Trailblazer Tuma Gento-Kamara Champions Women’s Health at Prestigious African Summit in Nairobi

May 10, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The African Women Summit 2024 commenced on Wednesday May 8, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya with a clarion call for the empowerment and betterment of women’s health across the continent. The prestigious event gathered hundreds of female leaders and delegates, initiating a three-day journey of inspiration and collective action.

Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, at the forefront of the summit, extended a warm welcome to attendees, expressing her profound honor in hosting a convergence of such magnitude. With an emphasis on the event’s theme: “Women’s Health: Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change,” Madam Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara addressed the urgency of prioritizing women’s health as a cornerstone of human rights and sustainable development.

The leader of the summit pointed to concerning World Health Organization statistics delineating the prevalence of serious health issues such as drug use disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancers and HIV/AIDS among African women. Against a backdrop of a burgeoning female population, she urged a unified approach from health experts, advocates, academics and funding bodies to tackle these critical health challenges head-on.

Madam Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara called for an end to the silence surrounding women’s health issues and advocated for the dismantling of barriers that prevent access to healthcare services. Her message was clear: empower women to take charge of their health and futures.

The summit promises to be a crucible for meaningful dialogue, providing valuable insights and fostering strategic partnerships dedicated to transforming the women’s health landscape in Africa. Madam Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara encouraged every participant to contribute their voice, expertise and fervor to the movement, underscoring the power of solidarity in instigating change.

Upon officially opening the Africa Women Summit 2024, the assembly responded with enthusiastic applause, signaling a unified commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls throughout the continent.

Filled with a renewed sense of purpose, attendees left the inaugural session poised to enact positive change, marking the beginning of what is hoped to be a transformative era in the pursuit of health and empowerment for African women.

President Bio Applauds Brewery’s Commitment to Local Farmers, Promises Gov’t Support

May 10, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The new management team of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) convened with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House, Freetown, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, signaling a fresh chapter in the company’s longstanding presence in the country.

Led by Managing Director, Ayokunle J. Owoniyi, Corporate Affairs Manager, Foday Daboh and the Legal Officer and Company Secretary, the delegation expressed gratitude to President Bio for the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to Sierra Leone’s development. Foday Daboh highlighted SLBL’s nearly six-decade history in the nation, emphasizing its resilience through various socio-economic climates.

During the meeting, he underscored SLBL’s significant contributions to the local economy, including the employment of over 500 Sierra Leoneans and support for more than 200 local sorghum farms and suppliers. He urged the Government to consider adjusting excise taxes to safeguard local farmers’ interests.

Ayokunle J Owoniyi reiterated SLBL’s dedication to corporate responsibility, aligning with the Government’s agenda for national progress. He emphasized the company’s reliance on Heineken International for continuous support and lauded President Bio’s commitment to protecting private investments.

Ludovic Auvray, Managing Director of North and East Africa for Heineken International, echoed SLBL’s commitment to sustainability and local empowerment, pledging to enhance sorghum cultivation in the country.

In response, President Bio commended SLBL’s enduring presence and collaboration with local farmers, aligning with his administration’s Feed Salone Initiative. He assured the company of ongoing Government support, emphasizing the importance of fostering a conducive business environment and safeguarding the interests of local stakeholders.

The meeting concluded with mutual assurances of cooperation, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s economic prosperity and social welfare.

President Bio reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment and protecting the interests of both private investors and local communities, ensuring a sustainable path towards national development.

Rethinking Sierra Leone’s Development Path: Breaking the Chains of Donor Dependence and Debt

May 10, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a bold move towards progress, Sierra Leone has witnessed a surge of financial support from esteemed US government entities, marking a significant milestone in the country’s development journey. With investments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), USAID, and other key players, Sierra Leone’s development landscape has been reshaped with promises of growth and transformation.

However, beneath the surface of this financial influx lies a critical concern that threatens to undermine the very essence of sustainable development: donor dependence and debt sustainability. The staggering figures of approved funding, escalating debt levels, and expanding investments underscore a growing reliance on external financing, raising alarms about the long-term implications for Sierra Leone’s economic autonomy and self-sufficiency.

