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Mines Ministry & NMA Showcase Mineral Potentials at 2023 Mining Indaba

In a bid to market the country’s mineral potentials, representatives of the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency are in attendance in this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa.

On Monday, 6th February 2023, the delegation had the ‘Sierra Leone Country Case-Study’ session at the Westin Hall 1, where the NMA Director-General, Julius Mattai, and mining companies’ executives from Sierra Leone participated in a 90-minute long interactive, in-depth discussion which showcased the different experiences and opportunities of  key stakeholders and other leaders involved in mining processes in the country.

The Director-General set the context by highlighting the mineral potentials and governance framework, while the Chairman and CEO of Marampa Mines Ltd, Craig Dean; the General Manager of Koidu Limited, Roco Vermeulen; the Director of Corporate Affairs of Sierra Rutile Ltd, Aminata Kamara; and the Head of Corporate Finance of FG Gold, Nicola Asgill all shared their experiences of operating in Sierra Leone, as well as major highlights of their respective operations and expansion plans. The presentations and panel discussion provided participants with an in-depth understanding of the prevailing policy and regulatory environment, specific projects and investment opportunities and the future direction of mining in the country.

Meanwhile, the delegation is maintaining an exhibition booth at the Mining Indaba to showcase the minerals potential of the country, and the booth serves as an information hub, where interested parties can go to get information about the minerals sector and have meaningful engagements.

The annual Mining Indaba is the foremost global gathering for investing in the African mining value chain. The largely interactive and market led programme brings together the leading representatives from the mining investment community, the world’s largest mining houses and Government Ministries to share insights into how the sector can drive investments and capitalize on the opportunities available to Africa’s mining industry.

It is a major opportunity for investment promotion for Sierra Leone. The delegation has the opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone’s mineral potential and investment opportunities to a wide and diverse audience made up of investors, inter-governmental, public and private sector representatives.

 

To Safeguard Maternal Health… Orange Foundation Partners with Mama Pikin Foundation

By Abubakarr Harding

As part of its efforts towards safeguarding maternal health in the country, Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, has on Tuesday 7th February 2023 signed a partnership with Mama Pikin Foundation. The signing ceremony was done during a Press Conference held at Orange Sierra Leone Headquarters on Hill Station in Freetown.

The partnership between the two entities seek to implement a Project titled : “Safeguarding Maternal Health for the Preservation of the Health of Expectant Mothers in Sierra Leone”.

In her welcome address, the Orange Foundation Manager, Finnah Stevens, stated that the Project is an outcome of their commitment to contribute to social goals, by engaging and supporting sustainable development in Sierra Leone, asserting that the company has an effective Foundation strategy with health and women/girls forming its core.

She added that Orange SL has established a formidable partnership with the ‘Mama Pikin’ Foundation to reduce maternal mortality in the nation.

“I need not to emphasis in stating that maternal mortality continues to plague the lives of our women across the country,” she says adding that the company together with one of their partners, ICAP of Columbia University, identified Kroo-Bay Community as one of the communities with the highest percentage of maternal mortality over the years based on the data from the Ministry of Health & Sanitation.

She intimated how they implemented a Project at the Kroo-Bay Community for the past two years maintaining that since the implementation of the project there has been a reduction in maternal deaths.

The Manager said that the objectives for the maternal health project are to promote awareness on the importance of maternal healthcare, to screen for risk factors of maternal morbidity and mortality among pregnant women, to facilitate linkage of pregnant women within the community to appropriate health care among others.

She furthered that the objectives will be accomplished through the following project intervention: Community health promotion, Multi-disease screening service , Baby case boxes, M-Health Service and IPC measures for maternal Health service.

Founder of ‘Mama Pikin’ Foundation, Dr. Fatu Fornah, commended the Orange Foundation for their intervention which is geared towards reduction in the rate of maternal deaths in Sierra Leone.

Dilating on the ‘Mama Pikin’ Foundation, Dr. Fornah said that the Foundation’s goal is to improve the health of women, children and families in Sierra Leone revealing how the Foundation was co-founded by her and her husband in 2008.

She informed that the work they do is to support hospitals, clinics, teaching of Doctors, Nurses, mid-wives to improve maternal and child wellbeing as well as support the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

According to the Founder, in saving the lives of mothers and children health care workers have to work at the community level and society level. She stated that at the community level and society they provide delivery buckets and transportation assistance to all women that gave birth to children.

