Home Blog Page 518

Choithram Hospital is Poised to Conduct Two-Day Workshop for  Surgeons & Aspiring Medical Students

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In association with the Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone, Choithram Memorial Hospital has collaborated with Max Healthcare in India to conduct a two day workshop on the theme: “Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery”, from the 5th to 6th August, 2023 at the hospital premises on Hill Station in the West End of Freetown. The workshop will be the prelude or forerunner of the introduction of unprecedented use of the equipment in the country by Choithram Memorial Hospital.

This two day workshop is set to target medical personnel from various Government medical facilities, teaching institutions and private practitioners with the cardinal aim of transferring knowledge to them on how to use the equipment for diagnosing and performance of surgical procedures.

It must be noted that Choithram Memorial Hospital, which had been classified and rated as one of the best private medical facilities in Sierra Leone,  administering cutting edge and professional medical treatments to numerous patients of all ages, is now on the verge of commencing the use of Laparoscopic Equipment for the performance of different types of surgery.

This latest move, on the part of the Management of the medical facility is in pursuance of its endeavour to utilize up to date technology and equipment in the timely delivery of qualitative medical treatments to individuals within the country.

Out of the objective of translating ambitious plans of bringing medical treatment up to speed, Choithram Memorial Hospital, recently went the extra mile to procure the Laparoscopic Equipment, which indisputably is the first of its kind in the whole country. This medium was reliably informed that with the introduction of the use of the Laparoscopic Equipment, the period of time patients will be hospitalized for recovery will drastically reduce.

It must be underscored that there are two types of surgery, Open & Minimally invasive Laparoscopic. Open surgery refers to the cutting of skin and tissues so that the surgeon has a full view of the structures or organs involved. On the other hand, minimally invasive surgery, is any technique involved in surgery that does not require a large incision.

As the workshop is in progress, surgeries will be performed by Dr. Atul Wadhwa, the Laparoscopic General Surgeon at Max Healthcare, India and Dr. Mustapha S. Kabba, Consultant & General Surgeon Connaught and Choithram Hospitals.

In order to make it convenient for the targeted beneficiaries of the workshop, the surgeries performed, will be streamed live in the Conference Room of the Choithram Memorial Hospital.

Worthy of note is that in addition to the transfer of knowledge, Dr. Atul will also be busy with consultation by dealing with patients who have already been screened and selected by Dr M.S Kabba. All surgeries done during the workshop will be free to the patients as Management of the hospital will bear the cost of the surgeries.

According to Dr. Gowrinath M. George, Medical Superintendent of Choithram Memorial Hospital, they are passionate about using the latest technology in treating patients, further maintaining that such will save people the hassle and expenses of seeking advanced medical treatment out of the country and more especially make room for greater accessibility to good medical attention and care.

“This latest move on our part syncs with our commitment to the Ministry of Health of our country,” Dr. George further intimated.

Harish Agnani, Chief Administrator of Choithram Group in the Country pointed out that they are committed to bringing in experts that do not only administer treatments but also transfer knowledge to doctors in the country; stressing that it is in line with their efforts of building local skills and capacities to take it forward by continuing the provision of specialized and profession medical treatments to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Book Now for Free Health Screening & Consultation at Choithram Hospital!

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Choithram Memorial Hospital, in partnership with MAX Healthcare, India, is offering free expert consultation in Oncology/Hematology and Orthopaedics at their Freetown premises on August 5th and 6th, 2023. Cancer Screening & Oncology Consultation will be available for individuals facing various malignancies, while Orthopaedic Consultation will focus on joint problems and spine disorders.

Renowned specialists, Dr. Nagender Sharma and Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena from MAX Super Specialty Hospital, will lead the free consultation sessions for Oncology & Hematology and Orthopaedics, respectively.

During the camp period, all consultations and treatments (if available at Choithram Memorial Hospital) will be completely free, providing accessible healthcare options closer to home. Max Healthcare, known for its excellence in healthcare services, will be supporting this initiative to address medical needs in challenging times.