As Sierra Leone and the US stand united in their commitment to principles of inclusion, good governance, and citizen participation, a pressing need emerges to rethink traditional development paradigms. The allure of external funding, while providing immediate resources for crucial projects, carries the inherent risk of entrenching a cycle of indebtedness that shackles the country’s potential for sustainable growth and prosperity.

“Our development journey must transcend the allure of short-term gains and confront the stark reality of donor dependence,” emphasizes a prominent economist, encapsulating the urgency of reevaluating Sierra Leone’s reliance on external financing.

The narrative of Sierra Leone’s development trajectory must transcend the allure of short-term gains and confront the stark reality of donor dependence. Amidst the promises of financial injections and strategic partnerships, the country must heed the call for innovation and self-reliance, steering away from the perilous path of continuous debt accumulation that threatens to erode its economic sovereignty.

“True progress lies not in the accumulation of debt, but in the liberation of our economic potential through self-reliance,” echoes a visionary leader, underscoring the imperative for Sierra Leone to chart a course towards sustainable growth rooted in economic independence.

As the country grapples with the dual challenge of harnessing external support while safeguarding its fiscal stability, a paradigm shift is imperative. Sierra Leone must embrace transformative approaches that prioritize domestic resource mobilization, foster private sector investment, and explore alternative financing mechanisms to break free from the chains of donor dependence and debt entrapment.

In this pivotal moment of reflection and action, Sierra Leone has the opportunity to redefine its development narrative, charting a course towards sustainable growth and prosperity rooted in economic independence and resilience. By embracing a vision of self-reliance and exploring innovative solutions to development challenges, Sierra Leone can pave the way for a future where progress is not measured by external aid but by the resilience and ingenuity of its people.

FAO Unveils Groundbreaking Initiative in Sierra Leone to Drive Agrifood System Transformation

May 10, 2024

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to revolutionize agrifood systems and foster sustainable development, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched the ambitious HASTEN Project on 6th May 2024 in Sierra Leone. This transformative endeavor, conducted in partnership with the Governments of Rwanda, Lesotho, and Sierra Leone, marks a significant milestone in empowering the next generation of agrifood leaders across Africa.

At its core, the HASTEN Project aims to cultivate a cadre of young professionals equipped with the multidisciplinary skills necessary to spearhead complex agrifood system transformations. As underscored by Stefanos Fotiou, Director of FAO’s Office of Sustainable Development Goals, this initiative holds profound implications, positioning youth empowerment as not merely an option but a moral imperative. The burgeoning potential of Africa’s youth, Fotiou emphasizes, serves as a linchpin for driving sustainable growth within agrifood systems, a vital pillar of socio-economic progress on the continent.

The project’s inception, marked by a pivotal meeting held on 6 May in Sierra Leone, convened key stakeholders including the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food Security of Sierra Leone (MAFS). This gathering served to delineate a shared vision and understanding of the project’s objectives, underscoring its strategic alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its accompanying Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ms. Laurie Manderino, representing the UN Office of the Resident Coordinator, shed light on the synergies between the HASTEN Project and Sierra Leone’s developmental trajectory, notably citing the forthcoming fifth Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) as a pivotal framework for accelerating progress towards SDGs. Within this context, the project’s resonance with Sierra Leone’s National Goals 2 and 5 underscores its intrinsic value as a catalyst for inclusive growth and resilient development.

Sierra Leone’s designation as a fragile state beset by chronic food insecurity underscores the urgency of initiatives like HASTEN. Persisting challenges stemming from natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and socio-economic factors have underscored the imperative for bolstering the resilience of agrifood systems. Despite these adversities, the sector’s pivotal role in the national economy, constituting 61% of the GDP and employing over 70% of the labor force, underscores its centrality to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic fabric.

Madam Neneh Bah-Jalloh, Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Coordinator, highlighted the profound implications of the HASTEN Project in mitigating Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to external shocks. By enhancing agricultural productivity and fostering local food production, the initiative is poised to galvanize inclusive growth, mitigate hunger, and fortify the nation’s food security apparatus. Moreover, by leveraging the demographic dividend of Sierra Leone’s youthful populace, the project stands to catalyze a paradigm shift in agrifood systems, positioning them as engines of sustainable development.

