Launch of Securitized Biometric ID Cards is Today

January 30, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has ensured that the first Biometric Multi-Purpose ID Cards for Citizens, ECOWAS Nationals and other Foreign Residents have securitized features that meet international standards which holders could be proud of.

It must be noted that a formal contact was initiated with the Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS) through its Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration Department, Albert Siaw-Boateng, to provide technical guidance and specifications for the ECOWAS ID Card.

In response to the Director General’s request, the ECOWAS Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, Albert Siaw-Boateng confirmed in a correspondence dated 22nd April, 2020 with reference SLHC/ABJ/ECW/225/020/036, “I hereby forward the attached ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) specifications for your information and necessary action”.

Following receipt of the ECOWAS specifications, the NCRA in collaboration with its partners including the European Union Technical Assistance Team continued with progress that culminated into the design and development of the ID Cards that is consistent with international standards.

The NCRA will launch the Multi-Purpose ID Cards and ID Verification System to address the perennial challenge residents of Sierra Leone have endured for nearly a decade for lack of identity sometimes causing deprivation to access critical services in the country.

It must be noted that the ECOWAS Commission was to review the design done by Sierra Leone and to advise its compliance with ECOWAS specifications which were done.

Sierra Leoneans, according to the NCRA, are assured that the ID Cards are of high quality with resounding security features and specifications that are in line with international standards which allow holders of such ID Cards unfettered movement within ECOWAS member counties as well as guarantee migration and trade integration; a principle behind the introduction of and use of a common ID within the ECOWAS sub region.

The NCRA expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Director of Free Movement and the European Union for their technical support throughout the process.

According to the Director-General of the NCRA, President Julius Maada Bio will officially launch the production of ID Cards (ECOWAS, National and Non-National) on the 30th January, 2023.

Access to ID Cards will be decentralized and holding a National Identity Card is mandatory with a life span of five years. The Non-National Identity Card is also mandatory, has a life span of one year and is required for Residential and Work Permits.

Mines Parliamentary Committee Assures Mines Minister of Maximum Support

January 30, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabba, was assured by Members of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources that they will give their unflinching support to the Ministry as long as they are of the conviction that the right things are done within the mining sector which are in the best interest of the country.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Emerson Lamina, stated during an inquiry held by the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources after the signing of a Lease Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms Ltd, that the said agreement could be geared towards developing, expanding and managing the rail and port infrastructure in the Tonkolili District, Northern Sierra Leone.

He argued that the agreement will contribute immensely to the economy, especially to the education sector commitments of the President, which receives 22% of the country’s budget.

In his justification for signing the agreement, the Mines Minister, Timothy Kabba, pointed out that the broader vision of the Government is not to hold back any individual in the mining sector but to enable all other miners to have positive competitive opportunity in the sector maintaining that, “We have to think big and make difficult decisions.”

The Minister recalled the opportunity Sierra Leone missed in the mining sector in 1972 when the country inherited and nationalized the National Diamond Mining Corporation (NDMC) underscoring how similar decisions were to be made but was not done due to poor understanding of the financial, technical and labor implications.

Dilating on the challenges, the Minister said that, “In 2021, there could have been no better opportunity for us. The Mines and Mineral Act this House graciously enacted was influenced by many interest. Whether it was Government, Ministries, Agencies or Departments or even our development partners, they had immense interest in the Mines and Minerals Act.”

Timothy Kabba lamented how he always feels discouraged whenever people say Sierra Leone cannot show anything for all of the minerals it has when the royalty from bulk minerals is 3%.

“But these contents of our actions are actually dictated by this very many interests and sometimes our development partners, so we do not have the liberty and latitude to have big shares in our mineral resources,” he said.

The Minister argued that giving the rail and port to an independent operator who is not a mining company will promote transparency and also increase export volume.

He added that the rail and port belong to the people of Sierra Leone, adding that there is a need to maximize the benefits of the rail and port by providing access to the many existing mines and potential mines in the corridor to open the infrastructure to passenger carriage and also other non-mining commodities.

Speaking on the importance and the access which the Government may have as an impact, he said that Cabinet has just signed a mining SPV that will be collecting critical assets that are not owned by any mining company but by the Government of Sierra Leone.

‘’All these are happening because the country depends on handouts and cannot make critical decisions and stand by them,” the Minister concluded.