Dr. Gowrinath M. George, Medical Superintendent of Choithram Memorial Hospital, highlighted the importance of bringing in specialized experts on a pro bono basis to cater for individuals who may not have the means to travel abroad for treatment. This effort aligns with Choithram’s commitment to the Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone.

Harish Agnani, Chief Administrator of Choithram Group in the Country emphasized that from time to time Choithram Memorial Hospital tries to bring in experts to bridge the gap in service delivery as per the commitment made to Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone.

To secure a spot, interested individuals must register and book an appointment at Choithram Memorial Hospital before July 30th, 2023. Limited spaces are available, and bookings can be made by calling +232-76-541-331. Don’t miss this opportunity for expert medical advice and treatment.

NP-SL Awarded First Place for Unparalleled Customer Care in Sierra Leone

NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd)

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP-SL Ltd has been recognized for its exceptional care and service to its numerous customers, earning the prestigious accolade of 1st place for Customer Care in the country. The company’s commitment to its clientele has been evident through its wide-ranging services across different regions, even in remote areas. Well-meaning entrepreneurs have joined hands with NP-SL Ltd to establish Filling Stations, strategically located for easy access, allowing the majority of customers to conduct transactions conveniently.

One striking aspect of the company’s customer-centric approach is its genuine concern for safety. NP-SL Ltd offers valuable advice to its customers and even extends well-wishes to passengers using various modes of transportation like taxis, Kekehs and Okadas while they are on the roads.

The company’s dedication to customer satisfaction is reflected in the measures it has taken to prevent any grievances related to petroleum product purchases. Modern calibrated pumping machines have been installed at all NP-SL Ltd Filling Stations, ensuring customers receive the exact quantity of fuel they pay for, without any chance of being cheated by pump attendants.

During a recent countrywide survey aimed at understanding customers’ views on NP-SL Ltd’s operations, the responses were overwhelmingly positive. Most respondents praised the company’s shareholders and Management for their effective service delivery and the utmost satisfaction they provide to customers.

Prominent figures, including Social Commentator Mohamed Bai Sesay and Development Specialist Abdulai Braima, lauded NP-SL Ltd for its customer care efforts. They emphasized the importance of local content and how the company’s policy of exclusively offering employment to Sierra Leoneans contributes to national development and empowerment.

Customers also commended NP Gas, the company’s cooking device that is efficient and environmentally friendly. Many expressed their satisfaction with the NP Smart Card, a convenient means of purchasing petroleum products without the need for cash transactions.

Overall, the consensus among the respondents was clear – NP-SL Ltd’s caring approach towards its customers is akin to a mother’s love for her children. The company’s commitment to providing high-quality products and services has earned it a well-deserved reputation for exceptional customer care in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone & Laos Benefit from Germany’s €22M Support for School Meals

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has addressed the United Nations Food System Stocktaking Moment on the 24th July 2023 in Rome, Italy and called on world leaders to work towards the shared goal of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive a healthy, nutritious meal by 2030.

The President also welcomed the announcement by the German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, that his Government had decided to support the accelerated School Meals Programme through the World Food Programme and would invest, in the next five years, €22 million in Sierra Leone and Laos.

The President was speaking as a special guest of the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, at their Food System Stocktaking Moment in Rome, Italy, the first global follow-up to the 2021 Food Systems Summit that was held during the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2022.

In his address, President Bio highlighted the pressing issue of global food insecurity, particularly affecting children in developing countries. He emphasized that 153 million children worldwide are currently facing acute food insecurity and stressed the importance of school meals as a transformative initiative to address not only food insecurity but also education and health outcomes among children.

“His Excellences, ladies and gentlemen, 153 million children are globally faced with acute food insecurity. I believe that this session on ‘School Meals: Powering Food Systems Transformation’ will highlight school meals as a transformative initiative that will address not only food insecurity among children but also education and health outcomes.”

