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RCBank MD Schools Business Management & ITC Students of Limkokwing University on Fintech

Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank Ltd, Dr. Ekundayo Gilpin, who , on the 31st May, 2023 was the  Guest Lecturer at the Limkokwing University – Faculty of Business Management and Globalization (FBMG) and Faculty of Information and Communications  Technology (FITCT)  at the University  Campus on Hill Station delivered a powerful Lecture on the, “Rise of Financial Technology (Fintech) and How it Can be Sustained in the Banking Industry.

The result-oriented Managing Director expressed appreciation to the Management of the University for the establishment of a modern learning structure. He revealed that he is a Fourahbite ( A past student of Fourah Bay College ) adding that during his days as a student Limkokwing University was not around but of late he saw a beautiful building, colorful and modern  going further to recognize  the efforts of both the academic staff and students for their resilience and readiness.

In his lecture, he looked at Fintech from a global perspective and then continued to cascade it to Africa and Sierra Leone respectively with relevant statistics. He simplified the Topic as “using Technology to make service delivery easier”.

Dr Gilpin maintained that with Technology one does not requires face to face interaction to be able to get things done underscoring that Financial Technology also means “using Technology to accelerate finance”. He also pointed out that in freehold economics, the multiplying effects, velocity and all the spaces are effectively enhancing the use and thrive of Fintech. He described the impact of Velocity as having a loaded amount of money within an economy and conducting transactions that will also  impact Interest rates, Money supply, and Inflation stressing that Financial Technology supports the sector.

“The growing Fintech industry will create jobs, opportunities across the continents and also across Sierra Leone,” adding that we have a potential to do that saying it can be sustained if  we can target the masses  for transactions, understand the regulatory terrain, the  provision of  cash,  people, the enabling environment stressing how the Government has been working to meet those demands.

He informed that the Private sector and the Public sector must have  good internet penetration  and better roads asserting how the use of Application Program Interface (API) plays vital roles for communication and efficient networking at different ends with the primary aim of providing services to other pieces of software interface, referencing the current National Payment Switch  that was recently launched by the Central Bank of Sierra Leone.

The Managing Director said the use of the payment switch will create instant access to cash for financial instruments (Cheques, debit cards, VISA, Mastercard…) of different institutions and banks”

Before the end of the lecture, Dr. Gilpin opened the floor for questions and comments. Several questions were asked followed by general comments and concerns that were well addressed.

He acknowledged that Fintech in Sierra Leone is growing but not as fast as in other countries saying Sierra Leone has a high rate of unbanked population that can utilize these goods and services. Dr.Gilpin affirmed that Fintech can be sustained by the public and the service providers with huge potential to make profits

In some of the recommendations he proffered the Managing Director said though Sierra Leone is facing challenges, the country can do more through enhancing  infrastructure, regulatory limits with the understanding that the country needs effective internet connectivity for  sound market penetration.

 

Former APC No 2 Strongman in the Internal Affairs Ministry Crosses Over to SLPP

Major (Rtd) Ishmael Sengu Koroma, a former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, during the tenure of All People’s Congress (APC) led Government headed by Ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma, on the 1st June,2023 formally, in Blama Town within the Kenema District, declared for and joined the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio.

His public declaration becomes the latest in the wake of the former Vice President, Victor Bockarie Foh, former Information Minister and Presidential Spokesman, Alhaji Alpha Kanu, former Minister of Social Welfare, Alhaji Moijueh Kai Kai, former Deputy Social Welfare Minister, Mustapha Bai Atilla and many former APC Members of Parliament in Kambia, Tonkolili, Koinadugu and the former APC District Council Chairman in Bombali, Eric Dura Sesay.

During a well-attended ceremony at the Ahmadiyya Secondary School Field in Blama Town, Small Bo Chiefdom, Major Sengu said, “I want the entire world to see this that I, Major Ishmael Sengu Koroma, am declaring for His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Presidential candidate of the SLPP.

