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ACC Vindicates MMTU of Alleged Corrupt Practices

A report was presented by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Wednesday 12th July 2023 of the systems and processes review for the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) at the Great Hall of the Goderich campus.

Director of the ACC Prevention Department, Rashid Turay, in his overview of the report, revealed that the ACC conducted several reviews of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with recommendations to improve service delivery.  He recalled that early this year they held a meeting with the administration of MMTU further affirming that they did a comprehensive review of the institution.

He intimated how they received reports of corruption from individuals but clarified that no acts of corruption were discovered at MMTC but rather risks that could lead to corrupt practices also proffering   recommendations as he revealed that the ceremony is to develop the implementation matrix as well as assign responsible persons to implement the recommendations adding that the ACC would visit the MMTU after three months to check the process/progress of implementation.

Rashid Turay warned against non-compliance saying it is punishable by law further reiterating that the administration must take the recommendations and implementation very seriously as he also assured that the ACC would continue its engagements with MMTU.

In his Power Point presentation, Samuel Marah Esq, ACC Deputy Director of the Prevention Department clarified that the ACC is not at MMTU to investigate corruption, recalling that they received reports of alleged corruption from some lecturers and members of the public that prompted their action. He said they conducted a holistic review of the systems and processes at MMTU including finance, procurement, estate management etc. etc. and commended the administration for its cooperation.

According to Samuel Marah Esq, the administration did not take stock when transitioning from a polytechnic to a university, that proper boards and committees are yet to be setup as required by the University Act, that there is no organogram, strategic plan to expedite development and operations, no academic plan, annual plan, annual reports and audited financial statements among others all of which he underscored undermines performance and accountability.

On the allegations of illegal dismissals, nepotism and tribalism, deduction of Le3 million from the salary of staff for ICT training at Blue Crest College, sexual harassment, refund for use of students’ hostels, misappropriation of funds from the Skills Development Project funded by the World Bank, non-payment of end of service benefits, the ACC report vindicated the administration but recommended that the policy on sexual harassment be reviewed, that proper records of matters investigated by the administration be kept as well as records of minutes of important meetings and ensure that all outstanding payments are made to retired and dismissed staff.

Other issues highlighted in the report included the qualifications for Deans and Heads of Departments, donations to the institution for which the ACC recommended that a donation register be provided, lease and use of college lands, procurement and use of vehicles and office furniture and that there is no policy on sources of revenue citing the non-payment of revenue to the institution by GSM companies as well as a policy to maximize it.

The Deputy Director of the Prevention Department furthered that the Brookfields campus of the university must put modalities in place to generate income, reiterating that lapses are not corruption also disclosing that progress has been made to put structures in place to minimize corruption further reiterating that MDAs must within three months implement the recommendations on receipt of the report or complaint of challenges/non-compliance to the ACC within seven days of receipt of the report.

Chancellor of MMTU, Dr. Victor Kabia, who received the report on behalf of the institution, stated how he wholeheartedly accepts it and promised that they would do their best to study and take action , further affirming that they are interested in accountability and transparency with the expectation that peace and stability would now prevail at MMTU to move the institution forward.

The MMTU Public Relations Officer, Elizabeth Sesay, who rendered the vote of thanks, underscored that the report would now allay the fear of the public about the numerous and erroneous allegations that have been made  against the administration.

The Chief Technical Education Officer in the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Josephus Brima chaired the well-attended event while the ACC Head of Monitoring Unit, Ibrahim Kamara-Kay, catalogued the findings and recommendations of the report.

Dorothy Springer Trust Supports 170 Children and Young Stars with Disabilities

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of implementing the second quarter of the 2023 Child Empowerment Program in the country,  a program pioneered by the One Family People organization, with support from Liliane Fonds, the Dorothy Springer Trust , a partner organizations of One Family People, has on Saturday 8th July, 2023 supported 170 Children and Young Stars with Disabilities (CYWDs) with transportation fare, toiletries, vocational training equipment etc as well as capacitating parents of Children and Young Stars with Disabilities.

