Gento is Determined to Change the Face of Freetown

October 24, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It has been established that the vast majority of the residents of the Freetown Municipality are highly hopeful that a positive transformation is about to transpire within the Freetown Metropolis after the election of Mohamed Gento Kamara as Mayor of the Freetown City Council.

Based on an in-depth investigation conducted, it came out glaringly that most Freetonians see in this young man’s zest, good initiatives and his intense love for humanity to completely change the face of the city to one that will not only be truly united, attractive, captivating but also cosmopolitan to the core.

According to a school of thought, an attractive city needs to be always clean of garbage which therefore means that cleaning must be undertaken regularly. Cleaning obviously requires both the financial and material resources for it to be effective and impactful. They maintained that the greater chunk of revenue that the Freetown City Council expends goes towards waste management in terms of paying cleaners or waste collectors, the fueling and hiring of trucks to transport the waste.

Some have purported that owning a reputable road construction company, Mohamed Gento Kamara, indeed possess some of the requisite material resources needed to aid in the cleaning of the city. With front loaders, caterpillars and other equipment at his disposal or which he could hire at appreciable negotiated rates, Mohamed Gento Kamara, as Mayor of the City would really be at a vantage position to always keep the city clean.

As the Chief Executive Officer of a road construction company, Gento has built a cordial relationship with other utility entities such as Guma Valley Water Company, EDSA, SLRA etc. With those connections, cleaning exercises could be done cautiously and effectively without causing damages that may affect the delivery of other services.

However, it must be pointed out that since governance is a two-way Street the maximum cooperation of city residents will be required in the sense that they must desist from throwing garbage in the wrong places which forms a contributory factor to flooding taking place in the rainy season with destructive consequences. It could only be expected that with solid sensitization backed by legal sanctions the negative attitudes of some will definitely give way for sanity to prevail.

Youthfulness is in favour of Mohamed Gento Kamara. Being a young man will not only be the unique quality that will make Gento a good FCC Mayor but his good interpersonal relationship which he has skillfully developed over the years, especially with the grassroots is what Gento’s true asset is.

His provision of job opportunities, through his construction company, Gento Group of Companies, his compassion for the less privileged through his philanthropic gestures, his support to sports, good causes undertaken by young people are the things that propel people to him or make him very endearing to the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans.

This was very evident on the 15^th October, 2022 when he engaged residents of the Kroo Bay Community. Speaker after speaker spoke loftily of the good things Gento has done for that community and elsewhere even before declaring his intention to vie for the Mayoral Seat.

It is this trust that the vast majority have reposed in him with the unshakable faith that he will translate his promise of constructing a retaining wall, which residents of the Kroo Bay Community have been yearning for a long time, into a reality.

The demonstration of genuine love for the man of the moment, Gento, by the majority has negated the notion that some are hypocritically pledging their support, doing so for financial gains likening the situation to that of when former Vice President, Solomon Berewa was vying for the Presidency.

Some say unlike Solo B, who was by then an old man, Gento is young, hale and hearty with an exploring mind and above all he is loved by many.

Gento’s stance of upholding nationalism, patriotism as opposed to infusing tribalism with politics, leaving destructive consequences in its wake, resonates with the majority of residents of the Municipality.

Dating back to 1967, tribal politics took a foothold in the country with the two dominant political parties, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) Party drawing their support from the two main ethnic groups, Mende and Temne respectively.

Since that time , elections have been fought along tribal lines with dire consequences. However, the greatest disadvantages are development is derailed, disunity is sowed and hate is allowed to flourish.

If, as a city, Freetown is to grow then that trajectory must change and the man that has emerged to create that revolution is Mohamed Gento Kamara.

As an individual, himself, Gento, epitomizes a united city (Freetown). Gento hails from a family in which his father is Temne, mother Limba and wife a Mende, all three major tribes in the country.

