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Tourism Ministry Validates Reviewed Tourism Act 1990

During a two-day stakeholder consultative meeting, held on the 23rd February, 2023 and 24th February, 2023, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, with support from the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), validated the review of the development of the Tourism Act 1990. Bringing together all the relevant stakeholders, the meeting was held at Njala Venue, Lumley Beach Road, Freetown.

The cardinal objectives of the review were to empower the Ministry and its constituent bodies, to create employment opportunities, seek the well-being of Sierra Leoneans, ensure that all natural, cultural and historical heritage, national parks, monuments and relics sites are responsive to tourism growth, support the establishment of Tourism Circuit Zones and maintain international standards of excellence.

In the amendment document, the bill emphasizes strong public private partnership with the Hotel Association, gender mainstreaming, agriculture, transport and the creation of functional institutions with clearly defined roles and responsibilities among others.  The validated document when enacted into law will become a holistic National Tourism Act 2023.

Giving the opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Edward Kwame Yankson noted that in revitalizing the tourism sector they are to take deliberate actions to improve the international image of Sierra Leone, diversify its marketing and most importantly improve the policy and legal framework. He said the two-day consultative meeting sought to review the three decades long National Tourism Development Act, 1990 and transform it into a holistic document that meets the demands of contemporary global tourism architecture that is tailored for the people of Sierra Leone.

In his statement, the Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh maintained that the current Act ,which will be 33 years old this year, does not make mention of words like E. Tourism, digital platforms, climate change, gender mainstreaming, sustainability, roots tourism and crisis management, issues, he said, will be captured in the new Act.

He stated that the development of the Tourism Act 1990 was formulated and enacted to establish the National Tourist Board. Key institutions pertaining to the tourism and hospitality industry were left out with detrimental impact resulting to confusion, overlap of functions and weakening of the sector to strategically position itself. He said the review of the development of the Tourism Act focuses on achieving increased opportunity for Sierra Leoneans, provision of attractive support for SMEs, digitalization of the sector, mainstreaming of gender and youth among others.

In her closing courtesy, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt thanked stakeholders and participants for being part of the validation process saying that they will form part of their data base going forward. She appreciated the EIF for supporting the process. She emphasized that the Act will be the national legal framework for tourism in Sierra Leone that puts tourism at the center of national development. She said with the new Act, they would no longer struggle to make a case for access to roads to the beaches, water supply to their facilities, and other bottlenecks they are facing. She stated that the validation process was the semi-final product of their stewardship to President Bio in making tourism a growth sector.

She maintained that the aim of the Bill is about consolidating their work and ensuring that they have an Act that speaks to itself. Before getting to this stage, Dr. Pratt said that they conducted extensive research work on all the relevant laws in Sierra Leone that have connection to tourism, undertook a tourism census with Statistic Sierra Leone, hence the exercise was driven by data, expert reports and international perception. She noted that they upheld the relevant issues in the 1990 Act and brought forward those that require changes.

Representatives from MDAs, private sector development partners, civil society, the media, traditional institutions, women associations and tourism educational institutions made valuable inputs that were incorporated in the documents before it was validated.

Minister of Tourism Launches Black Excellence Celebration

The African Heritage Leadership Centre-Sierra Leone (AHLEC-SL) organized a Public Lecture on the 23rd February, 2023, at Sierra Leone’s premier institution of learning and the first western-styled university in Africa, Fourah Bay College (FBC). This institution is one of the country’s most valued heritages. The Public Lecture was themed “Amplification of Black Excellence: Africa and Beyond.” This theme is a localization of the global theme for the celebration of the Black History Month, 2023 which is “Black Resistance”.

The Public Lecture formed part of the institution’s activities for the celebration of the Black History Month. The lecture was graciously delivered by the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt. In what could best be expected of a true academic and a distinctive professional, her lecture traversed a background of our pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial history as Blacks to a sound recognition of the outstanding contributions made by Blacks in various spheres of life across the world.

Other guests that graced the occasion who made thrilling statements included: The Ambassador at large and Adviser to His Excellency, Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio on heritage issues Raymond De’souza George, the Deputy Country Director, CDC, United States Embassy, Madam Chinyere Ekezie, Dr. Fatu Taqui, Representative of the Students’ Union President, Juana J. Samu and others.