President Bio shared the success of Sierra Leone’s National School Feeding Programme, launched in 2018 with support from partners, which originally targeted 250 children in two districts. However, the program has since expanded to support over 800,000 children nationwide, with the Government covering 80 percent of the cost.

The positive impact of the program was evident in increased school attendance, higher retention rates, and improved enrollment, leading to a reduction in stunted growth at all levels. Additionally, gender disparity in primary schools has decreased due to the program’s implementation. President Bio assured the global community of his Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the initiative.

“In my second term in office, my flagship initiative is to feed Sierra Leone. That is to seek to increase productivity in agriculture by boosting food security, building resilience and a sustainable supply chain of locally produced food, creating jobs, and increasing income for farmers, which are key pillars of the initiatives.”

President Bio expressed his belief that coalition partnerships, like the School Meals Coalition, are essential for Governments to receive support and improve the implementation of programs that ensure every child has access to a healthy, nutritious meal by 2030.

The German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, also spoke at the summit, announcing Germany’s commitment to supporting the School Meals Programme in Sierra Leone and Laos. The German Government’s €22 million investment over the next five years will contribute to providing nutritious meals for schoolchildren in these countries, helping fight malnutrition and supporting educational outcomes.

President Julius Maada Bio’s engagement on social media, particularly on Twitter, showcased his appreciation for the UN and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ support in accelerating sustainable development and improving the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on education and reducing inequality.

During the summit, President Bio also met with WHO Director-General Tedros Ahdhanom Ghebreyesus to discuss emergency preparedness and public health efforts, including the establishment of a national public health agency and efforts to expand immunization, eliminate cervical cancer, and reduce maternal mortality in Sierra Leone.

On the sidelines of the Food System Stocktaking Moment, the German Minister for Food & Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, announced Germany’s €22 million grant to Sierra Leone and Laos through the World Food Programme. The grant will significantly support President Bio’s government’s push to increase the number of students covered by the School Feeding Programme to 1.5 million within the next two years. The positive impact of the program in increasing school attendance, retention, enrollment, and reducing stunting levels was highlighted during the announcement.

The summit served as a crucial platform to address global food security challenges and promote initiatives to improve the lives of children in vulnerable communities. The commitments made by world leaders, including President Bio and Minister Özdemir, are expected to pave the way for significant progress in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals related to food security, education, and reducing inequalities.

APC De-facto Leadership Accused of Misleading Supporters – Cornelius Oguntola Melvin Deveaux Speaks Out

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Cornelius Oguntola Melvin Deveaux, a prominent figure within the All People’s Congress (APC), has expressed concerns about the de-facto leadership of the party, accusing them of misleading supporters and the public. According to Deveaux, the leadership has falsely propagated the belief that nonparticipation of APC elected representatives in governance could lead to a constitutional crisis, a one-party system, and potential sanctions from development partners.

The basis for this notion or false hope, as pointed out by Deveaux, includes referencing unverified social media videos and audios and misinterpreting a recent press release from the Carter Center. He clarified that in the absence of any legal challenge to the presidential election results, as provided for in the Public Elections Act (PEA-2022) and the 1991 Constitution, the outcome should be considered legally valid, despite technical deficiencies highlighted in the Carter Center’s press release.

Deveaux further explained that there would be no constitutional crisis even if APC elected representatives refuse to take the oath of office as Members of Parliament or local council authorities. He cited provisions in the Constitution that allow Parliament to function and make decisions even with vacancies in its membership.

Regarding the demands raised in the Carter Center’s press release, Deveaux agreed that they were reasonable and in line with international best practices. However, he emphasized that the Carter Center, as an observer mission, lacks the authority to challenge election results or make demands related to the publication of results. Such challenges can only be brought forth by political parties, candidates, or Sierra Leonean voters through a competent court.

Deveaux urged the APC not to boycott governance as a means of challenging election results, stating that legal recourse through the courts is the appropriate way to address grievances. He criticized the party’s reluctance to go to court and suggested that the leadership may be using the election results as a cover for their own inadequacies.

