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 Health Alert Updates on Health Delivery Monitoring Efforts

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts towards exemplifying the organization’s dedication to promoting transparency, accountability and improved healthcare outcomes in the country, Health Alert-Sierra Leone, with support from Population Action International (PAI), funded by the Global Financing Facility (GFF), provided an insightful update to media representatives regarding its ongoing monitoring efforts in the realm of health service delivery in 9 districts across the country. The media brief was held on the 5th December, 2023 at the Grassroots Gender Empowerment Movement Hall on John Street in Freetown.

Addressing the Press, Dr. Victor Lansana Koroma, the Executive Director of Health Alert-Sierra Leone, emphasized the pivotal role of evidence-based advocacy and information dissemination, adding that the focus of the advocacy efforts is directed towards sexual reproductive health, family planning, and ensuring inclusivity for persons with disabilities in health service delivery.

Dr. Koroma highlighted the collaboration with key partners, including Marie Stopes International, Population Action International and the Africa Health Budget Network based in Nigeria, describing these partners as instrumental in supporting Health Alert Sierra Leone’s initiatives related to advocacy, health monitoring and budget tracking.

Providing updates on recent developments, Dr. Koroma outlined the organization’s efforts in advocating for an increase in the health budget, which currently stands at 10-11%, falling short of the desired 15%. He underscored the significance of this advocacy, stressing the need for adequate resources to address crucial health issues.

The Executive Director also mentioned the Government’s commitment to family planning, citing the signing of a compact with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for family planning commodities and essential services. Dr. Koroma emphasized the importance of holding the Government accountable for fulfilling its obligations in this regard.

He noted that the media update marks the final engagement for the year as the holiday season approaches further appealing to the Media to pay attention to the report and seek clarifications on critical areas in order to ensure accurate and comprehensive coverage.

Dr. Koroma discussed a recent extensive engagement with the Director of Emergency at the National Emergency and Health Security Directorate revealing how the discussion centered around the upcoming launch of an Agency that will be tasked with overseeing national health emergencies. Stressing the importance of investigative journalism, Dr. Koroma highlighted its role in assessing Sierra Leone’s preparedness for national emergencies maintaining that such an effort aligns with global initiatives to plan and strategize for health emergencies on a broader scale.

In his presentation on the findings, he revealed that the Project, titled “Promoting Social Accountability for Improved Health Service Delivery in Sierra Leone” has seen notable progress in various districts. Key areas of focus, he said, include Kailahun District, Tonkolili District, Western Rural District, Bonthe District, Falaba District adding that the monitoring process covers these districts as well.

He disclosed that the report discovered challenges in Bonthe Health Service Delivery Points  which include lack of sea ambulance and boats for effective referrals, resulting in a major problem with seventeen maternal deaths from January to November 2023, unstable electricity supply at the District Medical Stores (DMS), posing a challenge to preserving drugs, insufficient infrastructure, including no shelves in the DMS to store health commodities from the World Bank Project, non-functional air conditioning (AC) in the drug store affecting optimal temperature, with the available one in poor condition and staffing challenges at the DMS, where most laborers are volunteers.

He added that challenges in Masingbi, Bondugu & Mile 91 Community Health Clinics (CHCs) include lack of electricity, with a nurse assisting in Health Alert’s coordination, poor water supply system in Bondugu, shared restroom for health workers and patients in Bendugu leading to hygiene issues, antibiotics and other drugs supply delay in the Bondugu ANC unit due to lack of vehicles or bad terrain.

Underscoring some of the successes at the Tihun CHC he revealed that over three years there had been no maternal deaths recorded at the facility, there has been effective immunization and outreaches conducted, staff commitment has been high despite challenges, there has been massive reduction in home and community deliveries with stable electricity supply (24 hours) etc.

Successes at Moriba Town CHC, he said, over three years, include no maternal deaths recorded, effective immunization and outreaches, high staff commitment despite challenges, massive reduction in home and community deliveries and supportive Community Health Workers (CHWs) and stakeholders.

Pointing out successes at UBC, he said, they include 562 normal deliveries conducted and 229 caesarian sections done from January to September 2023, availability of basic equipment supplied by the Government of Sierra Leone, regular monitoring visits by Health Alert-SL and Partners in Health (PIH) etc.

