The Chief Minister, David Monina Sengeh, on Thursday 12th October, 2023 conducted an official visit to the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) facility located in Wellington, East End of Freetown. During the visit, SLBL made a fervent appeal for a favorable tax regime that supports local production of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in contrast to imports.
Laurent Bukasa Nsenda, the Managing Director of SLBL, expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s visit. He underscored that this visit provided an invaluable opportunity to showcase their substantial investments in expanding and enhancing their operations, reaffirming their dedication to serving as a partner for national growth.
He highlighted how SLBL’s investments expanded their production capacity and introduced state-of-the-art technologies, elevating product quality standards.
The Managing Director furthered that the company will continue to build upon this success and strive for even greater milestones as their investments and improvements are testaments to their commitment to excellence and remain steadfast in upholding those standards.
Chief Minister, David Monina Sengeh, commended SLBL for its substantial investments in improving product quality and availability. He emphasized the Government’s commitment to supporting private sectors contributions to citizens’ welfare. He acknowledged SLBL’s profound investment in local content, particularly in agriculture, human capital development, and alignment with the Government’s “Big 5” agenda.
Sengeh applauded SLBL for its resilience over the past 60 years, even during challenging periods such as war, Ebola and the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the company continues to create jobs for approximately 15,000 people, directly and indirectly, significantly impacting the country’s economy.
Furthermore, he appreciated that the individuals behind these numbers are often women who cultivate sorghum, thereby supporting their families.
The Chief Minister also lauded SLBL’s emphasis on human capital development and also noted that the company invests substantially in staff training to equip employees with the knowledge and skills necessary for their roles.
Regarding taxation, Sengeh emphasized that when companies demonstrate transparency and actively engage with the Government, consensus can be reached on taxation.
Foday Daboh, Corporate Affairs Manager at Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, considered the Chief Minister’s visit particularly timely. He stressed the significance of the visit, especially as the Government is proposing a new Finance Act.
During the tour with the Chief Minister, Daboh highlighted the significant investments made by the company over the years, revealing SLBL’s commitment to the nation’s development. He noted that over its 60-year history in Sierra Leone, the company has been instrumental in empowering local businesses, fostering human capital development, and meeting growing consumer demands.
In 2019, SLBL invested €30 million to refurbish the company, which included mash filters and tanks to ensure the production of high-quality products. This commitment is evident in their annual €3 million investment in quality improvement and customer support.
Highlighting the company’s employment footprint, Daboh stated that the facility employs 150 staff, of which 144 are Sierra Leoneans and only six are foreigners. Additionally, 200 contractors are Sierra Leoneans, 2500 outlets owned by Sierra Leoneans benefit from SLBL, and 25,000 farmers, along with their families, supply local sorghum to the company. These statistics underscore SLBL’s dedication to empowering local communities.
In conclusion, Daboh informed that the company advocated for a tax regime that favors local manufacturers over importers and appealed for a tax framework that supports the local production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, reinforcing its commitment to fostering local industry.
The recently launched EU Election Observation Mission report on the 24 June elections has slammed the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) for using social media to disseminate very negative content, including the use of very dangerous posts by known party influencers.
“Chart 15 (on page 80) shows an unusually high percentage of negative content in the tweets by APC affiliated accounts, who frequently lamented the incumbent, the SLPP and various Government decisions…The SLPP affiliated Twitter posts got 56.1 per cent of positive messages, that mainly praised achievements of President Bio,” the report stated.
In context it noted, “Negative tone was assigned to the post that was giving a negative assessment of the political opponent, party, or policy proposal, contained divisive language, swear words, or was otherwise perceived in a local context as demeaning”.
The 83 page report also found out that “on Facebook pages affiliated to the SLPP main topic was election campaign, followed by a topic ‘election procedures’, which was also discussed in one quoter of the coded posts. One in 10 posts on these pages had a voter education message.
“For the APC related Facebook pages election campaign was discussed in 70 per cent of the time, while other topics, namely election procedures and presentation of candidates were discussed in by far less frequently, as shown in Chart 12,” confirming general perceptions that the APC was never prepared and focused on winning the elections.