“Your Excellency, let the entire world hear me out. One Country, One People. I have returned to my elder brother, Brigadier Julius Maada Bio. I want the world to note that after the 2018 general elections when we met, I was the first person to reach out to you. After knee-to-knee observation of your development activities across the country, I have seen landmark improvements.

“I have seen tangible projects that you are doing that have attracted people across the country, including those in the United States, where I am residing. I have seen Hands Off Our Girls by the First Lady, one of the major debates in the USA, by many. I want to compliment our First Lady for that.

“A long time ago, when I returned to Sierra Leone, I saw the airport. This is no joke; you have removed shame from the eyes of all Sierra Leoneans. Because when a visitor enters any country, the first impression will be the airport. That is a remarkable feat. You have saved all Sierra Leoneans and our country. Thank you very much.

“So, from today onwards, I am declaring my support to the SLPP and the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. For this country and all its citizens, what we want is development. If President Bio is positioning tangible development across the country, we must support him.

“I am saluting the President, who himself was a military man, and his response to my salute means the game is over. It signifies that it is over. The President has returned to power for five more years”.

When Isata Julliet Kallon, a former APC Councillor in Koya chiefdom’s Baoma town, made a similar proclamation and joined the ruling SLPP, President Julius Maada Bio accepted it. She assured President Bio that she would champion his re-election campaign in that part of the country.

 

Kings Empire to Launch House of Stars Reality TV Show in July 

By Alpha Good Kamara

The maiden edition of the House of Stars Reality TV Show has been disclosed by Kings Empire Sierra Leone Limited with the biggest Star Prizes ever.

This disclosure was made during a Press Briefing held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in Freetown in which it was revealed that the 2023 Edition will be launched in July, while the show is set to take place in October this year.

Valentine King, the Chief Executive Officer of Kings Empire expressed the view that most Sierra Leonean celebrities can’t afford a house, a car or a decent life from proceeds of their entertainment careers adding that it is that challenge that Kings Empire, through the House of Stars Reality TV Show looks forward to solve.

According to the CEO, the Star Prize for the winner will include a furnished three bedroom house, a car and NLe 50,000 cash.

Val King informed the audience that the house, which is under construction, is now nearing completion and it is expected to be unveiled during the launch in July.

The House Of Stars Show, it was learnt, will accommodate over 20 participants from various fields of entertainment,  including musicians, movie stars, DJs, Comedians, Models, Fashion Designers, Social Media Influencers, Bloggers, Dancers, Athletes, etc.

Among the key criteria to qualify for the show, applicants must have a total Social Media following of 20,000; his/her popularity must transcend his or her sector; and must be creative, talented and entertaining.

Application forms will be available to the public by the end of July at a cost of NLe 1,000.

Kings Empire has been promoting the entertainment sector of Sierra Leone for the past five years, hosting topnotch entertainment events over the years.

Val King also informed the audience that Kings Empire is investing about $500,000 into the first edition of the show.

Project Manager of the House of Stars Reality TV show, Madam Lydia, emphasized the importance of the show, noting that “the show will also promote the brands of all participants in the House.”

Health Ministry & Partners Commemorate World No Tobacco Day

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other partners, has commemorated World No Tobacco Day  by organizing a Symposium on the 31st May, 2023 on the theme : “Grow Food Not Tobacco” at the Sierra Light House at Aberdeen in Freetown.

It was stated that yearly, members of the public are informed about the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco health hazards  and what people around the world can do to claim their right to healthy living and to protect future generations.

The Chief Medical Officer, Sattie Kanneh, commended the President for signing the Tobacco Nicotine Bill which made it become an Act adding how the Act condemns tobacco advertisement, promotion and sponsorship amongst others.

He gave tribute to the millions of people who have died from tobacco, assuring every one of their commitment in raising the awareness about the dangers of tobacco.

The CMO pointed out that we are losing 3,000 people in the country every year because of tobacco intake further asserting  that they will continue to work with organizations that are focused on the fight of eradicating  tobacco consumption  or to minimize the amount that is imported into the country.

