Eight Presidential Aspirants Dissociate Themselves from any Planned Demo

May 17, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Joint Statement issued on the 16^th May, 2023, by the Presidential Candidates of eight registered Political Parties that will be contesting in the June, 24, 2023 multitier elections, with the names of the parties they represent and their names as such: the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)- Prince Coker ,the Peace & Liberation Party (PLP)-Nabieu Musa Kamara, United National People’s Party (UNPP)-Gabriel Samuka, Citizens Democratic Party (CDP)-Kaday Johnson, Republic National Independent Party-(ReNIP)-Khadija Bangura, Alliance Democratic Party (ADP)-Iye Kakay, Revolutionary United Front Party-SL- (UFP-SL) -Abdulai B Saccoh and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-Mariatu S Mansaray it was categorically stated that as nominated Presidential candidates of eight (8) registered Political Parties poised to take part in the June 24th General Elections, they are compelled to talk to the public on the following issues:

That all of them as eight Presidential Candidates representing various registered Political Parties are active members and participants of the ECSL Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) furthering that they do acknowledge that the ECSL PPLC comprises stakeholder representatives of ALL Political Parties that meets every two weeks to discuss matters about and around the June 24th 2023 elections.

The eight Presidential Candidates continued that they also noted that the ECSL -PPLC Stakeholders Engagement has as key participants, Civil Society Organizations, the Sierra Leone Police and the Political Parties Regulation Commission.

Going forward, they also underscored how they have been ardent participants in all ECSL stakeholder’s engagements since the inception of the political process that will lead to the June 24th 2023 elections.

These Presidential aspirants pointed out how they acknowledged that APPA monitored the Biometric Voters’ Registration (BVR) exercise from registration, exhibitions and distribution of ID Cards nationwide; and remained satisfied with the entire process especially those relating to individual Political Parties.

They also said they acknowledged that the PPLC has been instrumental in taking decisions on key ECSL proposals starting from registration to date adding how they also recalled that all Political Parties at the PPLC commended the ECSL for a successful BVR exercise nationwide.

According to the aspiring Presidential contenders, they recalled that at a Particular PPLC meeting on the 30th March, 2023, ECSL did a power-point presentation on the Voter Cards detailing their security features and how it is different from the previous cards stating how of particular importance was the Voter Identification Number (VIN) which remains unprecedented.

They also pointed out that the ECSL-PPLC also noted the poor-quality photos on some voter ID Cards but said no outright condemnation was resolved at to change it or not use it during elections.

The eight Presidential aspirants stated that based on the above observations, they wish to make public that they aligned themselves with other Political Parties and election stakeholders to affirm their commitment to a peaceful, smooth and successful election process.

They also maintained that while they acknowledge that some Voter ID Cards have problems with the photos on them, such problems does not require their outright condemnation that will warrant their rejection and non-participation in the June 24th Elections.

The eight Presidential nominated candidates say they want the public to know that they have dissociated themselves from the Press Release of the All People’s Congress which calls for protest and threatening not to take part in the June 24th 2023 Elections.

They concluded that as Presidential Candidates of their Political Parties, they want to assure their memberships and the Public of their participation in the June 24th Elections making it clear that they will not be part of any planned demonstration or boycott.

Peace Commission Urges Sierra Leoneans to Continue to Maintain Peace at all Times

May 17, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Yesterday, May 16, 2023, Sierra Leone joined the rest of the world to observe International Day of People Living in Peace “as a means of regularly mobilizing the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity”.

Commemoration of the day was aimed at upholding the desire to live and act together as people and endeavor to be united even in the face of differences and diversities in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.

As the country joins the rest of the world in observing the day, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion urged Sierra Leoneans to continue to maintain peace at all times and live in harmony with one another even as we are in the wake of the Multi-Tier General Elections slated for June 24th 2023.

According to the Commission while elections are part of the democratization process, if not handled properly, they can undermine the very essence of democracy and create discord or division, which in turn can destabilize a country and hinder the country’s development.

It continued that since it started functioning, the Commission has been engaging various stakeholders including Paramount Chiefs and Political Party Executives about the need to uphold the peace of the country.