He is sending the strong message that though belonging to different tribes, however, we are all Sierra Leoneans and that no one tribe, be it Creole, Temne, Mende or Limba do not have a monopoly over governance issues and destined to govern others.

He is rather saying that in governance, equal opportunities are paramount if only excellence and development are to transpire.

It could only be concluded that the hope of many Freetonians of Freetown being delivered by Gento is built on the solid foundation that he has all what it takes to transform Freetown into becoming one of the most attractive cosmopolitan cities in the West African Sub-region after he would have been elected as Mayor of the Freetown City Council.

Female Premier League Secretary- General Updates the Press on Status of the League

October 24, 2022

By Isata Fofanah

Jenessi Matturi, Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Female Premier League Board, on the 20^th October 2022, intimated the Press, during the Ministry of Information and Communications weekly Press Conference, that the first female premier league in the country commenced on the 15^th October 2022 with twelve teams in different region across the country participating in the competition.

According to the Secretary-General prior to the commencement, they, officials of the Sierra Leone Female Premier League, paid several regional visits so far to concerned regions in order to sensitize the players, club representatives as well as parents of the players about the importance of female football.

She further revealed that President Bio has assured that Government will support the League adding that various corporate entities have also been very supportive.

The Secretary-General further disclosed that prior to the commencement of the League, they organized training sessions for match officials, coordinators, referees and also explained the outcome of first match that took place in Makeni as well as the scores.

She then gave a run down or fixture of the remaining matches that should be played alongside the various locations across the country.

Madam Jenessi, in highlighting some of their expectations to take the league to another level, stated that women football has not been active in the country for a considerable period of time also maintaining that they are expecting to attract more female kids to play football expressing hope that such will inspire more girls to participate in the league.

She maintained that young girls must not only be in the position of playing football but should also concentrate on their studies, stressing that football goes hand in hand with education

Major Enlightenments from Xi Jinping’s Report to the 20th CPC National Congress

October 22, 2022

President Xi Jinping delivers a report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on behalf of the 19th CPC Central Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China

By Amin Kef Sesay (Ranger)

A major political event is taking place this week in the People’s Republic of China when the 20^th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) started on 16 October in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Xi Jinping, on behalf of the 19^th CPC Central Committee, delivered to the Congress a Report titled: “Hold High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Strive in Unity to Build a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects”, which was adopted unanimously by the deputies.

The Report itself was divided into 15 parts all detailing concrete achievements made during the past five to ten years as well as recommendations proffered into the future.

Xi pointed out that in the past five years since the 19th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee has pursued a strategy of national rejuvenation amid global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century and made major strategic plans for advancing the cause of the Party and the country.

He informed how the central committee has brought together the entire Party, the military, and the Chinese people and led them in effectively responding to grave, intricate international developments and a series of immense risks and challenges.

It is important to note that the General Secretary made mention of major achievements which include the dedication of the CPC to achieving lasting greatness for the Chinese nation and committed itself to the noble cause of peace and development for humanity.

He also highlighted the issue of self reform within the CPC but emphasized that the structure and ideology of the party still remains intact. In other words, the General Secretary was underscoring the importance of sustainability of the party side by side various reforms instituted.

One key thing he mentioned in the report is that corruption is a cancer to the vitality and ability of the Party, and fighting corruption is the most thorough kind of self-reform there is. He maintained that as long as the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption still exist, they must keep sounding the bugle and never rest, not even for a minute, in their fight against corruption.

This is very much important for the development of any nation because it has been confirmed that for development to thrive then corruption must be fought ruthlessly and with might. Under his leadership and watch, the world has witnessed the efficacy with which Xi Jinping fought corruption to an extent that today China stands as a nation is having zero tolerance for corruption.

The Chinese Leader also strongly pointed out that political consistency is very much significant in order to keep development going. He continued by admonishing that they must keep to their path and not sway in their commitment. The leader also enjoined that they must develop their country with their own strength and maintain a firm grasp on the future of China’s development and progress.

