Former National Publicity of the All People’s Congress (APC) , Cornelius Deveaux has expressed the view that the party recently refrained from petitioning the presidential election results, despite believing they were fraudulent adding that while the outcome may have received legal clearance, the party’s decision to boycott governance appears politically unwise. He said,however, Hon. Mohamed Bangura deserves recognition for upholding his duty as an elected representative to serve and protect Sierra Leone’s Constitution and laws.
He said,in a recent interview with Gbla TV Online, Hon. Mohamed Bangura outlined his reasons for rejecting the party directive to boycott governance questioning the legality of the National Advisory Committee’s (NAC) meeting, claiming that it did not comply with the new party constitution’s prescriptions, and lacked the required quorum for decision-making. According to him, the party’s National Secretary General must provide evidence to refute this claim, including meeting details, attendance, and voting records.
Deveaux said the core issue revolves around the directive to boycott governance, which lacks clear legal footing pointing out that Hon. Bangura argues that the meeting that adopted this decision was not in line with the party’s constitution, raising questions about its validity. According to Mohamed Bangura, the meeting did not constitute a quorum as required by the new party constitution, and he questions whether it was an ordinary meeting or a Special and Emergency NAC meeting, each having specific requirements for quorum and decision-making.
Furthermore, Hon. Bangura claims that elected representatives were denied the opportunity to participate in discussions regarding the governance boycott during subsequent meetings, contrary to the rights and duties outlined in the party’s constitution, Deveaux said adding how that raises doubts about the extent of the alleged “extensive internal consultations” claimed by the party’s National Secretary General (NSG).
Another significant revelation made by Hon. Bangura, according to Deveaux, concerns alleged evidence of tampering with election results during tabulation at tallying centers. He cites an example in his home district of Karene, where votes for the SLPP were inaccurately input as 19,000 instead of 9,000. Deveaux said that disclosure adds credibility to previous allegations of vote rigging and lack of transparency during the tallying process.
He said while the party attributes its decision not to petition the presidential election to a lack of trust in the Judiciary, Hon. Bangura suggests that there may be other motives behind that choice pointing out past instances where legal actions against SLPP MPs faced obstacles, and decisions made by the Judiciary appeared influenced by the party’s leadership.
The former APC National Publicity Secretary said in conclusion, Hon. Mohamed Bangura’s refusal to comply with the party’s directive highlights significant issues. He maintains the directive lacks legal backing, lacks democratic consensus, and evidence of result tampering exists adding that unless the party can disprove these claims, Hon. Mohamed Bangura’s stance places him on the right side of history. Other elected representatives should follow his lead and prioritize their responsibilities as public servants, he suggested.
He said in light of those developments, Hon. Mohamed Bangura’s stance against the party’s directive to boycott governance is gaining attention and support as his arguments center on the need for adherence to the party’s constitution, democratic principles, and transparent electoral processes.
Deveaux stated how the APC’s National Secretary General has been called upon to provide evidence to refute Hon. Bangura’s claims about the improperly constituted meeting and the lack of democratic participation saying as the debate continues, many are looking to Hon. Bangura’s principled stand as a pivotal moment in the party’s history.
He ended saying as the situation unfolds, the APC faces scrutiny over its governance boycott directive, and its response to the concerns raised by Hon. Mohamed Bangura will determine its future trajectory.
Young people leading voter education through our work with NaCCED
By Alfred Fornah
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) is implementing a 2-year European Union-funded project titled: ‘Sierra Leone Democracy Strengthening Project’. The Project aimed at supporting democratic institutions and civil society (including the media) toward credible and peaceful conduct of the 2023 elections and the democratic governance and reform processes in the years after the elections to contribute to further consolidation of democratic gains in the country.
The Sierra Leone programme is delivered through five boundary partners, including the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC),National Commission for Democracy (NCD), National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED) and the Independent Media Commission (IMC).