She stated that one of the main pillars of safe delivery is to go to a health centre to deliver maintaining that if someone stays at home to deliver there are possibilities for fatalities to occur.

In another development, the Orange Esport Experience is a global event and competition that brings Esport enthusiasts and players from around the world. Over 8,500 Euros was given in cash prizes during the 5th Edition in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Sierra Leone champion, Mohamed Jalloh, who was one of the winners of the local tournament, went on to perform very well but missing out on the top spot to Egypt. He shares his experience from the Orange Esport Experience Tournament in Cote D’Ivoire. He is excited about the great hospitality, meeting awesome people, enjoying the games, and raising the Sierra Leone flag high.

He expressed delight and gratitude to the Orange SL CEO and promised to join in pushing Esport in Sierra Leone.

Orange Sierra Leone has been investing in young talents and in things that are close to the heart of the youth. Esport is quickly becoming a phenomenon around the world, and Orange is supporting in making sure that Esport lovers are given the opportunity to enjoy the game, and strengthen the sport in Sierra Leone.

 

 

 

NP-SL Immense & Positively Contributions to Socio-Economic Development Very Impressive

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

By Amin Kef (Ranger) 

NP-SL Ltd, it has been confirmed, is a successful enterprise that is hugely contributing to the socio-economic development of this nation.

This assertion could be justified when cognizance is taken of the company’s serious deepening of the country’s Local Content Policy as vividly evident in giving exceptional preference to employing indigenes contrary to bringing in foreign expatriates to execute certain tasks. This laid down policy that is strictly implemented has created room for the employment of Sierra Leoneans who have the requisite qualifications and skills giving them the opportunity to take care of personal responsibilities.

This admirable quality that NP-SL Ltd has been exhibiting throughout the years by the proper implementation of the country’s Local Content Policy is geared towards giving preferential treatment to indigenes or making use of local ingredients, in the form of human and material resources, instead of depending on those that are acquired through importation.

The company has deepened the laid down policy of giving preferential employment consideration to indigenes instead of relying on expatriates.  As long as Sierra Leoneans have the requisite qualifications and skills they are first considered for various vacant positions in the company. The greatest advantage is that the policy has made it possible for indigenes to be gainfully employed and live improved standards of living.

“I cannot find words to express how delighted I am as I can proudly say that NP-SL has changed my life completely since the company employed me,” one of the workers at NP Cotton Tree joyfully intimated The Calabash when this medium went out on a fact finding mission.

“As far as I have assessed in this country it is only NP-SL Ltd that has such a pragmatic policy of maintaining a policy that gives job preferential treatments to Sierra Leoneans and I have great respect for the indigenous company,” Raymond Cole, a Social Commentator eulogized.

With the introduction of NP Smart Card, which has gone viral, the Card can be credited with money and the amount of money utilized to buy fuel is debited after every transaction. With the use of NP Smart Card, customers are saved the hassle of having to always move with physical cash in their possession in order to purchase fuel and indeed there are times when one may not have time to rush to the bank to make withdrawals. Customers, who are holders and users of NP Smart Card, are at the vantage position to properly budget, through the amount that is contained in the card to buy fuel, during a considerable period of time, say a week or a month. Indeed, NP Smart Card has become trending.

In order to ensure that their customers derive value for money, it was thought prudent on the part of Shareholders and Management to make use of state of the art and highly modernized calibrated pumping machines which were installed at the company’s different Filling Stations capable of pumping the exact quantity of fuel, be it petrol or diesel, that a particular customer requested for.

This fine move by the company has helped instilled confidence among customers that they are really dealing with a very transparent business entity and getting what they are paying for. This singular business strategy has got many glued to a petroleum company that is considered to be marketing the best of petroleum products which include petrol, diesel, gas and high grade lubricants, one of which is the most sought out Castrol oil, said to be very good for the proper functioning of engines.

The company also markets NP Gas which is a cooking device that is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at the company’s Filling Stations across the country. It can be easily refilled with gas, is said to be non-hazardous to the health of individuals and easy to operate. Its performance has been rated high and many are indeed going for it.

One yardstick that could be used to assess the potency and vibrancy of a company is how well it is entrenched or established. With regards NP-SL Ltd, one can actually see that the company, over the years, has grown by leaps and bounds as seen in its opening of branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. All these NP branches, within the sub-region, are functioning very efficiently and contributing immensely towards the socio-economic development of those host countries. Through their operations, the company is paying taxes to the various Governments and indirectly boosting the revenue bases of those countries to roll out different development programs.

