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Madam Marian Samu Honored with 2023-2024 Excellent Award for Promoting Democracy and Peace

Madam Marian Angela Samu, Chairperson of the National Commission for Democracy (NCD), was on the 5th December, 2023 honored with the prestigious 2023-2024 Excellent Award by the Kono District Entertainment Network. This recognition celebrates her invaluable efforts in advancing democracy and fostering good governance in Sierra Leone.

The award, presented at her office in Youyi Building, Freetown, by Joseph Komba Kembey, President, and Mohamed Macauley, Secretary General of the Network, bears an inscription honoring Madam Angela Samu for her exceptional leadership at the NCD, acknowledging her immense contribution to peace-building and national development.

Joseph Komba Kembey emphasized that the award was a testament to Madam Samu’s tireless work in promoting peace and development, citing feedback gathered from five radio stations in the district through public phone-ins as the basis for her nomination.

Expressing her gratitude for the award, Madam Samu attributed the recognition to the unwavering support of her dedicated staff. She extended her appreciation to the Kono District Entertainment Network and the people of Kono for acknowledging her contribution to the district’s progress. Underlining the importance of youth involvement in advocating for peace and democracy, she highlighted the Commission’s efforts in educating citizens across the country for a peaceful electoral cycle in 2023.

Assuring continued collaboration with the Network, Madam Samu pledged to work closely with entertainers to impart democratic and civic values to the youth. She hinted at future programs where the Commission would prioritize collaboration with the Kono District Entertainment Network.

The award ceremony, witnessed by senior Commission members, was met with applause and appreciation, showcasing recognition for the Commission’s impactful work in the district by its members of staff.

Wellington-Waterloo-Masiaka Road: Examining Benefits & Need to Raise Costs

Build, Operate and Transfer -The Way Forward in Infrastructural Development-A Case Study Wellington-Waterloo-Masiaka Road

1.0 Introduction

One of the major differences between the developed world and the developing countries is in the level of their infrastructural development and effectiveness of service delivery. The funding of these infrastructural developments could not be handled by Government alone and the developed world has introduced the private sector in the area.

Sierra Leone is trying very hard to move in this direction but there is not enough education in the public domain about the great benefits and its funding in terms of the private companies funding the project and getting their money back. The reconstruction of the Wellington – Masiaka was the first of its kind in Sierra Leone in which the investor did and has to do the following：

  • The contractor provided the funds for the reconstruction.
  • The company undertook the construction.
  • The company carries out basic routine maintenance.
  • The company will continue to rehabilitate the road throughout the contractual period.
  • The company collects tolls to offset their investment, maintenance, rehabilitation and operational costs.

Aerial view of the Wellington-Waterloo-Masiaka Highway-Hastings Tollgate

2.0 Previous Condition of Road

The Wellington – Waterloo – Masiaka road had very serious challenges before it was reconstructed by the private partner among which are:

  • Very high accident rate and most of which were fatal.
  • Very high travel time as a result of congestion particularly from Waterloo-Freetown about three hours.
  • The maintenance culture of the road was poor with blocked drains, flooding, bushy roads, potholes and various road defects.
  • Possibility of head-on collision of vehicles was very high.
  • Drivers and passengers’ confidence on this stretch was very low.
  • Little or no lay-byes for vehicles to stop and pick-up goods and passengers.
  • A two lane long bridge in the busy section of this road – the Orugu Bridge.

It was in the face of these challenges that Government entered into negotiation with the partner to provide not only the money but the construction, management and to recoup their money. The investor was also to train locals as a way of technology and skill transfer. This resulted in the training of fifty workers abroad.