The lecture was climaxed by the official launch of the Black Excellence Celebration by the Hon. Minister. This program is slated for the 28th April 2023 at Murray Town Field. It shall be a day and night filled with recognition of fellow Sierra Leoneans for their outstanding contributions and a number of activities ranging from cultural displays, indigenous games, arts and crafts, poetry, to name but a few.

 

 

Entertainment Journalist Narrates his Journey to Pademba Road Prison

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

One of the young people who were arrested while trying to visit LAJ, while he was detained at a detention centre known as Benghazi, Ibrahim Koroma, popularly known as Prezo Koroma who is the Secretary General of the DJs Union, intimated this medium in an exclusive interview that they were finally freed from Pademba Road Prison, thanking God Almighty for keeping him alive and healthy for the past eight months and 9 days behind bars.

According to Prezo Koroma, the rationale behind his imprisonment is yet to be figured but it doesn’t come as a surprise to him maintaining that the reason put forward by the authorities for his incarceration does not make sense to anyone.

“How would unarmed civilians converge at the Headquarters of the paramilitary wing of the police and pelted them with rubber bottles?” “How would a responsible individual like me cause mayhem to armed personnel?” he again asked maintaining that if they did such a thing then their names should be in the Guinness Book of World Records.

He stated that the only crime they committed was visiting a friend and a brother who was held at Benghazi with information that was going around that his dreadlocks had been cut off and he had been injected with a substance.

Prezo Koroma narrated that, however, as an Entertainment Journalist, he went there to have first-hand information about the news that was making the rounds on social media.

“I have always been a credible source of information for the past decade when it comes to Entertainment related activities,” he revealed adding that going to Benghazi to seek information about the detention of King Boss La should not be an exception.

He explained that they got apprehended during the process of asking to see LAJ pointing out how they were beaten up like thieves, stripped off naked, hair shaven, and slept on an empty floor in a tiny smell cell that has more than 12 suspects adding that the two days spent in Benghazi were the worst days of his entire life.

According to him, the barbaric treatment at Benghazi was not enough as they were charged to court for Disorderly Behavior and Riotous Conduct on the 17th of June 2022. The said day, he stated, was his first day at the Pademba road prison disclosing that after ten days of trial, they were found guilty of the offence for which they were charged and given the second maximum sentence of 36 months for the two counts of the charge and it should run concurrently.

He expressed the view that Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad were vexed about what happened to them. He said the inmates at the prison expressed a similar sentiment. Prezo Koroma revealed how they received them as Kings and Queens and ever since they lived as one family for the past eight months.

Moreover, he said, within the 21 days of their sentence, their Lawyers filed an appeal because of the unfair judgment they had at the Magistrate Court. He said the appeal case came up at the High Court in late August 2022 and they were again denied bail just like in the Magistrate Court and the Judge ordered a speedy trial.

The proposed speedy trial, he informed, ran from August to December 19th when their appeal judgment was delivered saying the oral argument between the Defense Counsel and the Prosecutor clearly showed that they won the appeal but said asked can they win over the power above.

Prezo Koroma stated that gratefully the US Embassy in Freetown was following up with the case maintaining that they know the gospel truth revealing how the learned Judge dismissed all the grounds of appeal put forward by their lawyers and ended up reducing their sentences.

He said life at the Pademba Road Prison was not easy at all but he was fortunate to have everything he needed to keep him going while in prison and it was enough so he was sharing with the less privileged.

The entertainment journalist revealed that hundreds of their compatriots are suffering for no good reason. He said just like them there are a lot of people being locked up for crimes they did not commit maintaining that injustice is real in the country and  Sierra Leoneans should stand firm to stop it.

He said as he has seen it all in prison, he is calling on all and sundry to come together with resources to support their brothers and sisters in prison as they are faced with a lot of difficulties. “We can make a great change if we come together as united citizens,” he affirmed.

Prezo Koroma said to those who jailed him unjustly, he leaves everything to God, He will surely pay them all if they did the right thing or not.

He extended thanks and appreciation to his family, friends, and comrades for standing up for him throughout the journey adding that their financial, moral, and physical support made it easier for him. He also thanked the Prison officers for their professionalism saying even though some of them were sometimes annoying but overall 70% of them are good officers.