The Commission further maintained that as a people, if we are to continue living in peace, a very act that has now been globally recognized and celebrated today, it behooves us all to encourage one another to jealously guard the peace before, during and after the elections.

It stated that as it is joining the International Community to observe the day it would like to wish all Sierra Leoneans a Happy “International Day of People Living in Peace”.

Noteworthy is that since the end of the 11-year civil war, Sierra Leoneans have largely been living in peace and the country according to the current Global Peace Index is rated the fifth most peaceful country in West Africa and the most peaceful in the Mano River Union.

Sierra Leone can also boast of successfully conducting four peaceful democratic elections and two peaceful regime transitions.

Dr. SS Banya Hails Tourism Minister for Changing Negative Perception

May 17, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Dr. S.S Banya, popularly referred to as Puawi, is one among the latest personalities that have sincerely and admirably commended the result-oriented Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr Memunatu Pratt, for her unprecedented strides in transforming a once defunct Ministry to one a performing one that has attracted both local and international attention especially for rebranding the country and contributing to socio-economic development.

The former political figure, who held key Cabinet positions at various times in the political landscape of the country since the days of the late erstwhile President Siaka Stevens, Dr S.S Banya, who is now an octogenarian and known for his incisive newspaper articles on major and topical issues, made a snappy comparative analysis of how the Ministry of Tourism was perceived during the tenure of presidency of President Stevens to what the Ministry is now perceived looking at the transformative strides that have changed that perception.

According to him, the Ministry of Tourism during the days of Stevens was nothing good to write home about.

He revealed how the Ministry was considered to be an inferior or insignificant entity which served as the dumping ground for the then President Stevens in situations when he had had enough with any Cabinet Minister and wanted to show him or her the red card that unfortunate Cabinet Minister will be relegated to the Ministry of Tourism. Dr SS Banya said the Ministry was regarded as “the Cinderella of the Cabinet”.

Citing a vivid example, Dr. SS Banya said: “I saw an illustration of that in the President’s action at the conclusion of the debate on Honourable Musa Kabia’s private member motion to amend the Constitution that enabled the Force Commander (now Chief of Defense Staff) Joseph Saidu Momoh to be eligible for nomination as President.

My friend Abdulai Conteh, later first Vice President to President Momoh and I openly opposed the motion and were immediately sacked from cabinet next morning. Some other colleagues who had failed to speak in support of the motion, were moved from assumed senior Cabinet posts to lower ranking ones. One of them was sent or “demoted” from the large Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security to the Ministry of Tourism.”

Dr Sama Banya averred that until President Julius Maada Bio appointed as Minister of Tourism, Dr .Memunatu Pratt, who then helped in changing that negative perception by the transformations she ushered. He said within just five years she has transformed the Ministry both in public perception as well as in the international arena.

“It is no longer the Cinderella Ministry but a vibrant, proactive organization that has put Sierra Leone in the international arena as one of 50 countries, not just in Africa but in global system,” he expressed nice compliments.

The prolific writer under the column PUAWUI Column, who is a trained medical doctor underscored that dr. Memunatu Pratt is constantly in the news for the right reasons including taking the once Cinderella like Ministry to one of prominence.

He said one such recently being the selection of Sierra Leone as a “watering spot” for the Hungary to Dakar motor rally furthering how recently she attracted some 50 African/American citizens to get Sierra Leonean citizenship.

According to him, under her leadership Bunce Island and Banana Islands are getting attractions.

His admiration for the transformative Ministry was so overwhelming that he decided , out of curiosity, to pay an unannounced visit to the Ministry where he was received by the Minister, the Permanent Secretary and not least the Director of Tourism.

“I was received by a beaming Memunatu Pratt with a broad smile and a warm embrace that at once put me at ease, ignoring my apologies which also put me at ease and the four of us engaged in an animated discussion about their plans to move Tourism forward among others,” Dr SS Banya intimated.

He concluded by saying that it was the late General Collin Powel former U S Joint Chiefs of staff and Secretary of State under President George W Bush who was said, “Someone is always watching.”

