8 Sierra Leoneans Perish at Sea

April 26, 2023

By Abubakarr Harding

The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Ankara, Turkey has issued a press release on the alleged death of Sierra Leoneans in that country.

The release states that: “The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Ankara, Türkiye, would like to inform the general public at home and abroad; and the Sierra Leonean Community in Türkiye, that 8 (eight) people who were identified as Sierra Leonean citizens died last month in a gruesome sea crossing tragedy from Türkiye to Greece; in the Aegean Sea that divides the two countries.

“The Embassy would also want to inform that upon hearing the devastating news, wrote a Note Verbal to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, being the usual protocol, requesting the issuance of Diplomatic approval for staff of the Embassy to visit the scene of the incidence for identification and to convey same to their families and loved ones; as the case may be.

“Consequent of the above, the Embassy dispatched a team to Izmir, where the unfortunate incidence took place. The delegation from the Mission was accompanied by the President of the Sierra Leone Community in Türkiye, Mr. Mohamed Shaka Sesay and a Sierra Leonean medical student who is fluent in Turkish, Mr. Daniel Kargbo.

“At the different mortuaries in Izmir, Mr. Mohamed Shaka Sesay identified from the database at least 5 (five) deceased whom he confirmed to be Sierra Leoneans. The Turkish authorities said they had already buried the remains because corpses have gone bad before they were discovered on the sea.

“The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Ankara, Türkiye, wishes to express its condolences to the affected families, whilst it continues to monitor the situation closely,” the release stated.

8 Sierra Leoneans Perish at Sea

April 26, 2023

By Abubakarr Harding

The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Ankara, Turkey has issued a press release on the alleged death of Sierra Leoneans in that country.

The release states that: “The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Ankara, Türkiye, would like to inform the general public at home and abroad; and the Sierra Leonean Community in Türkiye, that 8 (eight) people who were identified as Sierra Leonean citizens died last month in a gruesome sea crossing tragedy from Türkiye to Greece; in the Aegean Sea that divides the two countries.

“The Embassy would also want to inform that upon hearing the devastating news, wrote a Note Verbal to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, being the usual protocol, requesting the issuance of Diplomatic approval for staff of the Embassy to visit the scene of the incidence for identification and to convey same to their families and loved ones; as the case may be.

“Consequent of the above, the Embassy dispatched a team to Izmir, where the unfortunate incidence took place. The delegation from the Mission was accompanied by the President of the Sierra Leone Community in Türkiye, Mr. Mohamed Shaka Sesay and a Sierra Leonean medical student who is fluent in Turkish, Mr. Daniel Kargbo.

“At the different mortuaries in Izmir, Mr. Mohamed Shaka Sesay identified from the database at least 5 (five) deceased whom he confirmed to be Sierra Leoneans. The Turkish authorities said they had already buried the remains because corpses have gone bad before they were discovered on the sea.

“The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Ankara, Türkiye, wishes to express its condolences to the affected families, whilst it continues to monitor the situation closely,” the release stated.

That SLPP, NGC Alliance: Marriage of Convenience; or Out of Fear

April 26, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sunday 23^rd April, 2023 historic signing of an alliance agreement between the leaders of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and Hon. Dr. Kandeh KollehYumkella (KKY) of National Grand Coalition (NGC) is seen in different lights by political pundits and social commentators.

While there are those who believe that the alliance is timely and positive for the SLPP to join forces with the NGC to gain victory in the upcoming June 24 elections, there are those who think otherwise.

One school of thought has it that, the SLPP is confused and disoriented and could be contemplating losing the June 24 elections and therefore needs the support of the NGC to help it clinch the coming crucial elections.

This school of thought also believes that, the SLPP could have seen their likely defeat at the June polls in the hands of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and its flag bearer, Dr. SamuraM.W Kamara; the real reason why the SLPP’s President Bio jumped the gun by closing ranks with KKY. It could be recalled that the latter had months earlier before the signing of the alliance agreement, been approached by President Bio to come back to his roots – the SLPP.

This school of thought further believes that, while it may appear that the alliance agreement between the SLPP and NGC is anything but genuine, the reality is that the NGC is fast losing credibility among Sierra Leoneans and even within its membership.

However, another school of thought has it that by virtue of the SLPP and NGC seeking an alliance agreement, it is an indication that the two parties are either unsure of their respective abilities to win elections, or are simply afraid they will lose if they do not come together against the APC.