In addition to the five boundary partners, I-IDEA also works with civil society organisations, including National Election Watch (NEW), the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Independent Radio Network (IRN), Election Conflict Prevention and Mediation Group (ECPMG), and the 50/50 Group – Sierra Leone.
Since the commencement of the project in December 2022, International IDEA has worked with the five boundary partners and civil society organizations to implement a series of interventions ranging from capacity development for Elections Management Bodies (EMBs), civic and voter education for young people, women and persons with disabilities, electoral risk management for the electoral commission, support to media regulation, media literacy and the promotion of non-violent election, among many other interventions. This article summarises some of the major interventions supported by International IDEA in the lead-up to the elections in June 2023:
Elections Preparedness National Stakeholders Dialogue Conference (8th June 2023)
To help deliver credible and peaceful elections in Sierra Leone, in a manner that is inclusive, engaging, peaceful, and transparent, International IDEA supported the ECSL, PPRC, and Office of National Security (ONS) – including other electoral and democracy institutions – to organize a one-day national stakeholders conference on elections preparedness.
The conference brought together the two EMBs (ECSL and PPRC), ONS, the judiciary, political parties, civil society, international development partners, diplomatic missions, international and national observers, and citizens from across the diverse political divide to talk about election preparedness. Through a series of panel discussions and a guest speaker from Cameroon (former Chair of the Cameroon electoral commission), international best practice on election preparedness was discussed, and questions on voting and the counting of the ballots were asked and answers provided. Among other things, participants discussed about elections campaigns and expectations from political parties and the security sector, the printing of the voter register, and ballot papers, and the general preparedness of the ECSL and the PPRC.
Formally opening the conference, the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone Commissioner Mohamed K. Konneh, applauded International IDEA for supporting such a high-profile conference, which he described as timely and appropriate, considering rumour and disinformation in the lead-up to the elections. In particular, the Chair of the Commission thanked International IDEA for setting up the Election Risk Management Tool (ERMTool) to identify electoral risks and to deal with them as a commission and other actors in the electoral process. He urged participants to be open and honest in identifying the challenges and end on the note that, while ECSL is not one hundred percent perfect, the Commission is prepared to conduct the June 2023 elections in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone and consistent with international best practices. Similar sentiments were shared by the PPRC, the Judiciary, the Office of National Security and other elections stakeholders. Following the formal opening process, the conference went through detailed election preparedness conversations through panel discussions with question-and-answer sessions. There were four-panel discussions as follows:
State of Election Preparedness – How prepared is ECSL for the June 2023 elections led by the Electoral Commission
Political Campaigns, Political Party Preparedness, and the Regulatory Environment, led by the PPRC
Electoral Information, Security, and Electoral Justice, with representatives from IMC, SLAJ, ONS, and civil society
Civic Education, Civil society Engagement, and Citizens’ Election Observation, with participants from NEW, NaCCED, NCD, and traditional/religious groups .
During the conference, elections stakeholders across the country had the unique opportunity to collectively assess the state of elections preparedness, identify challenges and approaches to dealing with those challenges, and points for collaboration between and among actors. A major achievement of the conference was the platform it created for dialogue and providing answers to critical election preparedness questions which contributed to calming down nerves ahead of the elections.
Election Peace Promotion Parade: Following the completion of what has been referenced to as a peaceful election campaign period, the ECSL and PPRC reserved the last two days of June 22nd and 23rd as cooling off days with no political campaigns. With support from International IDEA, PPRC organized atwo-day peace promotion float parade in the 16 administrative districts on June 22nd and across the 5 regional cities on the 23rdof June 2023. The aim of the symbolic float parade was to raise awareness among citizens on the importance of peaceful elections, promote unity and cohesion among different players, engage young people as agents of peaceful elections, promote collaboration among stakeholders on their collective efforts towards peaceful elections, and seek public commitment from the leadership of political parties for peaceful elections. The highlight of the float parades was in Freetown where the Chair of the PPRC joined a team of renowned musicians (artists for peace) who were contracted for live performance across the streets of Freetown while sending messages of peaceful and non-violent elections
This event attracted the participation of different government and nongovernmental organizations such as the Sierra Leone Police, and Youth groups among others. This reinforced the collaborative efforts of state and non-state actors to promote peaceful elections. By bringing together these stakeholders, the PPRC and I-IDEA created a united front against violence. The Chairman of the PPRC praised participants especially young people who showed up in the parade. He advised those who might feel aggrieved in the electoral process to use the legal procedures to address their concerns instead of perpetuating violence.