From all that have been said so far, it could be argued with all amount of certainty that NP-SL Ltd is indeed a highly successful and very competitive petroleum company that continues to stand tall within the business landscape of this country. And from the look of things it is poised to reach higher heights.

Councillor Unisa Totti Fofanah Aspires for Port Loko District Mayoral Seat

The charismatic, indefatigable, result oriented and dynamic Councillor and Ambassador, Unisa Totti Fofanah, has disclosed his intention to contest for the Port Loko Mayoral Seat under the All People’s Congress (APC) Party in the forthcoming General Elections.

A young and dynamic son of the soil who has been playing key roles within the district is the son of late Pa Santigie Fofanah and Marie Kamara.

His late father was a famous professional Carpenter in Port Loko whilst the mother is well known for her petty trading activities. The young man came from a very humble and average background that sees value in empowering young people through formal education and skills development (Carpentry).

For those who hail from that part of the country they will attest to the fact that the Fofanah family of Kamara Street has impacted the lives of so many young people to become self-reliant and independent. The empowerment is still trending in high speed among those who acquired the skill through apprenticeship.

Technically, Councillor and Ambassador Unisa Totti is a professional Carpenter with a vast experience in building and construction. The young man was born and raised in Port Loko City at No.10 Kamara Street.

Academically, he attended the Sierra Leone Church- SLC Primary School, the EducAid Secondary School Rolal from JSS 1-JSS 2 and later transferred to the Port Loko Catholic Secondary School.

Currently, he is a final year student at the University of Management and Technology pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies. He is a seasoned Community Development ADMINISTRATOR with over 15 years of experience both in his Political field and work place.

Councillor and Ambassador Unisa Totti Fofanah started his development career as a Child Advocate going up the ladder as a Protection Officer certified by seven International Organizations (Plan International, Save the Children, GOAL, IRC, ACF, Concern Worldwide, Handicap International) through Kids Arise and the then Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs.

He has worked for several organizations as a Volunteer and as a Field Staff.  He is a result oriented young man who is highly regarded as an exemplary Community Development Advocate & Youth Empowerment Ambassador.

Councillor Unisa Totti Fofanah is a very influential Youth Leader with the required skills to influence and bring development in every aspect of Community life. He is an energetic, proactive, and goal oriented young man who is very passionate about the well-being of people and their communities. He has demonstrated a strong exemplary leadership in his Agenda to make Port Loko City a more developed zone. He is among the youngest Chief Executive Officers(CEO) in Sierra Leone in his capacity as the Founder and Executive Director of Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation- a Youth-Led Organization that seeks to contribute meaningfully to humanity and societal developments.

He is also the Regional Field Coordinator for Fruitful Healthcare- an Organization operating in Sierra Leone and in the United States of America(USA). Councillor and Ambassador Unisa Totti has contributed immensely to the development of Port Loko District ranging from Youth empowerment, Education, Health, Agriculture, Water and Sanitation, Citizens recognition, Social Development, Culture and Domestic Tourism.

Councillor and Ambassador Unisa Totti Fofanah is a Progressive Politician under the Indomitable All Peoples Congress (APC).

He is unarguably the youngest elected political figure in the political history of Port Loko District. Today, he is among the notable and recognized performing leaders and he who wakes up to his responsibility beyond imagination.

In 2018, the young Man was given an opportunity to be elected as a Councillor for Ward 235 Port Loko City, and he has emerged to be the best among the thirteen (13) elected Councillors for the political circle ranging 2018-2023.

 

Councillor Unisa Totti Fofanah is the People’s person who believes in the adage which says: “the political capital of every politician should be the people.”

He has proven beyond all reasonable doubt that leadership is not about age, but it is about what you can bring forward at the advantage of the people you represent. The young Man is indeed a celebrated Icon with series of Awards to his credit.

In order to actualize his passion to provide effective representation for his people he has decided to throw his hat to the ring by taking the bold decision to contest for the Mayoral Seat in the Port Loko District Council.

 

 

 

High Court Injunction Restrains Sale of Standard Chartered Bank

A landmark ruling was recently made by the High Court of Sierra Leone in a matter between the Standard Chartered Bank (as Defendant), and two others (former employees of the bank, as Plaintiffs), earlier this week.

Ruling in favour of the Plaintiffs (Former Employees) was pronounced by Justice Leonard Taylor, who categorically forestalled the Standard Chartered Bank’s Management from selling the institution.