The keynote speaker disclosed that they will render help to those who want to quit smoking adding how they will raise awareness on the dangers and health risks of tobacco.

He disclosed that the Government will increase taxes on tobacco and make it less available for consumption furthering how there is need to be passionate in the fight against tobacco importation and marketing.

The CMO concluded that globally farmers should be encouraged to grow food instead of tobacco stating how growing crops will help reduce food crisis in the world.

Representative of WHO, Silassi Amah D’almedia, revealed that about 480,000 people die out of tobacco globally every year further stating how smokers are at greater risk of contracting diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels.

‘’When you have a sick population your economy will be low and to have a good life, we need life, ’’ he said.

He affirmed that, they will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to support Public Health and economic development in the country.

Dr. Sesay of the MOHS stated that the purpose of the Act is to protect  public health , protect the rights of non-users of tobacco and provide a clean and healthy environment as well as to promote and provide rehabilitation to for those who want to quit smoking.

He continued that the Act condemns the selling of cigarettes by stick, and how retailers should sell the whole pack to customers, stating how, the higher the price, the less people will go for it.

Dr. Sesay said cigarettes, shisha, and other drugs must not be used in public places. “We are looking forward to the Police, Standards Bureau and other stakeholders to enforce the law,’’ he stated

The event was climaxed other speakers delivering various statements related to theme, a skit performance and a question and answer session.

Dr. Liu Qiuhong Cleared Huge Pelvic Abscess from Sierra Leonean Patient

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Dr. Liu Qiuhong, a Chinese Doctor of the 24th batch of Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone attached at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, has successfully cleared a huge pelvic abscess from a 29 years old Sierra Leonean patient who suffered from fever and abdominal pain for 2 weeks and after taking antibiotics, she could not help situation but sought consultation at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital.

Dr. Liu Qiuhong received the patient, did a detailed physical examination combined with clinical symptoms and auxiliary data to consider the pelvic abscess, successfully removed it including about 200ml pus, did intensive post-operation care as the patient recovered and was discharged from the facility.

The Chinese doctor is reminding the majority of patients that whenever they experience abdominal pain symptoms they must seek medical attention in time so as not to increase the difficulty of treatment and increase the economic burden.

It could be recalled that on 6th March, 2023, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone received the 24th batch of Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone which consists of 21 members, and their specialties cover internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, obstetrics, otolaryngology, ophthalmology and many other specialties.

The Team is on a one-year mission to promote the health of the African people and continue the friendship between China and Africa.

Land for Life Takes Customary Land Law to Indigenes of the Land

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts towards increasing women’s knowledge on the Customary Land Law and putting the lawin the hands of customary people in the country, Land for Life, a platform of civil society organizations, organized to promote inclusive, people-centered land governance in Sierra Leone has on Wednesday 31st May, 2023 held the People’s Land Conference during which the organization symbolically handed over the Customary Land Rights Act, 2022 to the Customary People.

The Land Conference which was held at Di Wizzard Hall on Dambala Road, Bo District, brought together 100 customary people from the South and East Regions in order to increase women’s knowledge on the Customary Land Rights Act and putting the law in the hands of  customary people.

Speaking during the ceremony, the National Coordinator of Land for Life, Berns Komba Lebbie said Land for Life is an Initiative by prominent Civil Society Organizations from four African countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone) The organization is currently being funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through Welthungerhilfe (WHH) in order to facilitate a multi-actor process for a people-centered land governance in the four countries.

He said that the idea of putting the customary land law into the hands of the customary people is underpinned by the motivation of the culture of people-centered responsible governance which simply implies that Government and policy authorities are officially presenting the new laws to the people for which they were enacted.

He noted that it could be recalled that since Sierra Leone became aware of the need to reform its land laws, the land reform effort has lingered on for a significant period, commencing a little earlier than the formulation of the VGGT in 2012 and its subsequent introduction to Sierra Leone in 2014, adding that following the introduction of the VGGT, there was a need for a review of the then existing Sierra Leone’s National Land Policy, with the sixth version completed in 2015.