“I will still standing with LAJ and the Bah Family,” he concluded.

Peace Commission Urges Political Parties Supporters to Desist from Violent Conducts

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Release dated 27th February, 2023 by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, the institution stated how it expresses its deep appreciation to the leadership of the All People’s Congress (APC) Party for extending an invitation to the Commission to make a statement at their recently concluded National Delegates Conference held in Makeni from the 17th to 19th February, 2023.

It continued that while the Commission is pleased with the generally peaceful conduct demonstrated by the APC leadership and its general membership, it is concerned about the violent incidents between supporters of opposing factions and aspirants after the convention.

The Peace Commission stated how some APC supporters engaged in hate speech and hurled invectives and provocative comments against individuals, including His Excellency the President and his wife, which, it maintained, is unacceptable and has the potential to incite violent conflicts.

The Peace Commission noted that it acknowledges that the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) has taken punitive measures against the APC Party for the same conduct but urged all political parties’ leadership to discourage their supporters from engaging in any such conduct that may disturb public peace and threaten national security.

During their respective party conventions, the Commission stated, the flagbearers of both the SLPP and the APC pledged to promote peace and social cohesion. It therefore expressed hopes that political leaders and leaders of all other political parties will encourage their supporters to behave peacefully in line with their commitments, as such will foster a peaceful society for a peaceful election process.

The Peace Commission underscored that the stability of Sierra Leone depends largely on how peaceful and socially cohesive we are as a nation admonishing all work together to build a better and
more peaceful country.

MCC CEO Holds Bilateral Meetings to Advance the Nation’s Compact Grant Program

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

This medium was reliably informed that on the 27th February, 2023 the United States Ambassador, David Reimer, welcomed a delegation from the U.S Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to Freetown, led by MCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Alice Albright.

It was further learnt that the MCC delegation is in the country to conduct bilateral meetings to advance the nation’s compact grant program which aims at increasing the availability of affordable and reliable electricity to satisfy demand among households, businesses, and social institutions.

During the three-day visit, the MCC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alice Albright, accompanied by Ambassador Reimer and MCC Deputy Chief of Staff, Dan Petrie, met with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, as well as a range of stakeholders, from across the Government, donor partners, and private sector representatives.

President Bio welcomed the team, on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, adding that he was pleased to hear that significant progress had been made in the assessment of the proposed energy projects and that they remained on track for the MCC approval.

“I would be remiss if I did not reiterate my desire for the compact to explore climate-resilient interventions. MCC may want to consider increasing the purse of the Compact, especially where innovative opportunities are identified.

“Given the depth of the need for energy and the budgetary constraints we currently face, I appreciate it if we can prioritize my Government’s proposal. So, I want to take this opportunity to ensure that you and I, at the strategic level, have some alignment on the priorities for the compact,” he said.

CEO of MCC, Madam Albright, thanked President Bio for meeting with her again, confirming that, “This is my second visit to Sierra Leone. I am so excited to be back here. We are here as a team at a critical juncture in our work with your country at MCC. The threshold we reached a few years ago is nearing its end, and we are very excited about that with many admirable accomplishments.”

The US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer, noted that they at the Embassy were absolutely delighted that the CEO of the MCC was in the country for the better part of the week.

“The MCC Compact will become a very positive part of what the United States Embassy will be doing here in Sierra Leone for the next five years, which is why we welcome this discussion.

“More importantly, it is an excellent example that the US Embassy is setting with Sierra Leonean cooperation. It also demonstrates how highly Sierra Leone is held in the US and how much attention the US has paid to Sierra Leone. We want to walk together in partnership with you to build a better society in Sierra Leone,” he assured.

The Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, also on Monday, 27th February 2023, hosted the visiting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

Alice Albright and the Minister discussed issues around the economy, debt sustainability, inflations, Government reforms and how the MCC compact will impact economic growth.

Minister Bangura informed his guest that the Ministry of Finance has been following up on the development of the compact with the MCC and how the compact can impact energy as an enabler for the Education and Agriculture value chain to address food insecurity.

He highlighted how energy generation is impacting the economy and Government budget.

Minister Bangura assured the CEO of the Government’s commitments to deepen economic reforms, improve the MCC scorecard and provide the resources for a free and fair election.