The Judge emphatically ordered the Bank’s Management not to sell the bank or corporation without the consent of the court’s orders and better still notify the court with respect to the subject matter.

It could be recalled that in 2022, two former employees of the Standard Chartered Bank took the bank to court for wrongful dismissal from work, ill-treatment and damaging their status or credibility as professionals.

The lawyers for the two former workers (plaintiffs), on behalf of their clients sue the bank to court, asking for the court to put an injunction on the Bank’s Management not to proceed with the selling of the bank.

Also, the Counsels requested the Court to forestall any movement the Bank’s Management is planning to take, as the Counsels further revealed that – they had gotten an intelligence that the Bank’s Management is planning to shut down its operations in the country and depart without settling the many issues they have with both past and present staff.

Owing to this fact, the Counsels for the Plaintiffs also prayed for the Court to restrict the sale of the bank until it provides security that could cover their claim in the event their clients succeed in the substantive case before the court.

In more than a year of debate in the Court, the parent company (Standard Chartered) agreed to pay the sum of 1,200,000 United States dollars as ordered by the Court into the accounts to be managed by the solicitors of both parties until the case is heard and settled.

 

ARISE IIP’s Investment Portfolio to Unlock Vast Economic Benefits for Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

As the 17th January, 2023 signing of a lease agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platform Ltd (ARISE IIP) for the Development, Expansion and Management of      the Pepel Port and Pepel-Tonkolili Railway awaits Parliamentary debate and subsequent approval, pertinent stakeholders have expressed the candid view that it is in the best interest of country’s development trajectory as looming economic benefits will be enormous.

The lease agreement, worth US$476 million, includes the introduction of passenger rail service and the rail connection to Guinea.

Another major economic breakthrough which ARISE IIP will foster relates to the company providing services, chief among which is transporting raw materials and end products for mining companies and other investors via the rail.

In a country where transportation costs are most times factored in the prices of basic goods that are produced locally ,then  having a transportation system that makes room for more capacity, in terms of the quantity of goods that could be conveyed from one point to another, it is expected that more locally produced products will flood markets and sold at low  prices.

According to the CEO of ARISE, Gagan Gupta, if the agreement is approved by the Parliament of Sierra Leone, within 24 months, ARISE IIP will also replicate the establishment of a Special Economic/Industrial Zone as it has done in Benin and Gabon. The industrial zone in Sierra Leone will cost over US$1.2billion.

Based on information sourced from the Communications Director of the Company the Industrial Zone will have electricity, water supply, health, and other basic amenities which could be accessible to investors working within the zone.

Another major positive transformation that the intervention of ARISE IIP will usher in has to do with an increase in the amount of surface rent paid to communities along the rail and port. Presently, the surface rent paid to these communities is under 1billion old Leones.

However, as spelt out, with the new agreement with ARISE the communities will now receive over 5billion old Leones and such will be spread among the communities.

In a country where ironically the  mining sector has least benefited majority of the  residents in host communities it is definite that with an increased amount paid as surface rent standards of living will improve as well as making it possible to undertake the implementation of various development projects.

One of the challenges that have been very difficult to surmount within the mining sector has to do with transparency and accountability in terms of the volume or quantity of minerals that are exported within a specific period of time. Because the right structures do not exist for proper stocks to be taken then possibilities are there for under reporting to take place and corruption to set in.

With the intervention of ARISE IIP, the requisite administrative structures will be put in place to ensure there is accurate data in terms of exports in the extractive and other production sectors in Sierra Leone.

From what was observed in Benin and Gabon where ARISE IIP has a strong presence, with regards massive investments, the company influences other major investors to invest in the Economic and Industrial Zones it established.

With the presence of the country in this country there will be reputable and credible companies from across the globe that will be interested to operate in the Industrial Zone in areas like textile, tile, processing agricultural raw materials, which in turn will mean more employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

What all this will translate into is the creation of more job opportunities, increased revenue to Government and a solid boost of the country’s economy.

According to a Social Commentator, in as much as the country is in dire need of investors this is a golden opportunity which should not be allowed to slip through our fingers but rather to wholeheartedly embrace it and make the good use of it.

 

EXPOSED!!! Kingho on the Rampage to Avoid Millions of Dollars in Compensation

By Ibrahim Alusine Kamara

From the onset, Kingho Mining Company, now known as Leone Rock Metals Group, has exhibited a complete lack of capacity and capability to handle any mining project in Sierra Leone.