What this portrays is that it is important to drive development independently instead of relying on external support for assistance. This is true because a nation cannot be truly independent if they are only dependent on others for survival.

Another important thing he stated was that they must foster a firmer sense of purpose, fortitude, and self-belief in the whole Party and in themselves so that they cannot be swayed by fallacies, deterred by intimidation, or cowed by pressure.

He was saying that to be resolute is strength, key and must not allow others to dictate what should be done. China’s issues must be dealt with by the Chinese people in light of the Chinese context.

The Chinese leader mentioned the importance of unity while recommending that they should continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort, but was firm in saying that they will never promise to renounce the use of force, and reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.

This is a political reality that cannot be compromised in any shape or form because it is factual that wherever there is disquiet progress could not materialize. A divided nation cannot stand on its feet. Peaceful co-existence and peaceful reunification are requirements for development to flourish.

Still another enlightenment for the world is the Chinese way of practising democracy: the whole-process people’s democracy, which is unique but transparent and accountable and most important of all, fits China’s own situation and brings long-term peace, stability and prosperity for the Chinese people.

It could be concluded that the 20^th National Congress of CPC not only marks yet another milestone for the development of the CPC and the Chinese people but also brings very much enlightenment for the rest of the world.

Mahesh Nandwani Becomes New Honorary Consul of South Korea to Sierra Leone

October 21, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Mahesh Nandwani, a prominent and influential businessman who has been doing business in the country for a considerable period of time has been appointed as the new Honorary Consul of the Republic of South Korea to Sierra Leone. He was in the company of the South Korean Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Kim Young Chae and his delegation when they paid a courtesy visit on Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr on the 18^th October,2022.

During the visit , the two parties discussed a range of issues including the New City Hall building which was funded by the Government of South Korea and the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Sierra Leone.

Both Mayor Aki-Sawyerr and the Ambassador agreed to work together to ensure a successful 60th-anniversary celebration.

Her Worship the Mayor took Ambassador Kim and his delegation on a tour of the Freetown City Hall as they discussed the locations for various celebration events.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr was joined at the meeting by Councillor Zainab Conteh, Chair Foreign Relations Committee; Festus Kallay, Chief Administrator, Violett Kargbo, Foreign and Protocol Officer, FCC and Manja Kargbo, Team Lead, Mayor’s Delivery Unit.

President Bio Honours & Celebrates Teachers Nationwide

October 21, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Julius Maada Bio has, at International Conference Centre on Tuesday 18 October 2022 celebrated the dedication of teachers at the second Presidential National Best Teacher Awards ceremony and encouraged recipients to be more committed to teaching children in schools.

The awards, which were presented to Joseph Kamara for Primary School level and Madam Isatu Aminata Peacock for Secondary School level, were a pronouncement made by President Bio at the State Opening of Parliament in 2018, as a way to recognize and appreciate the most innovative, ingenious and dedicated teachers at district, regional and national levels.

“I want to start by congratulating all pupils who have successfully passed their transition exams this year – the National Primary School Examination, the Basic Education Certificate Examination, and the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations. We have record number of learners who now have an option to transition into secondary school, tertiary, and higher education right through Sierra Leone. With good quality education, some are also directly transitioning into work and entrepreneurship. We are proud of you.

“But I especially want to thank all the teachers who have put in so much work for us to see this important development in our country. The education transformation that is happening in our country would not be possible without you – diligent, trained and qualified teachers. This is why we are here today. To honour and celebrate our teachers in the Second Presidential National Best Teacher Awards,” he said.

President Bio also noted that it wasn’t until 2018 when his Government took office that the transformation of teachers, teaching and the teaching profession took a great leap for the better, adding that they had so in order to address questions around access, inclusion, quality, retention, completion, and transition to technical, vocational, and higher education.