It could be recalled that One Family People Organization, with support from Liliane Fonds, allocated funds to be divided amongst their six partner organizations in the country of which Dorothy Springer Trust is part of.

The support from One Family People to these organizations is geared towards supporting children living with disabilities in the areas of health, education, livelihood and social inclusion using the inclusive development strategy in the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of Dorothy Springer Trust, Abdulai Dumbuya, expressed appreciation to One Family People organization and the Liliane Fonds for providing the funds to the organization.

He said that the support is part of their second quarter serving, adding that from January to June 2023 the organization has embarked on several activities which include the condition of needs assessment.

Abdulai Dumbuya said that the needs assessment is very important to the work of the organization as it gives them the opportunity to know the specific needs of the children.

He said that as part of the activity plan the organization is paying for medical for anti-epilepsy medication drugs for 44 children and that the organization also purchase assistive devices (crouches, eye glasses, wheelchairs) etc.

According to him, the organization is providing physiotherapy Diagnoses support for 60 children and is also supporting medical surgery of CYWDs

In the area of education, he stated that they are providing transportation, home care, toiletries, bags, shoes, ties and badges for pre-school, primary and secondary school kids, adding that they are also providing university scholarship for 8 students comprising learning materials, lunch, medical, transportation and internet supports.

He maintained that the organization is also supporting children to access vocational training by paying fees and buying learning materials as well as providing computer training, transportation etc.

The CEO said that the organization also embarks on advocacy and awareness raising in order for children living with disabilities to be accepted and given opportunities in society. He pointed out that the organization as well trains parents on literacy and local financial fund raising in order to support their children after exiting the Child Empowerment Program.

The Senior Social Services Officer at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Alhaji Morlu Kanneh, commended the Dorothy Springer Trust for complementing the work of the Ministry of Social Welfare through their activities, adding that the Ministry cannot do it all but with the support of organizations like Dorothy Springer Trust they are complementing the efforts of the Ministry.

He urged parents and guardians to ensure that the support received from the organization are given to the children with disabilities who are the main beneficiaries.

The Executive Secretary at National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Saa Lamin Kortequee expressed appreciation to the Dorothy Springer Trust for their continuous support towards the development of persons living with the disabilities in the country.

He said that as a Commission they are aware of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities of which he encouraged them to continue to believe in themselves.

Saa Lamin Kortequee maintained that with the support by Dorothy Springer Trust to these children with disabilities it will help towards addressing the challenges faced by these children and their families.

He called on all to see persons with disabilities as very important people in society and they should not be discriminated against in society.

The M & E Officer at One Family People, Sorie Ibrahim Koroma, said in March this year One family People, with support from Liliane Fonds allocated funds to its 6 partner organizations which includes Dorothy Springer Trust to enable them to support the development of children and youngsters with disabilities in the areas of health, education, livelihood and social inclusion using the inclusive development strategy to make their environment accessible.

He pointed out that as an organization they are of the strongest conviction that the support they are providing for the children through their partners have broken barriers and opened doors for them to access basic health and educational facilities, improve livelihoods and enhance social inclusion using the inclusive development strategy, furthering that as a way of achieving the sustainable development goals 2030, One  Family People is committed towards creating the enabling environment for an inclusive society where no one is left behind.

Sorie Ibrahim Koroma applauded the Dorothy Springer Trust for a job well done towards the implementation of the program. He further encouraged parents to make good use of the opportunity in supporting their children living with disabilities as part of what the fund is meant for.

Other speakers included the Community Liaison Officer of Freetown Cheshire Home, Gibrill Bangura and representative from the Parent Supporting Group etc .

Closing the ceremony was the official handing over ceremony of the cash transportation and other items to the children accompanied by their parents or guardians.