He said that the 2015 NLP emphasized the need for the protection of the customary land rights of rural Sierra Leone and a reorganization of the land governance sector with specific recommendation for the establishment of a National Land Commission with the technical staff to rollout a people-centered land administration in Sierra Leone and that taking these recommendations forward, Sierra Leone completed the enactment of two important laws in 2022 – the Customary land Rights Act and the National Land Commission Acts.

Underscoring the objectives of the gathering, he said ,community stories related to land rights, land governance procedures, conflicts and contemporary issues to be addressed, are shared by various participants, which will facilitate share-learning, adding that during the event participants had the opportunity to learn about key legal provisions in the land laws, ask questions and their doubts are cleared;

He maintained that the conference reference the new Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, 2022 and emphasize the stakeholder commitment to the minimum 30% quota for women, as illustrated by the presence of more women in the conference.

Making a presentation on the Customary Land Rights Act, 2022, the Deputy Executive Director of Namati-Sierra Leone, Eleanor Thompson, said that with the Customary Land Rights Act at least 60% of the adult male and female members of the family must agree before a family land is leased for investment and the long term tenancy for family land shall not exceed 50 years, to be renewed not more that 21yrs.

She said that the Chiefdom Council shall play an oversight role to ensure that there are no conflicts in families as they deal with their land issues and that no member of the family is discriminated against.

Eleanor Thompson pointed out that the maximum size of land that anyone shall initially acquire for investment shall be 15,000 hectares for Agriculture and 10,000 hectares for mining and all other investments other than mining and Agriculture shall receive an initial maximum of 5,000 hectares of land for a single investment, furthering that Government and all other authorities shall try to discourage displacement or resettlement for investment if resettlement should happen unavoidably, communities shall be informed about such possible resettlement prior to start of investment.

She informed participants that no investment shall take place on any land subject to customary law unless the investor obtains the written free, prior and informed consent of at least 60 % of the male and female adult members of the family or a fair representation of the community with rights to the land and the consent shall be obtained in a meeting held with the potential investor and families and communities shall set up a bank account in which land lease shall be paid.

The Deputy Executive Director maintained that both male and female members of the family or the community now have equal right to hold, use, inherit, succeed to or deal with land without any discrimination and any existing customary law that discriminates against anyone based on their gender, is considered void under the Customary Land Rights Act, 2022.

Giving the keynote address, the Paramount Chief for Kakua Chiefdom Bo District, Hon. PC Boima IV, commended Land for Life for taking the Customary Land Rights Act to the customary people in the country.

He said that he had played integral part in the enactment of the Customary Land Laws in the country which gives him wealth of knowledge in the law, stating that one of the problems relating to land is the issue of title to land which he said this and many other issues the current Customary Land Rights Act has addressed.

Hon. PC Boima IV encourage participants to make good use of the opportunity by increasing their knowledge on the law, adding that as per the law committees will be setup of which he called on women to make themselves relevant in those committees in the different districts.

He said that people over the years have been making use of lands without going through the right process which was been depriving the chiefdom authorities from getting revenue, but said with the new land laws land registration is going to be made possible which will also make land owners to be accountable to their properties.

Closing the conference was the symbolic handing over of the Customary Land Rights Act, 2022 to the customary people of the South and East Region present at the conference by the Paramount Chief for Kakua Chiefdom Bo District, Hon. PC Boima IV.

Government & Partners Validate Early Warning & Response Strategic Plan

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Government of Sierra Leone and partners, with the financial support of the European Union and the German Government,  on the 1st June,2023 concluded the validation of the National Early Warning Centre for the Coordination of Response Mechanism’s  five-year Strategic Plan.

Establishment of the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Centre (NEWRMC) Sierra Leone, known in some ECOWAS member States as National Centre for the Coordination of Response Mechanism (NCCRM), is an initiative of the ECOWAS Commission as part of its mechanism for conflict prevention, management and resolution.

It aims to provide a platform for information gathering and sharing on threats on human security within the sub region, in a timely fashion that will trigger early response.

