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Immigration Officer Salieu Bah on The Run, Over False Coup Allegations

Salieu Bah
Salieu Bah

By Foday Moriba Conteh

A former officer of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, Salieu Bah is on the run, has fled the country, citing fears for his life after being falsely implicated in the failed coup attempt of November 26, 2023, against the government of Sierra Leone.

According to information by this reporter, Bah who before his allegations was an employee of Sierra’s Leone Immigration was responsible for processing passports applications and verifying documentation for those alleged to be the coup plotters. However, he has found himself at the center of politically sensitive investigation that he claims is based solely on fabricated allegations.

“My job was purely administrative,” he told this publication. “I verified documents and processed applications. I had no authority to approve or deny passports, and I certainly had no knowledge of any political affiliations of the applicants.”

Following the coup attempt, the government launched a sweeping crackdown, arresting dozens of individuals, including civil servants. On December 4, 2023, the former officer received a summons from the Immigration Department to appear before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning in a case described as a matter of “national security.”

He believes the summons was a prelude to wrongful arrest. “I started receiving threats and unannounced visits to my residence from security agents. I was told an arrest warrant had been issued against me. I had no involvement in any coup, yet I was being hunted.” Bah noted.

Prior to the November 26th coup, Bah was attending an international training course in abroad. Friends and family in Sierra Leone, witnessing the brutal arrests of other individuals alleged to be involved in the coup, which they urged Bah not to return home. “Their feared is being I would be detained, tortured, or forced to confess to something I know nothing about,” they said.

Report also confirmed that Bah apartment in Freetown was searched and ransacked by some individuals known to be SLPP loyalists and state security forces, manhandle his wife and daughters. “I was advised to stay away until the situation became clearer. If I had returned, I believe I would have been arrested and possibly subjected to torture or worse.” he stated.

Legal experts say the case may fall under the category of imputed political opinion, a recognized ground for asylum under international law. “When someone is persecuted based on perceived political alignment, even if that perception is false, it constitutes a serious human rights concern,” one expert noted.

The former officer says he has no faith in the justice system to provide a fair trial in politically sensitive cases, describing the process to be a state sponsored persecution. I am being targeted based on lies, and I fear for my life.”
As tensions remain high in Sierra Leone, the whereabouts of Bah remains unknown as well as his family as fears and panic forced them to abandon their original home.

ACC to Probe Ex-President Koroma

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal presided over by Honourable Justices Ivan Sesay, Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens and Adrian Fisher, unanimously dismissed the appeal lodged by former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma against the Judge-led Commission of Inquiry (COI). The Court further mandated the Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct an investigation into allegations of abuse of office against the Ex-President.

The Judges’ verdict demanded that the appellant repay a total of USD 135,000.00 within seven days, representing the value of a land sale to Hilal Toufic Kange and Winners Chapel. This directive aims to cover the entire nursery land in question.

Additionally, the Court ruled that the former President bears the cost of Le. 300,000,000.00 for the appeal.

The Commissions of Inquiry, established by President Julius Maada Bio under Constitutional Instrument No. 64 of 2018, operated within the framework of Section 147 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No. 6 of 1991.

Justice William Annan Atuguba served as Chairman and Sole Commissioner entrusted with scrutinizing the assets and relevant affairs of officials who served in the previous administration from November 2007 to April 2018, aiming to ensure governance accountability and transparency in public offices.

After the submission of the COI report, the Government issued a white paper in September 2020, outlining the findings. Subsequently, former President Ernest Bai Koroma, discontented with the findings in the COI report and white paper, filed an appeal.

According to the Sole Commissioner’s findings, while there was no direct evidence of personal benefit, the former President was implicated in orchestrating a fraudulent compensation scheme involving the grant of a freehold estate to Alhaji Kemoh Sesay, an act constituting an abuse of Executive power.

Lead Lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara argued on behalf of the Appellant, relying on written submissions and referencing statutory and case law authorities in the four grounds of appeal.

In a detailed 19-page judgment, the Court of Appeal concluded that Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma had abused his office for personal gain and contravened national public procurement laws.

Following the ruling, J.F. Kamara Esq. announced intentions to appeal the judgment in the Supreme Court.

Ex-President Koroma Returns to CID for Further Questioning Today

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, in a statement on Saturday 9th December, 2023 revealed that former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, was granted bail on self-recognizance, with specific conditions set forth, following the end of questioning by the Sierra Leone Police at the Criminal Investigation Department in Freetown in relation to the November 26 failed attempted coup. According to him, the Ex-President’s questioning will continue today, Monday December 11, 2023.