He lamented that the COVID-19 pandemic caused formidable challenges to public health systems globally, especially in low-income countries like Sierra Leone, adding that Civil Society Organizations played crucial roles in discussing those evolving public health issues, providing updates, and advocating for equitable vaccine access, addressing hesitancy and ensuring justice in a timely manner.

According to him, the pandemic has laid bare the vulnerabilities and disparities in healthcare systems worldwide, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to build resilience and address those challenges.

David Joseph Allieu, the Project Officer of Africa Health Budget Network, also shared insights into Health Alert ongoing monitoring activities related to health service delivery across nine districts in the country.

Revealing the findings in four districts, he said, for Pujehun District he expressed appreciation to Health Alert (RMNCAH Coalition) for establishing a health platform involving relevant stakeholders, underscoring positive aspects which include the availability of routine vaccination, vaccines at each PHU, and the presence of epidemiologists at both district and chiefdom levels.

For Moyamba District he expressed similar appreciation for Health Alert’s efforts, highlighting challenges which include limited community awareness of COVID-19, stock out of essential drugs, inadequate monitoring of district councils and hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines.

For Koinadugu District he further acknowledged Health Alert’s effort stating challenges include limited community awareness of COVID-19, stockout of essential drugs, and issues related to monitoring health service delivery.

He pointed out that common challenges identified across districts, included limited health staff, stockout of essential drugs, funding issues, inadequate equipped laboratories, poor road networks, and challenges in fuel supply for ambulance services.

As part of the report, they recommended that capacity building for local councils and DHMT staff to enhance domestic resource mobilization, increased training for health workers, improvement in fund allocation, enhanced community sensitization of the 117 emergency line in districts and vaccine uptake, maintenance of labs and equipment., timely disbursement of allocated funds, effective monitoring of service delivery systems and provision of more essential vehicles for ambulance services.

Giving the findings by districts, he said, in Kailahun District – Jojoima CHC (Sept.-Oct. 2023) positive aspects include free health care services to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and physically challenged clients with challenges including a significant number of health workers not on the Government payroll and insufficient free health care drugs.

For Western Area Rural District – Bottom Mango CHC (Sept. 2023) positive aspects include good services provided to patients with challenges including inadequate ventilation and dress code issues.

For Falaba District – Kurubonia CHC-positive aspects include spacious wards, water and light facilities and the availability of Family Planning Commodities with challenges including a damaged ANC Unit and Delivery room, needing rehabilitation.

It was pointed out that the Health Alert Sierra Leone monitoring and advocacy efforts will continue to address those challenges and contribute to improved health service delivery in the country.

Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone Celebrates 75th UDHR Anniversary

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their activities for the commemoration of the 75thUniversal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in the country, the Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has on Friday 8th December, 2023 updated the Press on the Commission’s lined up activities and raising awareness on the 75thUniversal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

In his address, one of the Commissioners of the Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone (HRCSL), Commissioner Hassan Samba Yarjah highlighted that on December 10, 2023, the world would celebrate the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, a document that sets out fundamental human rights universally and serves as a global standard.

He said that this year’s International Human Rights commemoration will focus on the theme: “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All,” which the HRCSL has localized as “Stand Up and Fight Against the Impact of Climate Change.”

Commissioner Yarjah urged State and non-state actors to take proactive steps in addressing climate change issues, fostering peace and promoting national cohesion.

As part of the commemorative activities, the HRCSL, in collaboration with its partners, has come up with several initiatives, including the Press Conference to raise public awareness and to call on authorities to protect, respect and fulfill the rights enshrined in the UDHR.

He emphasized the impact of the UDHR in infusing societies with principles of equality, fundamental freedoms and justice over the past 75 years, noting that the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991, reflects these principles, underscoring the global influence of the UDHR.

He maintained that the Human Rights Day will capture moments from this year’s commemoration, aiming to increase knowledge on the universality and indivisibility of human rights, particularly among young people of which he used the opportunity to thank the Government of Sierra Leone for paying outstanding membership dues, increased budgetary support, and partners such as UNDP, IRISH AID, OSIWA, UNFPA, UN Women, WHO, UNICEF, and others for supporting the HRCSL’s work.