The report further compared the social media conduct of two main political parties and their leadership, noting that “Chart 13 shows that election-related posts from accounts affiliated with the SLPP were primarily positive in tone (55.5 per cent), while posts and tweets from accounts affiliated with the APC were less positive (46.5 per cent), and the share of posts containing negative messages was notably higher in such posts (29.3 per cent)”.
Office of Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden OOR
24 Garrison Street, Freetown.
Tel: +232-30-999000
Email: sylvia@blyden.com
Press Statement
UNPROVOKED PEJORATIVE REFERENCES AGAINST DR. SYLVIA OLAYINKA BLYDEN OOR BY 2023 EUROPEAN UNION ELECTIONS OBSERVATION MISSION TO SIERRA LEONE
Thursday October 12th 2023.
European Union (EU) 2023 Elections Observers Report has bizarre contents. The EU (who claims to seek for a peaceful APC, SLPP coexistence) has sought to criminalize a beautiful relationship between APC’s Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden OOR and SLPP’s H.E. First Lady Fatima Maada Bio. They did that in the EU’s 2023 Elections Observers Report released on Tuesday 10th October, 2023.
It is noted that the EU Lead Observer is female EU Member of Parliament, Hon. Madam Evin Incir. Many believe that EU’s Incir should have lifted Sylvia and Fatima’s relationship sky-high as a beacon of HOPE for what APC and SLPP can aspire to co-exist to become. Instead, a woman like Evin Incir, without a scrap of evidence to support her claims and without prior engagement to solicit the side of Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden OOR, has profusely demeaned APC Strongwoman Sylvia Olayinka Blyden for merely being in a sisterhood relationship with SLPP Strongwoman First Lady Fatima Maada Bio.
There is widespread, strong suspicion that Hon. Evin Incir has been used cheaply by hidden hands with no consideration for the reputation of Evin Incir as a honourable MEP. Those hidden hands have treated Incir like one will treat a latrine bucket or a garden hoe because such cheap instruments don’t deserve for their handlers to protect their reputation for them. They are to be used and then dumped with filth on them. We believe this is exactly what has happened to Hon. Evin Incir. She has been used and will now face the music alone whilst her handlers are in the shadows.
Now, I (Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden OOR) am writing this Press Statement to handle two of the five issues about me in the EU’s 2023 Report. The EU wrote about just me, alone, on different issues. There may be more but so far, I have picked up five(5) issues around me in their Report:
i). My Supreme Court Case against the conduct of the 2018 Elections five years ago.
ii). The financial relationship between me and Facebook to the extent of EU Observers stating that they actually went to Facebook Library to diligently investigate the amount, in dollars (approximately $504), that I personally paid from my personal United States of America bank credit card to advertise my personal posts on my personal Facebook page. Even my Facebook post about a personal dinner in London that I took my godson to, for his 21st birthday, was counted as part of “political adverts” by the European Union in arriving at their $504 total. Yes, as bizarre as it sounds, such mundane portions about personal life of Sylvia Olayinka Blyden are allocated right there inside what is supposed to be a respectable EU Elections Observers Report.
iii). Impugning me, with no scrap of evidence, that, a bonafide APC Member like myself, in good standing inside my APC, is now aligned with SLPP. This written, even in the face of me being one of the strongest critics of SLPP to an extent of me making regular strong criticisms against SLPP and President Maada Bio. They try to forcefully place me in same alignment that Hon. Kandeh Yumkella is with the SLPP. The EU Observers even maliciously created a very wide, coloured chart to do a totally needless comparison between Myself (Sylvia Olayinka Blyden), H.E. First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and Mayor Elect Yvonne Aki Sawyerr. Curiously, on the coloured chart, they wrote my name with SLPP green ink, wrote H.E. Fatima’s name in SLPP green then wrote Yvonne’s name in APC red ink. The EU doing subliminal political messaging for their handlers who don’t care about the reputation of Hon. Evin Incir as EU Lead.
iv). The relationship between me and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio.
v). The Contempt with which I hold some of the APC members (aka DE SELL-GAME BUNCH).
I will treat (i) (ii) and (iii) with disregard but it is poignant to see European Union wrote about SYLVIA OLAYINKA BLYDEN in at least five(5) different matters in a Report on an Election wherein Sylvia did not contest, Sylvia did not even vote and Sylvia was not even in the country.
European Union definitely considers me as a MAJOR stakeholder and they clearly find me to be a very powerful stakeholder too!!!