It is also very ironical that it was the NGC that formulated the so-called Coalition of Progressive Political Parties (CoPPP) with the sole objective of voting out the SLPP in the June 24 elections, but it is the same NGC today that is seen teaming up and signing an alliance agreement with a party it once looked askance.

But then, this is Sierra Leone where anything, everything and even the most bizarre can happen. The only wish of the general citizenry is that whatever antics or tactics are put in play by our various political party leaders, the people want a peaceful and non-violent election.

NCRA, COMSA Start Project to Monitor Births & Deaths

April 26, 2023

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) in partnership with Countrywide Mortality Surveillance for Action (COMSA) has launched a six months’ project on the management of data of births and deaths registration through technology. This meeting involved NCRA management staff, journalists and other stakeholders and took place on 19^th April, 2023, at the Occasions Hotel, Lakka, Western Rural Area in Freetown.

Speaking at the launch, the NCRA Director General, Mohamed Massaquoi, intimated that, they are partnering with the COMSA to improve on births and deaths registration in the country, adding that before now, the registration of births and deaths across the country was haywire and uncontrolled and not monitored which is not good for the development of any country.

He added that the pilot project had been concluded in two districts: Western Urban District and Bo District. He went on to say that the project has been on for about two years now and that it is more of a research for the NCRA to learn how to go about the eventual and practical final phase of this project.

He maintained that the engagement is for NCRA staff to have a proper understanding about the project, and to plan the format of the project implementation and the details regarding budgeting for specific activities amongst others.

He said, many projects fail sometimes because beneficiaries do not have an understanding about what the project is about, and therefore, they cannot own it and it is also difficult to implement the project.

The DG noted that, NCRA and COMSA will work together alongside community stakeholders to account for births and deaths in the pilot districts, adding that through this, they will learn lessons to implement in other districts in the final implementation of the project.

He disclosed that they had a mission to Tanzania with COMSA, where they learnt how to use technology in collecting data for births and deaths registration. According to him, they are going to share the experience they gathered and link it to the project they have already designed.

Alimatu Vandi, Assistant National Coordinator, COMSA, in her presentation, stated that the country’s life’s expectancy is very low, and that according to a survey done in 2019, it was 54 years. She lamented however that only 25% of deaths are officially reported.

She maintained that, because not all deaths are reported to the relevant authorities, they decided to register births and deaths from households and to also collect data on the causes of deaths using Electronic Verbal Autopsy, which is an interview done to know the signs and symptoms which lead to a person’s death.

She added that they are partnering with NCRA to provide a reliable sample registration system and to provide reliable on-going nationally representative causes of death data for the country, adding her staffs are working across all districts in the country.

The event was climaxed with several presentations and recommendations, as well as an interactive session.

Report On Salone’s Libra Energy of Australia 300MW Solar Power Corridor Released

April 26, 2023

By Mohamed Konneh

Libra Energy of Australia has published a project overview on the 300MW solar PV power generation project in Sierra Leone on 28 November 2020

On 4^th September 2018, Libra Energy of Australia signed MoU with the Ministry of Energy on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone to develop Solar PV power generation in Sierra Leone.

The project consists of 300MW solar energy generation including free electricity to the government schools in Sierra Leone. It includes 30MW/60MWh Lithium-Ion battery backup. Libra Energy shall develop a 285MW solar power station in Port Loko and 15MW on the roof top of the government schools.

Libra Energy has submitted a prefeasibility study on February 2019 and Environmental Impact Assessment and Feasibility Study on July 2019. We currently plan to sign the power purchase agreement (PPA) with the government as soon as possible

The city council of Port Loko submitted their letter of consent to the Ministry of Energy on April 2019.

On November 2019, Libra Energy of Australia have signed the land MoU with the City Council of Port Loko including the mayor, the regent chief and local land owners in which the council agreed to provide the 670 ha land for the 285MW solar power station and support the project and Libra Energy agreed to provide street lights in the city of Port Loko and the villages near the site.