NGC’s National Executive & Ordinary Members Approve Alliance with SLPP

May 17, 2023

After the formation of a Progressive Alliance at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown by the leaderships of the SLPP and NGC in the recent past, certain steps have now been put in progress to give meaning to it as well as actualize it.

It was against that backdrop that at the Wizard Complex on Dambala Road in Bo City on the 13th May, 2023, Executive members of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) and the ordinary membership of the party endorsed the alliance their party leader, Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella (KKY) recently formalized with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party, SLPP, ahead of the 24 June elections.

At a well-attended meeting of executive and registered members of the party from Kailahun, Kenema, Kono, Bonthe, Pujehun, Bo, and Moyamba Districts and the national executive members, the leaderships of the two parties gave a final confirmation message where President Bio reiterated his reasons for supporters to follow and support the alliance.

The leader of the NGC, Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, while addressing his supporters on why he decided to enter an alliance with the SLPP, recalled how he and President Julius Maada Bio worked together in the days of the NPRC regime with a clear focus on developing Sierra Leone.

“President Bio and I did not enter politics because we are happy. It is because we care about Sierra Leone. So, when President Bio told me to return to the SLPP party to join in the transformation of our country, that open invitation was genuine, even though other sectors of the public were thinking otherwise.

“The only thing we have been talking about all this time is how we are going to consolidate our peace, increase hope and sustain national coherence in our beloved country. We are worried. We have lately seen division, where some people have started preaching hate, malice, and violence.

“We are here today not because of politics but to discuss how to develop Sierra Leone. Politics is not about fighting but about how we can develop the country. Everything we have been working towards is the unification of this country. On that note, I am pleading publicly with all NGC members nationwide who have decided to run as independent candidates in the June elections to withdraw their candidature. Our focus now is to ensure President Bio wins the elections with no runoff.”

I am not vying for president. Our alliance is one that is progressive and will transform this country. I only have one presidential candidate, which is President Julius Maada Bio, and his Vice-Presidential candidate, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. So, all NGC members nationwide, I am calling on you to put your support behind them and ensure the election is over with a massive vote for no-runoff,” Dr Yumkela urged.

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio described the ceremony as a very beautiful occasion that was geared toward demonstrating what they had done in Freetown during the formation of the strategic alliance between the SLPP and the NGC parties.

“Leadership is about shaping the people. The sacrifices Dr Yumkela is making to let go of his own leadership ambitions are a result of the long-standing relationship that existed between us as far back as 1993/94. Any decision taken in the interest of national development rather than personal interest is what a good leader is made of.

“We agreed to come together to put our human resources together not only to win the elections but in order to govern and deliver what the people of Sierra Leone want. We are coming together to look at the enormity of the task and complexity of the situation of our national issues ahead and find solutions to addressing them as a team,” President Bio informed.

The President also called on all SLPP supporters to embrace the NGC supporters, assuring that “I believe that most of them are not strange people. We know almost all the NGC supporters. Our focus now should be to put Sierra Leone first. We have realised that no single individual can develop the country more than a teamwork will.

“So, as leader of the SLPP, I want to confirm to all of you here present that this is the decision we have taken in Freetown, and it is one that is in the interest of the people. We are, therefore, calling on both SLPP and NGC supporters to support our decision. I am formally welcoming all NGC members to this alliance. I am happy to see you, and the fact that the alliance is formed means that our focus should be on how to transform the country with the alliance,” the President reiterated.

34 Military Hospital to Incorporate American International University

May 17, 2023

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has break the ground for construction work to commence on the American International University at the 34 Military Hospital during which he underscored that the turning-of-the-sod ceremony marks the beginning of construction of a world-class campus. The ceremony took place at the Myohaung Officers’ Mess at Wilberforce in Freetown.

It is projected that after work should have been completed, the University will include a teaching and training facility, state-of-the-art audio-visual classrooms, and laboratories incorporating new technologies for training, library and other student services.

“I have been informed that as an international institution, the American International University is committed to providing a rigorous educational experience that prepares students to be global citizens who can engage effectively with diverse cultures and perspectives. No doubt, the importance of a global perspective in today’s interconnected world and preparing students to be global citizens to engage in diverse cultures is of great importance.