“As promised to the people of this country, we quickly expanded the Teaching Service Commission nationwide and developed a ‘Professional Standards for Teachers and School Leaders’. The Teaching Service Commission – TSC itself was established in 2011 but it wasn’t until 2016 that the Commission was inaugurated. However, it only became fully functional in 2018 – thanks to my Government’s increased investment in teachers.

“My Cabinet has endorsed more than half a dozen policies related to Teacher Recruitment, Teacher Retention, Teacher Transfer, Grievance Redress, and Professional Development. These are not just words, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen. These policies are in full implementation and I personally closely monitor them. And beyond those policies, we believe that a moment like this, where we pause to celebrate deserving teachers for their roles in classrooms, the community and the country can only be good for the profession and our country,” he concluded.

In her statement, World Bank Representative, Madam Lydia Mesfin Asseres, said teachers were important support systems to students as they served beyond being a source of model and guidance to being the most important capital in the life of the student.

She also stated that notwithstanding the Covid-19 pandemic, which obstructed many things around the world, teachers had been working tirelessly to ensure that learning went on, and Sierra Leone teachers were no exception.

Madam Asseres commended the leadership of President Bio for transforming education and making human capital development a priority and pledged the support of the Bank, Irish Aid, European Union and the FDO support to the Sierra Leone best teacher awards.

Chairperson Teaching Service Commission, Conrad Omalikeh Sackey, disclosed that they had secured funds to construct training centers for teachers.

Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, told the gathering that as a government they would continue to promote radical inclusion and had now extended that to how they trained and recruited teachers.

He disclosed that over the last four years Government had spent over 1 billion dollars on the training of teachers around the country.

He furthered that winners from the maiden edition of the presidential best teacher awards had been very supportive of the education system and that they continued to use their prize monies to transform education in their communities through developing learning and teaching guides, which were not only being used by their schools but by children around the country.

“I believe Sierra Leone is on a path of a truly inclusive society. I do believe that 100% of our children will transition through basic education,” he ended.

Labourer Sentenced to 20 Years Imprisonment for Sexual Penetration

October 21, 2022

By Isata Fofanah

Court of Appeal Judge presiding over cases at the Sexual Offences Model Court in Freetown, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda has sentenced 30-year-old Labourer, Moseray Kamara to 20 years imprisonment after being found guilty of sexually penetrating a 7-year-old child.

The accused was before the Court to answer to one count indictment of Sexual Penetration contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act 2012, Act No. 12 of 2012, as repealed and replaced by Section 4 (a) (ii) of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2019, Act No. 8 of 2019.

The accused, upon his arraignment denied the allegation. State Prosecutor, Yusuf I. Sesay, made an application for trial by Judge alone to expedite the case. His application was granted by Hon. Justice Kamanda.

During the course of the trial, the Prosecution relied on the evidence of five witnesses including the child victim.

In her testimony, the 7-year-old said she knew the accused and recalled that on the 7th of September 2021, the accused sexually penetrated her and threatened to kill her if she reported anything of that nature.

Since she couldn’t withstand the traumatic situation she later told her mother about what had happened, the matter was reported to the police and she was later taken to the hospital for medical examination.

At the close of the Prosecution’s case, the accused denied the allegation and did not call any witness other than mere denial.

In his judgment, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda said, ” I hold that in this case, the Prosecution have proved their case beyond reasonable doubt, the accused was identified but all he did was to merely deny the allegation which is not sufficient to prove his innocence.”

He stressed that the accused was guilty as charged and sentenced him to twenty (20) years imprisonment.

Also, in another related matter, Justice Kamanda discharged a 50-year-old Security Guard, Bockarie Kanneh of the offence of Sexual Penetration for want of Prosecution.

Kanneh was alleged to have on the 4th day of February 2022 harboured a 16-year-old girl for three days, during which time he sexually penetrated her.