The NEWRMC was set up by the Government of Sierra Leone in 2021, as part of the fulfillment of its regional obligations to the ECOWAS Commission in shaping Sierra Leone’s national early warning and response mechanisms.

To deliver on its strategic mandate, the Centre has developed a Five-Year Strategic Plan outlining its medium to long-term vision and goals, as well as roadmap for achieving those goals. The Strategic Plan enables the Centre to align its resources, operations, and processes towards achieving common objectives, which will result to an efficient and effective delivery of its core mandate to the people of Sierra Leone.

The validation workshop brought together a host of institutions and professionals who joined the Centre staff and the experts, actively participated in the validation exercise organized by the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Centre Sierra-Leone supported by EU and Germany through the GIZ-ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) project.

Financed by the European Union and the German Government, the EPSAO Project supports the ECOWAS Commission in its mandate to address regional peace and security threats through strengthening of capacities in four crucial policy areas including: Peace Support Operations, Conflict Prevention, Security Sector Reform and Governance, and Electoral Affairs.

The EPSAO Projects addresses the root causes of conflict and promotes multilateral interventions and the implementation of sub-regional and continental strategies to address challenges to human security. Across all its interventions, the project highlights the role of women and marginalized groups in peace and security processes as a backbone for fostering inclusive and sustainable peace.

Media Foundation for Wet Africa Shows Appreciation for Progressive Media Transformations

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A delegation from the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) comprising the former and current Executive Directors, Professor Kwame Kari Kari, Sulemana Braimah respectively and two other officials in the persons of Abigail Larbi and Adiza Maiga Moro wrapped up a visit paid to the country by engaging the Media on the 31st May, 2023 at the GGEMS Hall on 57 John Street in Freetown.

In attendance were Senior Media personalities from the Print and Electronic Media as well as staff of the Media Reform Coordinating Group, headed by Dr. Francis Sowa as National Coordinator, who, before the commencement of the engagement proper, introduced members of the Media Foundation for West Africa delegation followed by self introduction by members of the Press in attendance.

According to Professor Kari Kari, the Media Foundation for West Africa is a regional independent Non-Governmental Organization with a network of national partner organizations in all 16 countries in West Africa, with the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) in Sierra Leone as one of them. He continued that the Foundation aims at strengthening democratic dialogue , consolidating peace and ensuring development through a professional , independent  and pluralistic media.

He disclosed that the purpose of their visit to the country was to engage   with the Government and media stakeholders on how to consolidate the recent gains made in freedom of expression and to further improve the media environment.

The founding member of the Media Foundation for West Africa, Professor Kari Kari intimated how they met and held fruitful discussions with the Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Inspector General of Police, the Chief Justice and the Independent Media Commission (IMC).

He underscored that democracy is under siege in many countries maintaining that for progressive reforms to be ushered that have broaden the freedom of expression space in the country is no mean achievement and for such impressive accomplishments made so far they want to profoundly express gratitude to all those who immensely contributed to make that happen and as well to encourage all the relevant stakeholders to continue on that path.

Professor Kari Kari reminiscence past times spent in Sierra Leone recalling days of political authoritarianism when majority of media practitioners in the country were frightened to express themselves freely because of draconian measures taken by the then political regime to muzzle Freedom of Expression. He maintained that though the majority were afraid in those days, however, there were few courageous journalists who were brave enough to challenge the status quo and stood up for justice.

He said they are well aware of the challenges journalists are going through in the region disclosing that at one point in time the MFWA and SLAJ decided that something must be done to overcome the challenges associated with high costs of printing and news prints.

“Through an entity in Canada a Printing Press was procured and there was an understanding of forming a cooperative that will ensure availability of news prints at reasonable costs,” he revealed.

The Professor intimated his audience that as part of their activities include defending journalists against political intimidation and marginalization they thought it was indeed timely to express gratitude to the People and Government of Sierra Leone for the progress made so far to deepen Freedom of Expression and democracy especially with regards the Repeal of the 1965 Criminal Libel Law.