Fanny S. Palmer to Launch Book Titled: “Defeat Fibroid and Be Free”

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Fanny S. Palmer, popularly known as Fanny Fine, a patriotic Sierra Leonean who is currently based in Ghana is poised to launch her book titled: “Defeat Fibroid and Be Free” on Saturday 29th July, 2023 in Accra, Ghana. It is said that the work is an informative and life-transforming book that brings healing and hope to every woman suffering from fibroid across the world.

According to the author, Fanny Fine, the book is a patient’s guide that provides answers to all of the unseen and unspoken questions related to fibroid, the signs, symptoms and alternative treatments and management of the ailment.

She revealed that the book contains a true-life story of her struggles and living experiences with fibroid for several years and called on all to recommend her book to every woman suffering from fibroid who are not  used to the suffering associated with the condition and should not forget to seek help from people who care about women’s health and well-being.

About the Author

Fanny S. Palmer (Fanny Fine), who happens to be the author of the book, is a mother to many people. She is a fibroid fighter and survivor who almost died from a fibroid surgery some years ago. Her life is a living testimony of God’s power. She is a Minister of the Word, beautiful, disciplined and a dynamic public figure and speaker. She is also a great legend and a positive-influencer with a delightful personality.

Aunty Fanny holds a Master of Arts Degree from Fourah Bay College (FBC) and a Bachelor in Education Degree (Division 1) from the University of Sierra Leone.

She has worked as a Senior Government Officer in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children’s Affairs in Sierra Leone and was a radio and TV Broadcaster. She translated and sang the Sierra Leone National Anthem and Pledge in Krio, the first in the history of Sierra Leone.

She is also a Proprietress of schools in Sierra Leone and Ghana and has also served as a part-time lecturer and an Examiner for the WAEC in Sierra Leone.

Aunty Fanny has won several awards for her immense contributions towards nation-building and she is a You Tuber with a channel name, Fanny Fine TV.

President Bio Appoints Partial Cabinet

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Few weeks after securing his re-election as President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, has appointed certain Sierra Leoneans, some forming part of his partial Cabinet, in the new administration or Government that will be in charge of State Governance during his second term as President of the nation.

Announcement of the President’s appointment was made public on Monday, 10th July, 2023, featuring new ministerial appointments in the announcement of the partial cabinet reflecting a commitment to gender diversity with 41 percent of the appointees being women.

One of President Bio’s key appointments is that which relates to Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, former Minister of Basic Education, who was appointed to the position of Chief Minister.  Also, former Minister of Mines, Timothy Musa Kabba, has been assigned as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The following are the newly appointed Ministers are:
Dr. David Sengeh appointed as Chief Minister, Mohamed Lamin Tarawally as Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Sheku Ahmed Fatmandi Bangura as Minister of Finance, Timothy Musa Kabba: Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,
Dr. Ramatulaye Wurie (Haja) as Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Conrad Sackey as Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Ibrahim Alpha Sesay as Minister of Trade & Industry, Julius Mattai as Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources,
Manty Tarawalie as Minister of State, Office of the Vice President.

The President’s appointment  also includes individuals for  Deputy Ministerial positions, with notable appointments being :Jeneba Bangura as Deputy Minister 1, Ministry of Finance, Bockarie Kalokoh as Deputy Minister 2, Ministry of Finance, Francess Peagie Alghali as Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara: Deputy Minister, Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Emily K. Kogra: Deputy Minister 1, Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Mamadu Massaquoi: Deputy Minister 2, Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Fatamata Wurie: Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and Umaru Napoleon Koroma as Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources.

In addition to the ministerial appointments,  other appointees  were sent to key positions , including: Mathew Dingie: Financial Secretary, Yankuba Askia Bio as General-Manager of Sierra Leone Ports Authority, Judith Kosseh as Deputy Director-General, Sierra Leone Ports Authority, Brima Swarray as Commissioner-General, National Revenue Authority, Ann-Marie Harding as Deputy Commissioner-General 1, National Revenue Authority, Gerald Ganda: Deputy Commissioner-General 2, National Revenue Authority, Amara Brewah: Director-General, National Communications Authority, Mariama Koroma as  Deputy Commissioner-General, National Communications Authority.