Road condition before reconstruction

3.0 Benefits

Some of the Benefits of the Road Development include the following:

  • Taking the burden of providing huge cost for reconstruction from Government which had various financial challenges.
  • This road has showcased major infrastructural development in Sierra Leone and thus the national image of the country on the world platform.
  • The rehabilitation of this road such as overlay will leave the road in good condition after expiration of the contract thus provide a major benefit to the people of Sierra Leone.
  • The reduction of both fatal and minor accidents on the stretch – lifesaving. The incident of head on collision of vehicles travelling in opposite direction which normally results in fatal accident is completely prevented. This is as a result of the four-lane road divided by a median along the entire road stretch.
  • Reduction of the travel time by passengers, vehicles, drivers and private commuters by more than 2 hours which represent 200% reduction.
  • Road development goes with growth in population and all corresponding requirements. There has been and is still continuing an upsurge of development and growth in the road corridor.
  • New economic activities have sprung along the road corridor – the Songo industrial area with new factories, supermarkets, shops, fuel stations and other local businesses.
  • There is high increase in the value of properties along the road corridor.
  • Service delivery, such as health, accommodation, education, etc have increased along the road, thus reducing pressure on the inadequate services in the city of Freetown.
  • Agricultural activities have not only increased in the road corridor but have influenced growth in the production of agricultural products.
  • The number of trips generated by commercial vehicles has increased by more than three folds along the road corridor. This corresponds to more money in the coffer of commercial vehicle owners.
  • The vehicle operating cost which includes fuel, tires, spare parts, lubricants etc. has reduced. In effect there is an increase in the life span of vehicles.
  • The importation of spare parts, tires, lubricants, fuel, etc. are procured outside the country thus requiring foreign exchange. Reduction in the foreign exchange requirement in the transport industry is a great benefit to Government.
  • The entire lifestyle of the population along the road corridor in terms of communication, accessing the city and other facilities in Freetown has changed for the better.
  • The aesthetic of the corridor has improved and the impression to foreign visitor travelling by road is very high. Sister countries like Liberia have visited the investor and Government to learn from the Sierra Leone’s example, etc.
  • The employment of over 1000 local workers during construction period and presently over 200 permanent local workers to operate and undertake maintenance on the highway.

Road condition after reconstruction

4.0 Similar Examples in other Countries

The concept of BOT in the construction of roads could be found in the USA, China, Senegal, etc.

In the USA, most of the major federal highways are constructed, operated and maintained by the BOT arrangement and tolls are collected to not only get the investment cost but to cover maintenance, rehabilitation and operation. These toll charges are revised to ensure that the overall cost of the highway is recovered. It is a similar situation in China. In West Africa, Senegal stands out clearly in this direction of road infrastructural development. It should be made known that the highway in USA and other parts of the World have generated wealth and made them great coupled with other additional factors.

5.0 A Look at Some Trunk Roads

A brief comparison of the performance of the Wellington – Waterloo – Masiaka road to the Masiaka – Bo and Masiaka – Kono will clearly review the following:

  • Wellington – Waterloo – Masiaka is regularly and promptly maintained compared to its adjacent highways leading to Bo and Kono because of limited funds availability to do prompt maintenance.
  • The number of accidents and severity on the Wellington – Waterloo – Masiaka is far lower than those sister connecting highways. The overall road safety aspects follow the same pattern.
  • Most major developments are more concentrated on the Wellington – Waterloo – Masiaka road corridor than that leading to Bo and Kono. It is easy to argue in terms of proximity to Freetown but it may be due to comfort and faster rate of travel also.

6.0 The Need to Increase the Cost of Toll

It is imperative that the cost of toll should be visited if this project is to remain not only viable but a leading example with fair play on the part of Government and the investor. This would be looked at in the face of the following:

  • The cost of this project was calculated in United States Dollars at the time of signing the contract.
  • The cost of toll is in Leones which was calculated base on the rate of the USD to Leones at the time. The rates at these two period are as follows:
  • Signing of agreement of toll cost in July 2017. Exchange rate was one USD (USD1) equivalent to Leones Seven Thousand Five Hundred (Le7,500).
  • Current exchange is one dollar (USD 1) equivalent to Leones Twenty Three Thousand Five Hundred Leones (Le23,500)
  • The exchange rate has increased by about three folds.
  • In a similar vein, the price of fuel which is a major item in the transport industry has gone through the following changes:
  • Cost of fuel per liter in July 2017 was Le 6,000
  • The current cost of fuel per liter is Le 30,000
  • The cost has increased by about five (5) folds which is also a similar item in the transport sector.
  • The average salary of each worker over the past five (5) years has increased by approximately Leones One Million Five Hundred Thousand (Le1, 500,000) per month. An additional advantage is that free Bus service is provided to convey the workers to work and back. It is very obvious from the above mentioned facts that it is fair and reasonable to increase the toll cost.