Now, before I go on to handle the two out of above five issues – Let me ask: Who wrote that Report for the European Union Observers? I see MEP Evin Incir taking leadership but how can a strong woman like MEP Evin, who made headlines this year for slamming at her fellow European Union MPs over usage of gender-demeaning language, be the author of a Report that seeks to demean two other strong Women (Fatima and Sylvia) who are, arguably, amongst the strongest ever Sierra Leone women?
Food for thought as I move on to address my two points.
(1) MY RELATIONSHIP WITH FATIMA:
The EU’s pejorative reference to my relationship with Sierra Leone’s powerfully productive, Girls Advocate, Gender-Equality & Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) activist First Lady Fatima Maada Bio is nauseating. I’m so disgusted.
I am considering to write a formal protest complaint of their deprecatory description of my relationship with First Lady Fatima but let me use this chance to quickly remind the European Union, that contrary to their inanity they planted in that their inane paragraph, the truth is my relationship with H.E. Fatima Maada Bio did not start at the 2023 Elections campaign. Our relationship started over two decades ago when Fatima was not even 21 years of age yet. It is not a new relationship but has withstood the test of time because it is built on a rock solid foundation of over 20 years. It has now transcended APC SLPP Politics. It is an example of Political Tolerance. It should be showcased to the World as the power of Sisterhood over Bitter Politics.
(2) MY CONTEMPT FOR CERTAIN APC MEMBERS:
The EU seems very much concerned over me, SINGULARLY. They (or their handlers) have issues over my opinions about some elements of the APC. Just imagine oh!
Without engaging me first, the EU went and raised significant concerns in their Report over the “contempt” that Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has for certain APC Members. Well, again contrary to the statements of the EU Observers who (or their hidden handlers) seem to have an uncanny interest in SYLVIA OLAYINKA BLYDEN, my notable contempt for certain of my fellow APC members did not start at 2023 Elections but dates as far back as May/June 2020 (over 3 years ago) from the time when those APC members, selfishly looked the other way (as did the EU Mission in Sierra Leone) when my constitutional rights (as a Woman and as a Human Being) were egregiously abused during a most unlawful detention that I was subjected to by the State.
That was an unlawful and pre-planned detention occasioned simply because I was by then (May/June 2020), the only leading APC democratic voice who courageously used democratic tools in our Democracy. For example, I used the democratic pathway of filing a case against the elected President, the Electoral Commission & Chief Electoral Commissioner at the Supreme Court. I also presented myself to democratically challenge allegations against me at the Commissions of Inquiry and MOST IMPORTANTLY, I wrote copiously against the excesses of President Bio and the SLPP-led Government – all in a transparent and democratic manner without ever breaking the Law.
For that courage I SINGULARLY showed back then, I was arrested without a Warrant, thrown behind bars into filthy detention cells and treated in nasty, egregious manners that are unprintable. I was detained behind bars for two months from May 1st 2020 to the end of June 2020. Throughout my ordeal, those particular elements of the APC stayed silent. That their silence and their subsequent lapses against expected democratic values are the sources of my contempt for them. Let the EU take due note.
The same contempt with which I hold those APC duty-bearers who kept silent back then is the same contempt that I hold for certain of those Diplomatic Missions (like the EU Mission) back then who failed to SPEAK OUT on my behalf.
I however, am too STRONG a Woman to allow that bitter maltreatment of me by the State to determine my patriotic and trustworthy contribution to the State. I have a character strength that ensures I serve as a role model in PATRIOTISM (Country First!). So I will not allow my deeply bitter experience to derail my personal relationships with those I love and care for.
So my personal relationship and support for the awesome, globally-recognized Girls Advocate & GEWE work of First Lady Fatima, cannot be impugned or sullied by those hidden hands who authored that EU Observers Report and seemingly gave it to Hon. Evin Incir to unfortunately append her otherwise respectable signature on it.
It’s a damn shame that Evin Incir, a woman who recently made headlines for writing to complain gender-based pejorative language in European Parliament, today had to reduce herself to appending her signature on an INANE paragraph in a Report that impugns a beautiful sisterhood relationship between two strong Women!
Hon. Evir Incir is now being publicly challenged to produce EVIDENCE that Sylvia Olayinka Blyden ever aligned herself with the SLPP. In the absence of such, an unfettered Apology is to be publicly given by Incir and the EU Observers – especially as they NEVER engaged me prior to publishing such malicious matters about me.