In conclusion, Deveaux reassured the public that there is no imminent constitutional crisis but expressed concerns about threats to democracy due to remote control of elected representatives by self-seeking individuals. He called on the APC de-facto leadership to stop misleading their supporters and address the challenges facing the party transparently.

Plight of Persons with Disabilities in Sierra Leone: Successes, Challenges & Calls for Action

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The 2015 population census in Sierra Leone revealed that 93,129 individuals, constituting 1.3% of the total population of 7,076,119, are living with disabilities, according to the data from Statistic Sierra Leone (STATS SL). However, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have raised concerns about the accuracy of these statistics. Despite the Government’s early adoption of the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the enactment of the Person with a Disability Act in 2011, the current situation for PWDs in the country raises questions about the level of progress made over the past twelve years.

National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) stands as a notable achievement since the enactment of the Act. The establishment of the NCPD was a pioneering step in promoting disability-related matters in the country. However, critics argue that the Commission lacks the necessary support from the government, leading to issues such as poor infrastructure, understaffing, inadequate working conditions, and the absence of essential resources like vehicles. This neglect hampers the progress of disability-related initiatives, leaving the Commission’s effectiveness in doubt.

The awareness about disability issues has significantly improved since the implementation of the Disability Act in 2011. Citizens and duty-bearers now possess a greater understanding of disability matters, leading to calls for radical inclusion in government policies. Notably, the government’s Mid-Term Development Plan included a dedicated disability component for the first time in the country’s history, reflecting the growing awareness. However, to further enhance awareness, the government must prioritize supporting the work of the National Commission for Persons with Disability.

A crucial factor hindering progress for PWDs is the lack of proper and accurate data. The Act stipulates cooperation between the government and Statistics Sierra Leone during national censuses to obtain accurate figures for persons with disabilities, but this requirement has not been fully met. Without precise data, effective planning for PWDs becomes challenging, leading to inadequate support and ad-hoc interventions. Conducting a dedicated census exclusively for PWDs, led by the NCPD and STATS-SL, could offer a solution to this problem.

The provision of free education for PWDs in tertiary institutions, along with the structural adaptation of educational institutions for accessibility, has been one of the Act’s most popular sections. However, in recent years, the Ministry of Higher Education has made it difficult for PWDs to access free education by imposing extra charges and excluding disabled students from certain educational programs. This contravenes the Act’s provisions and has prompted calls for government intervention to uphold the rights of PWDs in education.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, responsible for disability issues, has been at odds with the National Commission for Persons with Disability, hindering effective collaboration and stifling the Commission’s growth. Rumors suggest that successive ministers have viewed the Commission as a competitor and worked to prevent funding and support from reaching it. For the benefit of PWDs, a clear and collaborative line of operation between the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Commission must be established.

Despite legal frameworks allowing for the inclusion of PWDs in political platforms, the political representation of disabled individuals remains lacking. Political parties have not effectively implemented measures to ensure PWDs’ participation, leaving disabled individuals underrepresented in governance. This disparity calls for urgent action from the government to appoint disabled individuals to political positions and promote their active involvement in decision-making processes.

In conclusion, Sierra Leone has the potential to harness the talents and abilities of the disability sector for national development. President Bio’s government has shown commitment to changing the lives of PWDs, but further attention and proper utilization of relevant structures are required. The National Commission for Persons with Disability must be empowered with the necessary resources to drive the President’s vision and bring about positive change for PWDs. The government’s investment in disability-related matters should yield visible outcomes, and it is imperative for the presidency to prioritize this cause.

FAO Empowers 1,500 Vegetable Producers in Sierra Leone to Tackle Food Insecurity

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Iin a bid to combat food insecurity and improve nutrition in Sierra Leone, has taken action to support 1,500 vegetable producers, with a focus on women and youths from 5 districts. The initiative, backed by funding from the Irish government, aims to build resilient communities through climate-smart and market-driven agricultural practices.