Hastings Tollgate

Invitation for Bids National Competitive Bidding (NCB) Sierra Leone Correctional Service

 Date of Issuance: Monday 4th December, 2023.

Procurement Number: GoSL/SLCS/NCB/2024/0016-0017

Procurement and supply of Rice and Flour Countrywide for the fiscal year 2024.

 The Government of Sierra Leone has allocated funds to the Sierra Leone Correctional Service and part of the funds is now intended to be used for the procurement and Supply of Rice and Flour Countrywide with procurement number :SLCS/NCB/2024/0016-0017.

The Sierra Leone Correctional Service now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the procurement and supply of the following:

The items are categorized into Regions with Lot numbers as listed below:

S/NCENTREREGIONLOTACTIVITYBIDSECURITY (LE)
1Countrywide(quality) 1WRice180,000,000
14Countrywide(quality) 2WFlour for Inmates200,000,000

Bidding is open to all suppliers who can demonstrate professionalism in the supply of the above goods within the specified timeframe. The successful bidder(s) will be required to sign a framework contract which will last for one year for the goods indicated in the schedule of requirement. A framework contract is one in which is adopted by a purchaser;

  1. Where the Items needed “On Call” but where the quantity and timing of the requirements cannot be defined precisely in advance; or
  2. To reduce lead times for the items which are needed repeatedly or continuously over a period of time, by having them available on a “Call Off” basis.

Interested bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding document at the address below between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm from Mondays to Fridays.

Bidding documents may be purchased upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Le: 1,000(One Thousand Leones).

Alternatively, potential bidders should pay for the bidding document in any Transit Accounts at the following commercial Banks:

Bank Name:          Union Trust Bank

Account Name: Revenue from sale of Bidding Sub Treasury Account NO:            210113253-01

BBan NO:               00-4001113253120144

Bank Name:          Sierra Leone Commercial Bank

Account Name: Revenue from sale of Bidding Sub Treasury Account NO: 003001081791112183

Bank Name:          Rokel Commercial Bank

Account Name: Revenue from sale of Bidding Sub Treasury Account NO:                             02-011012428

BBan NO:               002001002101242863

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before: 8thDecember,2023.at 12:00 noon All bids must be accompanied by:

  • A valid Business Registration Certificate;
  • Bid Form appropriately signed and stamped;
  • A valid Bid Security from a reputable commercial bank with the amount indicated in table 1 above;
  • A valid NRA tax clearance certificate;
  • A valid National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) Clearance Certificate;
  • A signed and stamped Integrity Pact; [see attached];
  • Completed, signed, and stamped eligibility and Qualification form;
  • Potential suppliers should be able to supply uninterruptedly for up to six (6)months without payment.
  • A valid Municipality License Certificate;
  • Access to Line of credit to cover the full contract value of
  • All samples must be in the quantity, quality and unit of measures as inscribed in the Standard Bidding Documents.
  • Evidence of experience in government supplies
  • All bidders that wish to apply for the supply of Rice and Flour must include in their bid prices transportation cost to the regional headquarters towns.

Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding procedures as specified in the Rules and Regulations Governing Public Procurement in Sierra Leone and is opened to firms which meet the qualification requirements stated above.

Late bids will be rejected and returned unopened to bidders.

Please direct all enquiries for the purposes of clarification to the address below: The Procurement activity will be executed as a Framework Contract.

Sierra Leone Correctional Service;

Assistant Director of Procurement; Procurement Unit

New England Ville; Freetown;

Sierra Leone;

+232 76760902, +232 31077518

Long-Awaited Lungi Bridge Set to Become Reality

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with China Road and Bridge Corporation and the architectural firm, Atépa Group, has initiated steps towards a significant infrastructural development. An announcement made on 1st December, 2023 confirmed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the ambitious Freetown-Lungi Bridge project.

This project is part of President Julius Maada Bio’s Big 5 vision, aimed at enhancing Sierra Leone’s technology and infrastructure, thereby fostering a connection between the capital city and the strategic Lungi airport hub. The bridge is expected to streamline transportation for both international and local travelers.