He underscored that the freedom that the recent reforms have granted must be judiciously used by journalists to enhance Freedom of Expression as well as professionalism. Professor Kari Kari stressed that Media Freedom today in Sierra Leone was won through the struggles of veteran journalists, some alive,others dead who gallantly fought for it and went on to admonish that it must therefore not be taken for granted but rather be jealously guarded adding that historically Sierra Leone has been a beacon of Press Freedom referencing how the first newspaper and radio stations in West Africa originated from Sierra Leone.

According to him, the Media is muzzled because of the failure on the part of journalists to act effectively and professionally within the ambit of the law. He lamented that the media has lost public sympathy because of the unnecessary arrogance put up by some journalists, the proliferation of fake news, the peddling of insults, the lack of analytic and heart-warming stories and media houses being owned and controlled by politicians thereby undermining independence and radicalism.

During the engagement, he proposed that it will be economically viable for media houses to think of forming mergers underscoring that such will work only where agreements are arrived at to harmonize Editorial policies and specifically follow agreed approaches of news dissemination, sharing of adverts etc. He made that recommendation in light of the many independent radio stations and newspapers in the country saying such is not economically sustainable or feasible.

Issues such as some Publishers/ Media Owners deliberately refusing to pay reporters according to the minimum wage leading to situations where the aggrieved reporters will decide to open their own media houses thereby eroding professionalism , how prepared are media houses to extensively cover the upcoming General Elections, the safety of journalists etc were lengthily discussed with recommendations proffered and formed the highpoint of the engagement between the Media Foundation for West Africa and the Press.

NP-SL Continues to Make Steady Progress in Enhancing Customer Care

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

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

One of the dominant companies that have been making steady progress, growing exponentially within the business landscape of this country is indisputably NP-SL Ltd.

It is widely acknowledged that the company has dominated the petroleum trade in the country based on its proactive stance with regards the importation and marketing of high grade petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which one of the best is the widely used Castrol oil.

Being an indigenous company that cherishes its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which it has effectively rolled out over the years to such an extent that it has earned the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively  to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious company that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and is an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is truly a success story!

Supreme Court Throws Out Notice of Motion File Against Dr. Samura Kamara, Others

By Foday Moriba Conteh

 The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone has on 31st May, 2023 struck out the action filed by Paul Kamara and Rev. Alimamy Coleson Turay against the Electoral Commission, Dr. Samura Kamara and the APC Party for non-compliance with the Rule 90(1) of the Supreme Court Rules, Public Notice No.1 of 1982.

The administrative decision to strike out the action was taken by the Supreme Court after a Certificate of Non- Compliance was issued on the 29th May, 2023 by the Supreme Court Registrar, Lansana Kotor-Kamara.

It could be recalled that Paul Kamara and Rev. Coleson Turay filed an Originating Notice of Motion on the 17th May, 2023 against the Chief Electoral Commissioner (1st Respondent), the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (2nd Respondent), Dr. Samura Kamara (3rd Respondent) and the All Peoples Congress (4th Respondent), but they didn’t file their Statement of Case as provided for by Rule 90(1) of the Supreme Court Rules, Public Notice No. 1 of 1982.

Rule 90(1) of the Supreme Court Rules states that, “the Plaintiff may file a statement of his case with the Notice of Motion, or shall in any case within ten days of the filing of the Notice of Motion file the statement of the Plaintiff’s case.”

The Supreme Court Order states that, “the 1st and 2nd Applicants, not having complied with Rule 90(1) of the Supreme Court Rules, Public Notice No. 1 of 1982 and a Certificate of Non- Compliance having been issued on the 29th May, 2023, the Originating Notice of Motion filed on the 17th May, 2023 by the said Applicants, Paul M. Kamara and Rev. Coleson Turay against The Chief Electoral Commissioner (1st Respondent), The Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (2nd Respondent), Dr. Samura Kamara (3rd Respondent) and the All Peoples Congress (4th Respondent) is HEREBY DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN STRUCK OUT, pursuant to Rule 90 (3) of the aforementioned Supreme Court Rules.”

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