Nyamakoro Marah Excels in Top Model Contest in Turkey

October 21, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

Sierra Leonean model and second runner-up of the “Face of Koinadugu & Falaba” beauty contest, Nyamakoro Marah has represented Sierra Leone at this year’s “Top Model of the Universe” pageant in Istanbul, Turkey.

Top Model of the Universe, is an international model competition for top models worldwide, with the purpose of projecting internationally and also integrating beauty, races, and cultures in a great way. Marrah participated in the maiden edition of the “Face of Koinadugu & Falaba” beauty contest in 2021.

The pageant show is aimed at motivating and mentoring young girls and boys, promoting feminine beauty and intelligence, and build self-confidence and leadership skills. It also empowers them to contribute meaningfully to society, promoting the culture, traditions, history, and beauty of Sierra Leone. Marah, 20, is a Law Student at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, a content creator, an actress, and an advocate for vulnerable women and girls.

“Winning this pageant has helped me a lot, I have had the opportunity to travel internationally, financial support and so many things. It has changed my life, and my mentality in diverse ways,” said Marah. Representing Sierra Leone in Istanbul has been a lot for Marah and the founder of the Face of Koinadugu & Falaba beauty contest, Mabinty Mansaray. “My goal was not just to organize the contest and said goodbye to them, my aim is to empower them career-wise. And also promote tourism in Sierra Leone, because having a Sierra Leonean on such platforms will sell out the country to the world,” said Mansaray. However, Marah is hoping for international connections as she participated in this global show.

Golley Agriculture Development is Poised to Revolutionize Agriculture

October 21, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

A new company known as the Golley Agriculture Development has undertaken the initial phase of its plan to develop agricultural production across the country, by paying lease fees for plots of land for the construction of training centres, a key component of its agric-education initiative.

The vision of the company comes in the wake of recent report by the World Food Programme (WFP) in which it said that Sierra Leone’s food insecurity has further deteriorated with over one million people (15%) facing severe hunger.

That statement was made in commemoration of World Food Day on Sunday, 16th October 2022. The international body said it urgently needs additional funding of US$2.6 million to provide emergency cash transfers to 46,000 people in Tonkolili, Port Loko and Pujehun districts where levels of food insecurity are highest.

Cross-section of community peoples

With the spate of global warming in the world, perennial farming is impossible. Thus there is a need for the advent of modern technologies to provide for sustainable farming in the country.

In order to address this, Golley Agriculture Development Company SL Limited has launched the construction of modern irrigation training sites in all four (4) provincial regions of the country. The centers are going to be based in Bumbuna Town (northern region), Port Loko City (northwest region), Bo City (southern region) and Kenema City (eastern region).

PC Alimamy Bockarie Yallan Koroma signing the lease

Therefore, during the weekend of 15th and 16th October 2022, the company embarked on the payment of leases for identified locations in the various communities. A total sum of 10,000 USD (New Leones 170,000) was paid to the landowners.

On behalf of the host chiefdoms, PC Alimamy Bockarie Yallan Koroma of Dansogoia Chiefdom in Bumbuna Town expressed delight over the selection of his community. He said over the years, Bumbuna has been known for its huge mining potential and mostly aggrieved persons who are not employed at the mines become disgruntled. He said the establishment of the demonstration center will change the narrative of his people since they will now see that there is more to livelihood in Agriculture than in Mining.

Speaking on behalf of the company, the Project Director, Abdul Malik Bangura said that the main idea of its CEO Ambassador Omrie Golley is to create a platform for sustainable farming practice in the rural communities of Sierra Leone. The project, he said, aims to identify 100 Acres lands from all 14 provincial districts of the country where people will engage in commercial and communal farming.

However, the Project Director said that for a start, the Agric-Education phase of the company will ensure that locals are trained by foreign experts on a pro-Bono basis. The training will entail modules on modern irrigation and a dripping system where locals would learn perennial farming.