With an estimated cost of about $1.5 billion, the proposed 8-km bridge promises to be a catalyst for sustained economic growth. It is also seen as a complementary addition to the new airport commissioned on March 3, 2023, by President Maada Bio. This modern airport, replacing the one built in 1945, was constructed at a cost of $270 million.

The China Road and Bridge Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest engineering and construction firms in the world. With operations in more than 50 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, the company brings significant global expertise to the project.

Adding to the project’s potential is the Atépa Group, a company known for its architectural excellence. The company’s portfolio boasts several globally renowned projects, including the Banjul Airport in Gambia, the headquarters of BCEAO in Dakar, Senegal, the ECOWAS Fund headquarters in Lomé, Togo, and the Monument of the Renaissance in Dakar.

The next few months will see the completion of a feasibility study for the bridge project. If all goes as planned, construction is set to commence in the last quarter of 2024 and is estimated to be completed within three years from the start date, according to Chernor A. Bah, the Minister of Information and Civic Education of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Gov’t Delegation Inspects ECOWAS Depot in Lungi, Sets Completion Deadline

A Government delegation led by Madam Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Timothy M. Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Col. (RTD) Muana Massaquoi, Deputy Minister of Defence, conducted an extensive assessment of the ongoing work at the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi on the 1st December, 2023.

Joined by ECOWAS Commission Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Harouna Moussa, the delegation aimed to evaluate progress and establish a definitive completion deadline for the facility.

The visit encompassed an inspection of Phases 1 and 2 to ascertain advancements since their last review. The Lungi Logistics Depot, one of two approved ECOWAS Military facilities, plays a pivotal role in bolstering regional security, peace, stability, and response capabilities. These depots are instrumental in facilitating joint military operations, storing resources, and enabling swift deployment of ECOWAS Standby Forces (ESF) during regional crises, with another facility located in Mali.

The delegation, accompanied by key officials including the Ministry’s Development Secretary and the Head of ECOWAS National Office, conducted a comprehensive assessment led by the contracting firms SOGEFEL Construction and BANCA Consultant. Assisted by the Resident Commandant and Deputy, the focus was on gauging progress, addressing challenges and strategizing to meet the impending December 15, 2023 deadline.

A recent Coordination Meeting with ECOWAS headquarters officials on November 23, 2023, granted a final extension for project completion. Both contracting firms committed to finishing the work by December 15, 2023, collaborating closely with authorities to commission the facility by December 29, 2023.

Minister Kenyeh Barlay stressed the critical importance of adhering to timelines, underlining the facility’s significance, especially regarding an upcoming ECOWAS Heads of Governments meeting. She urged ECOWAS to initiate logistics deployment plans considering the depot’s nearing completion.

Timothy Kabba expressed gratitude for ECOWAS selecting Sierra Leone to host this strategic facility, highlighting the nation’s global leadership in international peace and security, particularly as it prepares for Security Council membership. He underscored the region’s security challenges and urged contractors to meet deadlines, hopeful for sustained peace in West Africa.

Deputy Defence Minister, Col. (Rtd) Massaquoi, addressed security concerns and pledged to discuss them further with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Contractors assured that construction and road works are on schedule for completion, with final touches on heavy vehicle parking underway.

Latest updates indicate impressive progress, with buildings at 98.61% completion and overall project advancement, including additional work, at 93.02%. These achievements emphasize the collective efforts required to meet the approaching deadline and ensure the successful establishment of the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi.

Orange SL CEO Sekou Amadou Bah Recognized as Environmental Champion

At the 7th annual Shout Climate Change Africa awards ceremony hosted at Freetown’s Radisson Blu Hotel, on Friday, November 24th, 2023, the CEO of Orange SL, Sekou Amadou Bah, was distinguished as the Environmental Champion CEO of the year.

In accepting this esteemed recognition, CEO Sekou Amadou Bah underscored the pervasive impact of climate change, emphasizing its relevance to everyone. He articulated Orange SL’s commitment to sustainability by actively pursuing measures to mitigate the company’s impact on the environment. This includes strategic investments in renewable energy mechanisms to power operations and the establishment of robust Environmental Health and Safety programs aimed at curbing carbon footprints.