The HASTEN Project, co-led by various FAO entities including the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSG), Regional Office for Africa (RAF), Subregional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE), and Subregional Office for West Africa (SFW), embodies a holistic approach to agrifood system transformation. Through close collaboration with FAO Country Offices in Lesotho, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone, the project is poised to effectuate tangible change, laying the groundwork for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood future in Sierra Leone and beyond.

NRA Upgrades ASYCUDA with Latest HS 2022 Common External Tariff (CET)

May 10, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) announced on May 8, 2024, that it has implemented a significant upgrade to the ASYCUDA WORLD system, incorporating the latest version of the Harmonized System (HS) Code 2022 Common External Tariff (CET). This decision follows the recognition of the outdated HS 2012 and the subsequent collaboration with the EU/WCO Africa team to modernize the ASYCUDA WORLD.

The upgrade from HS 2012 to HS 2022 CET is now fully operational, with existing tariff rates remaining unchanged. Alongside this transition, the 2022 version incorporates additional items in alignment with the Finance Act 2024. However, it’s crucial to note that the ASYCUDA WORLD currently employs the HS 2022 CET with the same rates as the previous version.

In a proactive move to optimize operations and ensure regulatory compliance, the Customs Service Department at the NRA has engaged stakeholders in the clearing and forwarding sector. This initiative complements the completion of the ASYCUDA WORLD upgrade, facilitated by the EU-WCO Africa team.

Commissioner Tennyson Bio of the Customs Service Department elucidated the purpose of these engagement sessions, aiming to familiarize stakeholders with the updated HS Code within the ASYCUDA WORLD System. He emphasized the benefits of the upgraded system, including increased revenue collection and enhanced accuracy in trade statistics.

The HS Code, a globally recognized numerical system for product classification by customs authorities, is undergoing a significant upgrade within the ASYCUDA WORLD System. This upgrade is poised to streamline customs procedures, fostering efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.

A notable outcome of the engagement sessions was the provision for detailed descriptions of all petroleum products. Assistant Commissioner of Central Services, Mrs. Lizbal E. Heroe, underscored the impact of transitioning to the 2022 version of the HS Code on import and export processes. She also highlighted the user-friendly nature of the new version, particularly within clearing and forwarding operations.

The NRA’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to modernizing customs operations and facilitating a seamless transition to the latest HS Code version within the ASYCUDA WORLD System. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, the authority aims to facilitate trade and uphold compliance with international standards.

Judiciary to Host First-Ever ECOWAS Court of Justice International Conference

May 10, 2024

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a significant stride towards regional legal collaboration, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone has announced its hosting of the first-ever ECOWAS Community Court of Justice International Conference. Scheduled from Monday, May 13th to Wednesday, May 16th, 2024, the conference will convene at the prestigious Bintumani Conference Centre in Aberdeen.

Themed “Enhancing the Role, Relevance, and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice through the Strengthening of Synergies between the Court and National Stakeholders,” the event promises to foster critical discussions on bolstering the impact of the regional court system.

Expected to draw a distinguished gathering of over 250 participants, the conference will feature notable figures such as the President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Honorable Justice Edward Amoaka Asante. Additionally, esteemed dignitaries including the Honorable Chief Justices of Liberia, Ghana, Gambia, and the Federation of Nigeria are set to grace the occasion.

The event will also witness the presence of Presidents from key judicial bodies including the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) Court of Justice, the Organization for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) Court of Justice and Arbitration, and the African Court for Human and People’s Rights. Further, ministerial representation from Senegal and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau will add governmental perspective to the discussions.

Highlighting the depth of engagement, Heads of ECOWAS National Offices from member states are slated for active involvement in the proceedings. The conference agenda will encompass presentations by both academic luminaries and seasoned legal professionals, including esteemed professors specializing in various legal domains.

Assuring the public of uninterrupted legal proceedings within the country, the Honorable Acting Chief Justice, Mr. Justice N C Browne-Marke, affirms that the conference will seamlessly coexist with routine court sittings.

The forthcoming conference underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional legal cooperation and signifies a pivotal moment in enhancing the efficacy of the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

Lands Ministry Validates Country Planning Rules and Regulations

May 10, 2024

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

Dr. Turad Senesie, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, delivered a compelling call to action during the commencement of the Country Planning Rules and Regulations Validation workshop at the Sierra Palms conference hall on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

In his address, the Minister emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders to make crucial decisions regarding the future development of towns and cities. He highlighted pressing issues such as unplanned communities, blurred boundaries between residential and commercial areas, and inadequate demarcation for religious and residential zones leading to increased noise pollution.