The Minister furthered that under the bail conditions, President Koroma is required to remain within the confines of his property at Goderich, is allowed a restricted number of visiting guests of three from his family and three from his political party. He also divulged that the bail condition explicitly stated that the erstwhile President should not leave his house without the expressed permission of the Inspector General of Police adding that those conditions are to be applicable until the former President Koroma returns CID Headquarters for further probing on Monday at 11:00 am.

Interestingly, former President Ernest Bai Koroma on his Facebook page stated his return to his residence in Freetown after a morning visit to the Police.

Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, commonly known as JFK , his Lead Lawyer or Attorney, unequivocally pointed out that the Statesman is not under house arrest as some may want to allude.

While there is an increased security presence around his residence and added caution on the traffic flow leading to it, however Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara has attributed such as measures emanating from decisions made by State Security, further emphasizing that the former President is not under any form of duress, saying the Police have implemented such measures to enhance the safety and security of the former President.

He assured that despite the circumstances, the former President remains committed to due process under the rule of law.

It would be recalled that in a surprising turn of events, the Sierra Leone Police on 7th December, 2023 summoned the former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, to report to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department in Freetown within 24 hours for questioning regarding the failed attempted coup on November 26, 2023.

Brotherhood of Cross & Star Church Champions Global Peace Amidst Conflicts

By Alpha Sesay (Pen Pusher)

In a world where there are conflicts in some regions, the importance of fostering peace has become an urgent need. As Sierra Leone has endured the horrors of war and is currently somehow grappling with political instability, it is no exception to peace enhancement and consolidation.

It was against such a backdrop that the Brotherhood of Cross and Star Church, on December 7, 2023, hosted a Press Briefing at its main branch in Mayenkineh, Calaba Town in Freetown, Sierra Leone on the theme: “The Role of Peace in Healing the Fractured World.”

The Brotherhood’s spokesperson, Patriarch Christ Shepherd Amah Williams, intimated journalists about the Holy Father of the Brotherhood, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu further underlining that the aim of the engagement bordered on communicating the divine message of peace and unity to the Government and people of Sierra Leone and beyond.

According to Williams, the Brotherhood of Cross and Star Church is serving as a Universal Divine institution that is advocating for Universal Love, Peace, Unity, Truth, and Righteousness in The Holy Spirit. According to him, their teachings are grounded in the principles of “Our Lord Jesus Christ as presented in the Holy Bible”.

He added that the Brotherhood, also known as the Christ Universal Spiritual School of Practical Christianity, has its World Headquarters in Calaba, Cross River State in Nigeria.

Patriarch Christ Shepherd Amah Williams said there is the need to inform not only Sierra Leone but also the world about the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, and to enlighten all about the path to enduring peace as instructed by their Leader, Olumba Olumba Obu.

Williams further emphasized that Obu’s message contains an admonition to all Sierra Leoneans, irrespective of ethnic or cultural backgrounds, to abandon violence, forgive one another and embrace peace and unity. He also revealed how Olumba Olumba Obu is urging leaders and citizens alike to transcend ethnic and religious biases, corruption and to embrace unity and love instead.

“Violence, killings or agitation will not solve any problem,” Williams cautioned saying “Once love is practiced, all problems could be solved.”

The spokesperson stressed that their message, which is rooted in Biblical prophecies, transcends religion and is applicable to all also calling on the Press to disseminate this message via their respective media platforms.

He concluded by conveying their leader’s plea for an end to hate, racial discrimination, and religious debates also emphasizing that God’s teachings, as interpreted by Obu, hold the solutions to humanity’s challenges and recommended that all Africans, particularly Sierra Leoneans, must accept that truth.

The spokesperson concluded by underscoring that unless world leaders embrace the divine concepts of unity and the worship of one God as propagated by their leader, Olumba Olumba Obu, mankind will continue to struggle.

He extended the Holy Father’s best wishes to the Government and People of Sierra Leone calling for humility and unity in the wake of the recent elections.

Known as a non-denominational, non-sectional and non-governmental organization, the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star Church’s teachings are based on those of Jesus Christ as found in the Holy Bible with headquarters on No. 34 Ambo Street, Calaba, Cross River State in Nigeria.

Tourism Ministry & Tourist Board to Demolish Beachfront Structures

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a recent Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board (NTB) of Sierra Leone Public Notice, operators of beach bars, restaurants and similar establishments along Lumley Beach were alerted of an upcoming demolition of structures that violate policy guidelines for operation on the beach frontage.

The notice specified how the following structures are to be demolished:
Structures that completely obstruct the beach front view, those lacking access to the sandy beach, makeshift, shanty and substandard structures, dwelling houses that do not reflect touristic facilities, concrete and storey structures as well as facilities with toilets on the sandy beach or  those discharging waste onto the beach.

An advice was also given to operators along the Lumley Beach Frontage that will be affected to remove the aforementioned structures and comply with the directives of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board as the exercise is set to commence in the near future.