Vice President Launches University of Sierra Leone Endowment Fund

January 30, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Friday 27^th January, 2023 at the New Multi-Purpose Hall, Fourah Bay College Campus in Freetown, the Honorable Vice President of Sierra Leone Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh officially launched the University of Sierra Leone Endowment Fund.

Vice Chancellor and Principal, USL, Brig-Gen Prof Foday Sahr, in his welcome statement and purpose of the event said in 2020 President Bio challenged all of them to think outside the box to support Government by raising fund, adding that the current Chancellor and Chairman of the Court in 2022 considered the idea for having an Endowment Fund.

He went on to state that the success and sustainability of the Endowment Fund depends on the alumni, well wishers among others. He called on all who are passionate about the institution to embrace the initiative maintaining that those who actively contribute in cash or in kind will be highly recommended. Having an Endowment Fund, he emphasized, will create an opportunity for them to diversify.

The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Alpha Tejan Wurie, said Government has done so much but there is so much more that need to be done, of which he described the move as a very laudable one and called for the need to look at how similar programs can be rolled out.

“So much had been done but we have a long way to go. This is a potential vehicle for us to invest in our self. Alhaji Tunde Cole has shown us the way and this is the main direction,” the Minister said.

He recalled some of the strides Government took over the years for the transformation of education in the country and the hard times they went through.

The Chancellor and Chairman of the Court, USL, Dr James Sanpha Koroma disclosed that his commitment to the Endowment Fund involved his personal engagement in the University as an undergraduate student, his tenure as research student over the years among others.

He recalled his days as a University student in the 60s and when he became a Chancellor saying what he saw was quite different from what is happening now underscoring how he wants that to be reversed.

He said during the 60s most of the facilities on campus were not different from the facilities of hotels downtown, stating that after his appointment as Chancellor he discovered that no amount of subvention or student fees will be able to sustain the University.

Dr James Sanpha Koroma pointed out that it is necessary for them to have such a Fund as Government cannot support them fully but rather to find a sustainable way.

“This is a standard for universities all around the world. Let us all work towards formalizing the Fund. I want to commit myself even after my tenure to continue to raise funds for the University,” he said.

He disclosed that an account has been opened for all to give their support adding that the University Endowment Fund is primarily being established from the receipt of charitable donations from private individuals, corporations, foundations, associations, and organizations.

Launching the Endowment Fund, Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said there is no suitable time for such an event than now when the country is ranking very high around the world in transforming education and also the fact that Sierra Leone is one of five global champions in transforming education.

He said Sierra Leone is in an era of free quality education maintaining how that speaks volume about their determination, conviction as a people to transform the educational sector noting that the education landscape can never be the same again as enrolment is increasing at a very alarming speed.

The Vice President disclosed that Government is spending 22% of the national budget on education adding that there are about 27 thousand students in the university and they are very satisfied as a Government.

He also mentioned an increase in public exams passes saying more girls are now enrolled into the Sciences and investment in technical education has doubled adding that similar investments have been done in other sectors or areas such as health, energy, agriculture among others.

“Financial resources alone are not enough to turn around an institution,” the VP said.

The Vice President went on to say the challenges in the university are not only bordered on finances but also on human resources and how they govern the ecosystem.

He called on the University authorities that in as much as they are looking for additional resources, they should create and invest in the sciences, technology and innovation as it is vital for them to have a trade dependent economy.

The USL Endowment Fund Leadership was presented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, IPAM, Miriam E. Conteh-Morgan.

Mr Abdoulie Jan Janneh, Executive Director, Mo Ibrahim Foundation is the President of the Fund, Alhaji Ing Dr. Babatunde Cole, Executive Chairman, NP Group Ltd is the first Vice President of the Fund and Mrs. Mariama Francess J. Jajua the Second Vice President of the Fund.

Following the presentation of the USL Endowment Fund Leadership was the announcement of the donation Fund’s Seed Money, which was also followed by donations & pledges that was facilitated by the Pledge Master, Kobi Walker, Chief Executive Officer, NP-Sierra Leone Ltd.

I Am Best Placed to Unite Sierra Leone~ Amb. Omrie Golley

January 30, 2023

One of the leading Presidential Flagbearer candidates of the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) Party has said he is the best presidential candidate placed to unite the tribal, regional and political divides of Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Omrie Golley made these remarks on Saturday 21st January, 2023 on the occasion of the official launch of his presidential bid to lead the APC party to the 2023 presidential election. The occasion itself took place at the party’s headquarters in Pujehun District, Southern Province of Sierra Leone (a place known to be a ruling party stronghold).