Under the project titled “Building Resilient Communities for Improved Food Security,” FAO facilitated access to quality agricultural inputs such as improved vegetable seeds and farming tools. The beneficiaries, who received these essential resources during a distribution ceremony in various districts, were encouraged to make the best use of them to enhance their farming capabilities.

Lansana Vandi, representing FAO in Sierra Leone, emphasized the severity of the food crisis in the country due to factors like extreme climate vulnerability, conflicts between livestock and crop farmers, and rising inflation affecting food and fuel prices. He expressed FAO’s commitment to extending support to more vegetable farmers, especially women and youths, to address these challenges.

The partnership between FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security received praise from implementing partners and beneficiaries alike. Mr. Haroun Rashid Kamara, Deputy Director of Extension at the Ministry, highlighted the government’s dedication to making Sierra Leone a food-secure nation and urged beneficiaries to take ownership of the project to maximize its impact.

Mr. Abdulai Kamara, the Project Manager for Sierra Leone Network of the Right to Food (SILNoRF), commended FAO’s unique support in reducing food insecurity and improving nutrition in the country. He foresaw an increase in agricultural projects in Sierra Leone as the government prioritizes agriculture as a flagship program.

With the support of the Irish Government, FAO targeted areas in Bombali, Karene, Port Loko, Moyamba, and Western Rural districts that were most affected by food and nutrition insecurity. Among the 1,500 selected vegetable farmers, 70% were women and youths, forming farmer-based organizations to receive project assistance.

Madam Mariama Seray-Kondeh, a vegetable producer and project beneficiary, expressed gratitude on behalf of the women farmers in Moyamba District. She pledged not to disappoint FAO and its partners and stressed the positive impact the project has had on her livelihood.

Indirectly, the project is expected to benefit approximately 11,445 people, demonstrating its far-reaching effects beyond the immediate beneficiaries. Key government counterparts, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Directorate of Food and Nutrition at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, collaborated closely with FAO to ensure the project’s success.

By empowering vegetable producers with the necessary resources and knowledge, FAO is taking significant strides in reducing food insecurity and promoting better nutrition in Sierra Leone, ultimately contributing to the country’s overall development and well-being.

Dignity’s Triumph: Vicky Remoe Unravels Rwanda’s Success Story, Calls for a New Path in Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vicky Remoe, an acclaimed digital storyteller, journalist and advocate for African development, on 2019 embarked on a journey to Rwanda to explore the secrets behind the country’s astonishing success after enduring a tragic civil war. Comparing Rwanda and her home country, Sierra Leone, Remoe sought answers to why Rwanda had emerged as a global leader while Sierra Leone still grappled with post-war challenges.

As she explored Rwanda’s rise from the ashes of a devastating civil war, Remoe met with President Paul Kagame to discuss the nation’s astounding achievements and the factors that contributed to its impressive growth. The key elements she unveiled were leadership, communication, sacrifice, and results, all centered around the core concept of “dignity.”

Rwanda’s emphasis on dignity has had a profound impact on its people and society. The country’s leadership focused on rebuilding the social fabric and instilling a sense of self-respect and worth among its citizens. President Kagame’s Government empowered young Rwandans, with many under 45 years old, to play pivotal roles in decision-making and governance, leading to greater youth engagement and empowerment.

Through dignity, Rwandans have embraced a culture of cleanliness, responsibility, and self-discipline, reflected in the pristine streets and organized public spaces. The values of dignity and self-respect have permeated society, creating an environment where citizens take pride in their work and contribute positively to the nation’s growth.

Remoe compared Rwanda’s success to her home country, Sierra Leone, which also faced a devastating civil war but struggles to match Rwanda’s progress. She highlighted the importance of finding a unifying message that can redefine Sierra Leone’s national identity and inspire collective transformation. The message, according to Remoe, should center on every Sierra Leonean’s right to dignity and the belief that they deserve a better life.