Signed by Fatmata Hamid Carew, General Manager of the National Tourist Board (NTB), the proposed action is said to be in accordance with the National Tourism Development Authority in Sierra Leone, established under the Development of Tourism Act 1990.

Commonwealth Youth Leaders Demand Tangible Action, Not Just Words, at COP28

Young Leaders, representing 56 nations within the Commonwealth, have passionately urged Leaders at COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, to transcend rhetoric and deliver concrete measures to safeguard the planet.

This plea stands central to a newly released report, unveiled on December 8, 2023, during an intergenerational dialogue hosted by the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The report delineates the climate apprehensions of Commonwealth youth while proposing actionable steps for Governments to actively involve them in decision-making processes, strongly asserting that the prospect of combating climate change lies in the vigor and involvement of the youth.

During the dialogue, the youthful leaders voiced disappointment at the lack of action taken by nations in response to a plethora of recommendations they presented during COP26 in Glasgow.

As COP28 deliberations continue, they implore governments to create platforms for young voices to share experiences regarding climate risks, exhibit their work, and influence policymaking.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, in her opening remarks, emphasized that the youth, constituting 60% of the Commonwealth’s populace, are humanity’s greatest asset. She underscored the duty to engage and heed the voices of young people in climate policies and practices.

Chevaughn Brown, Membership lead of the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network, emphasized that the report empowers young people to shape their destinies by taking decisive actions and making prudent choices in combating climate change.

Additionally, a specialized Commonwealth Ocean Youth Working Group was launched by the Commonwealth Blue Charter and the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network to highlight youth-led solutions to pressing ocean concerns.

Ibiso Ikiroma-Owiye, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Ocean Youth Working Group, emphasized that youth participation in climate processes is not a privilege but an inherent right. She stressed the importance of granting youth an inclusive role in shaping a sustainable future.

The dialogue forms part of a series of events marking 2023/4 as the Year of Youth. The ‘Commonwealth Youth Policy Recommendations on Climate Change’ report was crafted by the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network with support from the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Choithram Hospital to Offer Free Surgical Camp in January

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Choithram Memorial Hospital, is all set to again host a free surgical camp from January 9 to January 23, 2024 out of an initiative that was pioneered by Dr. M. L. Baryoh, the current Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Germany, in partnership with Interplast Germany.

Management of the hospital is pleased to announce that there will be a team of expert German Plastic Surgeons who will be administering free consultations and treatments to patients free of cost. It is worthy of note that these surgeons, who have been visiting Sierra Leone since 2010, will be offering medical services in a camp that is to be coordinated and overseen by Dr. Eric Wongo, one of the country’s leading  Plastic Surgeons.

Choithram Hospital has a history of organizing such events, providing access to qualitative medical treatment to individuals who could not otherwise afford the costs. Patients suffering from post-burn contracture, hand, feet, or wrist disorders/deformities, hand and feet tumors, and cleft lip and palate, are among those who can benefit from the free services.

The German team will be made up of eight specialists, including Dr. Med Lutz Gruhl, Dr.Bernd Heidemann, Dr. Olaf Weigt, Dr. Karolina Lischka, Dr. Franziska von Sievers, Mr. Nikolaus Brunner, Mrs. Andrea Schmidt, and Mrs. Monika Schäfer.

Choithram’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Gowrinath M. George, commended Ambassador Dr. M. L. Baryoh for the initiative. “Without Dr. Baryoh’s relentless efforts in bridging Interplast and Choithram Hospital, this camp is not possible,” said Dr. George.

In another development, the hospital’s Management wants it to be known that a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine is currently  been installed and will become operational by the 1st week of January 2024.

Harish Agnani, the Chief Administrator of Choithram Group, pledged the hospital’s commitment to providing quality medical treatment for everyone saying such has been their vision since its establishment.

Those interested in the free consultations and treatment are encouraged to contact personnel of the hospital on: +23276541331 for registration, or visit the hospital on Hill Station in Freetown. Registration starts from December 8, 2023, and will run till December 19, 2023.

NP-SL Remains a Premier Pro-People Oil Marketing Business Entity    

By Amin Kef-Ranger

It is an irrevocable fact that NP-SL Ltd continues to optimize Customer Care on a high pedestal everywhere the company has a presence. In no way can it be disputed that NP-SL Ltd is currently the leading petroleum marketing entity in the country.

One striking attribute which the petroleum marketing company has harnessed to the fullest is its no nonsense stance in optimizing customer care, a stance that the Shareholders and Management of the company take seriously and are doing everything within their ambit to enhance it with the objective  of giving maximum satisfaction to its numerous and cherished customers.