“Therefore, I am pleased to note that so far there has been productive engagement among the American International University, the University of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education. You all have a collective responsibility to ensure we maintain the highest standard in teaching professional courses.

“I am also optimistic about the potential partnership between the 34 Military Hospital and the American International University. Over the years, the 34 Military Hospital has been a premier tertiary hospital which has served as a referral for thousands of citizens and the focal medical facility to address national health emergencies as demonstrated during the Ebola outbreak and COVID-19 pandemics,” he said.

The commanding officer of the Joint Medical Unit, Col. Dr Stephen Sevallie, said the event would eventually mark a definite transition of the 34 Military Hospital to a teaching hospital, adding that it would be a premier facility in the sub-region.

He also thanked the President for such opportunities to particularly build a medical college, noting that he was disposed to ensure that the vision was well delivered.

Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr Austin Demby, described President Bio as a leader who had inspired people to work for the country, adding that his style of leadership had brought development to the country.

“Through the good leadership of President Bio, two weeks ago the World Health Organization sent a team to the country to learn from the country’s progress made in the health sector and they also commended the great efforts made by the government,” he stated.

He ended by noting that the country had made significant progress in healthcare delivery and had been ranked better than Guinea and Liberia, its two immediate neighbours.

Minister of Higher Education, Professor Alpha Tejan Wurie, said for the past 18 months his ministry had discussions with the American International University in The Gambia, noting that through the efforts of the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, all plans for the project had been successful.

“The curriculum for this university is not an American one but one that has been approved by the Medical School of Sierra Leone,” he noted.

A representative from the American International University, Dr Dennis Shukla, said it was a privilege for them to have the American International University in Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone.

“You are the architect for this modern Sierra Leone,” he told President Bio, adding that he was a leader with an admirable passion for education. He also commended the First Lady for her zest in ensuring that the project was started and ended by assuring of quality construction of the building.

In her statement, First Lady Fatima Bio said the 34 Military Hospital was chosen for the construction of the university because of its untiring service to humanity. She thanked the country’s Chief of Defense Staff, Lieutenant General Peter K. Lavahun, and personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces for their support of the project.

UN Assistant Secretary-General Commends Passage of GEWE Act & Progressive Education Agenda

May 16, 2023

A courtesy call was paid at State House in Freetown on the 11th May ,2023 on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio by the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Her Excellency Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee with her delegation, accompanied by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Dr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi, citing the country’s groundbreaking Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, (GEWE), law and Government’s progressive Free Quality Education initiative.

The visit was part of her office’s functions in the area of election support and confidence-building dialogue with stakeholders, as well as part of the process of supporting post-war peacebuilding ahead of the country’s 24 June 2023 elections.

“Your Excellency, as part of my responsibilities, I am here in Sierra Leone to see what kind of support we can give to this country, which you have very much invested in and which we really want to support fully as the country’s peacebuilding efforts continue, particularly at this time of the upcoming elections.

“I will be engaging stakeholders to listen and also understand how we as an organization can continue to support them. I have to also convey the concern of the Secretary-General for the region broadly, and we note also for West Africa that this is a particularly critical year for elections with several election processes taking place. We are trying to accompany member states to provide support at the national level and at the regional level on how we can consolidate the peace and democratic gains across the region,” she noted.

Her Excellency Pobee noted that regard, they really welcomed the fact that Sierra Leone had taken ownership and control of electoral processes, including financing every aspect of the election processes, adding that they also wanted to commend the President for signing into law the GEWE Act, as well as for implementing very progressive agenda in the education sector, in particular the radical inclusion policy.”

“We really commend the leadership, Your Excellency has shown in the education sector and we really hope that the GEWE Act will translate into a high number of women’s representation in decision-making in parliament and in government, which is key to sustainable development. This is the example we think Sierra Leone offers for the entire world because of the leadership you have shown,” he noted.

The UN envoy also commended the effort of the government to ensure a level playing field for other actors in the political landscape, promoted inclusive dialogue to build consensus on critical issues, and urged a state of preparedness.