Additionally, the delegation paid a visit to water kiosks constructed during the MCC funded threshold program that closed in 2021 and met with community members who benefited from the project. The $44.4 million Threshold program grant improved clean water access and electricity services within Freetown.

“MCC is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the people of Sierra Leone. Our planned investments, alongside key policy and institutional reforms in the country’s power sector, will facilitate more reliable power for all Sierra Leoneans,” said Albright.

Albright added that the compact will reflect MCC’s continued commitment to promote resilient, long-term benefits to Sierra Leone’s economy.

“MCC has invested more than $9.5 billion with 24 countries in Africa, which are expected to benefit more than 90 million people,” said Albright. “Over the next five years, MCC expects to sign new compact and threshold program agreements globally worth more than $4 billion, making MCC well positioned to fund significant contributions to tackling the climate crises.”

MCC and the Government of Sierra Leone have been working together to design a compact since December 2020, when the Republic of Sierra Leone was selected by MCC’s Board of Directors. Through the Sierra Leone Compact Development Unit (SLCDU), MCC and the Government of Sierra Leone have conducted several joint analyses on the country’s economy to identify the binding constraints to economic growth and potential opportunities for investments. Together, they identified the power sector as the focus for the compact, and the SLCDU and MCC teams are currently finalizing the project designs to address that challenge.

President Bio Bags “African of the Year 2022” Award

President Dr Julius Maada Bio on Saturday, 25th February, 2023 received the African of the Year Award at the African Leadership Magazine’s Awards Ceremony held at the Inter Continental Resort, Balaclava in Mauritius, emphasizing the point that political leadership is about service.

The President emerged as the winner of the “African of the Year 2022”  December last year with over 68% of the total votes cast, attracting a combined total of over 15,000 and over 1 million active online engagements during the voting period. The previous winner was Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi.

In his acceptance speech, President Bio said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, I wish to thank all Africans from within and outside our great Continent who voted for me to emerge as the winner of the African of the Year – 2022. I receive this honour with humility and a deep sense of duty to the people of Africa.

“I may have the privilege of being an elected political leader of my great nation Sierra Leone but allow me to begin with what we share in common in this room. We Are African.  I am reminded of the Zulu philosophy of UBUNTU — I AM BECAUSE WE ARE — that we are human only through the humanity of others. We are bound together and can only achieve ourselves by sharing with others”.

The President also noted that the UBUNTU philosophy was present across most African cultures and had also guided his life, especially his dealings with people in his profession in the army and politics, his family and friends and even his opponents.

He noted that the word leader was used increasingly loosely these days, adding that leadership training programmes abound and many people wanted to be called leaders but at a very young age, he had been trusted by his friends and colleagues to handle tasks that placed him in leadership roles.

“This has enabled me to learn and understand what makes leadership work, especially in Africa. As a young man finding his way in the world with my strong faith in God inculcated in me by my mother, this idea that we are only human through the humanity of others made me cherish teamwork over individualism and collective progress over self-aggrandizement.

“Political leadership is about service – putting the needs of the people first and upholding the rule of law. At the core of democracy, we also find this idea of humanity towards others. One of the foundational principles of democracy is that Government draws its legitimacy through participation by the people.

“We must not be afraid of dissent or debate, but rather recognize that these are the hallmarks of a healthy society. This is why, under my leadership, we have worked to create a culture of openness and transparency in Sierra Leone. We have repealed sedition libel laws, removed barriers to freedom of expression, and allowed a free press – which is essential for good governance and creating an informed citizenry.

“I am proud that no journalist in our country is jailed for practicing journalism. We recognize that the freedom to speak one’s mind, criticize the Government and hold leaders accountable is not just a right but a vital part of any democracy. We have removed the shackles of repression and developed a culture of participation where all voices can be heard, and all people can contribute to nation-building,” he said.

President Julius Maada Bio further urged that as leaders continued to build the Africa they all wanted and the Africa their children deserved, they must also remember the words of the great African leaders who came before them.

“Kwame Nkrumah once said, ‘We face neither East nor West; we face Forward.’ This forward-looking mindset will guide us as we work towards a better future for our Continent. When I assumed political leadership in May 2018, my vision in moving Sierra Leone forward was to develop its Human Capital. I firmly believe that Human Capital Development is the panacea for a more equitable and prosperous Africa.

