Leone Rock Metals Violates Sierra Leone’s Right to Property

April 3, 2023

When the Leone Rock Metals company, a subsidiary of Kingho Rail and Port company, signed a memorandum of understanding between it and CTC Mining, a bauxite mining company in Sierra Leone, for the use of the rail and port facilities at Pepel, many Sierra Leoneans feel that it is a violation of the right of Sierra Leoneans to own property, as the said agreement entered into between Kingho Rail and Port company was undertaken by the Government on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone, as all lands and minerals in the country are held in trust by the Government on behalf of the people of this country.

According to concerned citizens, the fact that Leone Rock Metals company, a subsidiary of Kingho Rail and Port company, entered into an agreement with a third party after the Government had issued a notice terminating the contact it had with Kingho on the management and use of the rail and port, has been seen by many as depriving Sierra Leone of the ownership and use of its land. It should be noted that the Pepel port and railway are both owned by the Government and people of Sierra Leone, and it has the sole right, in accordance with stipulated contract provisions with any company, to have full use of the facilities and to enter into any contract with any party within the ambit of the law.

It could be recalled that the Government entered into a contract with Kingho Rail and Port company in October 2020 to refurbish and manage the rail and port facility at Pepel for six years, with a caveat for review after two years of operation, during which period the Government has the right to contract a third party. These were all part of the contract provisions signed with Kingho in October 2020.

Unfortunately, after two years of operation, the Government, not being satisfied with the operations of Kingho, terminated the said rail and port contract with a notice of termination issued to the company, as well as information that the Government is entering into another contract with Arise IPP for the refurbishing and running of the rail and port services, as well as expansion of same to as far as the Republic of Guinea. This move, according to the Government, will bring onboard other players in the sector, and also give access to citizens of both countries to trade freely, as the rail service will facilitate transportation of goods and services between the two countries, as well as enable farmers along the route to convey their products to other parts of the country, including the capital, Freetown, thereby reducing the cost of transportation and eventually the cost of those goods. It will also see more revenue generation for the Government through increase in royalties paid by the companies that will be using the service, as their profit margins will increase, due to a marked reduction in the cost of transportation of their products from their respective mines to the port, and also more taxes paid, as trade is enhanced through these services.

It is against this backdrop that the illegal action of Leone Rock to enter into an agreement with CTC Mining, when it is very clear that the contract with their subsidiary had been terminated, has been seen as an infringement on the right of the Government and people of Sierra Leone to their property.

SLAJ Condemns all Forms of Violence Against Journalists Before, During & After Elections

April 3, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Release dated 1st April 2023 and signed by Alhaji Manika Kamara, National Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), news about the departure of the President of the aforementioned Association, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, to the United States of America to participate in the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) was stated.

Also mentioned was that the IVLP is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program designed to introduce emerging foreign leaders to their American counterparts, U.S society, culture and values.

Further stated was that the program will run from 2nd April to 22nd April 2023 with participants from 22 countries including from Africa (Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, and Burundi), Europe, South and North America, Asia, Middle East, among others.

Revealed was that the program involves visits to multiple cities and some American families across the United States with the aim of building strong people-to-people ties and fostering long-lasting collaboration with current and future global leaders.

It was underscored that each year nearly 5,000 International Visitors come to the U.S. on the International IVLP and more than 200,000 International Visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including more than 500 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.

“This is my first time of visiting the US and it is good that it is happening through the IVLP which gives me a huge opportunity to experience the world’s greatest nation first-hand with the guidance of the American people themselves. I am as excited as I believe this will build on my leadership abilities in the last five years as the President of journalists in Sierra Leone. I look forward to meeting and sharing experiences with my counterparts from around the world and come back home to share those experiences and make meaningful impact,” said President Nasralla.

Also mentioned in the Press Release was that the SLAJ President will stay on for about a week after the program to pay courtesy calls on key international democratic and media freedom institutions including the National Democratic Institute (NDI), National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), and International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). He is also expected to visit the Sierra Leone Embassy in the US and meet with Sierra Leone Journalists and AWOL US Chapter members.