The commendation extended beyond the CEO’s personal recognition, with Orange Sierra Leone itself honored as the Carbon Zero Champion Mobile Company of the Year. This prestigious acknowledgment celebrated the company’s dedicated efforts toward minimizing the environmental impact of its operations.

Notably, this marks the second occasion in the past two years that Orange Sierra Leone has been lauded for its commitment to enhancing environmental responsibility, showcasing the company’s ongoing dedication to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

NP-SL Remains a Key Player in Socio-Economic Trasformation

By Amin Kef-Ranger

NP-SL Ltd is indisputably the most outstanding and widely recognized petroleum marketing company in this country that is  tremendously doing well within the business landscape of this country. The company has gained both internal and international recognition for its efficient service delivery to its many esteemed customers. It is therefore no big surprise for the well-established company to be bagging commendations, accolades and awards from reputable institutions in and out of the country.

One thing that makes NP to stand tall among other business entities in the country hinges on the high premium placed on effective customer care delivery. The company is highly distinguished for being 1st in prioritizing Customer Care, as it strives to give optimal satisfaction to all its esteemed customers right across the country.

In all its petroleum transactions the company does so transparently as it has modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations which are highly capable of pumping and displaying the exact quantity of fuel demanded for, be it petrol or diesel, as well as the price. This gives buyers the feeling that they are not cheated when purchasing fuel.

In the same direction, the company contracts good, up and running tanker vehicles which transport fuel from the fuel depot to the various Filling Stations everywhere in the country. Maintenance is always done on these vehicles to ensure that they are road worthy; something which the Management of the company takes very serious. The importance of regularly doing so is to really ensure that petroleum products are timely delivered to various parts of the country in order to prevent the occurrence of any form of shortage that may affect daily activities and lives.

A company that was established by thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans years back, it was made a laid down policy by the Shareholders and Management of the company that special preference must be given to indigenes who have the requisite qualifications in terms of job opportunities.

Interestingly, this decision is in tandem with the country’s Local Content Policy which aims at making use of our local resources, both human and material, instead of depending on external resources. This has made it possible for indigenes, who were hitherto unemployed, to now be gainfully employed and be at vantage positions to take care of individual responsibilities. With all amount of justification it could be said that NP-SL is a very caring business entity.

The company has set the pace of expanding its operations in the West African sub-region by establishing branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and the Gambia where they are effectively marketing petroleum products. By doing so it is providing job opportunities for locals in those countries and by extension regularly paying taxes to the Governments of those countries which are used to fund different development projects.

This bold step undertaken by the company is a mark of a company a serious entity that is taking business to a higher pedestal.

NP-SL is very notable for making available NP Smart Card and introducing NP Gas. In this modern age when efforts are being made to operate cashless societies and going digital there is no other moment than this when transactions in petroleum products should not follow suit. With the NP Smart Card, a particular customer could purchase fuel via using the card, just stating the quantity required which is debited from the amount in the card.

The customer can credit it again in order to make future purchases. The biggest advantage is that a customer can properly schedule or budget for the amount of fuel he or she will need over time, meaning that he or she has saved the headache of having to raise cash for the sole purpose of fuelling his or her vehicle. Using the card makes it less time consuming to buy fuel and prevents the movement of physical cash which maybe a customer could use for another emerging need or the cash could be stolen. NP Smart Card is now trending and many are now going for it.

With NP Gas, the cooking needs of individuals are easily solved as it is quick in terms of performance as a cooker. Environmentalists have validated its safety in terms of less emission of dangerous gases and it is manufactured in different cylinder sizes, very portable and easily refilled by purchasing gas at the company’s Filling Stations or its authorized dealers.

The company has demonstrated that it is a true partner in development through interventions that are geared towards complementing the efforts of Government and other entities as it has demonstrated, over the years, in the impactful rolling out programs and gestures that fall within the purview of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

With all amount of justification, NP-SL is doggedly committed to the rolling out of effective service delivery that gives utmost satisfaction to customers despite the myriad challenges the company is encountering in trying to do so.