Support to the ECSL’s Youth in Election Working Group:
On another front, International IDEA worked with the ECSL on the Youth in Elections Program to engage young people in activities such as the Football Tournament and Community Engagement for peaceful elections.
The tournament was organized to promote the need for peaceful cohabitation, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among young people in Freetown. Four teams were drawn from East, Central, and Western parts of Freetown to participate in a one-day competition at the parade grounds.
“Football is a beautiful game that has the power to mend wounds and unite communities for good. And this is really important for us young people, especially at this time. So, we are extremely happy to coordinate and host this tournament with support from ECSL and International IDEA ” said Augustine Vandy Kenny Kamra , a Participant of the ECSL Youth in Elections Programme.
On the same day of the tournament, Youth Groups were equipped with Information, Education, and Communication materials and deployed in various communities to engage young people who constitute over 60% of registered voters- to promote peaceful electoral dialogue before, during, and after the June 24th Polls.
Supporting Democracy Institutions for peaceful and inclusive elections
To support the prevention and mitigation of violence ahead of the elections, International closely with democratic institutions including the National Commission for Democracy (NCD) and the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), to foster a culture of non-violence before, during, and after the elections. Together with these institutions, capacity-building initiatives, sensitization programs, and campaigns were developed and rolled out to reach a wide range of citizens on issues related to peace, unity, and non-violence across the country. Key among these activities included a National Stakeholders Dialogue on the Proportional Representation (PR) system, a town hall meeting for young people including first-time voters, persons with disability (PWDs), and women at the district level. Messages that seek to promote peaceful and non-violent participation were also developed and shared with local radio and TV stations for awareness raising on peaceful and inclusive elections.
Civil Society and the Media
As part of its work to support democratic consolidation in Sierra Leone, International IDEA supported civil society and the media institutions in the lead-up to the elections. These institutions include the National Election Watch (NEW), the Independent Media Commission (IMC), and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ). To support the work of citizens’ elections observation, International IDEA procured 170 tablets for NEW for its Parallel Voter Tabulation and provide them with technical support to enhance their capacity for effective pre -and post-election communications.
Ahead of the June 24th Polls, Sierra Leone’s social media was awash with fake news and misinformation. Citizens especially Sierra Leonean social media users were deluged with fake stories regarding the electioneering process on their social media feeds. With technical support from International IDEA, SLAJ conducted a training workshop on media literacy for journalists, youth advocates, and bloggers on the identification and verification of fake news to promote peaceful electoral dialogue. Another training was also delivered for journalists across the regions on the Revised IMC Code of Practice, regulations& elections coverage.
The International IDEA not only provided training for journalists but also made efforts to support the Independent Media Commission (IMC) with equipment and institutional capacity to set up a situation room. The situation room conducted real-time monitoring of election reportage through media monitors recruited by International IDEA across Sierra Leone’s 16 districts. This was done to ensure journalists complied with the revised IMC Code of Practice.
“International IDEA promotes and strengthens the values and ethos of democracy and democratic governance. The media is a partner in achieving this because public interest media is critical for democratic strengthening as it provides a platform for dialogue, debate and holding elected leaders to account,” said Dr. Idrissa Tarawallie, Head of Sierra Leone Country Programme, International IDEA -during the launch of ‘The Media We Want’ Manifesto- which was developed and launched by SLAJ with support from International IDEA.