The SLAJ President is expected back home on the 29th of April 2023. In his absence, the Vice President of SLAJ, Mr. Sahr James Bangah, is Acting President.

In another Press Release dated Friday, 31st March 2023 and captioned “SLAJ Condemns Alleged Attack on FOP Radio Station Manager” it was stated a complaint was received by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) from the Management of Fountain of Peace Radio in Moyamba District, Southern Region, of an alleged attack and assault of the Station Manager, Alie Tokowa whilst on duty, allegedly by supporters of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) on the instruction of the former District Council Chairman Joseph Gbogba on Tuesday 28th March 2023 at the SLPP Party Office in Moyamba District.

Further stated was that, according to the victim, he was invited by a Mr. Lamboi (one of the aspirants for the Moyamba District Council chairmanship) to provide Outdoor Broadcast (OB) for him while at the SLPP party office.

He continued that upon arrival he was allowed to enter the party office and observed the event, during which argument started among supporters of both aspirants.

“Soon after, fighting broke out and they started throwing stones at each other,” Alie explained. He said during the fighting, some supporters of the former District Council Chairman were recording the incident with their mobile phones, which gave him the confidence to also follow suit so that he would have evidence if the need arises.

According to the journalist, the former District Council Chairman spotted him taking the video and instructed his boys, led by Joseph Kamara aka Jokay, to beat him and take his phone from him. He added that over four youths rushed at him and they kicked, slapped and dragged him to the floor inside the party office. He said he was forcefully taken inside a room whilst onlookers were shouting ‘You are killing a journalist!’

It was also stated that the victim informed SLAJ during a visit at the Connaught hospital, where he is now receiving treatment, that the youths used his head to open one of the doors at the party’s office, which led to him currently experiencing serious pain on his head, neck and other body parts.

Alie, it was disclosed is currently responding to treatment at the Trauma Ward 5 Connaught hospital.

It was said, however, when contacted by SLAJ, the former District Council Chairman denied the allegations against his person stating that he was not even around when the incident started and that he never instructed anyone to attack or assault the FOP Radio Station Manager. He further described the allegations as fake.

SLAJ says, nevertheless, it condemns the alleged attack on the FOP Station Manager and calls on the local authorities to protect journalists and their media houses in Moyamba district from intimidation, threats, and attacks by politicians and members of the public who feel aggrieved about their work.

SLAJ called on the Police to impartially investigate the matter and bring to book the alleged perpetrators.

“This alleged incident is a sign of things to come during this election. Local authorities and political parties and their supporters must respect and protect journalists covering every stage of the elections and ensure their safety and security at all times. We also urge media houses to have measures in place for the personal safety of their workers before they send them out to cover elections activities,” said SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.

SLAJ Condemns all Forms of Violence Against Journalists Before, During & After Elections.

Meanwhile, it wishes to continue to inform the public that journalists can be reported for misconduct and unprofessionalism to the SLAJ Disciplinary Committee or the Independent Media Commission (IMC).

Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone Sets the Record Straight on Human Rights Concerns

April 3, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has on the 30^th March, 2023, in a Press Release, signed by its Chairperson, Patricia Narsu Ndanema (Mrs.), informed that, as an institution, it was established by Act No. 9 of 2004 with the mandate to protect and promote the human rights of all in Sierra Leone.

It further stated that Section 7(2)(f) of its Act provides that the Commission shall monitor and document violations of human rights in Sierra Leone.

The Commission further maintained that through its daily media monitoring activity, it has become aware of the current public debate on human rights concerns raised in various Human Rights reports put out by reputable institutions in the country.

However, the Commission said it wishes to draw the attention of the public of its press statements/reports on the following incidents in the past, referenced in reports, all of which are reflecting the official position of the HRCSL.