To a very large extent, the company is undoubtedly a true development partner that is striving to positively contribute to the socio-economic growth of individuals, entities and the country as a whole.

Community of Practice’ Raises Awareness on SGBV in Western Area/Rural Communities

By Millicent Senava Mannah

As part of their activities of the 16 days of activism, one of the leading coalitions in the country, the Community of Practice (COP), comprising INGOs, NGOs, CBOs, CSOs and embassies, working towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls in society, has commenced their joint campaign in different communities within the Western area and Western rural districts geared towards raising awareness on the alarming rate at which women face discrimination, harassment and abuse in the hands of intimate partners, family members or community residents.

Their engagements in communities are part of commitment to end gender based violence against women and girls in the country.

It must be noted that the campaign mounted by the Community of Practice captures many issues that affect women and girls ranging from sexual abuse, female genital mutilation, equality and equity.

Secretary General of the aforementioned Coalition, Maseray Koroma, said that men and boys should also join the campaign in order to advocate for the protection of the rights of women and girls in the country further maintaining that women are their mothers, sisters and wives and that they should be treated with dignity and respect and not the other way round.

According to her, the fight against Sexual Gender Based Violence is everybody’s fight stating how no man would want to see his mother, sister or daughter being treated anyhow, therefore all women must be treated in dignified ways.

Alpha Barrie, Head of Outreach and Community Engagement, COP,  stated that with Female Genital Mutilation  parents that intend  for  their child to go through it must seek the consent of their children, that it must not be forced on them  more especially when the children are below 18 years of age.

He added that, FGM has some health implications and can affect women and girls in many ways such as causing bleeding, pain and leading to psychological trauma, anxiety, disorder and even death.

Barrie called on everyone to join hands to support, protect , respect and promote women and girls’ rights, in order for them  to contribute to sustainable development in the country,  emphasizing that, men must not use poverty or stress as an excuse to justify their violent actions against women and girls underscoring how such violence is considered a crime and is punishable by law.

According to him, the Coalition looks forward to spark a change in the perception of women being objects to be abused saying rather they must be considered as back bones of development.

Speaking to this medium, Santos Kamara, Head of the Media Committee said he is positive that their work will bring about transformation and change within this 16 Days of active engagement expressing the belief  that the feedback received from the residents of Wellington, Dokorthy and other Communities, show how residents are ready for development.

Residents also assured members of the Coalition of their commitment to end Gender Based Violence in their respective communities.

Sierra Leone Visions Inclusive & Gender Responsive 2024-2030 Development Plan

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, in collaboration with UN Women Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, held a two day Technical Consultative Meetings at the Atlantic Hall, Lumley, Freetown.

This collaborative effort convened key stakeholders from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the first day and representatives from Trade Unions and the Private Sector on the next day, November 29-30, 2023.

The pivotal focus was on incorporating gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment into the formulation of the New Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) for 2024-2030.

These sessions aimed to review the Advanced Draft of the MTNDP 2024-2030, placing specific emphasis on the integration of gender and women’s issues into the national plan.

Charles B. Vandi, Deputy Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, underscored the commitment to amplifying the voices of women and children within the final plan. Reflecting on the accomplishments of the previous MTNDP 2019-2023, he highlighted strides in empowering women, children, and persons with disabilities. These included policy developments such as the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy 2020 and the enactment of bills like the Customary Land Rights Bill 2022.

Carol Hannon, Head of Development at the Embassy of Ireland, commended the collaborative effort, emphasizing a dedication to making the national plan transformative for gender equality.

Baindu Massaquoi from UN Women Sierra Leone stressed the global significance of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the integral role of Sierra Leone in this global endeavor. Massaquoi highlighted the necessity of integrating gender equality commitments into national plans, urging for their prominence in the upcoming MTNDP 2024-2030.

Madam Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, expressed gratitude to UN Women for their support and emphasized the importance of these meetings in enriching the MTNDP. She urged stakeholders to focus on Strategic Objectives, key targets and policy areas outlined in the document for future policies and interventions.