Hon. Evin Incir has allowed herself to be USED like a cheap garden hoe tool or a latrine bucket item by hidden hands who want to derail the social standing of First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden OOR, two strong women, who have applaudably succeeded to transcend their political differences and co-exist as siblings amidst a bitter political climate that threatens the very foundation of our Multi Party Democracy.
Instead of praising Fatima and myself for maintaining a relationship across party lines, the EU Observers attacked the relationship maliciously.
How can the European Union preach peace and tolerance but smear and impugn Fatima and Sylvia efforts to showcase that peace and tolerance are indeed possible across APC and SLPP party lines? Is it that the European Union wants perpetual Bitterness to overcome Love inside Sierra Leone?
EU Madam Evin Incir, you should hang your head in shame!! What a damn shame of you to sign such a Report indeed. Your claims against me are frankly malicious NONSENSE.
More Anon. Yes, more Anon!
Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden OOR
Freetown, Thursday October 11th 2023.
In a recent development, sources from the diaspora have suggested that Sierra Leone may witness yet another large-scale protest, set to disrupt Government operations throughout the country on December 1st of this year. This news has been relayed to this medium, raising concerns about the potential ramifications for President Bio’s administration.
Humphrey Thomas, one of the organizers in the diaspora, shed light on the planned ‘Pot Coba’ Protest, designed to draw attention to the myriad challenges and frustrations experienced by the masses under the leadership of President Bio and his Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government.
The Bio administration has been the subject of significant criticism in recent times, with the nation grappling with economic, social and political hardships. Concerns have been raised regarding the stifling of freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, hindering public discourse and protests. This, combined with a political impasse that has hampered progress, has resulted in severe hardships, particularly in the form of soaring prices for food and transportation, all while salaries remain stagnant. Thomas stressed that Sierra Leone stands at the precipice of a potential disaster and immediate action is required to avert a catastrophic regression.
In Thomas’s words, “Whether we like it or not, Sierra Leone is on the edge of falling off a cliff and a total collapse that could take us decades back, and it’s time to take action to save Sierra Leone before it’s too late.” He emphasized that the upcoming protest aims to send a resounding message to the world that Sierra Leoneans are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in their country.
The organizers are proposing a distinctive and peaceful method for Sierra Leoneans and their supporters to express their discontent, bypassing the Government’s previous use of force to suppress protests. According to Thomas, this initiative seeks to create a synchronized noise event both across Sierra Leone and globally, intending to spotlight their opposition to the policies and governance of the Bio administration without jeopardizing the safety of participants.
The campaign, aptly named “The Pot Cover (Pot Coba) Campaign,” was officially launched on October 9, 2023, at 12 pm local time. The culmination of this effort will be the actual protest scheduled for December 1, 2023, from 7 am to 5 pm.
But what exactly is “The Pot Cover (Pot Coba) Campaign”? It’s a peaceful form of protest where individuals will come together to rhythmically strike cooking pot covers, creating a harmonious cacophony from 7 am to 5 pm on December 1, 2023. Spearheaded by Humphrey Thomas, this campaign seeks to unify voices both within Sierra Leone and around the world, advocating for change and poverty alleviation without putting participants’ personal safety at risk.
In a move aimed at assessing the working conditions and welfare of employees at Mackie Stores, a cement packaging and distribution facility located at Ferry Junction, the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, conducted an unannounced visit on October 11, 2023.
Accompanying the Minister on his visit were Madam Fatmata Mustapha, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Occupational Safety and Health Officers, and senior officials of the Ministry. The Minister also took the opportunity to tour the Mackie Cement Processing Factory, currently under construction at Hastings Tollgate.
The man behind the Mackie Group, Romanian business magnate, Ahmed Mackie, who serves as the Managing Director of the Mackie Group and MACCEM Industries SL Limited, is in the advanced stages of constructing a new cement factory. This ambitious project has already created thousands of sustainable job opportunities for unemployed young people in the Hastings community and the broader Western Area Rural District.
Ahmed Mackie shared that the second cement factory plant is set to open its doors on November 1, 2023, with the aim of supplying provinces with affordable cement and improving access to this essential commodity in Sierra Leone’s rural communities.