One is the Press Statement on recent incitement and violent protests of 8th to 10th August 2022. http://hrc-sl.org/Pressreleases.aspx

The other is an Observation and Monitoring Report of the Human Rights Violation and Human Rights Abuses in relation to the incidents of 17th and 18th July 2020 in Makeni. http://hrc-sl.org/MonitoringReport.aspx

Another was the Press Release on the Monitoring of Quarantine Homes and on the Recent Spate of Violence in the Country (The events at Freetown Male Correctional Center 29th April 2020, Lunsar on 30th April and Tombo 6th May 2020)http://hrc-sl.org/Pressreleases.aspx

The Human Rights Commission said, in light of the above, it is making the following statements: That Sierra Leone remains a peaceful country and everyone should aspire to maintain that status quo as we go into the June 2023 elections and beyond.

It also pointed out that the Government should continue to fulfill its obligation under Section 5 (2) (b) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 which states as follows; “the security, peace and welfare of the people of Sierra Leone shall be the primary purpose and responsibility of Government, and to this end it shall be the duty of the Armed Forces, the Police, Public Officers and all security agents to protect and safeguard the people of Sierra Leone.”

According to the Commission, in a similar vein, it would like to draw the attention of citizens of their duties as enshrined in Section 13 (a – j) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991 and articles 27 (1 and 2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights respectively.

It stated that all citizens shall abide by the Constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions, the National Flag, the National Anthem and authorities and offices established or constituted under the Constitution or any other law; to cultivate a sense of nationalism and patriotism so that loyalty to the State shall override sectional, ethnic tribal, political or other loyalties; protect and preserve public property and prevent the misappropriation and squandering of funds belonging to the Government, local authorities or public corporations; help enhance the power, prestige and good name of the State and to defend the State and render national service as may be required; respect the dignity and religion of other individuals, and the rights and interests of others; make positive and useful contributions to the advancement, progress, and well-being of the community, wherever he or she resides; work conscientiously in a lawful and chosen occupation and abstain from any activity detrimental to the general welfare of others; ensure the proper control and upbringing of children and wards; participate in and defend all democratic processes and practices and render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order

The Commission also stated that additionally Article 27(1and2) in the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights lays duties on citizens as

Article 27 points out that : Every individual shall have duties towards his family and society, the State and other legally recognized communities and the international community.

It also maintained that the rights and freedoms of each individual shall be exercised with due regard to the rights of others, collective security, morality and common interest.

Referencing Article 28, the Human Rights Commission stated that every individual shall have the duty to respect and consider his fellow beings without discrimination, and to maintain relations aimed at promoting, safeguarding and reinforcing mutual respect and tolerance.

In terms of Article 29, it stated how the individual shall also have the duty: To preserve the harmonious development of the family and to work for the cohesion and respect of the family; to respect parents at all times, to maintain them in case of need, to serve the national community by placing physical and intellectual abilities at its service; not to compromise the security of the State , to preserve and strengthen social and national solidarity, particularly when the latter is strengthened;

to preserve and strengthen the national independence and the territorial integrity of the country and to contribute to its defence in accordance with the law; to work to the best of abilities and competence, and to pay taxes imposed by law in the interest of the society; to preserve and strengthen positive African cultural values in relations with other members of the society, in the spirit of tolerance, dialogue and consultation and, in general, to contribute to the promotion of the moral wellbeing of society and to contribute to the best of abilities, at all times and at all levels, to the promotion and achievement of African unity.

The HRCSL concluded by assuring the general public of its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights of all in Sierra Leone.

Parliament Endorses the Transformational Energy Access & Joint Venture Agreements

April 3, 2023

The Financing agreement between the European Commission and the Republic of Sierra Leone (Transformational Energy Access for Sierra Leone) was debated and ratified by Parliament on the 30^th March, 2023 for the socio-economic development of the State.

Presenting the Government Motion, the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura said the purpose of the grant agreement is to increase renewable energy for electricity supply for the State and other agricultural-related development.

He said the grant is a fifty million Euros project that is also geared towards increasing electricity generation and also to promote renewable energy.

The Minister also revealed that the project is expected to generate a six-megawatt electricity supply and went on to highlight the benefits that would be derived from the project for the development of Sierra Leone further assuring Parliament that the grant would strengthen the capacity of the agricultural sector.