In contrast to Rwanda’s success, Remoe reflected on Sierra Leone’s challenges, where corruption and self-dehumanization have hindered progress. She urged her fellow citizens to forgive themselves and unite around a new vision of a dignified and prosperous Sierra Leone.

As Rwanda’s model of progress continues to inspire, Vicky Remoe’s insight sheds light on the power of dignity as a driving force for positive change. With the right leadership and a unifying message, nations like Sierra Leone can follow Rwanda’s path towards a brighter future.

Rwanda’s path to progress was not without controversy, with some reports highlighting issues of dissent and limited political space. President Kagame’s high electoral victory percentages sparked debates about democracy in the country. However, it was undeniable that the focus on dignity and a common vision had contributed to Rwanda’s positive trajectory.

As Vicky Remoe’s insightful journey in Rwanda came to an end, she left with a profound understanding of the power of dignity in driving societal change. Rwanda’s successful model offers valuable lessons for Sierra Leone and other post-war countries. By embracing the values of dignity, self-respect, and unity, nations can pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for their citizens.

ACC Czar Calls on Management to be More Resolute in  Fighting Corruption

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During the close of a three-day Management Retreat held at The Place Resort, Tokeh, in the Western Rural District with the theme: “Accelerating the Impact of the ACC on Development in Sierra Leone”,

the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala Esq,  called on the Directors, Deputy Directors and Regional Managers of the Commission to focus on producing results in order to improve Sierra Leone’s ranking in the Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and other similar indexes.

The ACC Commissioner said he would ensure that all Departments and Regional Offices get more autonomy for them to be able to introduce new ideas and instill discipline in the work and operations of the Commission. “Do not always wait to be told what to do! You should also focus on producing results and solutions rather than running commentaries on challenges. Make yourselves relevant, be dutiful and never shy away from your responsibility,” the ACC Commissioner furthered.

The ACC Commissioner re-echoed his statement made at the opening ceremony of the Retreat when he said “we are currently sitting at 110 in the Transparency International Index, so my aim for the next five years is for us to take the country to double digits in the Index.”

The Deputy Commissioner of the Commission Augustine, Foday Ngobie, in his closing remarks said the Commission is looking forward to an effective and professional witness management system so that members of the public would always feel encouraged to come forward to make reports to the Commission.

Mr. Ngobie also said that the Commission should look at avenues to incorporate a grievance redress mechanism component in all public projects to ensure that they benefit the people of Sierra Leone.

The Chairman of the ACC Advisory Board, Prince F. Goba, encouraged the Commission to be able to coordinate all the strategies presented during the Retreat into an action plan for effective implementation.

Earlier, the Lead Facilitator, Dr. Modupeh Taylor-Pearce, said that his objective is to ensure that the ACC becomes far better than it is now as an institution. He said disciplined leadership should be at the centre of the operations of the Commission.

The Executive Director of A Call To Business, Joe Abass Bangura, made a presentation on ‘Transformational Leadership’ and said “leaders don’t run commentaries on what is not working, but rather take action to make things work.”

During the Retreat, the Directors and Regional Managers of the various Departments and Regional Offices of the Commission made presentations on new and innovative ways for the fight against corruption in the next five years.

In another development, The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has presented a Report on the Systems and Processes Review conducted at the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU). The systems and processes review Report ,which was prepared by the Corruption Prevention Department of the Commission, provides all the findings, implications and recommendations on specific issues of concerns raised by some staff, and also the findings and recommendations on the general practices and procedures of the University.

The presentation took place on Wednesday, 12th July, 2023, at the Milton Margai Great Hall, Goderich Campus Freetown.

As enshrined in Section 7 (a) (b) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 as amended in 2019, review of practices and procedures of public bodies is conducted in order to discover corruption risk areas, and to proffer recommendations to eliminate such risks and strengthen the systems.