Notably, even before the completion of the modern cement factory, Mackie had already created thousands of technical and casual jobs for the local rural community. According to Mackie, the company has already recruited over 1,000 workers who will undergo training to operate the factory, which is poised to begin operations in the near future. The factory is projected to have a daily production capacity of 50,000 cement bags for distribution across the nation, with a specific focus on provincial areas.
During his visit, Minister Swaray personally engaged with workers at both sites, actively seeking feedback on their welfare and working conditions. Many workers expressed appreciation for the Management’s efforts, particularly its commitment to raise salaries by the end of October, which comes as a response to the challenges posed by rising economic inflation. They also raised concerns about the need for improvements in medical facilities and worker identification.
Minister Swaray praised the Mackie Group’s substantial investment and expressed hope that Sierra Leone would transition from being a cement importer to an exporter. He highlighted the potential of this investment to generate thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, aligning with the President’s agenda for job creation.
The Minister concluded by reassuring workers that their concerns would be addressed in the near future during his subsequent visits.
Stakeholders in the Hastings Community applauded MACCEM not only for the ongoing construction of the multi-million-dollar investment but also for the transformative efforts to turn the entire Hastings Community into a thriving economic zone, with the potential to enhance the financial well-being of its residents.
Of significant note is the commitment of MACCEM Industries SL Limited to implementing modern technology to enhance worker safety. Workers will be required to wear protective gear to prevent any potential risks while on duty.
Ahmed Mackie is held in high esteem among his employees for fostering a positive working relationship and ensuring compliance with labor requirements. The Hastings Community’s landowners and stakeholders are appreciative of MACCEM’s contributions and are encouraging more investors to follow Mackie’s example, with the goal of creating sustainable employment and fostering development in the community, which had previously lagged behind in terms of infrastructure.
The surprise inspection by Minister Swaray sheds light on the collaborative efforts between the Government and the private sector to improve working conditions and provide employment opportunities in Sierra Leone. It underscores the importance of investing in local industries to drive economic growth and enhance the livelihoods of the country’s citizens.
A legal battle of immense significance has emerged in Sierra Leone as prominent pro-democracy lawyer and human rights activist, Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, takes legal action against the Chief Electoral Commissioner and the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). The case revolves around Marrah’s denied request for access to disaggregated election results otherwise known as Results Reconciliation Forms (RRFs), for the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Council Elections held on June 24, 2023.
In a petition filed before the Supreme Court, Marrah contends that the ECSL’s refusal to grant him access to the disaggregated polling station results is a violation of his constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression and access to information, as enshrined in Section 25 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone This move comes after the ECSL announced the final aggregated results for the Presidential and Parliamentary/Local Council elections on June 27, 2023, and July 1, 2023, respectively.
Marrah’s request for the RRFs was made under the Right to Access Information Act of 2013. Despite the Right to Access Information Commission’s instructions in a letter dated August 24, 2023, the ECSL failed to release the requested polling station results to the activist or make them publicly available.
In his legal papers, Marrah asserted that the ECSL lacks any legal basis or justification, neither under the Public Elections Act of 2022 nor the Constitution of Sierra Leone to restrict citizens’ access to the polling station results, which are fundamental to the electoral outcome announced by the ECSL.
Marrah’s call for access to disaggregated data echoes the sentiments expressed by numerous national and international bodies, including the Carter Centre, the EU Observer Mission for Sierra Leone, the US Embassy, and the National Elections Watch. They have all urged the ECSL to provide transparency by releasing the disaggregated data, allowing citizens to verify the election results.
Marrah is now seeking intervention from the highest court in Sierra Leone. He has requested that the Supreme Court orders the ECSL to provide him with the original copies of all 11,712 polling station results within seven days of the order.
This landmark legal battle is anticipated to shed light on a matter that has generated significant controversy within Sierra Leone’s political landscape. The demand for access to polling station results data is seen as vital in promoting transparency in the electoral processes and bolstering confidence in the country’s electoral management bodies. The Supreme Court’s ruling in this case is awaited with great anticipation, as it has the potential to resolve this contentious issue once and for all.
In Sierra Leone’s dynamic petroleum industry, NP stands out as the leading company dedicated to providing the finest petroleum products. With a steadfast focus on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, NP has firmly established itself as the most dependable and trustworthy supplier in the nation.