Acknowledging the media’s invaluable support, Commissioner Yarjah thanked the Press for helping to protect and promote human rights in Sierra Leone, emphasizing that without the media, their stories could not be effectively told, expressing gratitude to district human rights committees, traditional partners and other stakeholders for their continuous support.

Before concluding, Commissioner Yarjah highlighted the HRCSL’s accreditation by GANHRI (Sub-committee on Accreditation) and the organization’s positive relationships with international bodies, partners, and local entities.

He concluded by expressing sincere thanks and appreciation to all contributors to the Commission’s mission, reaffirming the Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone’s commitment towards protecting and promoting the rights of all citizens in the country.

On his part, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone, Fredrick Kamara said as part of the 75th-anniversary celebrations, the Commission has planned various activities, including a quiz competition, debating competition, football match, human rights awareness float parades which has been done on Saturday 9th December, 2023 and an official event at the Freetown City Council Hall on December 11, 2023.

 Wilberforce Barracks Unrest, How Innocent Youth Are Being punished after the Incident

Ibrahim Jalloh and his Wife
Ibrahim Jalloh and his Wife

By Karifa Thoronka

According to one of our correspondent who was around Wilberforce Community, reported that a violent confrontation occurred at the Wilberforce military barracks in Freetown. Armed individuals attempted to breach the armory, leading to clashes with security forces. The government responded with a state of emergency and a nationwide curfew, and immediately launched mass arrests, targeting not only those involved but anyone suspected of anti-government sentiment.

Several factors could be attributed to the chaos in Freetown. Firstly, there is growing hardship and hunger ravaging the Country due to unemployment and poverty, Ibrahim Jalloh who is popularly known for his political activism was implicated in the incident.

Many People believed it was a wise decision for Ibrahim Jalloh and his wife Rebecca Baker of Janboria Street, Calaba Town to have fled the Country noting that most of those who risked staying were rounded up and have since been incarceration and they still wanted by the Sierra Leone police.

Whiles speaking with the media, one of the son of the soil in Calaba town by the name of Abdul Kargbo noted that Ibrahim Jalloh and his wife Rebecca Baker sent out audio messages and videos on several whatsapp groups calling for the dethroning of the President a day before the incident in November.

Police reacted swiftly by releasing warrant of arrest with a ransom of $20,000 for the person that will discovered both Ibrahim Jalloh and his wife,  for spreading false information, Cyber terrorism crime and mutiny.

The issue of Ibrahim Jalloh was just the last straw to breaks the camel’s back as the prevailing atmosphere in the Country was acrimonious as the Military was trying to put things under control and searching for those that were involved.

Nephew of Ibrahim Jalloh, who preferred his name not to be mentioned, said it went to a time when the hunt for their Nephew was intensified and that if they set eyes on him they might kill him, and that search still continue.

Sources close to Ibrahim and his wife indicates that they are still struggling in exile and Ibrahim’s mother is currently missing. ‘How can they or the others risk coming home at this particular time when they are still wanted by the State and while the matter is still in the High Court of the Country’ – an elderly man opined.

As of today, Ibrahim’s Nephew confirmed that police continue to search for them, harassing their family and warning that they would face “state justice” if caught.

Dr. Baluwa Koroma Showcases PRA’s Recent Strides

During the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s recent weekly press briefing, Brima Baluwa Koroma, the Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) detailed significant strides made by the Agency in the past five years. He also urged journalists and media outlets to avoid portraying the PRA simply as a crisis management entity.

Koroma, who took the helm of PRA during a critical period requiring substantial reform, underscored the complex and volatile nature of the industry. He addressed the challenges the Agency faced due to a scarcity of investors and staff, which impeded the Downstream Sector’s growth and made petroleum products’ access difficult for the country’s citizens.

The PRA Chairman explained that the Agency currently collaborates with four importers in Sierra Leone for the provision of petroleum products. He expressed concern that the total storage facility for the Downstream Sector, boasting nearly 200,000 metric tons of capacity and owned by the Government of Sierra Leone, is fully in the hands of private investors. He described the Government’s non-participation in petroleum import as “unreasonable.”

However, a significant development came in December 2022 when the cabinet granted Sierra Oil Company the exclusive rights to import petroleum products. This company is also responsible for determining retail pump prices in accordance with global market dynamics, guided by regular updates from the international benchmark, Platt.