It is important to note that the aforementioned appointments are subject to parliamentary approval. Notably, the proposed cabinet includes new positions and potential reassignments of certain individuals.

Help Save Mohamed Fofanah Regain his Health by Donating Today

Mohamed Fofanah, a ten year old boy was diagnosed of suffering from a Muliloculated Cyst Lesion for several months. Muliloculated cystic is a rare benign renal tumor characterized by a typically unilateral, solitary, Muliloculated cystic mass consisting of small, non-communicating cysts with flat, cuboidal or hobnail epithelial lining).

His condition has been causing him a great deal of pain and discomfort and it’s affecting his daily life.

He had always been an active and outgoing child, but the pain and discomfort has caused him to shy away as he is always feeling weak, to even go the rest room is a burden as he will toss and turn all throughout the night as his hardened protruding stomach discomforts him greatly.

Mohamed is unable to do the things he loves such as playing football as any other children would. He had stopped going to school due to provocations and because of his protruding stomach he is been labeled with so many disgusting names by his peers and elders of his village.

Mohamed’s family has taken him to several hospitals in the province but no solutions were proffered, until they reached the Sick Pikin Project, which contacted Dr. Lebbie whom has consented to do his surgery which is estimated at Thirteen Thousand Leones (Le 13,000)

His pre medical reviews were funded by a kind gentleman named Claude Sellu. He has equally pledged to cover the projected cost of additional 4,000 for Mohamed’s medications.

His family members are reaching out to kindhearted people through the Sick Pikin Project for help in raising funds to cover the cost of his treatment. They are of the conviction that with the right medical care, Mohamed could recover from his condition and live a healthy and fulfilling life.

According to the Sick Pikin Project, together we can make a difference in the life of this young boy and help him overcome this challenging medical condition.

The Sick Pikin Project is of the view that any donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in his life and provide hope for a brighter future.

It states that to be a part of the blessing in saving Mohamed, anyone can contact the Sick Pikin project or   donate through any of their various means listed below:

To Donate in the United States of America use:

CashApp:  $sickpikin

973 432-6822

PayPal: sikpikin@gmail.com

Zelle: 9734326822

To donate in the United Kingdom:

Account name: Sick Pikin baby Project

Acc #: 90852929 Sort Code 205776

Barclays Bank

 

In Sierra Leone:

Account name: Sick Baby’s Donation Account

USD Account No

600 121 896 560 253 $

Vista Bank Ltd

 

Account name: Sick Babies Donation Account

Account number: 002001002101164778

Rokel Commercial Bank

 

Account name: Sick Baby’s Donation Account

Account Number: 4110173000

BBAN: 01200141101730033

Bank Zenith Bank

Africell money: 088230000 *Afrimoney code 68370*

Orange money: 076722736 / 076793010

 

The world over:

GoFundMe:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/sponsor-a-sick-child

To Contact the Sick Pikin Project in Sierra Leone :

Tel: +23276722736/+23276793010

Website: www.sickpikin.org

Address: 19 Savage Street, Freetown,

Sierra Leone.

 

Pavi Fort Embarks on Rapid Road Maintenance of Sani Abacha Street

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Government has continued to put premium on road construction projects, signaling a renewed commitment to infrastructure development. In Freetown, the focus at this material moment is on the maintenance or rehabilitation of Sani Abacha Street in Central Freetown by Pavi Fort Construction Company.

It must be noted that this initiative and commitment, on the part of the Government, was borne out of the sincere recognition that well-constructed road networks could sustainably drive socio-economic growth; facilitate safe transportation as well as support trading activities.

Indisputably, during the first term of President Julius Maada Bio, significant progress were made in the road sector, with vital roads and bridges constructed, rehabilitated and maintained across different regions of the country.

Pavi Fort Construction Company, in tandem with development partners, played a crucial role and still continues to play it in realizing the Government’s development goals and bringing the President’s vision for infrastructure development to fruition.