“A commitment to education is one of the most critical components of authentic African leadership. Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our people and our Continent. We must invest in education at all levels, from early childhood to higher education, and ensure that our people have the knowledge and skills to transform their communities and become globally competitive.

“My Government has made significant strides towards improving access to quality education for all of our children in Sierra Leone. We believe education is a human right, not a luxury. My Government’s annual budgetary allocation to the education sector is 22% – one of the highest in the world. This investment in education is critical for our nation’s future as it lays the foundation for a skilled workforce and a vibrant economy,” he concluded.

His Excellency Prithvirajsing Roopun, President of the Republic of Mauritius, has congratulated Sierra Leone’s President Dr Julius Maada Bio for emerging as the winner in the category of “African of the Year” award and called for a deepening bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Both leaders had a great bilateral meeting at the State House residence ahead of the 11th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards Presentation Ceremony slated for Saturday, 25 February, in Port Louis, Mauritius.

They both expressed commitment to working in the areas of agriculture, tourism, education, information technology and private-sector collaboration.

President Roopun also commended President Bio for his efforts at increasing access to education, adding that Mauritius had made great strides in education.

Education is compulsory and free between ages 5 and 16 in the island nation in the Indian Ocean, located off the southeast coast of Africa. Mauritian students consistently rank top worldwide yearly for the Cambridge International O Level, International A and AS level examinations.

President Bio thanked President Roopun for the hospitality and praised the Government and people of Mauritius for the progress they had made. He stated that both countries would share experiences and continue to collaborate at both continental and global levels.

In December 2022, President Bio emerged as the winner of the “African of the Year 2022” after polling over 68% of the total votes. The poll attracted combined total votes of over 15,000 and over 1 million active online engagements during the voting period. The previous winner of the “African of the Year 2021” was Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi.

Volume 1. No.5: Education Sector: The First Lady’s Contribution to Girl Child Education

By Abubakarr Bah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

One of the goodies of the Bio Presidency in Sierra Leone is the important role played by the Office of the First Lady in the developmental drive of Sierra Leone, especially towards the health and wellbeing of school going girls across the country. This would be explained in my piece later.

Unlike his predecessors that ruled the Republic of Sierra Leone since 1971, the 5th democratically elected President, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has placed so much significance and influence on the Office of the First Lady of the country. The President is passionate about gender equality and he truly knows the value a strong woman like the First Lady, Her Excellency Fatima Bio, would add to the presidency and nation building. There is a generally held belief that “When good men and women work side-by-side, they form more powerful teams, and provide better results…”

When they are serious about development, visionary leaders work side-by-side with their spouses, and more importantly place them at the front or centre stage and not keep them at the back. Therefore, the placement of Madam Fatima Bio at the centre stage is in line with the Agenda of UN Women which states that “women’s equal participation and leadership in political and public life are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.”

Since he came to power in 2018, His Excellency President Bio has been working shoulder-to-shoulder with his better half nationally as well as showcasing her at the global stage, including the United Nations. Her Excellency Fatima Jabbie Maada Bio also made proper use of this opportunity to excel as the first ever sitting First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone to address the U.N. During her address, she made a strong case for a declaration to end child sexual exploitation and violence in a bid to bring hope and healing to survivors.

Through the support of her colleague First Ladies in Africa and other stakeholders, including leaders of prominent child welfare and advocacy organizations, and survivors of child sexual abuse, Madam Bio made a historical milestone at the U.N in November 2022 for a declaration of November 18 as the World Day for the Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence. Every patriotic Sierra Leonean irrespective of political ideology or party affiliation should be proud of our First Lady for this historic achievement.

In 2019, Her Excellency, Fatima Bio was also decorated with a warrior award at the International Women of Power Luncheon in California, USA for her bravery and outstanding contribution towards women and girls empowerment in Sierra Leone.

Back home, Her Excellency the First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio has done extremely well towards supporting the girl child; firstly against early marriage, sexual abuse and exploitation with the launch of her flagship programme, “Hands off Our Girls” campaign in December 2018. With her emphasis to end rape, Madam Bio brought together First Ladies from different countries in Africa. The “Hands off our Girl” campaign in Sierra Leone contributed greatly to the enactment of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2019.