Director of the Prevention Department, ACC, Rashid Turay, thanked the Management of the University for their co-operation during the review process. He said the review of the University’s practices and procedures was done to identify areas of corruption or system failures at the University. “It was also done to examine specific allegations or concerns raised by some staff which was forwarded to the ACC for our intervention. During the review exercise, corruption was not detected, but weaknesses in the governance and administrative structure surfaced,” he said.

Mr Turay further noted that after the presentation of the Report, the Prevention Department would continue to work with the MMTU to implement the recommendations proffered to them to close the identified systemic gaps in the institution. He urged them to start implementing the recommendations as soon as possible to avoid sanctions from the Commission.

It could be recalled that some time ago, the Commission had received a series of allegations, such as; illegal dismissal, nepotism and tribalism, siphoning of salaries, sexual harassment, among others- against the leadership of the University.

The Commission therefore intervened to ascertain the veracity of the allegations.

Deputy Director of the Prevention Department, Samuel Marrah Esq., during the presentation of the Report, gave a summary of the findings, which border mainly on the governance structure and poor management of the institution.

Head of the ACC’s Monitoring and Compliance Unit, Ibrahim Kamara-Kay, encouraged the full participation of the institution’s Management in implementing the recommendations presented to them by the ACC, and called for the strengthening of the Integrity Management Committee  to monitor the implementation process.

He admonished them to liaise with other public offices that have similar recommendations, as they would be graded on every recommendation implemented.

Chancellor of the MMTU, Dr. Victor E.A Kabia on his part commended the ACC for the review exercise and assured the Commission of their unwavering support to the fight against corruption. “We will read the Report and implement the recommendations, as they are all geared towards promoting transparency and accountability in the institution,” he said.

The Milton Margai Technical University is one of the renowned higher institutions of learning in Sierra Leone.

It was a Polytechnic institution until 2021 when it was upgraded to a University by the Government.

The University operates three campuses, one at Congo Cross, the other Brookfields, and Goderich, which hosts most of the senior management and support services staff.

Mandela Washington Fellow, Rugiatu Favour Kanu, Empowers Women and Communities Through Sustainable Agriculture

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Rugiatu Favour Kanu, a proud participant of the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, is making remarkable strides in sustainable agriculture and empowering women in her country. As one of the 11 selected Fellows representing Sierra Leone, Rugiatu joins a cohort of 700 young leaders from across Africa to engage in leadership development activities at various prestigious U.S. educational institutions.

Through her business, Slay Farms, Rugiatu is nurturing not just crops but also a community of women farmers. On her 10-acre farm, she shares her extensive knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices with other women, fostering a network of empowered individuals with a common goal. The farm serves as a hub for learning events, where women gather to exchange expertise and stay updated on the latest advancements in sustainable farming techniques. Moreover, Slay Farms acts as a link, connecting these farmers with wider markets for their produce, thus ensuring economic growth for the entire community.

During her time as a Mandela Washington Fellow, Rugiatu Favour Kanu had the opportunity to visit the Metro Atlanta Urban Farm in the USA. There, she encountered Bobby Wilson, an enthusiastic urban farmer whose dedication to providing food for those in need has earned him recognition as one of CNN’s top ten heroes in the family category. Rugiatu was inspired by the farm’s emphasis on giving back to the community and the crucial role urban agriculture plays in sustainable food production.

As part of her commitment to volunteerism and giving back, Rugiatu and her fellow Fellows joined forces at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. They passionately packed food and assembled health kits, driven by the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate. In this act of selflessness, the Fellows found unity despite their diverse backgrounds and experiences, resonating with the transformative power of community service.

Rugiatu Favour Kanu’s work exemplifies the spirit of the Mandela Washington Fellowship and the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), representing the United States’ dedication to investing in the future of Africa. Through sustainable farming and empowering women, Rugiatu is leaving a lasting impact on her community, bridging gaps and fostering a brighter, more equitable future for Sierra Leone and beyond.

1...517518519...1,365Page 518 of 1,365