Koroma revealed an impressive increase in the Agency’s revenue generation, which rose from 4.76 Billion Leones in 2018 to a staggering 800 Billion Leones by 2022. He attributed this success to the agency’s savvy and proactive regulators. He further vowed to increase the agency’s revenue contributions, which currently account for 12% of the country’s domestic revenue.

Over the years, the PRA has expanded its footprint beyond its initial base in Freetown. It has now established regional offices in the North, South, and Eastern Regions, helmed by committed Regional Managers. Furthermore, plans are underway to inaugurate a new office in Port Loko Township in the Northwest Region by February 2024.

Highlighting Sierra Leone’s growing petrol consumption, Koroma noted that the daily intake has risen to about 1.4 million liters, up from 1.2 million liters per day in 2022. He projected this figure to jump to 3.5 million liters per day over the next five years. This trend has prompted PRA to initiate an overhaul to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness. In line with these efforts, PRA is in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reassess current retail pump prices, a move that has received the World Bank’s approval.

In his concluding remarks, Koroma appealed to journalists and media practitioners to recognize the PRA as a positive force in the industry, not merely a crisis response unit. He discouraged the media from magnifying minor issues and encouraged the focus on the agency’s year-long achievements. “We shouldn’t sensationalize minor issues while the agency continues to make significant strides throughout the year,” he stated. He emphasized that occasional challenges are not indicative of failure and encouraged the media to spotlight the PRA’s substantial efforts to stabilize the country’s fuel supply.

BASE Project in Sierra Leone Initiates National Peace Message Competition

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Building Accountability Systems Through Empowered Communities (BASE) Project, comprising five local organizations in Sierra Leone, has officially inaugurated a National Peace Message Competition. Held at the Sierra Leone Peace Museum on Jomo Kenyatta Road in Freetown, the event marked a significant step toward fostering unity and peace within the nation.

The Consortium, including the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), the Center for Accountability and the Rule of Law (CARL), 50/50 Group, the Independent Radio Network (IRN) and Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), aims to increase public awareness the vital role of peace in fostering community well-being.

Rev. Diamond-Suma, Chairman of the Consortium, addressed the importance of peace highlighting that the competition’s role is to encourage citizens’ active participation in Local Government and political processes. He underscored the competition’s focus on promoting political stability, good governance and understanding among diverse groups.

He revealed that Sierra Leoneans wanting to take part in the completion  are invited to submit peace messages in various formats, including photographs, videos, songs, and written scriptures.

According to him, submissions are open from December 7 to 29, 2023, with judging taking place from January 1 to 14, 2024.He continued that participants may submit up to two entries across different categories, and winners will be announced on January 19, 2024.

First and Second place winners, he further revealed, will receive cash prizes, certificates, and national recognition, with the top ten participants receiving Certificates of Participation adding that winning entries will be showcased during a national exhibition and published in a dedicated anthology.

Dr. Richard Conteh, representing the All People Congress (APC), commended the initiative, emphasizing unity among civil society groups, traditional leaders, and politicians for sustained peace. He highlighted past initiatives, including the Violence Free Election Campaign, and expressed the APC’s commitment to addressing leadership issues through collaboration with the Government.

Moses Margao, representing the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, focused on the competition’s goal of promoting peace and national cohesion beyond tribal, religious, and racial divides. He outlined plans to engage secondary schools in establishing Peace Clubs and underscored the importance of youth involvement in conflict resolution.

He stressed the Commission’s recent dialogues with the Government and APC, laying the groundwork for strengthening national institutions and democratic governance. He encouraged participants to see themselves as ambassadors for peace in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the collective effort needed to guide the nation’s journey toward lasting peace and meaningful governance.

Caritas Freetown Climaxes 16 Days of Activism at Masiya Village

By Millicent Senava Mannah

To climax the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism, Caritas Freetown, with support from Civil Peace Service (CPS) Germany, organized a massive sensitization on Thursday 7th December, 2023 targeting residents of four different communities: Satiya, Bankoh, Mosseh, and Tisana in the Western Rural District of Sierra Leone. Taking place at Satiya Village in Russell, the theme for the engagement was: “Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls”.