The European Union Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Manuel Müller has pledged the EU’s Commitment to stand with the media and offer opportunities that can further strengthen its capacity, and support media initiatives to protect media freedom and pluralism in Sierra Leone.
Young people leading voter education through our work with NaCCED
The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) in engagement with newsmen at the Conference Room of its Wellington Industrial Estate, on the 20th July, 2023, to discuss their commitment to promoting local content and boosting the cultivation of sorghum. The company’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Foday Daboh, highlighted their efforts to encourage commercial farmers across the country to grow sorghum, which is a crucial ingredient in the production of certain beverages like beer and Maltina.
To achieve their goals, SLBL completed the Pre-Planting Sorghum Cultivation and Awareness Campaign across various districts in Sierra Leone. The campaign aimed to persuade more farmers to venture into sorghum cultivation by providing them with free seeds to incorporate into their plantations during the current planting season. This initiative is expected to increase the overall harvest of sorghum and meet the demand required for the brewery’s daily production processes.
Despite having around 5,000 farmers producing sorghum, Daboh expressed that the current quantity of sorghum received is insufficient to meet their production demand. To address this issue, the brewery has been purchasing sorghum from Europe, which is costlier compared to sourcing it locally. Therefore, SLBL urges local farmers to step up production, assuring them of a ready market and even offering incentives to purchase raw materials locally.
During the media engagement, Foday Daboh emphasized that SLBL supports farmers not only with seeds but also by providing transportation, expert agronomists, and advance payments to contracted farmers. The company aims to create a win-win situation for both SLBL and the local farmers while promoting Sierra Leone’s local content policy.
The waste from sorghum is also put to good use, as it can serve as fertilizer or feed for pigs, with SLBL ensuring that the waste is returned to the farmers. In a bid to further motivate farmers, SLBL increased the purchase price of sorghum from NLe300 to NLe350 per 50kg bag, making it more lucrative for them.
The press conference showcased SLBL’s dedication to supporting local farmers and enhancing Sierra Leone’s local content policy, ultimately contributing to job creation and sustainable livelihoods. They encourage more youths and women to participate in sorghum cultivation as a means of fostering development and prosperity in the country.
The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) achieved a remarkable victory in 2018, with His Excellency Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio leading the party to power. The success of the SLPP can be attributed to the unwavering dedication, hard work, and loyalty of its members, who endured eleven years in opposition to elect their trusted leader.
Among the impressive individuals within the SLPP is Bob Sebastonn Peterson, a young and dynamic aspiring leader. Bob, as he is affectionately known, has been a devoted member of the SLPP for over fifteen years, demonstrating his commitment to the party through thick and thin and actively contributing to its growth.
Driven by his desire to play a significant role in the party’s affairs, Bob contested for the position of National Organizing Secretary during the National Officers’ Elections held in Bo in 2021. Although the position was ultimately won by Hon. Musa Peter Moigua, Bob’s dedication and dynamic approach throughout the process earned him widespread commendation, particularly from the youth wing of the party.
During the intense campaign for the June General Elections led by President Bio, Bob took it upon himself to conduct an extensive grassroots campaign, complementing the efforts of the energetic President. He tirelessly encouraged the electorates to embrace President Bio’s visionary and progressive leadership, effectively highlighting the President’s achievements, addressing challenges beyond his control, and simplifying the president’s plans for the next five years.
Bob exemplifies the values of the SLPP, promoting unity in diversity and inclusivity among supporters from all backgrounds. He represents the emerging young and committed generation that holds the future of the party.
Aside from his political pursuits, Bob is a promising businessman and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BSP Attune International, a locally-owned business consortium involved in various sectors, including procurement/supplies, pharmaceuticals, water and sanitation, mining projects, shipping, foreign exchange, construction, logistics, and more.
Expressing his unwavering support for President Bio’s Government, Bob affirms his belief in the President’s leadership and commitment to building a better Sierra Leone.