Pavi Fort Construction Company, an indigenous civil engineering firm, known for its competence and reputation, won contracts advertised and awarded by the Sierra Leone Government through the Ministry of Works and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA). Under the capable leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Alimu Barrie, the company has actively contributed to the implementation of the President’s road agenda aimed at enhancing infrastructural development.

Just 20 days after securing a decisive victory in the presidential election, President Bio’s administration wasted no time in getting back to work. The Government has prioritized road maintenance, signaling a promising start to its renewed term.

The project’s initial phase focused on the vibrant Sani Abacha Street in Freetown, aiming at improving connectivity, facilitate trade and enhance the overall quality of life for Sierra Leoneans.

President Bio’s Government recognizes the crucial role of well-maintained roads in driving economic growth and fostering social cohesion especially as major roads are in need of attention and must be revamped with the recent election reaffirming the public’s trust in the Government’s ability to address such a pressing issue.

Note worthy is that the revival of road maintenance activities epitomizes President Bio’s determination to fulfill his campaign promises and transform Sierra Leone into a modern nation.

The rehabilitation of Sani Abacha Street, a significant thoroughfare connecting various neighborhoods and serving as a major commercial hub, is a pivotal step toward achieving that vision. Construction employees are currently and diligently working to restore the road surface, repair sidewalks and upgrade street lighting systems to ensure safety and security of users.

Beyond Sani Abacha Street, President Bio’s administration has outlined an extensive roadmap for nationwide road maintenance and infrastructural improvement. The Government aims to address critical transportation corridors, upgrade rural roads, and invest in modern transportation systems to stimulate economic growth in remote regions. By revitalizing the entire road network, Sierra Leone anticipates increased trade, tourism, and accessibility, ultimately improving the lives of its citizens.

Pavi Fort Construction Company is at this moment  engaged in maintenance  work on various township roads across the country, particularly in Freetown, Lungi, Port Loko, Kenema, and Kabala. The company has successfully completed some and still engaged in the implementation of major road projects in those areas, demonstrating its result-oriented and highly productive approach.

Notably, Pavi Fort Construction Company is currently engaged in  the implementation of a road maintenance project in Freetown, focusing on the Eastern and Central parts of the city. The targeted streets or roads that fall under this  project include: Kissy By Pass – Old Road, City Road – Old Road, Main Motor Road – Old Road, Bai Bureh Road (P.M.B Junction), Bai Bureh Road (Portee Junction to Rokupa Junction), Bai Bureh Road (Texaco Junction), Bai Bureh Road (Texaco Junction to Old Road Texaco), Bai Bureh Upgun Junction, Jenner Wright Road (Upgun Junction), Cline Town Roundabout, Fourah Bay Road (Kennedy St Junction), Kennedy Street, Fourah Bay Road (Bombay Junction), Fourah Bay Road (Clock Tower Junction), Circular Road (Model School Junction), Rokel Street – Model Junction to Parliament, Sani Abacha Street, and the Regent-Jui Road.

With the Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and the active participation of reputable companies, one of which is Pavi Fort Construction Company, Sierra Leone is poised to realize its ambitions of a modern, well-connected nation, driving economic prosperity and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

In conclusion, Pavi Fort’s contributions to President Bio’s road development agenda have been instrumental in propelling Sierra Leone’s infrastructure to unprecedented heights. The company’s dedication to high-quality construction, technical expertise and adherence to international standards has yielded tangible results.

As Pavi Fort continues to execute projects across the country, the future looks promising for Sierra Leone’s transportation infrastructure and overall socio-economic development.

NP (SL) Pays Great Attention in Optimizing Customer Care in all its Operations

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd)

By Amin Kef (Ranger) 

There is no doubt that NP (SL) Ltd is well regarded for taking customer care to the highest pedestal in the country. Indeed such is indisputable when cognizance is taken of how Management is very keen of optimizing customers’ satisfaction in its service delivery on different fronts.