In his submission to the debate, the Parliamentary Chairman of Finance Committee, Hon. Francis Amara-Kai Samba said the agreement is non-controversial and pointed out that the Government had spent a lot of money on energy supply adding how an agreement like this would also help to boost the energy as well as the agriculture sectors and went on to call his colleague MPs to support the project.

On his part, Hon Lahai Marrah said the agreement is non-controversial and he is in support of the agreement. He heaped praises on EU for the support to Sierra Leone, which according to him is geared towards the development of the State. He used the opportunity to implore on the EU to continue its support to promote political dialogue and political cohesion in Sierra Leone.

Hon. Ibrahim Allieu Kamara commended the EU support for the development of Sierra Leone and highlighted the achievement of the Government, in light of increasing and accessing electricity supply and went on to highlight the statistical data on electricity supply generated so far by the Government.

On his part, the Leader of NGC in Parliament, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella commended the EU for supporting the renewable energy supply in the country. He said the grant would support the energy and agricultural sector and went on to plead to Minister on the need for energy subsidies for the people. He called on the EU and Government to support clean cooking energy to avoid deforestation.

Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay said the agreement is a blessing to the country, in light of a grant and went on to commend the Government and EU for supporting development in Sierra Leone. She called on the Parliamentary Committees to do the needful by monitoring the implementation of the project.

In rounding up the debate, the Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Hassan Sesay said they as opposition would always support what is good for the nation and went on to commend the EU for supporting the socio-economic development of the State. He also said that, the grant would impact hugely on the economy and also on the agriculture sector.

He advised the House to observe the rules in the grant, relative to implementation, in order to avoid problem with EU support to Sierra Leone.

In concluding the debate, the Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie commended the Minister for moving the ratification of the agreement. He said the agreement shows that the international partners still have confidence in the Current Government. According to him, the grant project would increase the electricity supply for the nation and went on to commend MPs who had contributed immensely to the debate in tandem with the development.

In another development , the Parliament of Sierra Leone, on Thursday 30/03/2023 debated and ratified a Joint venture agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Jampur International FZE, for Jampur International FZE to use and where possible, develop the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s property of the Sierra Agri-Business Initiative Centre and part of its surrounding land at Newton, Western Rural Area of Sierra Leone and the Ministry’s warehouse facilities at Kissy, Freetown, has a means of developing the nucleus of the company’s integrated poultry industry in Sierra Leone dated July 2022.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Abubakarr Karim moved the agreement for ratification.

Where are they now? Three years after the Lifting of the Education Ban against Pregnant Girls in Sierra Leone

April 3, 2023

Op-Ed by Faiza Mohamed, Director, Equality Now, Africa Office, and Hannah Yambasu, Executive Director WAVES, Sierra Leone

When the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice ordered the Government of Sierra Leone to lift the ban on pregnant girls from accessing education on December 12, 2019, there was a huge sigh of relief from the girls as they got a chance to learn once again.

As the broader gender and equality rights community, on the other hand, we held our breath as it was unclear how the Government would respond to the raft of comprehensive directions from the ECOWAS Court. The Court, over and above declaring the ban illegal, called for its unconditional revocation and to address the factors that caused the minors to get pregnant in the first instance. We were unsure if the Government would take these recommendations or leave them collecting dust on the proverbial shelf.

At that point in Sierra Leone, statistics on the ground reflected high numbers of sexual violence, including against minors. President Maada Bio even declared sexual violence a national disaster in February 2019 following a brutal rape of a five-year-old in Freetown, rendering her paralyzed. This case, unfortunately, was not an uncommon incident. It was, therefore, momentous when President Bio accepted the ECOWAS Court’s judgement and breathed life into it through statute. The Government of Sierra Leone proposed the development of two policies; radical inclusion to ensure that no child was left out of the education system and comprehensive protection that would address factors that resulted in sexual violence or sexual exploitation of school-going children.

These proposed policies were not only progressive but quite comprehensive as they sought to protect school-going children, including girls, and to keep them in school.

