workshop aligns with the company’s vision for sustainable development and shared prosperity, emphasizing the importance of strong ties with local businesses.

NP-SL Assures of Maintaining its Status as 1st for Customer Care in 2024

January 17, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

One of the enduring business entities that have doggedly stood the test of time amidst teething challenges, NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), is resolute to continue, in this brand New Year, 2024, to offer its numerous customers right across the country qualitative petroleum products.

Ranging from fuel that includes petrol, diesel to lubricants that are good for all types of engines, the petroleum marketing business entity is poised to offer the best. In order to ensure a broader marketing of these products for members of the public, in various parts of the country to gain access to them, the Management of NP-SL Ltd is ready to welcome serious and well meaning private investors to open new Filling Stations. Such investors, according to Management, are assured of proper guidance and directives as how to work out all the necessary modalities to ensure that their investment drives materialize into reality.

In this brand New Year the indigenous company will continue to enhance one of his key elements in its modus operandi which is optimizing Customer Care. As a mother hen cares for her chicks, Management of the company is at all times determined that the interests of its customers must be prioritized , well attended to and advanced with the ultimate aim of giving utmost satisfaction to them.

It is against such a backdrop that the company will continue to do all within its purview to use latest technological devices to attend to the needs of customers with an objective of giving value for money. NP-SL’s calibrated pumping machines will be well maintained, improved upon to instill confidence in customers that they get in return the exact quantity of fuel they pay for at all its Filling Stations.

As a large importer of petroleum products, Management has assured that it will continue to use all its connections overseas to see that there is a seamless flow of these petroleum products, in timely manners, store and distribute them widely in order to ascertain that there is no shortage that will create major dislocations and affect the nation’s economy.

The company’s staff will continue to be trained through refresher training programmes on how to deal with customers in polite manners, how to upkeep various Filling Stations to avert any major fire incidence from occurring. Also, Station Managers and Pump Attendants will be rewarded for keeping the bar high and for excellent performances in the discharge of their respective duties.

NP Smart Card will continue to trend in business transactions to make such basically automated as well as cashless, to be very convenient for customers who could seize the opportunity to be at vantage positions to budgetary plan for their fuel purchase. It will help them to determine what to allocate weekly or monthly in their Smart Cards for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel instead of doing so haphazardly to the extent of proving that there is Fuel in their Smart Cards.

At all its Filling Stations and authorized dealers members of the public will access NP Gas, which over the years, has been a kitchen gadget in most homes providing secure and maximum performance for cooking purposes. Environmentally certified as okay to be used prudently, NP Gas, produced in various cylinder sizes, can be easily refilled with gas that could be purchased at the very Filling Stations. Its high performance has continued to amaze new users.

As a patriotic corporate citizen, NP-SL Ltd will continue to roll out its Corporate Social Responsibility, in various forms as and when various situations demands, with the aim of complementing the development aspirations of the Government. The company will also continue to raise awareness, especially within the Kissy Terminal and its environs, for residents to adhere to safety standards. Good causes that meet certain thresholds will be supported if the resources for doing so are available.

Honouring of all its tax obligations will be done timely to ensure that it contributes to the Government revenue base for the latter to be financially solvent to fund various development aspirations.

The company is ever poised to replicate all its sound modus operandi in other countries where it is operating, namely neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

NP-SL Ltd has assured that it will steadfastly maintain its status as a petroleum marketing company that is 1^st for Customer Care.

Taking the Cue from Ghana… Gov’t to Mandate Public Sector Employees to Secure National ID Cards

January 17, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It has become evident that since the National Civil Registration Authority of Sierra Leone (NCRA), commenced the issuance of Biometric National ID Cards nationwide, there has been a lukewarm response from the citizenry from turning up at designated centres to secure their cards at a minimal fee. A key sector of the populace that has shown less enthusiasm in securing their Biometric National ID Cards is the public sector employees, who disappointedly, have failed to be at the vanguard to secure such an important document.

Against such a lamentable backdrop, there is a school of thought that is suggesting that the Government of Sierra Leone, especially the Legislative arm, should follow in the recent footstep of the Government of Ghana which recently enacted that, “Beginning February 2024, all public sector workers without Ghana ID Card numbers will have their salaries frozen…” It was further stated that such is part of measures to help cut out ghost names on the Government’s payroll.