Members of staff of the company are very mindful of the fact that it is the customer that should always come first and therefore needs the utmost attention as well as ensuring that transactions are conducted under a congenial atmosphere that result in win-win situations. For this brilliant and managerial initiative, the company has been making positive headways, positioning itself to be more endearing. With a capable and result-oriented workforce, working collaboratively and assiduously, where even the cleaner is regarded as highly relevant, there is bound to be positive outcomes and the company has mastered this by ensuring that synergy is enhanced.

One admirable quality that NP-SL Ltd possesses is working tirelessly and effectively, using its contacts with vital stakeholders in the petroleum industry in order to ensure that there is timely purchase and delivery of petroleum products to avoid shortages.

It goes without saying that fuel, for example, could be a political commodity in the sense that its availability is key because fluctuations in its price have the tendency to make a Government likeable or unpopular. When the price goes up then people blame it on the inefficiency of the Government and when it goes down they praise the Government for effectiveness.

The company’s timely importation of petroleum products has earned it high commendations from various quarters simply because it helps to cushion unrest and other forms of social dislocations, one of which is increase in transport fares, increase in the prices of certain commodities.

Some who are unaware of the fact that NP-SL Ltd is wholly owned by Sierra Leoneans vis-à-vis Based on the visibility of the company and the fact that it wholly owned by Sierra Leoneans it could be  hard  for some to believe that it is truly an indigenous company.

However, it remains that it was 35 Sierra Leonean workers, formerly working for British Petroleum (BP) who pulled together their end of service benefits to purchase shares which were used to establish NP, which today is a success story of an indigenous company, having branches in various parts of the country and in other four West African countries namely Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The company’s operations right across the spectrum is contributing towards revenue generation and job creation for many.

With gas as one its marketable products it was thought wise to be producing gas cookers, popularly known as NP Gas, which could be access at their different filling stations. According to investigation conducted NP Gas is cooking-friendly, safe and long lasting. It is going at an affordable price and many are going for it.

When reference is made to Local Content then NP-SL Ltd stands tall within that realm as nearly all its members of staff are Sierra Leoneans thereby making use of local talents everywhere they are operating. The Local Content Policy is indeed an engine of growth and NP is making full use of it. Without any iota of doubt NP-SL Ltd is growing by leaps and bounds.

ACC & TI-SL Commemorate African Anti-Corruption Day

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone and Transparency International Sierra Leone Chapter, on the 11th July, 2023, commemorated African Anti-Corruption Day on the theme, ‘‘Fighting Corruption NOW for the Africa We want’’.

On this day in 2003, the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) was adopted in Maputo, Mozambique which came into effect in 2006 and has since then been ratified by 48 Member States of the African Union including Sierra Leone. This year marked the seventh edition of the African Anti-Corruption Day and the twentieth (20th) anniversary of the AUCPCC.

The purpose of the Day was to give prominence to the fight against corruption by commemorating the adoption of the AUCPCC as the tool for fighting corruption in Africa.

It must be noted that the Government of Sierra Leone, together with the Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone (ACC-SL) and Civil Society Organizations, including, Transparency International Sierra Leone Chapter, has always expressed its unflinching desire to wage a robust fight against corruption.

The President, His Excellency Brig. (Rtd.) Dr Julius Maada Bio recently reiterated his Government’s commitment to curb corruption as it poses “an existential threat’ to the developmental aspirations of the country.

The ACC, on the other hand, has been leveraging on the tremendous Presidential and Political WILL demonstrated by the Government of President Brig. (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio in the last five years to wage the war on corruption like never seen before.  This has resulted in unprecedented gains in the areas of Public Education and Awareness on corruption issues, Prevention through Systems and Processes Reviews of public offices, Investigations and Prosecutions which have produced over 90 percent conviction rate. Through partnerships facilitated by the ACC, civil society organizations also continue to raise awareness on the dangers of corruption and the need for citizens to take ownership of the fight against the scourge.