It must be noted that every year, November 25th marks the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism culminating on the 10th of December. The 16 days of active campaign is geared towards calling for action against one of the world’s most persistent violations of human rights – Violence Against Women.

Program Manager of Caritas Freetown, Eliza Sillah, informed the targeted beneficiaries that the engagement is part of their organization’s commitment to work with women and girls and also men in efforts mainly directed towards preventing the perpetuation of violence against women and girls.

She maintained that they are keen in ensuring that residents of Satiya and its environs benefit from sensitization on the need to uphold gender equality, respect fundamental human rights and kick against gender based violence further revealing how Caritas have been working in their community since 2016.

Eliza underscored how the communities are not only deprived but are also hard to reach areas further stating the importance of residents, especially women and girls, to be availed the opportunity to be aware of their rights and the ramifications of gender based violence.

Tobias Grosse, a Civil Peace Worker of Agiamondo stated that they are present to remind them about gender based violence as well as for them to assess what they can influence and change in the community in addition to how they could intervene to prevent the occurrence of   violence and so on.

He admonished the community residents and other beneficiaries to focus on what binds them together and not to focus on their differences stressing that they themselves can make meaningful changes instead of waiting on the Government to do so.

“Peace must start from the home  and everyone must embrace each other, tolerate each other for the development of your community and the country as a whole,” Tobias also admonished.

Keynote Speaker of the engagement, Doris Webber of the Women’s  Advocacy on Agricultural Development Organization, commended the donors for supporting Caritas to organize such an activity that complements the effort of the Government.

She pointed out that the beneficiaries must be united to end Gender Based Violence adding that violence is anything hurtful act that is perpetrated against another person maintaining that it covers all forms of harmful acts against women and men.

Webber stated that a girl child, below 18 years of age, should not be initiated into FGM informing that they are campaigning for bloodless initiation as well as abandonment as several women and girls have lost their lives during the process.

She cautioned them to be united saying wherever there is violence there could be no development stressing the significance of unity to end violence.

Doris Webber said that if they don’t train their children now in the right ways tomorrow will be difficult for them also advising for the making of reports any violent act to the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police  and to refrain from compromising those issues including rape.

ASP Josephine Yeama Khani, Line Manager of FSU in Tombo, revealed that there are punishments for any unlawful practice like early marriage, sexual penetration, child abuse,  initiating under 18 girls into the Bondo Society  and violence against women etc.

According to her, the discussion is centred on gender equality and how it starts from the home and the community furthering how men must empower their women to do something lucrative and that women should be allowed to participate in community meetings, allowed to make their own contributions for the development of their communities.

The Representative of the Ministry of Gender, the Senior Social Service Officer, Ahmed Turay, said their responsibility is to protect and promote the rights of women and girls also revealing how this is a period they use to advocate for the rights of women and girls.

He emphasized that gender is not only about women, but how they are the most vulnerable group also revealing how  the Government is also in support of the fight against gender based violence

The Senior Headman of Tisana, on behalf of his colleagues, commended the organization for organizing such an educative activity and called on them  not to relent but to continue the good work in their communities promising that they will try to implement what they have learnt.

Peace Commission Calls for Impartial Investigation & Urges Restraint

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

In a solemn address during the Government Weekly Press Conference on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Hall on Tower Hill in Freetown, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Hawa Samai, unequivocally condemned the recent coup attempt that shook the nation. She urged the public to refrain from sensationalizing the event, emphasizing the necessity of an unbiased and fair investigation.

Expressing gratitude for the prevailing peaceful state of the country, the Executive Secretary denounced the recent surge in violent incidents and underscored the paramount importance of maintaining peace.

In her statement, she further acknowledged the pivotal role of civic education in fostering a harmonious society and commended the Government and security sector for their unwavering commitment to preserving peace.

“The efforts of citizens who eschew violence are commendable,” Hawa Samai declared, sending heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident.

She also recognized the bravery of individuals who have worked tirelessly to protect the nation, extending gratitude to the President, political parties, and various organizations for their collective endeavors to uphold peace.

Emphasizing the need to avoid politicizing the situation, the Peace Commission Boss stressed the urgency of impartial investigations further reiterating the significance of civic education in perpetuating peace and encouraged public engagement in the ongoing efforts to sustain tranquility.

In light of the recent incidents, she further highlighted the ongoing investigations and emphasized the need for thoroughness to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all citizens.