When we zoom out to today, forward to today, which is exactly three years since the Government lifted the ban, and ask – has the judgement made a difference in Sierra Leone? Was it worth it? Are Sierra Leonean girls back in school without exception? Have the risks and vulnerabilities that resulted in the girls getting pregnant in the first instance been addressed? Have the sexual predators who raped or exploited these school-going girls been apprehended? Is the Sierra Leonean society better for it?

The truth is there is no simple answer to these critical questions. But, there is some good news: From 2020, pregnant girls were granted access to education unreservedly. This was a big step in addressing their fundamental right to education and preventing them from being discriminated against based on their status, especially since this status largely arose from either violation or exploitation. The good news is that the Government enacted policies to underpin the right to education, including all children regardless of their status, and address the challenges that threatened this access.

The challenge, however, is still ahead of us. Whereas a few non-state actors have cascaded these two policies in select towns and provinces, protecting all school-going children from sexual violence is not nationwide. Neither is the strengthening of referral pathways in the event sexual violations happen. Therefore, all parties, state, and non-state, must adopt a multi sectoral approach to prevent and respond to sexual offences, especially against school-going girls. There is need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach bringing together all actors to ensure perpetrators of sexual violence are apprehended and held to account. It is also critical to empower young girls and strengthen community structures to appreciate gender equality in their contexts as Sierra Leone works towards ensuring a just and fair world for women and girls. This approach is possible and has been applied in the provinces of Bo and Kenema and the capital, Freetown, by organizations such as Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES) and Defence for Children International (DCI) in collaboration with state actors such as the local Family Support Units. The resultant effect has been a critical lesson- that we can succeed in ensuring girls’ access to education in Sierra Leone and keep them safe from sexual violence and sexual exploitation.

And therefore, in response to the question, was it worth it? The answer is a resounding yes, as the current context tells us. With the right coordination, the best is yet to come.

Blue Crest College Gets NCTVA Blessing

March 31, 2023

By Abubakar Harding

In what can be described as a blessing, the Blue Crest College Sierra Leone (BCCSL) on Thursday 30th March, 2023 received re-accreditation certificate from the National Council for Technical Vocational and other Awards (NCTVA), for the period 2022-2025.

The auspicious presentation ceremony took place at the BCCSL campus, 77 Wilkinson Road, Freetown. Present at the event was the BCCSL Rector and Principal, Dr. Shailesh Kumar, Dr. Abdul Babatunde Karim NCTVA Chairman, Komba Moiwa Accreditation Officer, Papa Njai MMTU Technical Adviser for Blue Crest College, Mrs. Bannister, a cross-section of students of the college and members of the press.

Before presenting the re-accreditation certificate to the Principal of the college, Dr. Abdul Babatunde Karim NCTVA Chairman took time to explain the importance of accreditation and why colleges need to ensure that they are accredited. He warned that colleges who do not meet the specifications of the NCTVA stand the risk of not being accredited or shut down. He commended the BCCSL Principal, Dr. Kumar for being obedient to the laws of Sierra Leone and for ensuring that he is in top form when it comes to performing his role as Rector and Principal.

Receiving the certificate of re-accreditation, Dr. Kumar thanked God, the NCTVA and the Government of Sierra Leone for the cooperation and support BlueCrest has received since 2014 when they established the college lead by Mr. Dev Varyani, Group Chairman . He informed his audience that the BCCSL is all about giving the best education to students for them to be able to make the best of life after graduation. He used the opportunity to commend the students for being cooperative and for studying hard to make the best of the tuition they are getting from the college.

Other speakers including Komba Moiwa Accreditation Officer and Papa Njai MMTU Technical Adviser for Blue Crest College made similar sentiments, reminding the students that they have a role to play in studying and obeying the rules and regulations of the college. They also commended the college administration for emerging as one of the first colleges which pride itself in constantly complying with accreditation rules and practices.

See next edition for more on Blue Crest College Sierra Leone.