As the SLPP continues to cultivate a new generation of leaders, Bob Sebastonn Peterson stands out as a dedicated and promising figure, ready to contribute to the progress and success of both the party and the nation.
An acquisition agreement was recently entered into by Access Bank Plc (Access) and Standard Chartered Bank for the purchase of Standard Chartered’s shareholding in its subsidiaries located in Angola, Cameroon, The Gambia and Sierra Leone.
According to the agreement, Access Bank will acquire Standard Chartered’s Consumer, Private & Business Banking business in Tanzania with a clause that the completion of each transaction is subject to approval from local regulators and the banking regulator in Nigeria.
The announcement was made at Standard Chartered’s headquarters in London, where senior representatives from both banks were present. Sunil Kaushal, Regional CEO of Africa & Middle East at Standard Chartered, and Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, signed the agreement in a deal that aligns with Standard Chartered’s global strategy to achieve operational efficiencies, reduce complexity and drive scale.
Access Bank will ensure continuity and provide a comprehensive range of banking services to employees and clients of Standard Chartered in the aforementioned countries. Also, the two banks will work closely together in the coming months to facilitate a seamless transition with the entire process expected to be completed within the next year.
Sunil Kaushal, in expressing his thoughts on the agreement stated that it allows Standard Chartered to reallocate resources within the Africa and Middle East region to areas with substantial growth potential, enabling better support for their clients. He also emphasized the importance of working closely with Access Bank’s team to safeguard the interests of clients and prioritize employees throughout the transaction.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, acknowledging the selection of Access Bank as Standard Chartered’s preferred partner. He praised Standard Chartered Bank’s longstanding presence and solid reputation in the markets being divested.
He further described the strategic transaction as a significant step for Access Bank in building a robust global franchise, focused on facilitating payments, investment, and trade within Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world.
It must be noted that Access Bank’s vision to become the World’s Most Respected African Bank is supported by their commitment to reshaping the global perception of Africa and African businesses. They plan to establish a world-class payments gateway, utilizing technology and a dynamic ecosystem of local and international partnerships to efficiently serve global payments and remittances. Ogbonna emphasized their dedication to positively impacting host communities.
Standard Chartered had previously decided to divest from several markets, including Lebanon, Angola, Cameroon, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, and Jordan, and to exit the Consumer Private and Business Banking (CPBB) business in Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania. The bank had already announced the sale of its business in Zimbabwe and Jordan. With the recent agreement, Standard Chartered has substantially completed its divestment process from the markets announced in April 2022, except for Côte d’Ivoire, where discussions with potential buyers for the CPBB business are still ongoing.
Sierra Leone’s commitment to sustainable development took center stage as the country’s outgoing Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai on Monday 17th July, 2023 actively participated in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on the 2030 Agenda held in New York. Driven by a vision of comprehensive progress, the Minister emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted President Julius Maada Bio’s dedication to achieving these global targets.
An Integrated Approach to SDG Implementation:
In his impactful participation at the HLPF, Sierra Leone’s outgoing Planning Minister underscored the significance of an integrated approach to SDG implementation. Recognizing that sustainable development challenges are interconnected, he emphasized the need for holistic strategies that address the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development. This integrated approach ensures that progress in one area does not come at the expense of another, fostering balanced and inclusive development.
“Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment lies in adopting an integrated approach towards SDG implementation, yet it is SDG 4, focusing on inclusive education, and SDG 16, centered on peace and justice, that have emerged as the driving forces. These two goals hold utmost priority in transforming Sierra Leone’s economy and society, serving as catalysts for propelling the rest of the SDGs towards impactful outcomes”, says Dr. Kai-Kai.
Aligning National Development Plans with the SDGs:
Sierra Leone’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda was demonstrated through its efforts to align national development plans with the SDGs. The outgoing Planning Minister highlighted the country’s progress in incorporating the SDGs into its national development frameworks, ensuring that these global goals are integrated into Sierra Leone’s long-term vision for sustainable development. This alignment facilitates coherent policy-making, resource allocation, and monitoring of progress, enhancing the effectiveness of development initiatives.