Setting itself apart from competitors, NP’s unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality petroleum products has been a cornerstone of its success. The company recognizes the critical importance of ensuring that all products meet stringent quality standards. Through rigorous testing and certification by the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, NP ensures that its customers receive only the best petroleum products that conform to vehicle specifications.
Beyond its dedication to quality, NP places a strong emphasis on efficiency. The company continually invests in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to streamline its operations and maximize productivity. By optimizing processes and upgrading its Kissy Terminal, NP can deliver petroleum products to customers in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Customer satisfaction lies at the core of NP’s operations. The company believes in forging long-term relationships with its clients and goes the extra mile to exceed their expectations. NP maintains a dedicated customer service and sales team available around the clock to address inquiries and concerns. Furthermore, the company values feedback from its customers and actively seeks ways to enhance its products and services based on customer demands.
In alignment with its commitment to sustainability, NP prioritizes environmental safety. Proactively adhering to strict environmental regulations and investing in eco-friendly practices, NP aims to contribute to a greener future by minimizing its carbon footprint and implementing sustainable solutions.
The charismatic, erudite, and result-oriented General Manager of NP Sierra Leone, Saidu Mansaray, has expressed the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction, stating, “Nothing brings us maximum fulfillment than making our customers smile. We cherish the satisfaction of our esteemed customers. That’s why we go to great lengths to ensure we provide you with quality and maximum satisfaction. You can count on us to supply your fuel needs.”
Mansaray further reassured customers, saying, “We appreciate you for buying our products and sticking with us all year round. We will continue to provide for your fuel needs through and through.”
NP Sierra Leone also conducts regular training programs for Station Managers and Pump Attendants to equip them with essential skills for managing critical infrastructure and handling emergencies.
The company’s success is rooted in its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and an exceptional dedication to meeting the diverse needs of its esteemed clientele across the nation.
The company reiterated its commitment to customer service with hashtags such as #1stForCustomerCare, #NPSLTD, #SafetyIsParamount and #NPGas.
It indisputably stands as a leading fuel supplier renowned for its steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction and safety.
With a strong presence in Freetown and beyond, the company has solidified its reputation as a reliable source for high-quality fuel products.
For many, NP remains the trusted choice for quality, efficiency and customer-centric service in the petroleum industry.
President Julius Maada Bio’s visionary leadership in Sierra Leone is leaving an indelible mark , which will inevitably be etched in his legacy, with transformative projects such as the ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms’ (ARISE IIP’s) establishment of an Economic Zone and the resurgence of passenger train services.
These initiatives, initiated in May 2023, represent a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s industrialization journey, holding the promise of substantial economic growth and job opportunities.
Assuming office in 2018 during a period of economic uncertainty, President Bio has shown a steadfast commitment to creating opportunities for all citizens, particularly focusing on empowering the youth and women, enhancing education as well as boosting agriculture.
During his first five years in power, he launched groundbreaking programs like the Free Quality Education Initiative, free school feeding, and the construction of a state-of-the-art international airport in Lungi. Furthermore, under his leadership, his Government invested heavily in infrastructural development, rural electrification among other key endeavors.
Indisputably, President Bio’s legacy will encompass the ARISE IIP project, with a spotlight on the Koya Industrial Zone and the reintroduction of passenger train services. The last passenger train service in Sierra Leone ceased operations in 1974, making the revival of this means of transportation a historic moment for the nation.
ARISE IIP, a distinguished developer and operator of industrial ecosystems across Africa, announced an impressive USD 120 million for the first phase, known as Special Industrial Zone –Koya Phase 1(SIZ-Koya Phase 1) of the development of an Economic or Industrial Zone in Koya. This initial investment will see the creation of 16 production units dedicated to import substitution industries and is projected to attract approximately $165 million in private investments, generating 2,500 direct job opportunities.
The subsequent phase, known as SIZ-Koya Phase 2, will expand over 350 hectares, encompassing 37 production units, creating an additional 6,500 jobs and attracting $140 million in foreign direct investment.
It must be noted that the Sierra Leone Industrial Zone in Koya is meticulously designed to accommodate a wide array of industries, spanning agro-industry, timber processing, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods manufacturing, electric vehicle production and cement and tile manufacturing.
Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP, underscored the positive impact of this partnership with Sierra Leone, emphasizing that their integrated infrastructure development would foster job creation and sustainable industrialization in the country.
In addition to the ARISE IIP Project, Sierra Leone is set to breathe life back into its passenger train services marking a momentous return to rail transportation. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to revamp the mining sector, offering improved access to rail and port facilities and stimulating economic activities.
The partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms Ltd holds the potential to usher in unprecedented economic growth and employment opportunities. Comprehensively, the business plan outlines a total investment of $476 million that will encompass various enhancements in rail and port infrastructure, connectivity to mining regions, the reintroduction of passenger rail services and transportation links to neighboring Guinea.
Jesper Harring Boll, Managing Director of ARISE IIP, emphasized the company’s dedication to bolstering production efficiency and cost-effectiveness in Sierra Leone and throughout Africa.
Following the agreement’s signing, it will be presented to Parliament for ratification, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s steadfast commitment to promoting industrial development and economic prosperity.
President Bio’s legacy will definitely include the transformation of Sierra Leone’s industrial landscape through the establishment of the Koya Industrial Zone and the resurgence of passenger train services, ushering a historic chapter in the nation’s development.
In a grand and much-anticipated event that took place on Friday, October 6, 2023, Parcel Pros officially unveiled its presence in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The launch event was held at Zed Zee Barbecue Restaurant, located in Aberdeen, Freetown. This momentous occasion was marked by a series of activities which include a Press Conference, geared towards introducing Parcel Pros to the public, outlining the entity’s commitment to delivering top-notch shipping and logistics services to the people of Sierra Leone.
Parcel Pros, founded with a mission to bridge the gap between global commerce and the people of Sierra Leone aims to make international shopping and shipping an effortless experience for its customers. The event was graced by the presence of prominent figures, business leaders and members of the media, all eager to learn more about the entity and what they have to offer.
In a statement delivered by the General Manager of Parcel Pros, Simeon Sesay, on behalf of the Founder, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and furthered to share the Founder’s vision of making global opportunities accessible to the citizens of Sierra Leone as well as emphasizing Parcel Pros’ unwavering commitment in actualizing their mission.
“Parcel Pros was born from a vision to bridge the gap between global commerce and the wonderful people of Sierra Leone,” the General Manager stated and added by saying, “Our history is a testament to our unwavering commitment, driven by a deep-seated belief that access to the world’s goods and services should be effortless and accessible to all.”
Core services offered by Parcel Pros were presented during the launch and include the following: Personal Shopping which encompasses the delivery of items to Parcel Pros which will in turn handle the shipping of those items until they are delivered to the doorstep of the designated recipients in Sierra Leone.
Assisted Shopping: Through this process Parcel Pros will offer personalized assisted shopping services that will involve customers providing item links and funds and the company will complete the shopping as well as manage the entire shipping and delivery process.
Family Deliveries: Parcel Pros also handles international shipments for families sending items to their loved ones in Sierra Leone, ensuring safe and reliable delivery.
Warehousing / Storage Solutions: The company provides secure storage facilities for customers who want to store their purchases until they are ready for delivery.
It is also important to know that Parcel Pros provides two efficient shipping options:
– Express: This involves customers receiving their items in just 10 days.
– Standard: A cost-effective choice, with delivery in approximately 7 weeks.
The launch event also featured a message from the CEO of Parcel Pros, Kawasu Koroma, who expressed his excitement about this significant milestone going further to commend the dedication displayed by the Parcel Pros team and reiterated the company’s commitment to providing exceptional services to its customers.
Following the CEO’s message, the Marketing Manager, Moses Amara, took the stage to shed light on Parcel Pros’ marketing and operational strategies. Recognizing the competitive nature of the market, he outlined their plans to set the company apart from established competitors.
“We understand the competition in the market and we are fully prepared to stand out,” said Moses Amara and by revealing how they have employed a team of eight highly trained staff who are dedicated to ensuring the seamless operation of their services.
Amara also emphasized the company’s commitment to President Bio’s vision of Human Capital development going ahead to invite potential customers in order to engage with Parcel Pros through their social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as their official website, ParcelPros.net.
He also encouraged individuals to reach out with any inquiry and assured them that the company’s office is always open to serve the community.