Since the advent of Kingho by questionable circumstances in 2011, it has proved to be an unworthy investment in Sierra Leone’s mining industry, evident in the company’s absolute failure to make a meaningful impact with the more than eight small and large-scale exploration and mining licenses given to them, but instead, incurred from the Government a huge debt to the tune of over four million dollars.

In a strange twist of events however, Kingho Mining Company, despite its woeful failure throughout its operations over the years, was in late 2018 surreptitiously awarded a license for the Tonkolili Iron Ore Mines, the country’s most-priced asset.

It is worth noting that on January 8th, 2021, the Sierra Leone Parliament ratified a six-year lease agreement with the company for the management, expansion, and development of the Railway and Ports. One of the clauses in the said contract states that the Lessor reserves the right to engage a third party for the management, expansion, and development of the Railway and Ports after the expiration of the two years exclusivity given to Kingho Mining Company.

Fast forward to 2023, however, the two years exclusivity expired, and the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Mines, decided to terminate the contract following the engagement of Arise IIP, an independent company with an enviable portfolio to take over the Rail and Ports.

This termination, however, seems to have unsettled Kingho Mining Company, which is  now seen to have gone on the rampage by not only instituting legal action against the Government but also recruiting journalists to wage media war against both the Government and Arise IIP.

Meanwhile, the company has claimed to have invested over 200 million dollars into the Ports and Railway in the last two years and therefore, demands full compensation for their so-called investment.

But it should further be noted that one of the clauses contained in the Kingho’s lease agreement was a provision made for full compensation in cash or kind of whatever investment it may have done on the Rail after an independent evaluation would have been done.

It has now emerged, however, that the company never invested in the rail as it earlier claimed, as experts have confided that Kingho will have to pay compensation to the Government when an independent evaluation shall be done on the Rail.

This is said to be the reason Kingho is now going on a rampage to gain public sympathy in a bid to dodge the millions of dollars in compensation that will be slammed on it as per the agreement.

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Healey International Donates Universal Anaesthesia Machine to Christ the King Children’s Hospital

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Tuesday 7thFebruary 2023, the Healey International Relief Foundation, with support from USAID American Schools and Hospitals Abroad,  donated one (1) Universal Anaesthesia Machine to Christ the King Children’s Hospital which is located in Waterloo.

The donation was part of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) American Schools and Hospitals Abroad Program (ASHA) grant that was given to the Healey International Relief Foundation for the purchase of eight (8) Gradian Universal Anaesthesia Machines (UAM), ventilators, and patient monitors to be distributed to health facilities across the country.

The donation of the 8 Universal Anaesthesia Machines (UAM) came as a response to the many challenges the hospital has been facing in doing surgical operations in the theatre as the machines are innovatively designed to continue working without electricity and medical oxygen.

In his statement, In-Country Manager of Healey International Relief Foundation, Ishmeal Alfred Charles, stated that the Anaesthesia machine is very efficient and will aid surgeries as it can work even without electricity.

He admonished pupils present to be innovative in order to solve societal issues affecting the country and the world at large. He added that the American best practices that the project is promoting are Transparency, Accountability, Science and Transparency.

The Director of Caritas Freetown, Fr. Peter Konteh, Executive Director, expressed appreciation to the community stakeholders for offering them the land on which the hospital is built. He emphasized the importance of the machine in the surgical theatre and encouraged the hospital staff to make good use of the machine adding that the cost of one of the machines is $50,000 and Healey is donating 8 of those to health facilities across the country.

Board Member, Josephine Garnem, encouraged all the youths present to always work hard and innovate in order to alleviate the sufferings of patients.

“We believe that the youth and students should try and do something incredible to change the world in a better way,” she added.

She also encouraged them to think outside the box as that is the only way they can save society and solve emerging problems in the world.

Sahr Botton, an anaesthesiologist revealed that the machine will increase successful surgeries in the country.

He further informed how the machine is particularly made for developing African countries that are struggling with energy problems. “Surgery won’t be easy without an anaesthesia machine and surgery won’t be successful without an anaesthetist,” he furthered.

He pleaded to the Healey Foundation to also help in training more anaesthesiologists as there is a shortage in the profession and explained the functions the machine could perform which includes temperature checking, Heart Rate Checking, Blood Pressure checking etc.