He referred specifically to the Sierra Leone Government’s continuation to implementing the Free Quality School Education Programme in pursuit of Goal 4 with sustained investment, which according to him resulted in an increase in school enrolment by more than 600,000 pupils in 2019, following the launch of the programme in 2018.
Prioritizing Key SDG Targets:
In his statement, he placed particular emphasis on key SDG targets that hold significant importance for Sierra Leone’s development trajectory. By highlighting these priorities, he drew attention to critical areas such as poverty eradication, quality education, sustainable infrastructure, gender equality, and climate action. This targeted focus enables Sierra Leone to allocate resources strategically, mobilize partnerships, and track progress effectively in these specific areas.
Partnerships for Sustainable Development:
He also recognized the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development. He engaged with international organizations, fellow ministers, and stakeholders, promoting collaboration and exchange of best practices. By forging alliances and fostering dialogue, Sierra Leone aims to leverage expertise, resources, and innovative approaches to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. These partnerships strengthen Sierra Leone’s development efforts and enhance its capacity to overcome challenges.
Sierra Leone’s Commitment to Leaving No One Behind:
In line with the spirit of the SDGs, the outgoing Minister reiterated the country’s commitment to leaving no one behind. He highlighted President Julius Maada Bio’s dedication to addressing inequalities and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all segments of society, including vulnerable and marginalized populations. By prioritizing inclusivity and social justice, Sierra Leone aims to build a more equitable and sustainable future for all its citizens.
Conclusion:
Sierra Leone’s participation in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on the 2030 Agenda exemplified the country’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development. Through the active engagement of its outgoing Planning Minister, Sierra Leone emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to SDG implementation, aligning national development plans, prioritizing key targets, fostering partnerships, and leaving no one behind. These efforts position Sierra Leone as a proactive player in the global quest for a sustainable future.
As Sierra Leone’s Planning Minister transitions from his role, his final participation as the Minister of Planning and Economic Development in the HLPF serves as a milestone in the country’s sustainable development journey. Sierra Leone’s dedication to an integrated approach to implementing the SDGs will continue to drive progress, enabling the nation to overcome challenges and create a prosperous and equitable society for all its citizens.
In an effort to enhance public awareness and engagement in the realm of digital public infrastructure (DPI) and digital public goods (DPGs), the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), based in Accra, Ghana, in partnership with Co-Develop, on the 18th July, 2023 announced the launch of a regional journalism fellowship program for journalists in West Africa.
It must be noted that with an increasing focus on digitization to drive economic transformation and improve public service delivery, Governments across Africa have been investing significantly in DPI. However, despite the growing adoption of DPI and DPGs, public awareness and engagement have remained low.
The newly introduced journalism fellowship program aims to address that gap by equipping West African journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills to produce high-quality and impactful reports on DPI/DPGs. By doing so, the program seeks to increase public access to information on DPI/DPGs and promote public awareness and engagement in policy formulation and implementation across West Africa.
Selected journalists for the fellowship will participate in a comprehensive three-month program, spanning from September to November 2023. The fellowship will comprise training workshops, mentorship, and story production, empowering journalists to create informed narratives on DPI/DPGs. Following the fellowship, participating journalists will continue their engagement through network activities and ongoing story production on DPI/DPG issues.
The fellowship program will incorporate a combination of virtual and in-person components. During the first six weeks and the last four weeks, fellows will engage virtually with mentors and trainers. Additionally, in the 7th and 8th weeks, participants will convene in Accra, Ghana, for further in-person experience-sharing sessions and peer-to-peer interaction.
Each fellow is expected to produce a minimum of two significant stories on DPI/DPGs by the conclusion of the fellowship. These stories will be published in their respective media organizations. Moreover, upon completion of the program, fellows will receive a certificate of participation.