She welcomed Sierra Leone’s eminent entry into the Security Council, pointing out that it was an important issue that further demonstrated how the country could strategically provide leadership and represent the region in that regard. She used the opportunity to congratulate the country on the gains made in the recent renewal and upgrading of its human rights status but also expressed her frustration at the misuse of social media for the spread of false and fake news that could undermine democracy, peace and national social cohesion.

President Julius Maada Bio, while formally welcoming and assuring the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Africa and team to Sierra Leone, said he, as President, and Sierra Leone as a member state of the United Nations, were very much committed to their obligations and to a rule-based international system.

“We have provided most of what we can to support the electoral process as an independent state. We think it is necessary to start to show that we can also start to take up challenging tasks under the circumstances. We are fully committed to peace, elections, democracy, and ensuring that we have very peaceful elections.

“We have had several transitions and democratic elections since 1996 when I handed over as a military officer to a democratically elected president. My commitment to peace is beyond reproach because I have not only fought for peace in this country, but I have also done that on that peace table, played a critical role in meeting with the rebel leader for the end of the war, and returned this country to democratic governance,” President Bio revealed.

He stated that part of his present governance structure was to consolidate the peace by establishing the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion to make space for more dialogue on critical national issues. He added that his government had also opened up the political space by consolidating a liberal democracy with all the freedoms that came with it and by ensuring that people were free to speak up.

“I believe that critical issues can be resolved through dialogue with the establishment of the peace commission. This is not by a mere verbal pronouncement but by our actions, not only to open up the space but also because I believe that the rules of the game must be clear and accepted by everybody well ahead of elections. If there are any disagreements, we should resolve them so that the election results will be credible and accepted by all,” the President reassured.

QNET and Man City Train Young African Footballers

May 16, 2023

Press Release

Trevor Kuna, Chief Transformation and Reputation Officer, QNET

QNET, an international lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, has partnered with Manchester City Football Club to provide a unique opportunity to young African footballers. The “Man City Football Clinic” program recently identified 26 young and talented players from disadvantaged communities and gave them access to world-class training and coaching, led by Nigerian football legend Johannes Bonfrère, in the heart of Nigeria’s Ogun State. QNET plans to introduce similar programs in other parts of West Africa in the near future.

Trevor Kuna, Chief Transformation and Reputation Officer at QNET, said, “At QNET, we believe that sports are more than just a game – they teach important values like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. These are values that are at the core of our brand. That’s why we’re proud to have collaborated with Manchester City to bring this unique opportunity to the youth in Africa, regardless of their background. Our aim was to empower them to achieve their dreams and help them develop into confident, well-rounded individuals.”

The program selected 26 players under the age of 18, from six states in Nigeria, to participate in five training sessions, with one organized match to assess their capabilities.

According to Johannes Bonfrère, “As a coach with a deep passion for nurturing young talent, I believe that this football clinic is a major step that holds tremendous potential for the future of football in West Africa,” he said. “It provides a platform where aspiring footballers can receive extensive coaching, refine their skills, and develop a deeper understanding of the game. I am confident that this initiative will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of football stars.”

For young players like Ajayi Emmanuel, aged 16, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “It was like a dream come true for me. A Premier League football club clinic where a world-class Olympic coach personally trained me, I am grateful to God, QNET, and Man City.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to developing young talent from underserved communities, QNET has arranged similar programs in collaboration with Manchester City Football Club for talented players from Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan and several African countries. The last such program, arranged before the pandemic in 2019, offered young players from Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon a fully paid 2-week trip to attend the Manchester City Football Training and Language School at the City Football Academy in Manchester, United Kingdom. QNET has been officially designated as the direct selling partner of Manchester City Football Club since 2014. Additionally, in Africa, QNET is serving as the direct selling partner of the African Club League Championships, which are conducted by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF).

– Ends

About QNET

QNET is one of Asia leading direct-selling companies offering a wide range of health, wellness and lifestyle products that enable people to live better lives. QNET’s grass-roots business model, fuelled by e-commerce, has helped empower millions of entrepreneurs in nearly 100 countries worldwide.

Since its inception 25 years ago, the company has operated a unique business model that allows individuals, including women, to start their businesses and earn an income by selling the company’s products.