Dr. Senesie voiced concerns about the challenges in enforcing existing laws, citing a disregard for regulations and their lack of relevance in the 21st century context. He stressed the imperative to halt these negative trends and emphasized the importance of fostering orderly and well-planned communities.

Recognizing the hurdles faced by the ministry, the minister outlined a series of reform initiatives aimed at improving the country’s land administration system. These include enhancing staff capacity, implementing the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project for transparency and efficiency, establishing the National Land Commission, and enacting the Customary Land Rights Act.

Additionally, digital administrative practices have been introduced to streamline operations, enabling online applications for state land, lease rent payments, and building permits. A land raffle allocation system has also been introduced to promote planned communities.

Dr. Senesie underscored the necessity of reviewing and strengthening existing laws to align with contemporary needs and ensure sustainable development. He called for collaborative efforts from stakeholders to overcome resistance to change and work towards creating well-planned and harmonious communities.

The workshop, attended by Government officials, urban planners, civil society representatives, and other key stakeholders, aims to validate and refine the country’s planning rules and regulations. Its goal is to foster an environment conducive to sustainable urban development, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

Expected outcomes include actionable recommendations to address identified challenges and pave the way for a more organized and efficient urban planning framework in Sierra Leone.

CRSG Enhances Welfare System for Employees and Communities in Sierra Leone

May 10, 2024

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a world where corporate social responsibility is increasingly important and highly valued, China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) stands out as a shining example of a company that prioritizes the well-being of its employees and the communities in which it operates. CRSG has made significant strides in improving its welfare system, ensuring that employees are paid on time without any arrears, and promoting gender equality and development in employment practices.

One of the key highlights of CRSG’s commitment to its employees is its unwavering dedication to paying wages in a timely manner, even during challenging times such as the outbreak of COVID-19. Despite facing difficulties, CRSG did not lay off any employees and continued to pay salaries on time, thereby providing stability and security to its workforce. The company also pays social security and insurance on time, protects employees’ rights such as annual leave and sick leave, and has established a robust employee care and consolation system to assist those in need.

Moreover, CRSG places a strong emphasis on promoting gender equality and development in employment. By providing job opportunities and emphasizing the development of women’s employment, CRSG ensures that all employees are treated fairly and equitably in accordance with the law.

Ensuring employees’ safety is another area where CRSG excels. The company conducts various safety workshops, distributes labor protection supplies on time, and promptly investigates safety risks to reduce personal safety hazards for all employees, including nationals. By promoting safe operation knowledge and improving employees’ self-protection awareness, CRSG creates a secure working environment for its workforce.

Recognizing outstanding employees is a core aspect of CRSG’s culture. The company has implemented a comprehensive performance pay appraisal system to evaluate employees’ work status accurately. Outstanding employees are awarded, publicized, and promoted to stimulate their self-development and maximize their potential, creating a culture of excellence within the organization.

Furthermore, CRSG values continuous learning and development for its employees. By offering specialized training programs on engineering knowledge, firefighting knowledge, legal knowledge, and more, CRSG empowers its workforce to enhance their skills and capabilities. The company has also sent key national employees to training courses in China, resulting in a significant improvement in their business ability, management skills, and practical expertise.

Beyond its internal initiatives, CRSG is deeply committed to serving the communities in which it operates. Since entering Sierra Leone, the company has integrated into the local society by respecting local laws, customs, and religious beliefs. CRSG creates employment opportunities and engages in various public welfare activities in neighboring communities, contributing to the overall development and well-being of the region.

One of CRSG’s notable projects, the Wellington-Masiaka Highway, has not only created thousands of jobs but also developed skilled personnel in various fields. By providing stable salaries, skills development opportunities, and personal growth prospects for national employees, CRSG has significantly impacted the local economy and workforce. The highway project has induced economic and commercial development along the road corridor, leading to tens of thousands of indirect employment opportunities and fostering economic growth in the region.