Gento Assures Freetonians of Astute, Result Oriented & Sound Leadership

March 31, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Mohamed Gento Kamara, the well renowned and most endearing Mayoral aspirant, vying under the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), out of growing fear for his growing popularity, has, of late, become the subject of seemingly real but bogus, misplaced and misguided lampooning by failed cowards as well as jittering opposition forces , who, out of fear that is driven by paranoid and panicky apprehensions, have sank down so low and even going to the extent of cleverly fabricating grandiose promises of bringing down heaven on earth purporting, in a convincing manner through social media posts, that they form part of Gento’s manifesto; what he intends doing after being elected as FCC Mayor.

Using the Social Media, these fretful and cowardly politicians, hiding under the cloak of their supporters, have made baseless claims and circulated such far and wide that Gento promised free education at all educational levels when he becomes the Mayor of the Freetown City Council (FCC).

This medium is of the strongest conviction that such a bogus claim, when cognizance is taken of the huge costs involved, is not feasible or attainable at this material time as it is deemed to be farfetched. That bogus deceptive claim was not in any way meant to enhance Gento’s election bid but rather to denigrate him by putting him in a funny position that will depict him somehow as a personality that does not keep to his promises.

Another of those fabricated lies that the spinsters have been circulating on Social Media is that even though he has not yet become Mayor of Freetown, Gento is so development-oriented that he already has his 100 days plan in office which includes installing street lights on all major streets In Freetown, from Upgun through Bai Bureh Road to Allen Town and also from Upgun through Blackhall Road to Calaba Town; from Upgun Kissy Road East End Police, Kissy Old Bypass Road to Allen Town, Upgun to Cline Town/Cline Town through Fourah
Bay Road to East End Police area; Siaka Stevens Street to St. John and all the major streets/important public places in Western Area, among other ambitious plans.

This medium, out of its thorough investigative skills has proven beyond all reasonable doubts that was never said or promised by Gento.

It must be noted that Gento is mainly focused and zestful of changing the face of the Freetown Metropolis but in doing so he will never promise what he could not deliver, this medium was reliably intimated.

Agreed that embarking on beautification of the city will obviously include the installation of street lights, however, such is not part of any laid down plan of Gento but understandably with time and availability of funds such a venture could be welcoming as long as such will help in enhancing tourism and also positively project the capital city’s image.

Having failed in their initial attempts, the political saboteurs have decided to make mountains out of molehill by giving distorted interpretations to a religious tolerant statement that Gento made at a mosque in Freetown last Friday but was contextually misunderstood.

Their interpretation or say misinterpretation of the Mayoral aspirant’s assertion that many Muslim brothers and sisters are leaving mosques to go to churches because they believe they will secure jobs and that the majority of the unemployed people in the country are Muslims, as him preaching religious hatred or division when in actual fact he was hammering home the salient point of love for one another regardless of religious orientation or leaning..

However, as Gento himself stated in a recent media programme if anyone misunderstood his message in the mosque and thought that he preached religious tension, he is sorry but that was not what he intended to do.

As a matter of fact he even told the congregation that him, being a Muslim, he will chose a Christian as his running mate with the intention of not only demonstrating but promoting religious tolerance which he said must be consolidated as an important hallmark of the Sierra Leonean State.

But the family background of Gento even speaks loudly to religious tolerance as opposed to the contrary as he is a Muslim who is married to a Christian lady having a mother who is an ordained Pastor. The interaction among them has always been based on mutual respect and not their religious orientations or leanings.

According to Gento such acts of sabotage and vitriolic attacks are inevitable in any political race as they are concocted and unleashed just to score cheap political goals but merely considers them as mere distractions which will not take him off his course to deliver the city of Freetown from the clutches of greedy personalities who, as a result of their self aggrandizement instincts, failed woefully to provide basic social amenities for residents and make Freetown more habitable when they were given the opportunity to do so.

He made it categorically clear that he is not in the political race to display wealth or just for the sake of getting power but rather to better the livelihoods of Freetonians leaving behind enduring infrastructure and legacies that are deeply rooted in the genuine implementation of sound developmental oriented policies.