QNET is headquartered in Hong Kong and has a presence in more than 25 countries worldwide through subsidiaries, branch offices, agency partnerships, and franchisees.

QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Association in several countries, the Hong Kong Health Food Association and the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, among others.

QNET is also active in sports sponsorships around the world. Some more prominent partnerships include being the Direct Selling Partner of Manchester City Football Club and the African Club League Championships of CAF.

For more information, please visit QNET at: https://www.qnet.net/’

Sierra Leoneans Urged to Avoid Igniting Tribal Conflict Ahead of 2023 General Elections

May 15, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As Sierra Leone approaches the 2023 general elections, there is an urgent need to examine the current trends in the country’s political landscape, particularly concerning ethnic politics and hate messages. Given the nation’s history of a brutal civil conflict from 1991 to 2002, which resulted in the deaths of thousands and included heinous crimes against humanity, it is crucial to address the rise of ethnic and tribal instigation by politicians and their supporters across the country.

The central concern is that ethnic instigations and hate messages, especially those proliferating on social media from supporters of both the ruling party and the main opposition, have the potential to destabilize the state and could even lead to genocidal conflict if not properly managed.

The reality is that the two major tribes supporting these political factions harbor a strong sense of loyalty to their respective groups, often to the exclusion or demonization of others. This tribalism, usually connected by economic, social, or blood ties, creates a positive bias towards those within the same kinship, family, or clan, while alienating those from other tribes.

Self-serving politicians often exploit this tribal narrative to divide people for political gain. While ethnic identity has been a feature of Sierra Leone’s domestic politics since independence, it did not play a significant role in the 11-year civil conflict. Historically, the interconnectedness among various ethnic groups in Sierra Leone has mitigated deep tribal tensions.

However, tribalism is often fanned by politicians to either gain or retain political power. When political parties lack practical solutions for the electorate, they resort to ethnic or tribal manipulation. Unlike more developed democracies where policies and programs are key to election success, in Sierra Leone, tribalism becomes a safe haven for unscrupulous politicians during election campaigns.

Despite these challenges, the people of Sierra Leone have traditionally lived amicably, with intermarriages between tribes and widespread integration across the country. However, the current rise in tension and tribal hate messages spread through social media and other outlets is a serious concern. These messages are deliberate attempts by politicians to further divide the country for political gain.

A look back at the events leading to the genocide in Rwanda serves as a stark reminder. Hate messages spread by media outlets like Radio-Télévision Libre Milles Collines (RTLM) played a significant role in inciting violence. The station, owned by hardliners from the ruling regime, broadcast messages that dehumanized the Tutsi population, leading to widespread violence and genocide.

Drawing parallels to the current situation in Sierra Leone, where hate messages are spreading on social media, there is growing concern about the security and stability of the state. These messages undermine peace and contribute to the disintegration of relationships in an already polarized society based on ethno-regionalism.

It is imperative for Sierra Leoneans to remain vigilant and resist efforts to ignite tribal conflict. The nation’s stability and progress depend on maintaining peace and unity, especially as the general elections approach.

The Rains Have Begun; Disaster Returns

May 15, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Year in and year out, when the Rainy Season starts in Sierra Leone, the expectant result is disaster in various forms.

In the last decade, Sierra Leone and more particularly Freetown, has had more than a fair share of disasters happening during the Rainy Season.

However, it is both unfortunate and ironical that the authorities responsible for managing environmental issues and those responsible for ensuring that construction of dwelling houses is restricted in disaster-prone areas, have not learnt any lesson from the many disasters that take place during the Rainy Season.

In other words, we are simply repeating the same old story every year when it comes to the Rainy Season.

The rains this year have just begun. We have not witnessed torrential rains yet. But even the ‘small’ rains that have stated are already casting shadows of events to come. Branches of the iconic Cotton Tree in central Freetown broke; a perimeter fence in Bankole community, Moa Wharf, East of Freetown collapsed killing six people; rooftops were blown off in a windstorm; the intersection of Dundas Street, Pademba Road and Mends Street is once again flooded with ankle-deep garbage and yet, like in years past, nothing was done and therefore, we expect that nothing will be done.