Dr. Sheka Bangura, Director of Planning, Policy and Research at MoPED, facilitated both meetings, culminating in a call to action. Stakeholders were encouraged to contribute their expertise to enhance the document. The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development expressed gratitude for the support received and anticipated continued productive engagements in shaping the national plan into an inclusive and comprehensive strategy for Sierra Leone’s development.

Women’s Forum Concludes Policy Talks with Security & Justice Sectors

The national umbrella female organization in the country ,the Women’s Forum Sierra Leone (WF-SL),  in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and support from the Peace Building Fund, on Friday 1st December, 2023 ended a day’s engagement on the project titled, “Policy Engagement with Security and Justice Sectors to Provide Protection, Access to Justice for Girls and Women and Access to Referral Pathways” at the Freetown City Council Conference Room 311 on Lightfoot Boston Street in Freetown. Other partners were the World Vision and UN Women.

The 100 participants were drawn from Paramount Chiefs in Kono, Karene, Bombali and Pujehun Districts, traditional leaders, councilors, market women and other stakeholders in the Western Area Urban and Rural respectively, the project’s operational areas.

The aim of the project is to maintain peace in communities as well as discuss experiences before, during and after the June 2023 elections.

Lead Facilitator for the engagement was Dr. Francis Sowa of the Mass Communications Department at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone who headed the experience sharing and dialogue sessions on the themes: “Being Female in the Male World of Security and Justice (Leadership and Political)” and “The Key Issues of Security and Justice Sectors that Provide Protection and Access to Security for Female Leaders and Political Access to Referral Pathways”.

He also facilitated the way forward (Concrete Actions and Steps) Action, Planning, Building Linkages between the Security and Justice Sectors.

Among the recommendations, participants observed that 80% of women are not aware of the laws and their rights and underscored the need to popularize them for women to take ownership, that such meetings must be organized in rural communities, that the Police must provide witness protection, that Women’s Forum must defend its members and partners with the Police and community organizations on the ground, that after sometime some women lose interest in their cases and that women must demand  their rights.

Other recommendations were calls for women to sit in Court Barrays, that in Bombali District, women are appointed Chiefdom Speakers, that some decisions taken by Paramount Chiefs are discretional, that after the war a lot of reforms were made in the security and justice sectors, that Paramount Chiefs must take full control of local courts and that there is no woman head of any sports organization in the country.

President of WFSL, Sallay Adams informed that the Forum was founded in 1994, that the UNDP funded-engagement is to discuss issues that affected women before, during and after the June 2023 general elections and recalled that the Forum was formed to respond to the country’s civil war and address the needs of women who suffered the worst during the war years stressing that women have suffered for long in the country.

She furthered commended Government for the political will to enact the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWEA), the 30% female representation in governance and the decision-making process that has seen more women in Cabinet and Parliament, recalled that the Forum negotiated with the rebels for an end to the civil war as well as advocated for the International Women’s Day to be observed annually in Sierra Leone and launched the Peace Cloth at the Bank of Sierra Leone Complex, Kingtom for peaceful elections.

Chairperson for the event, Rosaline McCarthy, underscored that any law violating women’s rights must be expunged from the constitution.

The Chairman of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Kpaka Chiefdom, Pujehun District, John Salia Rogers revealed that the Council comprises 190 Paramount Chiefs nationwide, assured that the GEWEA would give hope and guarantee the rights of women and girls, that women are facing a lot of challenges including rape, violence and sexual abuse all of which the Council strongly condemns and wants them swiftly addressed.

He went on to state that women enjoy limited access to control resources, that they need adequate protection from the justice and security sectors as well as equal rights to economic resources, land and other forms of property, right to equal pay and that no girl below the age of 18 should be initiated into the secret female ‘Bondo’ Society as well given into early marriage.

President of the Market Women’s Association, Marie Bob Kandeh catalogued issues affecting women such as co-habitation with a partner for many years without any legal documentation of marriage, no specified amount for child maintenance fee, called for the strengthening of the Gender Desk in Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies and that women are not elected Paramount Chiefs in the North of the country and Kono District,

Other dignitaries who made statements included the President of the Women in the Media Sierra Leone, the representatives of the Sierra Leone Police, the Office of National Security and the Political Parties Regulation Commission while the highlights of the engagement were the question and answer session and viewing of  a documentary on peace.

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