The robust anti-corruption approach undertaken by the ACC has seen Sierra Leone make tremendous gains in the fight against corruption as the country currently records 79 percent in the “Control of Corruption’’ indicator in the Millennium Challenge Corporation Scorecard and 110 out of 180 countries surveyed in the 2022 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (TI-CPI). The ACC has also in the last five years, recovered public funds over Forty-Five (45) Billion (Old) Leones, a two-storey hotel building and two Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles from corrupt individuals as part of the Commission’s Non-conviction based Asset Recovery approach.

The ACC and TI-SL maintain that as they reflect on the dire consequences of corruption on the Nation, the Continent and the World at large it is a threat to the progress and development of citizens and the country at all times, for which reason they should tackle it.

ACC and TI-SL called on ALL Sierra Leoneans to act conscientiously against corruption by speaking up, reporting any suspected acts of corruption to the ACC and embracing transparency, accountability and integrity in public and private life.

Dorothy Springer Trust Concludes One-Day 2023 Staff Retreat

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to examine the organization’s strategic plan and for staff to have the opportunity to add their voices as a way of strengthening the organization in order to move forward in strength and in unity, the Dorothy Springer Trust has on Friday 8th July, 2023 concluded a One-Day Staff Retreat. The One-Day Staff Retreat, which brought together staff from different capacities of the organization was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at St. Michael, Laka in the West End of Freetown.

In his welcome address, the Programs Manager of Dorothy Springer Trust, Sheku Kabba said that the retreat is geared towards discussing the way forward towards the development of the organization in and out of the country.

He said participants will shed light on the strategic plan of the organization, adding that with the contributions by staff present such will help to build the organization.

Chief Executive Officer for Dorothy Springer Trust, Abdulai Dumbuya stated that last year, during his visit to the United Kingdom where he met with the Board of Trustees of the organization in a general meeting, stating that one of the key discussions held was the need to grow the organization.

He said that the gathering will give the opportunity to staff present to look at and make inputs in the Dorothy Springer Trust Strategic Plan 2023-2026 and also to add their voice as a way of strengthening the organization.

During his presentation on the on Strategic Plan he said the vision of the Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026 is to enable disabled people in Sierra Leone to support themselves and their families through skilled employment, allowing them to participate more fully as equal members of society, adding that the mission is to advance the prospects of disabled people in Sierra Leone through education and vocational training, with a focus on Information, Communication and Technology (ICT)

Abdulai Dumbuya said that the plan seeks to advance education of disabled people in Sierra Leone, in particular, but not exclusively, through vocational and educational training education and ICT training scholarships and to develop the capacity and skills of disabled members of the socially and economically disadvantaged community of Sierra Leone in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs, and to participate more fully in society through advocacy and lobbying etc. noting that the core values of the plan include Integrity, Teamwork, Professionalism, Accountability and Transparency.

On the Implementation Plan he said the Strategic Pillars include Organizational restructuring, Programme delivery, Intensive fundraising, Recognized institution, Expanded operations.

Abdulai Dumbuya revealed that the Strategic Plan provides a focus to grow DST in the next three years and thus provide a platform to build staff capacity to take over the reins of the organization and further ensure proper delivery of services to PwDs, for example, Child Empowerment Programme.

The Retreat Facilitator, Samuel P.O.V Macauley urged staff present to develop team work which he said will help towards the development of the organization.

He stated that teamwork plays a vital role in the success of any organization and that if they work together collaboratively and effectively, they can achieve remarkable results and drive the growth of the organization.

Samuel P.O.V Macauley said that he is pleased that the organization has put together its strategic plan of which he said to foster teamwork, it is crucial to set clear goals and expectations for the organization.

He encouraged members of staff to have an understanding of the plan which he noted will create a sense of unity and encourage collaborative efforts.

The Retreat Facilitator, Samuel P.O.V Macauley, further made a presentation on standard operating procedures which was followed by individual staff presentation.

The retreat was climaxed by a group work session on the realization of the Strategic Vision by  members of staff of which representatives from the group work presented their comments and contributions towards the realization of the Strategic Plan.