Being an indigenous company that cherishes its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which as a business entity it is effectively rolling out to such an extent that it has earned the company the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated pumping machines in all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it always cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

The company has also sustained an open door policy in the sense that it encourages customers to express their concerns as well as recommendations which the Management takes into consideration whenever major decisions are taken, geared towards the development of the company. It has been ascertained that whenever customers have the feeling that their inputs are well respected such does not only bring them closer but also gives them the satisfaction that they are indeed relevant and highly regarded. This is exactly what NP-SL Ltd does and that has been paying good dividends. As far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned their customers do matter.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively  to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company makes use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured and suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious business entity that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and is an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is truly a success story!

Dr. Yumkella Spotlights President Bio’s Food Security Efforts at COP28

During the ongoing COP28 in Dubai, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative for Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, addressed the “Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation Consultation” Forum. In his speech, he shed light on President Julius Maada Bio’s endeavors to attain food self-sufficiency within the next five years.

Sierra Leone, among 134 signatory nations to the Leaders Declaration on Agriculture, Food, and Climate, is committed to fortifying food systems, bolstering climate resilience and combating hunger. The upcoming launch of the Food Alliance, co-chaired by Sierra Leone, Norway and Brazil, aims to accelerate global partnerships on food security and will be officially announced during COP28.

UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Her Excellency Mariam Bint Almheiri, commended COP28 for spotlighting food systems in its agenda for the first time in the conference’s history. She highlighted the COP’s success in mobilizing $83 billion, setting the pace for significant climate action.

The top priorities outlined for implementing the Leaders Declaration encompass scaling up resilience activities for farmers, promoting food security and nutrition, supporting vulnerable agricultural workers, adopting integrated water and agriculture strategies and optimizing environmental benefits by conserving natural ecosystems.

Dr. Yumkella stressed President Bio’s commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency within five years, aiming to create employment opportunities for women and youth while boosting economic growth. He emphasized Sierra Leone’s readiness with strategic plans and technical capabilities to realize this goal, integrating energy solutions tailored to the food system’s needs to enhance resilience in the face of climate change.

Also present at the forum were Sierra Leone’s Minister of Environment, Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai, and the Executive Chairman of the country’s Environment Protection Agency, Dr. Abu-Bakarr Massaquoi.

Minister of Works Spearheads Inspection of Grading & Gravelling from Njala Junction to Tihun Road

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a significant step towards assessing the progress of the ongoing 75 kilometres road grading and gravelling from Njala Junction to Bauya Junction to Tihun Road by Pavi Fort Construction Company, the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandy, along with the Deputy Minister, Madam Queen Fofana, on Thursday 7th December, 2023 conducted a site inspection to assess the progress made so far in order to ensure that the Project aligns with the Government’s commitment to enhance transportation networks.

Addressing members of the Press during the inspection ceremony, the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandy expressed satisfaction and appreciation for the commendable done so far by Pavi Fort Construction Company underscoring that the company has extremely done well just within few days of the implementation phase.

He revealed that the construction company assured him that the grading and gravelling would be completed before the Christmas period, especially before the departure of His Excellency, the President, Julius Maada Bio prior to the upcoming holidays.

The Minister commended the Government’s commitment to timely development under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership and pledged that his Ministry will continue to play a pivotal role in actualizing and exceeding the expectations of the people.

He emphasized the significant impact of the graded roads, noting that they would enhance trade, attract investors, improve safety and comfort for travelers stressing their considerable contribution to socio-economic development.

Dr. Sandy revealed how the road will lead to the Southeast as far as Bompeh and Bo District but said more especially Mattru Jong and the home town of the President which is Tihun.

He further informed how the Project aligns with the Government’s commitment to enhancing transportation networks within the Southeast also intimating that the first phase only deals with grading and gravelling of the road, expressing his expectation of seeing the road from Njala Junction to Bauya Junction to Mattru Jong and Tihun Road constructed and tarred within the next two years.

The Minister confirmed that the road grading project is 100% funded by the Government, showcasing its commitment to transforming the landscape of road construction in the country.

On his part, Pavi Fort Construction Company’s Project Manager for the grading and gravelling project, Teramaja Taeshome, applauded the Government of Sierra Leone for entrusting Pavi Fort Construction Company with the grading and gravelling from Njala Junction to Bauya Junction to Tihun Road.

He assured of the company delivering quality work and affirmed that they are working tirelessly to ensure that the project is completed before the Christmas period.

Mustapha Lavally, a bike rider, expressed gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone for funding the grading and gravelling of the road. He said that it was very challenging for bike riders using the road as they were forced to do frequent repairs due to the poor condition of the road lamenting how sometimes preventable accidents do occur but expressed delight that with the grading and gravelling work going on those will minimally reduce.