It was also suggested that an amicable arrangement could be made with all public sector workers across the country to have part of their salaries deducted for the payment of issuance of Biometric National ID Cards to all public sector workers across the country.

There is no way that it could be swept under the carpet that owning the National Biometric ID Card could be downplayed as it is a requirement which every citizen must fulfill. Owning one shows one’s identity as a citizen of Sierra Leone thereby easily dispelling doubts in questionable times.

Besides, securing the National Biometric ID Card will save holders from the hassle and embarrassment of opening bank accounts, withdrawing monies from bank accounts and even at Foreign Bureaus, as it is an acceptable document in achieving or accessing those services.

Against such a backdrop, the National Civil Registration Authority of Sierra Leone (NCRA), is urging all citizens and residents in the country to secure their Biometric National ID cards which were introduced early last year.

NCRA reiterates that the campaign for the securing of the ID Cards is intended to enhancing holders’ personal security and as well enable them to easily have access to Government and private sector services.

According to the NCRA, all citizens who have attained the age of 12 are eligible to secure Biometric ID Cards and can visit any of its nearest branches in various districts for an application. Emphasizing the importance of citizens acting as patriots in securing the ID Cards, NCRA hopes to see an increase in the number of registrants in the course of 2024.

The ID-issuing authority says the cards will not only streamline the way individuals access public services, they will also contribute to the security architecture which the West African country is trying to build.

It must be noted that the card contains an embedded chip which carries the biometric information of the holder, to enable easy ID authentication. It also has an 11-digit National Identification Number (NIN) which acts as a unique identifier linked to the personal details of the card holder in the national population registry. Officials say the NIN will henceforth be a requirement for students of the primary education sector preparing to take public examinations.

As part of the use cases, the NCRA has also directed that from this year, the biometric ID card will be required at all of the country’s checkpoints for those travelling around the country.

Significantly, NCRA’s transformative initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to fostering a safer, more efficient and accessible environment for all citizens.

Designated centers and six specific offices have also been opened throughout the country, and 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.

In a bid to enhance accessibility, the NCRA has introduced corporate services tailored for organizations and institutions. For comprehensive information on these corporate services, interested parties can contact the following numbers: +232-33-433-333 / +232-30-500-000 / +232-60-000 / +232-78-221-812 or via EMAIL: idverification@ncra.gov.

Cognizance must be taken that it is a civil responsibility which citizens must fulfill.

President Bio & the Opposition Converge to Focus on National Cohesion

January 17, 2024

At State House on Monday, January 15, 2024, in a significant move towards fostering national unity and cooperation, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio welcomed the leadership of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC). The meeting primarily focused on discussions regarding governance and a joint condemnation of the attempted coup that transpired on November 26, 2023.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, conveyed gratitude to President Bio for the opportunity to engage in a dialogue during what he described as a crucial period in the country’s governance. He commended President Bio’s leadership style and expressed admiration for his commitment to the nation.

The APC leadership engaged in a frank discussion with President Bio, addressing issues related to former President Ernest Bai Koroma, emphasizing peace, security, national cohesion, and the implementation of the “agreement of national unity.” Hon. Abdul Kargbo described the meeting as fruitful, highlighting the commitment to ongoing constructive engagement.

During the meeting, the opposition leaders conveyed their support for the Government’s success and unequivocally condemned the failed coup attempt. They expressed their dedication to collaborating with the Government to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident, underlining the importance of accountability.

Hon. Kargbo underscored the role of the opposition in governance, assuring their commitment not only to supporting the Government but also to holding it accountable in the pursuit of democracy and development.

President Julius Maada Bio reciprocated the sentiment, expressing gratitude to the opposition leaders for their visit and for condemning the attempted coup. The meeting served as a platform for discussions aimed at promoting peace, security, national cohesion, economic development, and social progress.

Key topics of discussion included the Peace Agreement signed between the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government and the APC, aimed at resolving post-election impasses between the two parties. President Bio assured the opposition delegation of his commitment to the peace pact, reaffirming his dedication to upholding the rule of law and fostering national cohesion in Sierra Leone.

President Bio, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in politics, encouraged a spirit of learning from each other and addressing differences in the interest of peace and national unity. The commitment to regular engagement was highlighted as a positive step towards building a collaborative and cohesive political landscape in Sierra Leone.