Sick Pikin Aids Treatment for Esther Mamie Margai in India

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a snap Press Conference convened at the Caritas Office on Savage Street in Freetown on Tuesday 11th July, 2023, the Lead Coordinator of Sick Pikin Project, Ishmael Alfred Charles updated pressmen about the imminent departure of Esther Mamie Margai, who is suffering from mass in her left maxillary region. He informed that they will be departing the shores of Freetown on Wednesday 12th July, 2023 for New Delhi in India for surgery.

In her opening remarks, the Project Coordinator of the Sick Pikin Project, Alice M. Bah, said as always, the humanitarian entity usually convene such meetings to inform the general public about the latest strides that the organization has undertaken or wants to undertake and try to identify as well as express gratitude to those who are investing their resources to support the project as well as those who are also giving their moral support to the project.

She intimated that the purpose why the Press Conference was convened  relates to informing the general public that  Esther Mamie Margai will be taken to India  for medical treatment and they will be departing for New Delhi in India.

The Lead Coordinator of Sick Pikin Project, Ishmael Alfred Charles pointed out that the one year seven months old Esther Mamie Margai who is suffering from a mass in her left maxillary region, which was noticed after an upper left canine tooth extraction, will be undergoing surgery in India.

He said that the mass has progressively increased in size and now extends to the opposite side of her face, with the tongue gradually projecting outside. According to the reports, the lesion is anechoic, and it measures 34.5×20.3mm, and there was no history of pain or difficulty in breathing, but the child feeds mostly on a fluid diet.

Ishmael Alfred Charles said that according to her parents, in February 2022, Esther Mamie Margai while she was playing fell off from the hands of her elder sister’s friend and broke a tooth.

He furthered that her parents then took her to the Aberdeen Women Center which is commonly called Mercy Ship for medical examination and possible treatment. From Mercy Ship, she was taken to Connaught Hospital where the tooth was extracted and that ever since, a “left maxillary region abscess” has developed and continued to date.

The Lead Coordinator disclosed that Esther’s medical report, based on the (CT) Scan findings, and in the absence of maxillofacial surgical services in the country, strongly recommends a timely referral for appropriate maxillofacial consult and treatment abroad of which after the support of various individuals and institutions they are proud to announce that Esther Mamie Margai will be leaving the shores of Freetown for medical treatment in New Delhi, India.

He said that they have been able to raise $21,000 out of the $24,000 which they have been trying to raise for Esther Mamie Margai’s treatment.  He concluded by expressing appreciation to various institutions and individuals who supported to raise the needed funds for Esther Mamie Margai which includes Vista Bank Limited Sierra Leone, Save The Future Generation UK, Hajja Rashida from the Netherlands, Vicki Middleton, Charles 40th Birthday Celebration Donors, Umaru Fofana, Dr. Kadija Grace Ahene, Dr. Isatu Kakay Diallo.

The Head of Business Development at Vista Bank, Marie Dura commended the efforts of  the Sick Pikin Project towards supporting sick children in the country, noting that Vista Bank has been partnering with Sick Pikin Project to save the lives of severely sick children in the country whose parents or guardians are challenged financially and cannot afford to pay for their medical bills.

On behalf of the bank, she reiterated the bank’s commitment towards supporting the Sick Pikin Project.

The Father of Esther Mamie Margai extended his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Sick Pikin Project and all those who supported to raise the funds to be utilized for proper medical treatment in India.

He said that since February 2022 Esther Mamie Margai, while she was playing, fell off and broke a tooth, adding that such an unfortunate incident was kept hidden from them as parents as they were not around at the moment, and only came to learn about the broken tooth after a week of showing signs that things were not okay. She eventually stopped eating and could not sleep due to the pain.

The father stated that they are very happy that the Sick Pikin Project came to their rescue in order to enable their child to be treated in India saying they are with the strong conviction that she will undergo her surgery in India successfully.

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