What beats the imagination is the fact that huge sums of money is allocated to combating climate change and natural disasters. Funds are made available by the Government and international bodies to prepare beforehand management of floods and other natural disasters. However, as stated earlier, year in and year out the same situation arises whenever we experience rains in this country.

We need not remind ourselves that some of the most gruesome, tragic and deadly natural disasters such as flash floods, landslides resulted in loss of lives and damage to property worth hundreds of millions of Leones.

A Creole parable says: “way you blame di dog, blame di bone.” Loosely interpreted in English it means: “when you blame the dog, you might as well blame the owner.” This means that while people affected by natural disasters tend to blame the Government for their predicament, they forget that it was not the Government that told them to build dwelling houses in disaster-prone areas – along river beds, waterways, hilltops etc.

Therefore, it is incumbent on each and every Sierra Leonean to ensure that they put safety before anything else during the Rainy Season.

The Government agencies responsible for managing the environment and those responsible for ensuring that people do not build dwelling houses in disaster-prone areas, must be robust and vigilant this time round in order to avert calamities that befall unsuspecting people during the Rainy Season.

Afrimoney Signs Partnership with ‘Keke’ Union

May 15, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Friday 12^th May, 2023 at Africell’s Headquarters on Wilberforce in Freetown, Afrimoney signed a partnership agreement with the Sierra Leone Commercial Tricycle Riders Union. According to the agreement going forward the payment of dues by riders to the Union and Passenger payment to Keke Riders will be done digitally through Afrimoney.

In his welcome address, the Head of Marketing and Communications at Africell, John Konteh, said that Africell is very happy over the partnership between Afrimoney and the Sierra Leone Commercial Tricycle Riders Union.

He said that Africell has been working with the Sierra Leone Commercial Tricycle Riders Union on many occasions of which he reaffirmed the company’s committment towards providing good services for the people of Sierra Leone, adding that Africell as a company will continue to improve on the already existing services and also bring more excitement for their valid customers.

John Konteh said that Afrimoney will continue to increase their penetration so that people can access the service at anytime and anywhere at the comfort of their zones.

The President of the Sierra Leone Commercial Tricycle Riders Union, Ibrahim Serry, expressed appreciation to Afrimoney for signing a partnership agreement with the Sierra Leone Commercial Tricycle Riders Union and described the partnership as very important to the union.

He said that the signing of a partnership agreement with Afrimoney is an agreement among members of the union, adding that after consultations with its membership they came to the conclusion to selectively choose Afrimoney as their partner.

Ibrahim Serry called on all riders of the union to buy Africell sim and join Afrimoney as all of the union transactions will be done digitally.

He said that after the signing of the agreement they will ensure that all riders adhere to the partnership agreement by joining Afrimoney and do their transactions using Afrimoney platform.

On his part, the Managing Director of Afrimoney, Martison Obeng-Ageye said Afrimoney is very much pleased to sign the partnership agreement with the Sierra Leone Commercial Tricycle Riders Union, adding that transportation is an important part of any country’s economy.

He added that they are pleased because the partnership will help improve members of the Union saying if the ‘Keke’ riders are happy they will provide better services to the people which he said will have a positive effect.

Martison Obeng-Ageye said that the partnership will be enjoyed by all ‘Keke’ Riders across the country.

He said that they are not only signing because they want to sign but said the agreement signing between the two institutions will be a turning point for all Keke Riders in the country.

The Managing Director said that the world is moving digital and anyone who doesn’t belong to the digital economy will lose, adding that as Afrimoney is embracing the digital economy he is also calling on all Keke Riders to embrace the digital economy.

“This signing ceremony today is only the begging of many good things to come, as we work to make the lives of Sierra Leoneans better; we start by influencing the lives of Keke Riders. We will provide many things that will make this relationship possible. At Afrimoney and Africell we say we love you and we are with you today. If you touch one Keke rider, you touch Afrimoney.” he concluded.

Closing the ceremony was the exchange of the agreement document by the Managing Director of Afrimoney, Martison and the President of the Sierra Leone Commercial Tricycle Riders Union, Ibrahim Serry.