To engage the audience further and provide a glimpse of what Parcel Pros has to offer, the marketing team, consisting of four members, presented a short drama. The performance showcased the company’s services, operational procedures, and the high level of customer satisfaction that customers can expect when doing business with Parcel Pros.
As Parcel Pros takes its first steps in Freetown, it aims to redefine the shipping and logistics landscape in Sierra Leone. With a dedicated team, a customer-centric approach and a commitment to excellence, the company is poised to become a trusted partner for those seeking international shopping and shipping solutions. Parcel Pros extends an invitation to everyone in order to experience the future of hassle-free international commerce and looks forward to serving the community with dedication and excellence.
In a significant development, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) published its final report on Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections, providing a detailed, evidence-based account of the electoral process and proposing 21 recommendations to enhance the organization and conduct of future elections.
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio received the EU-EOM’s final report during a ceremony held at State House Freetown on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. This event marked the culmination of the Mission’s extensive two-month-long nationwide observation of the electoral process.
Chief Observer Evin Incir, a Member of the European Parliament from Sweden, led the presentation of the report. Accompanied by Ambassador Manuel Müller, Head of the European Union Delegation in Freetown, Incir expressed gratitude for the long-standing partnership between the EU and Sierra Leone.
“The main focus of the report is to address issues of transparency and accountability in the electoral processes,” Incir stated.
In response, President Bio welcomed the report’s recommendations and pledged their implementation. He underscored his Government’s commitment to enacting the new set of recommendations, highlighting that around 66 percent of the previous recommendations had already been incorporated. The remaining issues require a parliamentary process to address constitutional clauses.
President Bio also noted the challenges faced during the 2007 and 2012 elections, highlighting ongoing efforts to review the 1991 Constitution. He emphasized the consultative nature of the review process, inviting full participation from opposition parties.
“I am pleased to inform you that the post-election dialogue will start soon, and the Constitutional Review Process will be part of the discussions. Therefore, this report comes in handy to be part of the review process and the recommendations might be considered to address outstanding issues,” he concluded.
In a separate press briefing held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown, the EU-EOM unveiled its Final Report on Sierra Leone’s 2023 General Elections. The Mission conducted an extensive two-month nationwide election observation presenting a comprehensive analysis of the entire electoral process.
The Final Report comprises 21 recommendations aimed at enhancing future electoral processes. Key recommendations center on improving transparency, such as making detailed information on the voter register, electoral results processing system, tabulation, and final results per polling station available to the public, including online.
Other critical recommendations involve protecting candidates, holding perpetrators of election-related violence accountable, enforcing restrictions on the use of state resources for political purposes, ensuring transparency and accountability in campaign financing, and safeguarding freedom of expression by clarifying definitions related to cybercrimes.
The EU-EOM also acknowledged positive reforms to promote women’s participation in political life, with 30% of elected members of Parliament being women after the 2023 elections. The EU urged political parties to intensify efforts to achieve greater gender parity in public and political life.
Chief Observer Evin Incir emphasized the importance of democratic processes, political will, inclusion, transparency, and building public confidence. The EU expressed readiness to support Sierra Leonean stakeholders in implementing these recommendations.
The EU-EOM was invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone and the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone. The mission’s presence in the country extended from May 11 to July 13, 2023, with 104 observers from 26 EU Member States, as well as partner countries Canada and Norway. Observers were stationed in all 16 districts of Sierra Leone.
In response to the report, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh expressed his initial thoughts, suggesting that the report leaned more towards a political understanding of the elections rather than a technical one. He urged for a more technically sound report to help improve future elections through identifying institutional, legal, and operational lapses. He appreciated the EU-EOM’s efforts and looked forward to strengthening the electoral system in Sierra Leone through continued engagement with the European Union.
Before the public presentation of the EU-EOM Sierra Leone 2023 Final report, Chief Observer Evin Incir presented the report and recommendations to various political parties and the National Electoral Systems Review Committee, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and open dialogue for reform proposals. Minister Timothy Musa Kabba was among the first to receive the final report and recommendations.
The EU-EOM was deployed in response to invitations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone and the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone. The mission’s presence in the country extended from May 11 to July 13, 2023, and it comprised 104 observers from 26 EU Member States, as well as partner countries, Canada and Norway. Observers were stationed in all 16 districts of Sierra Leone.