“The role of community leaders and organizations in promoting dialogue and mediation is crucial for maintaining peace,” she also asserted, urging a collective commitment to avoiding the politicization of the situation.

In a final plea, she called for thorough investigations as a means to prevent future violence, restating the importance of unity and shared responsibility in preserving the hard-won peace of the nation.

PFSL Breaks Ground for Multi-Purpose Complex Construction

The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone (PFSL) and General Overseer of Living Word of Faith Outreach Ministries International, Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly and a host of Pastors on Tuesday 5th December turned the sod for the construction of the first ever Multi-Purpose Complex for PFSL at Grass Field, Tokeh.
The ceremony which started with intercession and worship was graced by Pastors and well-wishers of the PFSL.
In his declaration of purpose, PFSL Secretary General, Rabbi Tamba Mbayo disclosed that when Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly took over as President of PFSL he came with a seven Vision Pillars God gave to him to focus on for the next four years of his administration which covered:

Unity of the body, Harnessing collective strength: Harnessing the strength of the Pentecostal and Charismatic community in Sierra Leone, Growth and expansion: to ensure greater national impact for growth and expansion of the body, Collaboration/Communication, Diaspora, Self – Regulation, Visibility and stability.

He said through that they are there to implement the 7 of the 7 pillars which is visibility and stability of the PFSL.

He recalled how the Pentecostal Church was described as one with head years ago but emphasized that now Pentecostalism is on the rise in Sierra Leone because today they have headman and visionary.

In his exhortation, PFSL President, Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly said he will continue to be involved in every activity of PFSL even when his tenure of office is over by the mercy of God as they will continue to go bigger and brighter.

The PFSL exhortation came from the scripture 1 Chronicles 22:1-19, describing their gathering as a body, emphasizing that they must build for the name of the Lord not for self.

“I will love to see us move very fast and contribute to the foundation and the structure of the building. Whenever you build a house for the Lord, it will bless you and the nation,” he said.

The PFSL thanked President Julius Maada Bio for giving PFSL the land to undertake such project.

The two storey complex will contain offices, a conference hall, a mini conference room
and parking space, among others.

PFSL is a fellowship of pastors and churches that believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, the baptisms of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. PFSL believes that the Word of God is the authority of God on earth and the Bible is the true word of God. PFSL also believes in the unity of the body and believes that they cannot stay in isolation of each other.

“PFSL is a body that encompasses brethren all around the country. There are people that belong to different ministerial fellowships, in different towns and districts but PFSL is a national platform that focus on the work God has placed on us and how to build the capacity to reach to the place God expect us to reach. It is a place God Has called us on how we should grow in Him. We are standing to give each other support and covering,” says Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly.

A prayer of thanksgiving to God for making it possible for PFSL to undertake the project was led by PFSL Vice President, Apostle A.S. Kamara.
Rokel Commercial Bank Marketing Supervisor, Emilia Davies-Cole made a statement on behalf of her Managing Director. Donation for the construction of the multi-purpose complex is still open, you can reach PFSL office at Big Waterloo Street or call +23276 625788: +23275 4500300.

Former President Koroma Faces Questioning on Coup Attempt

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a surprising turn of events, the Sierra Leone Police has on the 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.

The announcement was made by Chernor A. Bah, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, who stated, “At around 11:00 AM today, 7th December, 2023, the Sierra Leone police served a summons to the former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma – inviting him to report at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department in Freetown within a period of 24 hours.” Bah further explained that the former president is being called upon to provide assistance in the ongoing criminal investigations into the failed attempted coup.

Responding to the invitation, the Office of the Former President, HE Ernest Bai Koroma, in a Press Release assured that the former President Koroma has confirmed his intention to travel to Freetown to comply with the invitation.

According to the Press Release, expressing his commitment to cooperation, Former President Koroma stated, “I maintain an open mind and stand ready to support the police investigations to the fullest. Let the rule of law reign supreme in our democracy.”

The former President has called for calm among the public, urging support for the ongoing police investigation and emphasizing the importance of adhering to due process in accordance with the law.

It must be underscored that this development has sent shockwaves through the country, as it marks the first time a former President of Sierra Leone has been directly linked to such a serious criminal investigation. The failed coup attempt, which occurred on November 26th, has raised concerns about the stability and security of the nation.