Some of the major benefits to the people of Sierra Leone

Libra Energyshall increase four folds the electricity production in Sierra Leone.
The increase in energy generation shall lead to establishment of many factories in the country
The factories shall employ thousands of people across the country and reduce import.
The increase in local industries shall increase the GDP and government revenue.
Libra Energyshall provide direct and indirect employment to many people in Sierra Leone and in particular in Port Loko. It shall also offer more growth in Port Loko as the project shall require local suppliers and services such as food, accommodation, supermarkets, restaurants, security, transport, sand, gravel and other building materials etc.
During the construction stage we shall employ more people and provide quality training.
With a large investment of US$400mn it shall be the largest project in Port Loko and shall benefit the local residents.
During the 25 years of operation Libra Energy of Australia shall maintain the power generation, clean the solar panels, arrange security with local contractors and manage the electricity supply together with the city council of Port Loko, Ministry of Energy, EDSA and EGTC.
Solar energy is a clean form of power that require no fuel, create no smoke or any other kind of pollution and one of the most popular renewable energy technology in the world today.
It is much cheaper than diesel generator and super clean and reliable, together with battery storage.
The solar project shall provide electricity to hundreds of thousands of people in Sierra Leone which can be used for lights, TV, cooking, charging phones and computers, air condition, hot water, refrigerator, oven, fans etc.
As part of our CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) we shall provide free electricity to all the government schools in Sierra Leone.
We shall also provide free street lights for the city of Port Loko and the villages near the site.

EU Rep. Engages & Applauds Peace Commission

April 26, 2023

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion has organized a special national dialogue for Paramount Chiefs across the country on promoting peace and national cohesion for the forthcoming general elections in the country.

The theme for the dialogue was: ‘Enhancing the Capacity of Paramount Chiefs on Conflict Resolution and Promoting Peace and National Cohesion and took place on 24^th April, 2023, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.

Speaking at the dialogue, the EU Delegation Representative, Serena Bertana, applauded ICPNC for convening the dialogue with the respected Paramount Chiefs as part of its initiatives to promote peace and national cohesion.

‘’There is no denying that the climate of peace and security is necessary for democratic aspirations to flourish, particularly in relation to the conduct of elections, as well as for ensuring economic and national prosperity,’’ she stated.

‘’As your title rightly says, your role is paramount in building a peaceful and cohesive society. You are the custodians of traditional governance and cultural values in your respective communities. As such, your voice and leadership are extremely influential and important in promoting peace, social justice, and national unity,’’ Serena Bertana noted.

The Executive Secretary of ICPNC, Hawa Samai, intimated that, they had started a dialogue with Parliament and according to her, they will not only have dialogue with the Paramount Chiefs, but will come down to district levels, and that they will also engage political parties’ executives at district level.

She continued that they will be selecting one Paramount Chief at each district to be part of the mediation team, in addition with ten persons who will also be selected to be part of the mediation team at each district.

Hawa Samai also encouraged the Paramount Chiefs that will not be selected to still preach peace in their districts, and to further see their roles and responsibilities as a way to bridge the gap and build peace and national cohesion.

She maintained that this is not a one-time meeting with Paramount Chiefs, but that it is a lifetime partnership with the Commission to promote peace and enhance national cohesion. She disclosed that they will be doing peace exercises in all the districts in activities such as jogging or walking.

The Head of Paramount Chiefs stated that, according to the 2009 Chieftaincy Act, one of their responsibilities is to ensure law and order. He added that, they are willing to share their experiences and also to learn from their experiences, adding that they are committed to ensure that peace and national cohesion is enhanced in all districts and the country as a whole.

Tuma Gento Kamara Embarks on Transformation of Commercial Sex Workers

April 26, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

All roads led to the Regent Square Municipal School to kick start an all-inclusive policy for the transformation of Commercial Sex Workers in Freetown over the weekend.

Mayoral Aspirant for the Freetown Municipality, Mohamed Gento Kamara has supported the project of his wife Tuma Jabbie Gento Kamara with over Le500M.

Tuma Gento-Kamara thanked everybody for attending the program, explaining that even before he ventured into politics, Gento has been helping the grassroots and the less privileged She said that many people are doing Commercial Sex work not because of their intention but because of how things have gone bad for them.

“We want you to be transformed. We will also protect you because the advantage is too much,” Madam Gento Kamara emphasized.

She noted that the project is to transform lives and that it is in line with the First Lady’s “Hands off our girls” campaign. She pointed out that the movement is above politics but that Mohamed Gento wants to do great for this city if he is given the opportunity.

The women’s Leader for the SLPP in the Western Area, Jinta Hinga said that Gento is the people’s Mayor and the Mayor for the women. She explained that she was born and bred in Freetown but that in her lifetime, nobody has come up with the idea to involve commercial sex workers and transform their lives. She encouraged them to vote for Gento and President Bio because for Gento to work easily, they must also elect President Bio.

Several Commercial Sex Workers who attended the program said that they want to live meaningful lives if they have the opportunity.

President Bio launches Koya Industrial Zone Today

April 26, 2023

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio will today, 26^th April, 2023 formally launch the Koya Industrial Zone (SIZ – Koya), a joint venture between the Republic of Sierra Leone and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) at Mile 36, Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko District.