On the side of the Government, Presidential Spokesman and Resident Minister of Northwest Region, Honourable Dr Alhaji Alpha Kanu said the project fits into the agenda of the Government by providing education on agriculture. He said he is delighted to embrace the project in his region and assured of his ultimate support for the sustainability of the project.

AfriMoney & GTBank Launch Bank to Wallet & Wallet to Bank Promotion

October 21, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

In a bid to enhance financial inclusion in the country, AfriMoney, an appendage of Africell Sierra Leone in collaboration with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Sierra Leone on the 19th October, 2022 launched the “Bank To Wallet and Wallet To Bank” Service (Push & Pull Service) during a Press Conference held at the GTBank Headquarters in Freetown.

GTBank’s Managing Director, Ade Adebiyi, stated how the Bank is excited to collaborate with AfriMoney to launch the Bank To Wallet and Wallet To Bank” service which he described as a historic achievement.

He said with the Service, it means achieving another milestone in their digital aspirations.

He stated that with the emergence of new technologies, GTBank has always been at the forefront in the Banking industry in the country, delivering reliable payment solutions and convenient channels that will not only bring convenience to their customers but also bridge the gap between the banked and the unbanked, thereby promoting financial inclusion.

The partnership, according to M. Adebiyi, marks a milestone to a national financial inclusion strategy of the Government and the regulator, adding that GTBank is happy to associate with the strategy.

He cited a story featuring one Saidu in Binkolo who has been facing challenges in financial service transaction before the coming of Africell in that part of the country but that with the new technology Saidu now enjoying comfort in doing his transactions.

He said with the 16 branches GTBank has across the country coupled with its active technology department and E-Business department, the bank believes it will continue to do its research even before people think of a product, GTB is already there.

He ended saying; “We look forward to collaborate with partners like AfriMoney to ensure that the financial inclusion objective of the country would be achieved.”

Director of AfriMoney, Martison Obeng-Agyei, expressed how elated they are to announce the launch the Bank to Wallet, Wallet to Bank service partnership in collaboration with the GTBank.

He said the service will allow AfriMoney subscribers with Bank Accounts at GTBank to transfer money from their Bank Accounts to their Mobile Money Wallets and from their Mobile Money Wallets to their Bank Accounts at the comfort of their zones.

Dilating on how the service works, Martison said AfriMoney subscribers holding GTBank Accounts will have to visit the nearest Branches to link their AfriMoney Money Accounts to their GTBank Accounts.

He said after a successful linkage subscribers must dial *161# then Select GTBank and then Choose: Bank to Wallet Transfer, Wallet to Bank or Balance Enquiry. Enter the Amount of money in LE they want to transfer, enter pin numbers to confirm the transfer of LE xxxx Leones wait for confirmation message (SMS). And the same replicate for Wallet to Bank.

Sierra Leone’s Economy is Heading in the Wrong Direction

October 21, 2022

By Isata Fofanah

The economic status of the country is gradually depreciating as its citizens cannot boast of having meal two times a day, and some even go to bed without any. Despite the contributions from mining and agriculture, partial recovery in tourism and manufacturing products to help boost the economy, however, economic growth still face significant downsides, risks and uncertainties due to the war in Ukraine, global inflationary pressures and the continued threat of COVID outbreaks.

The country is badly experiencing revenue shortfalls as most of the countries that are responsible for exporting their goods are as well faced with the same predicament. Sierra Leone is not only economically deteriorated, but also faced with the high risk of debt distress since its external debt is relatively high. The external share of debt has increased from 71.5% in 2020 to 74.3% which reflects more recourse to multilateral debt as the country faces high borrowing costs domestically.

From 1980 to 2021, the average inflation rate was 31.2% per year which has increased to 2,027,085.00. Several items that cost 100 Leones in the 1980s now cost 2,000 Leones in the beginning of 2022.

A large majority of Sierra Leoneans (80%) believe that the country is heading in the wrong direction as 40% of the people in this country are living in abject poverty due to the current economic situation.