Applications are open to journalists from the following countries: Benin, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Togo. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years of journalism experience and be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English, French, or Portuguese. Candidates must commit to the three-month fellowship and an additional three months of post-fellowship DPI/DPGs activities, including story production. Successful applicants will also be required to travel and spend two weeks in Ghana.
The fellowship program offers several benefits to participants, including training and mentorship opportunities, a monthly stipend of $500 to fellows and $700 to their respective media organizations to support story production, publication, and programming. Fellows will also be eligible to apply for DPI/DPGs Reporting Grants. Accommodation, feeding, and health insurance coverage will be provided for the in-person convening in Ghana.
The selection process for the fellowship is a merit-based open competition. Applications will be reviewed after the deadline, and shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview. Final selections will be made based on the overall assessment. Female journalists are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants should complete the fellowship application form, which includes a statement of interest explaining their motivation to participate (maximum of 350 words), a CV with two referees, a statement of support from their media organization, and a copy of any national identification. The deadline for applications is August 7, 2023.
Please note that only shortlisted applicants will receive email notifications.
For further information or clarification, kindly reach out to the MFWA at admin@mfwa.org or contact Abigail Larbi at abigail[@]mfwa.org and Vivian Affoah at vivian[@]mfwa.org.
About MFWA:
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is a regional independent, non-profit organization that promotes media freedom, freedom of expression, and independent journalism in West Africa.
About Co-Develop:
Co-Develop is a leading international organization dedicated to supporting digital innovation and development in emerging economies.
The 2023 National Primary School Examination (NPSE) results were released by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) on Saturday 15th July 2023. Currently, result packages are being prepared for forwarding to all schools that entered candidates.
Following a thorough analysis of the results, the MBSSE is delighted to announce several noteworthy findings.
The NPSE witnessed a rise in entries compared to the previous year, with 1,792 more students taking part in the 2023 examination, signifying a 1% increase. This year, the total number of candidates who participated in the NPSE was 163,860, while in 2022, the figure stood at 162,068. Furthermore, the examination results encompassed a broader spectrum of primary schools, totaling 4,790, compared to 4,635 in the previous year. The candidates’ composition consisted of 80,129 boys (48.9%) and 83,731 girls (51.1%), as opposed to 79,617 boys (49.1%) and 82,451 girls (50.9%) in 2022.
Out of the total number of candidates, 163,685 students (comprising 83,640 girls and 80,045 boys) took at least one subject in the 2023 NPSE. However, 175 candidates (91 girls and 84 boys) were absent for all subjects.
The highest aggregate T-score achieved in the 2023 NPSE was an outstanding 339. An impressive 133,129 candidates (including 67,848 girls and 65,281 boys) successfully passed the NPSE this year, compared to 131,433 candidates in 2022 (comprising 65,152 boys and 66,281 girls). These passing candidates obtained aggregate scores equal to or above the cut-off score of 230 stipulated by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. Consequently, the overall pass rate for the 2023 NPSE reached 81.3%, with boys achieving a pass rate of 81.6% and girls achieving 81.1%. The pass rates are slightly higher than those of 2022, which recorded an overall pass rate of 81.2% and a girls’ pass rate of 80.5%. It is worth noting that although the girls’ pass rate in 2023 was slightly lower than that of the boys, more girls both participated in and passed the examination compared to boys.
Among the top performers in the 2023 NPSE, it is noteworthy that 8 out of 11 students, accounting for 73% of the total, were girls. These exceptional individuals, listed below along with their respective schools, exhibited remarkable academic prowess:
1.Davies Floydalin-Female-Murray-Deen Preparatory School
2.Davies Floyd, Male, Murray-Deen Preparatory School
3.Saffa Siam Deborah, Female, Murray-Deen Preparatory School
4.Tairu Haja Z., Female, Apex Int/nal Pri. Sch., Bolling St., Kingtom
5.Crowther Malia E.S., Nenneh’s Pri.Sch., Campbell St.