He has underscored, on various occasions, that when cognizance is taken of the fact that the vast majority of residents of Freetown are finding it difficult to access pipe borne water supply , sanitary conditions are nothing good to write home about, suitable market spaces are not available leading to street trading, the growing number of destitute and beggars becoming eyesores, putting up buildings in prohibited areas that causes floods and other disasters then there is a need to provide sound leadership in the Freetown City Council to overcome those challenges.

Gento has, on countless occasions, made it abundantly clear that for development to transpire there should be no room for nurturing tribalism or promoting religious tolerance. He still continues to call on all to be united at all times also constantly reminding that we must be each other’s keeper.

He said if residents of Freetown realize that Council is really working in their interest they will be willing to pay taxes including the local tax.

“It is simply because there is nothing to show as being done out of tax payers’ money that is the main reason why most Freetonians are unwilling to pay local taxes,” he convincingly intimated adding that when he becomes the FCC Mayor he will work assiduously to change that narrative and make people know that the payment of taxes is necessary if development is to transpire.

From investigations mounted by this medium it has become crystal clear that residents of Freetown are fed up with the infighting rocking the Council based on tribal bigotry and lack of cohesiveness brought about by the erstwhile Mayor.

Most individuals that this medium contacted said they have rejected outright the notion that it is only someone with a Krio pedigree that is only eligible to be elected as Mayor maintaining that such is erroneous as there is no existing legislation that sanctifies or speaks to that.

Some have expressed the conviction that democracy can only be seen at play when everyone is given the franchise; the right to vote and to be voted for.

The vast majority that this medium engaged said they have seen the light and come to the rude awakening that the only way out for Freetown is Chief Mohamed Gento Kamara adding that those sitting on the fence must make no mistake but to join the race ahead of casting their votes for the man of the moment.

Assurances have been given that indeed Gento will serve as a good Mayor whose name may have been destined to go down the annals of the country’s history as the Freetown Mayor who never let his residents down but rather worked assiduously to fulfil and translate their aspirations into reality as well as responding adequately by providing basic amenities in addition to the radical transformation of one of the oldest cities by making it a befitting metropolis and an envy in the West African sub region.

Victoria Mokuwa Wins Le Pageant de Afrique Competition NYU 2023 – 2024 Miss African

March 31, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The New York University held a beauty pageant on the 25^th March, 2023 referred to as “Le Pageant de Afrique Competition” at the Einser & Lubin Hall on 60 Washington Square S, 10012, New York. In attendance were college students and non-New York University Students with college and State Identification Cards with Cocktails/ Refreshments served from 5:30 – 6:00PM and the event beginning at 6:00pm prompt.

The African Students Union of New York University organized the event in order to shine a light on the various African countries represented at New York University.

Six Contestants were chosen, based on a voting that was done by the students to compete for the title Mr. and Ms. Africa 2023 amidst live performances, explosion of talents and fun.

Out of all the contestants that participated in the competition, Ms Victoria Mokuwa, a student studying International Relations at New York University and represented Sierra Leone emerged as the NYU 2023 – 2024 Miss African. Upon pronouncing her as the winner, congratulatory messages started pouring in with many celebrating her success saying it speaks volumes of how Sierra Leoneans can accomplish big things.

Worthy of note is that the African Students Union is an organization created by the African students of NYU that exists to provide a healthy space for meaningful discussion, exploration and celebration of all things politically, socially, and culturally African.

It is dedicated to provide a forum for African Students, students of African Descent and students interested in the African Diaspora to come together and share their similar regional interests.

The Student Union intends to foster and promote the preservation of African culture within the continent through meetings and events while focusing on African culture specifically as they welcome people of all backgrounds who have any interest in the continent.

Of significance is that the Union strives to create an environment where people who are educated on African topics or wish to be can come together to learn, discuss, and have fun!

BBC Media Guide Names “The Calabash” as a Trusted Media Source of Credible News

March 31, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Calabash Newspaper was named among other media entities by the BBC Monitoring Press as one of the most trusted media sources of credible news related to Sierra Leone.