His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on 2nd June 2022 joined Madam Fatima Bio on the occasion marking the commemoration of the International Day of Menstrual Hygiene, and launched the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution campaign in Sierra Leone. Since the project was launched last year, thousands of school girls across the country have benefitted and still benefitting from the free sanitary pad distribution project.

In a bid to raise mass awareness across the country, the First Lady has been touring across the 14 districts of the country to distribute free package of sanitary pads to each school girl, emphasising that “no school girl in Sierra Leone should stay home during schooling because of menstruation,” which is in line with the 2022 World Menstrual Hygiene Day. The campaign is helping to demystify the issue of menstruation and make it a normal fact of life. Before the introduction of the free sanitary pad distribution in schools, research shows that annually, school girls lose 80 days from school due to menstrual periods as opposed to their male counterparts.

Madam Bio’s free Sanitary pad distribution is helping to end the stigma on menstruation, enabling the girls to stay in school, and making the girls to feel inspired that with education anyone of them could attain any height they desire to achieve. For instance, some school girls in the Saint Andrews Secondary School in Bo in an interview with a colleague, Mahawa Allieu, lauded praises on Madam Bio for the free sanitary pad distribution which they said has made them to stay in school.

They also described the First Lady as a real mother of the nation, making particular reference to her humility. Recently in Kono, a total number of 7,000 school girls benefited from the free sanitary pad distribution.

A staunch member of the main opposition, All Peoples Congress (APC), Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, said during her address in Kono “I am APC but I believe in what the First Lady is doing and I will continue to support her; the pads are given to every girl irrespective of family, political affiliation or tribe.”

Many other school girls and parents across the country shared similar sentiments.

These appreciations show how the goodies of the Bio Presidency continue to make a massive difference in the education sector. It is therefore safe to say that they would want to see more of these beyond 2023 by supporting the Bios for a second term in office as the First family of the Republic of Sierra Leone until 2028.

Honesty and Transparency are the Hallmarks of the Direct Selling Industry – QNET Regional Director

QNET
QNET

It has become common these days to find interesting stories on social media where people share their frustrations about what they ordered online versus what they got. Although some of these stories are hilarious, they show how some online business people are riding on shoppers’ ignorance to exploit them by presenting enticing images of products online yet selling inferior ones to customers because they know it may be challenging to track them down.

In the past, companies did not prioritise transparency and honesty in business. Most organisations operated opaquely, and not even employees had first-hand information on all the company’s operations. In today’s market, however, companies must learn that honesty and transparency inspire trust, and as the level of trust increases, so does the likelihood of success.

Businesses need to do more to gain and maintain customer trust through transparency and honesty in an age where customers have more options and understand customer rights and privileges with easy-to-access regulatory agencies and multiple social media platforms to express their dissatisfaction. A consulting firm, Label Insight’s survey[1], found that 94% of consumers prefer brands that practice transparency. Studies show that 52% of Millennials research background information about products before purchasing, and 42% expect to know what goes into products and how goods are made before they purchase them.[2]

The two fundamental elements of honesty and transparency have emerged as the benchmark for businesses in today’s society, and companies are reaping remarkable benefits economically while at the same time building their reputation.  Treating employees, partners and customers how the business owner would want to be treated aids in creating an environment of trust and support. Such become the building blocks of long successful relationships, a phenomenon no different in the direct selling business, which has penetrated the African market somewhat aided by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Direct Selling?

Direct selling is a method of marketing and retailing goods and services directly to consumers in their homes or any other location away from permanent retail premises. It is a sales channel companies use to promote their products away from a physical retail location, directly to the end consumer, primarily relying on word-of-mouth promotion of existing users. According to the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) report[3], Africa in 2020 saw a 17.3% year-on-year increase in the number of individuals involved in direct selling with brands like QNET tapping into the trend by expanding its presence in the region.

Why are Transparency and Honesty Important in the Direct Selling Business?

The direct selling business relies heavily on salespeople getting in front of customers in non-traditional settings to sell products. When marketing products and services, every salesperson has no choice but to be honest, and truthful. If they deal honestly in business and consumer confidence is positive, customers will forge a long-lasting relationship with the brand. Dishonest business practices will only lead to a long brand reputation damage and a trust deficit.