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education has pledged to provide updates as the investigation progresses, as the nation eagerly awaits further information on this unprecedented situation.

Summoning Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has sparked widespread interest and concern among citizens and observers alike, and it is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape of Sierra Leone.

For now, the Republic of Sierra Leone is bracing itself for the unfolding of this unprecedented event, and the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the outcome of the impending questioning of the former President.

Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray Pushes for Health Care Reform for the Vulnerable

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Honorable Alpha Ben Mansaray, the esteemed Member of Parliament representing Moyamba District and Deputy Spokesperson for the Opposition, in a recent series of impactful actions, has emerged as a beacon of compassionate leadership, actively addressing crucial healthcare challenges in that region or district.

The Honorable Member of Parliament, who took office on November 7, 2023, has swiftly made his mark by advocating for critical issues during Parliamentary sessions. He notably passionately urged for due consideration to be given to improved transport provisions for healthcare workers and emphasized the pressing need for better maintenance of ambulances to curb maternal and child mortalities during the 2024 budget debate.

In a succinct, compassionate and persuasive manner, Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray laid bare the urgent need for attention to be given to the health sector with particular reference to the entire country and Moyamba District in particular as well as calling on the Minister of Finance and various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to not only prioritize but enhance ambulance services nationwide. He highlighted some of the critical challenges besetting the health sector emphasizing the plight of the non-operational state of ambulances across the country, especially in Moyamba District.

He underscored the importance for the Government to allocate funds that should be utilized for the maintenance of existing ambulances, averring that it would be cost-effective to revive faulty ones rather than embarking on procuring new ones.

According to him that will ensure the availability of functional ambulances in all districts that could be readily accessible to address pressing maternal and child health issues and ultimately reduce infant as well as maternal deaths.

It is indeed worthy of note that his passion to meaningfully contribute in enhancing the health sector in the district with an objective to save residents from preventable deaths is innate had been evident even prior to recently championing such an advocacy in Parliament.

His demonstration of concern and his decisive intervention played a pivotal role in saving the life of a pregnant woman of Mokebie-Loko chiefdom in Moyamba district. In the lamentable incident, due to delay in accessing a Government health facility ambulance, the pregnant woman lost her baby as a result of prolonged labour.

Upon learning of the dire situation, Mansaray facilitated the availability of an ambulance from a private hospital that swiftly transported the woman to another suitable health facility in the district. His timely intervention resulted in making it possible for the mother to receive specialized medical attention and she is currently showing signs of recovery.

Family members of the woman expressed profound gratitude to the Member of Parliament for the life-saving gesture. “We do sincerely appreciate your timely intervention and for that we are indeed grateful,” one of the members, on behalf of the family, registered gratitude.

During his Parliamentary contribution, Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray, also drew attention to the deplorable conditions of service for health workers nationwide emphasizing how motivation for healthcare professionals is paramount for their retention and in ensuring qualitative healthcare delivery.

He implored the Government to consider the importance of health workers, urging for an improvement in their conditions of service saying doctors and nurses to the least-ranked personnel must be fairly compensated.

Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray maintained that health workers often spend a substantial portion of their meager salaries on daily transportation stressing how such a dire situation has forced some health workers to seek employment in private health facilities that has resulted in the dearth of healthcare professionals in Government hospitals.

He also called for improvement of healthcare facilities lamenting how Government health facilities need to be brought up to appreciable standards. According to him such a grim reality raises serious doubts about the desirability of admitting family members to such institutions.

In a remarkable stride geared towards sustaining a blood bank at the UMC Hospital in Rotifunk, Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray launched the “Blood Donor Support Project”, a collaborative initiative between the hospital and the Member of Parliament that entails covering the screening costs for all blood donations at the hospital, along with providing refreshments for donors.

The estimated monthly expenses averaged around Le. 4,500,000, a responsibility the Honourable pledged to fulfill and inn an initial deposit, he presented Two Million Leones to the hospital to kick-start such a crucial support project.

Mansaray’s proactive approach to tackling healthcare challenges demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the well-being of his constituents. His actions have not only saved lives but also shed light on the dire need for sustainable healthcare solutions in Moyamba District and beyond.

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