6.Benjamin Bamijoko Gloria F, S.O.S.Herman Gmeiner, Lumley
7.Kamara Abubakarr, Male, Murray-Deen Preparatory School
8.Carew Abibatu A. J., Female, Yamakai Action Prep., Fatta Rahman Street
9.Nasralla Nefertiti C., Female, Apex Int/Nal Pri. Sch. Bolling St., Kingtom
10.Lambert Sophie I.R., Female, The International School Ltd., (Primary)
11.Sawaneh Alusine Morlai, Male, Troy Tilkaran Pri.Sch., Kamsondo
The exceptional achievements by female students highlight their dedication and commitment to academic excellence.
The release of the 2023 NPSE results marks a significant milestone in the educational landscape, showcasing an increase in entries and the remarkable accomplishments of female candidates. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education applauds the students’ achievements and reaffirms its commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment for all students in the nation.
In a remarkable display of enthusiasm for sport and exercise, a staggering 47,000 individuals from 77 different nationalities have registered for this year’s Walk of the World, the largest multiple day marching event in the world. The event, now in its 105th edition, is set to take place from Tuesday, July 18th to Friday, July 21st, 2023 in Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Participants of all ages and backgrounds will embark on a four-day journey through Nijmegen, covering distances of 30km, 40km, or 50km daily, depending on their age or gender. Upon completion, each participant will receive a coveted royally approved medal as a testament to their accomplishment.
Of the 47,000 registered participants, an overwhelming majority consists of 40,778 civilians, while 6,222 military personnel have also signed up to take part. Among the civilian participants, 2,183 individuals hail from the Netherlands, with an impressive 3,550 individuals representing countries from around the globe. The remaining 489 participants come from smaller contingents.
Notably, the Walk of the World prides itself on inclusivity, allowing individuals from all walks of life to join in the event. Among this year’s participants are 22 wheelchair users who are ready to conquer the challenging route. Additionally, there are 259 participants born in 2011, including 150 males and 109 females, representing a gender distribution of 58% and 42% respectively.
Karifa Thoronka, the only accredited journalist from Sierra Leone covering the event, has urged individuals to register and take part in this extraordinary experience. Thoronka, who also serves as the Executive Director of the Residential Elderly Care Foundation, emphasized the event’s positive impact on health and the opportunity to make new friends from around the world. Notably, he highlighted the absence of age restrictions, underscoring the event’s accessibility to individuals of all age groups.
The Walk of the World, a testament to the power of camaraderie, exercise, and international participation, is set to captivate the city of Nijmegen and inspire participants as they embark on this incredible four-day journey.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in a public notice dated 17th July, 2023, has called on all newly appointed/elected and former Public Officers to comply with the requirement of declaring their income, assets, and liabilities.
The directive, according to the public notice, is in accordance with Section 119 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended by Section 9 (a) of the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2019.
Under that provision, the ACC said individuals assuming public office are mandated to submit a declaration of their income, assets, and liabilities to the Commission within three months of their appointment.
Additionally, they are required to file further declarations every two years during their tenure, with the deadline set for the 31st of March of the second year. Former public officers are also obliged to submit a declaration upon leaving office, within three months from the cessation of their duties, unless an extension is granted by the Commissioner in writing.
The ACC maintained that Non-compliance with those regulations constitutes an offense under Section 122 (a) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended by the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2019 stressing how any public officer who fails to declare his or her assets may face a minimum fine of Twenty Million (Old) Leones (Le20, 000,000) or imprisonment for a minimum of one year, or both.
Based on the public notice, the ACC is strongly urging all current and former public officers who have not yet submitted their Assets Declaration Forms to the Commission to do so immediately adding that failure to comply within the specified deadlines will result in the invocation of penal provisions outlined in the Act or other measures to ensure full compliance and these measures may include the withholding of salaries, benefits, and/or criminal prosecution.