On the other hand, honest business practices in direct selling build foundations of trust with customers and every other individual and entity. By putting credible information in people’s hands, they can make more informed and, therefore, better decisions and choices.

QNET, for instance, launched in Nigeria[4] last year to give Nigerians access to high-quality products and offer a unique opportunity to earn additional income in an internationally tried-and-true business model. The company discloses essential business operations, goals, values, and information.

Firms and individuals involved in direct selling must deal with customers with integrity by backing up their work and products to be everything they have been advertised because consumers expect this as a bare minimum.

The value and importance of honesty and transparency in direct selling have apparent and subtle implications. Small and big direct-selling business owners should operate based on a commitment to provide valuable services or products. Failing to meet your corporate responsibilities establishes a climate of mistrust and potential illegality.

From the foregoing, businesses have no choice but to remain transparent.   Integrity in business enhances your reputation — which can help attract and retain customers, boost employee loyalty and become a more attractive investment proposition. Business integrity is strongly correlated with financial performance, so organisations must espouse transparency and integrity to thrive in the increasingly competitive market.

About Mr Biram Fall

Biram FALL is a financial economist and analyst. He started his career at Citibank in New York more than 30 years and has since held leadership and strategy positions in the administration of his country Senegal as well as in leading companies. He is now Managing Director Regional for QNET Sub-Saharan Africa.

Throughout his career, Mr. Fall has developed a keen interest in visual arts and geopolitics, to name but a few some of his other personal interests and hobbies.

He believes in sharing and giving to the community, a man whose determination to play a key role in helping African youth is unwavering.

 

IOM Supports Flood Victims in Bo-Jongo

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) provided non-food items (NFIs) including shelter, hygiene and household kits on the 16th February, 2023 to victims of floods in the riverine community of Bo-Jong, Bonthe District, Southern Sierra Leone.

Last year floods devastated households with an estimated affected population of more than 400 people in Bo-Jong.The floods destroyed some houses and washed away household items.

In close coordination with the Sierra Leone National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), IOM carried out assessment missions to know the needs of the affected community. During this process, 57 households were identified for support in disaster preparedness and response.

Speaking during the distribution of the NFIs, Abu Rahman Turay, the NDMA Regional Coordinator for South, commended IOM for the shelter, hygiene and household kits, as he noted that these materials remain key in the humanitarian and disaster response gesture to assist the hard-to-reach community. “These items are very important for the Community which is currently in dire need of them”, he emphasized.

In his statement, the Head of IOM Sierra Leone, Christo Christodoulides said: “disaster management requires joint efforts of all stakeholders from the National to the community level, and that is why IOM has worked closely with the NDMA- which supported us with the identification and initial assessment of the community”.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank them for their collaboration and support. We hope that through our joint effort, the Bo-Jong community will become a success story in the area of disaster preparedness for other communities in Sierra Leone to learn from,” Christos added.

The community is located close to River Jong and due to heavy rains, the river overflows its banks to cause flooding in the community. So, it is paramount to have mechanisms in place for Disaster mitigation.  IOM is supporting youths in the community to deliver a Pilot Water Embankment Initiative.

“The Water Embankment Initiative is a good starting place and we hope that the community will embrace and own it. We also hope that community members will explore other innovative ways to safeguard the Bo-Jong community from further disaster occurrences; spotting the warning signs early and knowing how best to respond to save lives and properties,” Christos stated.

In his brief response, Abdul Salankoley, Town Chief of Bo-Jong thanked IOM for the gesture. He said: “this is the first time we are receiving this kind of support relating to disaster response and preparedness. Also, we will effectively mobilize young people to do the Water Embankment Initiative to protect our community from the usual annual river overflow”.

The assistance provided to the Bo-Jong community is being made possible through the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security with funds from the Government of Japan

ACC Recovers Over Le2 Billion from Various Entities Named by Audit Sierra Leone

By Abubakarr Harding

In a Media Release by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) dated 24th February, 2023it was stated that this Third (3rd) Serialized Media Release provides further update and informs the general public, on the actions taken so far on issues raised in the Auditor General’s Report of 2021.