It could be recalled that on Thursday 20^th April 2023, the Parliament of Sierra Leone debated and ratified the Framework Agreements between the Republic of Sierra Leone and ARISE Integrated Industrial platform for the implementation of a special economic/industrial zone in Sierra Leone.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Hinga Sandy in his submission in Parliament for the ratification of the agreements said these agreements would enhance economic and industrial growth, and provide huge employment for the people of Sierra Leone.

Members of Parliament who spoke to the debate acknowledged the importance of the agreements, whilst the Acting Leaders of the House applauded the initiatives of the Government and hoped it will yield dividends for the growth and development of the State.

As part of their investment portfolio, ARISE has a Public, Private, Partnership with the Government of Gabon for the establishment of the Gabon Special Economic Zone, a multi-sectoral industrial park located 27 km from Libreville. On 1126 ha, it includes an industrial zone, a commercial zone and a residential zone.

The Special Economic Zone brings together 144 companies from 16 countries operating in 22 industrial sectors, including a cluster dedicated to wood processing which brings together 84 companies.

This is the same model that ARISE is embarking in Sierra Leone, to open up the investment market with more opportunities for value addition for export and the domestic value chain.

It could be recalled that as part of their investment portfolio in Sierra Leone, the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) on Tuesday, 17th January 2023 signed the Pepel Port and Pepel-Tonkolili Railway development, expansion and management lease agreement with ARISE integrated Industrial Platforms Ltd.

The agreement has been described as a landmark in the history of the mining sector in the small West African country, and has been commended in the development sphere in the country and the African continent considering the investment portfolio of ARISE in helping developing countries like Togo and Gabon.

With Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Africa Transformation and Industrialization Fund (ATIF) as their two shareholders, ARISE identifies industrial gaps in African countries that unlock value and create new industries.

The company’s aim is to industrialize key sectors by creating local transformation, maximizing production, efficiency and cost, which in turn would generate local value addition.

ARISE tailor-made special economic zones in Gabon, Benin and Togo seek to boost exports, enable the local transformation of raw materials and promote trade, and these are opportunities that Sierra Leone can tap from with its new relationship with a reputable company that has proven record in their work.

The Pepel Port and Pepel-Tonkolili Railway development, expansion and management lease agreement will give a 10% free Carry to the GoSL and provide access to rail and port facilities to other bulk mineral producers in the northern corridor of the country.

ARISE is estimating a total investment of 476 million dollars covering the refurbishment of the Pepel Tonkolili Railway work, Pepel Port, Railway connectivity to Marampa mines, the introduction of passenger rail services and the rail connection to Guinea.

With a track record and vast knowledge in investing in Africa, ARISE is a company that should be embraced in Sierra Leone and be provided with the support to be able to succeed in developing the country’s economy and create jobs in a country whose unemployment rate continues to rise.

NP-SL Romances with Journalists & Launches Magazine

April 26, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The management of NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd.) in its usual style of engaging the media, on Tuesday 25^th April, 2023 invited a cross-section of the media to lunch at its Cotton Tree office in central Freetown.

The event was graced by top NP-SL executives. The main speaker was Ambassador Kobi Walker – Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Other top executives seated at the High Table were Vandi Bockarie, Crispin Mackay, Desmond G. Williams, Gibril Saccoh and Dr. Williette James who is the NP-SL Ltd. Communications Director and who also performed the role of chairperson of the occasion.

In a joking manner, Dr. James introduced the main speaker Amb. Kobi Walker as NP ‘Jagaban’, a statement which received tumultuous applause and laughter.

Taking the podium, Amb. Walker narrated a brief history of NP-SL Ltd. He said amongst other things that, some forty odd years ago, a group of thirty-five Sierra Leoneans denied enjoying their terminal benefits and decided to use it to buy shares into the National Petroleum which was up for liquidation. He added that it was the current President Julius Maada Bio who at that time so many years ago that encouraged them and even made it possible for them to assume leadership of NP-SL Ltd.

“Since then, we can all see how NP-SL Ltd. has grown and as Sierra Leoneans we should also be proud because NP-SL Ltd. is the only indigenous company that has a presence in other sub-regional countries. Therefore, we need the support of the media to tell Sierra Leoneans and the world at large that NP-SL Ltd. is the best corporate social responsibility performer and we will also welcome the media to do crosscheck all and any information they have about NP-SL Ltd. before going to press as our doors are always open,” he said.