In addition to job creation, CRSG actively fulfills its social responsibility by conducting various welfare activities such as donating materials, maintaining community roads, assisting schools, and organizing sports events. The company’s contributions extend to building schools, providing educational resources, donating essential supplies, and supporting community development projects, demonstrating its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen.

Looking ahead, CRSG remains dedicated to promoting the development of Sierra Leone through win-win cooperation and sustainable practices.

By expanding its operations, benefiting national employees and local communities, and contributing to the economic and social progress of the region, CRSG continues to make a positive impact on the lives of people in Sierra Leone.

China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) exemplifies the essence of a socially responsible company that prioritizes the welfare of its employees and the communities it serves. Through its unwavering commitment to employee well-being, gender equality, safety, recognition, training, and community engagement, CRSG sets a high standard for corporate citizenship and inspires other organizations to follow suit in creating a better shared and win-win development.

Ali Jaffal Granted NLe200,000 Bail Amid Illegal Possession of Gun Charges

May 10, 2024

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a courtroom scene at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, Sergeant 12186 Alusine Folarin presented charge statements against Ali Jaffal before Magistrate Bangura. This marked Jaffal’s sixth appearance in court, where he faced six counts of charges related to the possession of arms without a license, ammunition without a license, and control of small arms without authorization, all violations of Sierra Leonean laws.

The allegations stem from an incident dated April 6th, 2024, at the Young Sports Club (YSC) facility on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, where Jaffal was purportedly found in possession of a Makarov pistol and six 9*19 millimeter rounds without proper licensing. Upon hearing the charges, Jaffal pleaded not guilty.

State Counsel, Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq, led the prosecution, with Sergeant Alusine Folarin presenting as the third witness. Folarin, attached to the Foreign National Unit at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters on Pademba Road, testified to recognizing Jaffal during an investigation into unlawful possession and concealment. Evidence presented included a pistol, a flash drive containing video footage, and a request for ballistic examination, among others.

Following the prosecution’s presentation, Defense Counsel J.J. Vandy requested bail, renewing previous applications. The state expressed no objection to bail, provided Jaffal submitted his travel documents and secured sureties from the Western Area in Freetown.

Magistrate Bangura granted bail at 200,000 Leones, requiring three sureties in a like sum. One surety must be a newly registered business in Sierra Leone, while two must be property owners. Additionally, Jaffal must submit all relevant documents to the Master and Registrar of the High Court for approval of his bail.

The matter was adjourned to May 14th, 2024, as legal proceedings continue in this case of alleged arms possession by Ali Jaffal, a Lebanese national.

Government Under Fire for Alleged Unlawful Demolitions – Civil Society Demands Swift Action

May 10, 2024

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By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

In a sharp denunciation of recent demolitions along the Freetown peninsula, the Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery has criticized the ongoing actions as unlawful and detrimental to community relations. Established with the aim of fostering accountability and national cohesion, the consortium has expressed alarm over the lack of sufficient stakeholder engagement and dialogue surrounding the demolition process.

The demolitions have left hundreds of individuals homeless, many of whom possess legal titles to their properties issued by the Ministry of Lands. This has sparked outrage among affected communities, who accuse authorities of severe human rights violations.

While authorities attribute the demolitions to the proximity of the GUMA Dam to the affected communities and the purported impact of deforestation on the dam’s water flow, community members contest this reasoning. They argue that the dam is situated far from their residences, raising suspicions of alternative motives behind the demolitions. Furthermore, inconsistencies in the treatment of structures as some demolished while others are left untouched have fueled doubts about the legitimacy of the operation.

The Civil Society consortium, led by William B. M. Sao Lamin, not only condemns the demolitions but also addresses broader concerns regarding deforestation, illegal land grabbing and construction in prohibited zones. Urging an immediate halt to the demolition exercise, they call for the establishment of an independent committee to address land issues and advocate for meaningful engagement with community leaders and stakeholders to achieve peaceful resolutions.

Furthermore, the consortium demands the dismissal of the Minister of Environment and the Director General of Guma Valley Water Company, signaling a need for accountability at the highest levels.

As tensions escalate between the Government and affected communities, the Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery pledges to closely monitor the situation to ensure adherence to principles of quality service delivery and accountability.

With pressure mounting on the Government to address grievances, the fate of impacted communities remains uncertain, emphasizing the critical need for transparent and inclusive decision-making processes.

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