According to the ACC, those interventions are focusing on aspects of possible or alleged corruption and conducts inconsistent with the provision(s) in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019.

The ACC stated that after a thorough review and analysis of the aforementioned Report, the Commission initiated actions with a view to investigating, prosecuting or recovering of public funds, public revenue, public property, as may be necessary, in accordance with Sections 7 and 48 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 as amended in 2019, respectively.

The Commission stated that it has recovered Public Resources in the total sum of Two Billion, Thirty Six Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Seven (Old) Leones, and Six (Old) Cents (Le2,036,665,607.6).

It stated that the Auditor-General’s Report of 2021 highlighted that Government Technical Institute (GTI ) in Bo failed to pay Withholding Taxes of Eleven Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Four (Old) Leones, Fifty Cents (Le 11,150,254.50) to the National Revenue Authority (NRA) for transactions carried out for the period under review.

The ACC said its investigation has established that the withholding taxes were deducted by the GTI Finance Office but faced challenges to effect payment to NRA portal system introduced for such payment to be done.

It continued that the amount highlighted in the 2021 Audit Report, in the sum of Eleven Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Four (Old) Leones, Fifty Cents (Le 11,150,254.50) has been paid into the Commission’s Bank Account and ACC has acknowledged the payment and issued receipt to GTI.

In that regard, the matter has been accordingly recommended for closure.

According to the ACC, the 2021 Auditor General’s Report further highlighted that Withholding Taxes were not deducted and paid to the NRA by the Port Loko City Council, amounting to Fourteen Million, One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Six (Old) Leones (Le14, 114,746).

However, the ACC said its investigation has established that the Withholding Taxes were not paid by the PLCC to the NRA, that the Port Loko City Council has, however, made payment of the Withholding Taxes amounting to Ten Million (Old) Leones (Le10,000,000) to the ACC through its North-West Regional Office in Port Loko, with a balance of Four Million, One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Six Leones (Le4,114,746).

The ACC said the File remains active until the issue has been resolved, with the payment of the remaining money.

The Audit Report of 2021 further revealed that the  National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) contributions for staff were not deducted by the Kambia District Council and paid, amounting to, One Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Five Hundred and Eighty One Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty Eight (Old) Leones (Le138, 581,558).

The ACC investigation confirmed that the said NASSIT contributions were not deducted and paid, even though the issue was inherited from the past Council Administration and Court action has been instituted against the Council by the Management of NASSIT

It further revealed that preliminary discussions are underway on the preparation of Payment Plan by the Council, with the NASSIT Team.

The ACC said it has therefore instructed that all efforts be made so that the contributions owed to NASSIT by the Council be paid.

It was also highlighted in the Audit Report of 2021 that Withholding Taxes amounting to One Hundred and Twenty Three Million, Eight Hundred and Thirteen, One Hundred and Forty Nine (Old) Leones (Le123, 813,149) were not paid to the NRA. Also, the Audit Report of 2021 stated that, the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes were not deducted and paid to the National Revenue Authority amounting to Six Million, Four Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand (Old) Leones (Le6,464,000).

However, the ACC investigation established that the Port Loko District Council made payment of Withholding Taxes at various Commercial Banks but receipts were not issued out, not until of late when receipts were received from Zenith and Union Trust Banks remaining VISTA Bank.

It revealed that the National Revenue Authority (NRA) payment receipts have been submitted to the Commission which are yet to be verified with the National Revenue Office in Makeni.

The ACC said the Port Loko District Council has already made payment into the ACC Account with the Access Bank, in the sum of, Six Million, Four Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand (Old) Leones (Le6,464,000) relating to the PAYE.

It stated that meanwhile, the ACC is currently working with the NRA office in Makeni to verify the receipts submitted by the Port Loko District Council in regard the payment of Withholding Taxes to the NRA. The issue of the PAYE has been accordingly recommended for closure, since the matter has been resolved.

The Commission stated that it shall continue to promptly update the public through Media Releases on its interventions in regard the Auditor General’s Reports of Sierra Leone.

It concluded that in the spirit of partnership, the ACC will continue to thank and appreciate Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) for their diligence and commitment in combating corruption in Sierra Leone and Parliament for their sustained and unflinching support.

 

 

 

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