According to an independent assessment, Media freedom in Sierra Leone has its limits as media rights monitors say high-level corruption is a taboo topic.

It was stated by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) that despite a genuinely diverse media landscape “journalists are sometimes targets of arbitrary arrest and detention”. It notes that the main threat comes from “politicians who often use the police to try to control reporters or hinder their work”.

Also underscored was that challenges facing broadcasters include unreliable power supplies, poor funding and low advertising revenues.

There were also dozens of radio stations named, most of them privately owned.

The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) is the national state-owned broadcaster.BBC World Service is on FM in Freetown (94.3), Bo (94.5) and Kenema (95.3). Voice of America and Radio France Internationale broadcast on FM in Freetown.

Dozens of newspapers were said to be published in Freetown, despite low literacy levels and most of them are privately-run and are often critical of the Government.

According to Reporters Without Borders Poverty, irregular power supplies and illiteracy act as curbs on internet access as by December 2021 there were 1.04 million internet users comprising just 12% of the population (Internetworldstats.com).

The Calabash came fourth after Awoko, Concord Times and Standard Times.

Other media entities listed were The Sierra Leone Telegraph for print media and for the electronic media there were the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) – state-owned terrestrial network with limited coverage, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) – state-owned national broadcaster (Radio),Radio Democracy in Freetown, Kiss FM in Bo, Skyy Radio in Freetown, Capital Radio ,a private station in Freetown and Voice of the Handicapped in Freetown

NP (SL) Ltd Offers Vital Lessons for any Successful Indigenous Business Venture

March 31, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a very positive way, NP (SL) Ltd sheds a ray of hope for individuals who are contemplating and really on the verge of establishing business enterprises. The reputable importing and marketing petroleum business entity speaks volumes of how any ambitious group of Sierra Leoneans, with good initiatives and set objectives, could make major achievements when they come together and invest solidly.

Today, NP-SL is the leading petroleum marketing company in the West African sub-region simply because 35 Sierra Leonean nationals were determined, committed and shrewd enough to plough their end of service benefits into the setting up of the company.

Such a positive move or venture, if carefully emulated by forward-looking and ambitious individuals who are desirous of establishing successful enterprises could lead to the realization of fruitful dividends and deepen could best be driven by the private sector.

Though NP-SL Ltd is an indigenously owned company, however, its shareholders and Management are not afraid to take risks by venturing into various parts of the country. NP-SL Ltd believes in breaking new grounds and this has been the driving force behind its expansionist drive.

By taking risks new experiences are learnt as to how certain things better which in turn helps greatly in ensuring that effectiveness in service delivery is highly enhanced.

To make the purchase of fuel very simple NP-SL Ltd introduced the NP Smart Card, which enables organizations and individuals to purchase fuel at ease without using physical cash. By introducing this latest technology, it avails its customers the convenience of conducting smooth transactions at Filling Stations as long there is credit in the NP Smart Cards.

Making use of latest technological discoveries to enhance business transactions is now in vogue and for business entities that are nascent it is advisable , where possible, to make use of latest innovations to ensure growth.

If there is any company that strictly adheres to the Local Content Policy that entity is indisputably NP-SL. The Management always ensures, as a matter of policy, to give employment to only Sierra Leonean nationals. It is the same in all the other countries where the company operates.

Adherence to Local Content helps to reduce cost, instill a sense of ownership and improves competencies. Such could be well harnessed for the successful growth and expansion of any business entity.

Still within the realm of local content, the company manufactures a cooking device known as NP Gas which comes in different sizes. It has been proven to be a very good device which can be refilled with gas that could be secured at any NP Filling Station.

It has been established that using charcoal and wood for cooking purposes poses health hazards and depletion of our forests. Against such a backdrop many have commended the company for making it possible to get access to NP gas cookers, which are indeed safe and friendly for domestic use. Gas is as well available at the company’s filling stations which individuals can purchase at affordable prices.

Individuals eager to establish thriving business entities could really draw inspiration from NP-SL and if concrete efforts are made to translate them to the letter then dreams could crystallize to tangible realities on the ground.