According to him, there was a time when the NP-SL Ltd. was inundated with bad press reports following the arrival of a rival company APP. “At that time, it was very unfortunate that almost every press house wrote exciting stories about APP and wrote very unexciting and damaging stories about NP-SL Ltd. It was only the Calabash Newspaper and One Drop that cared to ask us for our own side to the story and we told them and they wrote. I thank them for that,” Amb. Walker informed his audience which was mainly composed of Editors and Managers of newspapers, radio and TV stations in Sierra Leone.

He used the opportunity to encourage journalists to always consider NP-SL Ltd. as an entity that always has its doors open, as it does engage in dubious or nefarious acts.

He went further to state that NP-SL Ltd. within the last ten years has invested a little over $30M (thirty million dollars), adding that they have over 46 fuel stations, in addition to forming alliances with over 200 retail outlets across Sierra Leone. He further stated that currently, NP-SL Ltd. provides 80% fuel to the government, despite the fact that payment for this is not as fast as they would like it.

The climax of the event was the launch of the NP-SL Ltd. maiden magazine “NP ZONE” which is a very colorful and interesting document that explains in detail what the NP-SL Ltd. is about and all other pertinent information.

According to Dr. James, this is just the maiden edition. “Others will follow,” she said.

Fanny Fine Translates Sierra Leone National Anthem and Pledge in Krio

April 26, 2023

Fanny Fine a patriotic Sierra Leonean who is currently based in Ghana has translated Sierra Leone’s National Anthem and Pledge in Krio which is one of common language spoken by Sierra Leoneans.

Below is the translation of the National Anthem in Krio:

Wi es yu ay ay, land fɔ fribɔn;

Di we we wil ɛk yu i nɔ smɔl;

Wit wanwɔd wi tinap sote go,

Sing bɔt yu gudnem, O netiv land.

Wi es ɔp wi at ɛn pul wi vɔys lawd lawd wan,

Dɛn il ɛn dɛn vali de ansa wi kray bak;

Blɛsin ɛn pis go de fɔ yu o,

Land we wi lɛk, wi yon Salon.

Wan we gɛ fet we di gi sɛns,

Wan we gɛ zil we nɔ de taya;

Te go wi go de luk fɔ we fɔ ɔna yu nem

Wi yon na fɔ de wok, na yu gɛ di fem.

Wi pre lɛ no bad tin nɔ du yu pikin dɛm,

Lɛ blɛsin ɛn pis kam dɔng pan wi ɔl;

So wi go sav yu wangren sote go,

Land we wi lɛk, wi yon Salon.

̂Sɛns ɛn trutɔk na in wi lɔntɛm papa dɛm sprɛd,

Mayti neshɔn dɛm we dɛm bin lid;

Dɛm bin mek yu pawaful, na so wisɛf fɔ du

Fɔ sho di gud gud tin dɛm bɔt yu.

Wi prɔmis wi at, wi trɛnk ɛn wi pawa,

Fɔ tinap fɔ yu ɛn wetin na yu yon;

Ɔl wetin wi gɛt na yu yon sote go,

Land we wi lɛk, wi yon Salon.

Below is the National Pledge in Krio:

A gi mi wɔd wit ɔl mi at se A go lɛk ɛn bi tru to mi kɔntri Salon;
A prɔmis fɔ sav am tru tru wan ɔltɛm;
A prɔmis fɔ tinap fɔ in ɔna ɛn gud nem;
A go wok fɔ in wanwɔd, pis, kolat ɛn bɛtɛ wan ɔltɛm,
Ɛn A go put wetin gud fɔ Salon fɔs.
Duya ɛp mi Gɔd.

Fanny Fine who is the translator of the National Anthem and Pledge in Krio Language holds a Master of Arts Degree from Fourah Bay College University of Sierra Leone. She has worked as a senior Government official at the Ministry of Social Welfare Gender and Children’s Affairs, Sierra Leone.

Fanny Fine has over the years won several awards in her community. She is the proprietress of the Elim International Academy in Freetown.

Fanny Fine studied and specialized in the Krio language of Sierra Leone of which she has taught Krio for several years at the Methodist Boys’ School, in Freetown. She has served as Krio Language Examiners for the WAEC for several years and serves as a part lecturer for Krio Language at the Freetown Teachers College in Freetown.

She called on that are interested in learning how to read and write the Sierra Leone Krio to subscribe to her YouTube channel name Fanny Fine TV.
“Happy Independent Day to all Sierra Leoneans.
Let’s come together and build our nation by putting her interest above all” she concluded.