Director of Hospitals and Ambulance Services at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation – Dr. Matthew Vandi extended gratitude to the Healey Foundation for the gesture. He pointed out that Sierra Leone is a country that has a high infant mortality rate, but said with the installation of the machine such will help in reducing the mortality rate in the country.

He expressed delight that Christ the King Hospital has been capacitated.

Honourable Mohamed Chernor Kabia, the Member of Parliament of the constituency where the hospital is located, was quick to register thanks and appreciation to Caritas Freetown and Healey Foundation for their tremendous help in rendering health care services to the Waterloo Community.

He said that among the 11 health facilities in the Western Rural district, Christ the King hospital is ranked 2nd best in terms of service delivery in the health care sector but with the installation of the Aesthetic machine they have automatically be ranked number one in the rural district.
Honourable Mohamed Chernor Kabia also quickly drew the attention of all present that because of urban-rural migration they always need more of whatever they have or receive because the demand is always high and the population keeps growing.

He ended by thanking Caritas and Healey Foundation for always availing quality drugs accessible by patients that visit the hospital and also thanked the hospital staff for always giving their best in treating patients.

 

Omrie Golley’s Agriculture Initiative to End Hunger

By Alusine Sesay

One of the leading flagbearer aspirants for the main opposition, All Peoples Congress (APC) party, Ambassador Omrie Golley has said that with Sierra Leone’s vast fertile land, eight months of rainfall, and plentiful rivers, streams and sea, no Sierra Leonean should live in hunger.

Ambassador Golley is developing agricultural production centres across Sierra Leone.  The project is geared towards attaining food security, ending the country’s dependence on food import, and promoting export.

Sierra Leone spends Le240 million annually on the importation of rice and over US$20 million on the importation of onions.

Ambassador Golley made remarks came recently when  releasing a detailed policy paper on Sierra Leone’s Agriculture Sector  and  Achieving Food Security. The policy paper lays his vision for Sierra Leone’s Agricultural sector once elected president of the nation in the upcoming June 2023 presidential election. He said achieving food security “will require us to utilise the latest agricultural techniques, embrace modernisation, and train our people in these more productive and sustainable ways”.

Ambassador Golley further highlighted his own personal contribution to setting the basis of this transformation of our agriculture sector which includes the setting up of four (4) agric-training centres in the four regions of the country. He said, “At these sites, local farmers will be trained in all aspects of agriculture, using advanced agricultural equipment, knowledge, and technology essential for maximum productivity. This will include utilising advanced drip irrigation solutions which make best use of water and available land, enhancing food production.”

Ambassador Golley’s Policy Paper further added that the aim will be to train local people in the latest agricultural techniques, including the use of drip irrigation. “Not only does this technique drastically reduce water usage, but it also increases yields, is more cost-effective, and prevents soil erosion. I believe drip irrigation has the potential to transform agricultural productivity in Sierra Leone and it will be my mission to train our people to realise its benefits,” he stressed.

Speaking on his vision, Ambassador Golley added that his “vision is to identify 100 acres of land from all 14 provincial districts of Sierra Leone to establish a network of productive farms in rural communities across our country. The knowledge and techniques from these farms can then be adopted by neighbouring communities, organically transforming our agricultural industry.”

“If you place your trust in me, I will build upon the success of my agri-education projects to transform agriculture across Sierra Leone, ensuring food security and ending the widespread hunger suffered by our people,” Ambassador Omrie Golley concluded.

 

First Lady’s Convoy Caught in Serious Road Accident

A serious road accident occurred along the Makeni Highway on the 6th February, 2023 in which a lorry that was on high speed rammed into the convoy of First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, after the driver said his brakes failed him whilst he was driving the lorry at top speed.

The First Lady was not hurt but naturally she is very, very concerned over her security staff who are affected.

The lost control lorry narrowly missed the actual official vehicle in which the First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, was actually seated as she returned to Freetown from Kono via Makeni Highway.

After first missing her official vehicle, the lorry driver continued, with high speed, to hit the back of one of the security vehicles before continuing to actually ride over a third security vehicle; in the process seriously injuring several close protection security officials.

Because of the height of the lorry, the lorry driver did not sustain serious injuries. However, it practically rolled on top of the convoy vehicle, seriously injuring and mauling those who were in it.

It was reported that out of the eight that were in critical conditions six are part of the First Lady’s convoy and two are from the truck.

The Police are investigating the accident including the alleged brakes failure of the lorry. The injured security personnel have been evacuated to Freetown for further medical attention.

 

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