In that occasion, thousands of Sierra Leoneans from across the country, including Temnes from Mile 91, Port Loko, Matotoka, Kambia, Makeni and Kerena; as well as Limbas from Kamakwie; youths from Freetown in the Western Areas; joined their Mende compatriots from Bo, Kenema, Kailahun and Moyamba all in Pujehun to showcase love, unity and oneness which is the bastion of Ambassador Golley’s campaign.

“Today I am here in Pujehun as a native from this place, but I came here with our brothers from all around the country to preach peace and love to you all,” Ambassador Golley stated, adding that “in my Government, I am going to bridge all regional divides which has engrained into the fabric of our current society. I believe east, west, north, or south. Krio, Mende, Temne, Limba, we are all one people.”

Ambassador Golley added that: “Two decades ago, in our darkest times, I put myself at great personal risk to help bring peace to our country. I then served as an Ambassador for our nation, working to strengthen the fragile peace we had won, securing investment and resource for our nation’s development and building Sierra Leone’s reputation across the world.”

Furthermore, the Ambassador stressed that he stand before Sierra Leoneans to announce that the time has come for him to take a more central role in building a better future for Sierra Leone.

Hence, he said, he decides to run for the Presidency of Sierra Leone because, “I too love our country and am determined to see a brighter future for Sierra Leone.”

PR Hinders Prince Macauley’s Presidential Bid

January 30, 2023

By Abubakarr Harding

With the Supreme Court judgement on the Proportional Registration Electoral system though it does not in any way have bearing on the Presidential Candidates, but the outcome on the matter has hampered the bid of one of the country’s finest Economists, Prince Jacob Macauley, to get the Supreme Court to interpret a clause in the 1991 Constitution that has to do with qualification for the position of President, Section 41 (d), which talks about the qualification of an independent Candidate’s eligibility to contest for the Presidency.

Prince Jacob Macauley, had since the last quarter of 2022, engaged the media and Civil Society Organizations on the said provision and had even written a letter to the President, Attorney General, Chief Justice and Parliament on the said provision.

In his view, the said clause provides the opportunity for Independent Candidates to contest for the position of President.

During a Press Conference held at the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Headquarters on Campbell Street in Freetown, Prince Macauley maintained that since the country’s constitution has a lot of ambiguity on a good number of issues, he will be going to the Supreme Court for interpretation of the said section.

Many explanations have been given on the said provision that an Independent Candidate can contest for the Presidency, especially when the law is looked at literally, as well as purposively, but there are insinuations from other quarters that the Golden Rule may not follow the line of that interpretation. According to some legal minds, the interpretation of the said Clause 41 (d) in the constitution, when taken within the context of the preceding clauses, as well as the section dealing with qualification for Members of Parliament, the only difference is the age.

In their view, the intention of the drafters of the constitution with respect to the inclusion of that clause is to remedy a situation where an Independent Candidate might want to contest for the Presidency.

Some school of thoughts are of the view that the said provision and its preceding clauses do not offer a clear cut interpretation of the matter, and would therefore need to be interpreted by the Supreme Court, after which an amendment of same could be done by Parliament to further clarify the matter in the section.

However, the decision of the Supreme Court on the PR System case brought before it has hampered the chances of Prince Macauley attaining him dream of contesting in the coming Presidential Election as an Independent Candidate.

The Supreme Court may not be able to deliver its interpretation on the said clause in time for any amendment to be done by the Parliament, whose term in office is coming to an end soon.

In that light, Macauley is said to have withheld his push for the Presidency until the next Elections, prior to which the Supreme Court would have made its interpretation on the said clause very clear.

Western Strikers Organization Discusses Welfare Issues

January 30, 2023

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Western Strikers Charity Organization held a meeting on the 27^th January, 2023 geared towards charting the way forward for the development of the organization and focusing on key issues like urgent medical care and funeral expenses.

As an organization comprising One Hundred and Thirty Seven (137) members most of them are residents of Victoria Street, Gabriel Street and other neighborhood Streets.

Chairman of the Organization’s members in the Diaspora, Sulaiman Sulley Bah, applauded all members who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the meeting revealing how they in the diaspora have heard all the cries they have made, and how the meeting is held to address those issues.

He intimated that one of the issues that must be addressed is urgent medical care underscoring how they have seen it as a need maintaining that some people can’t afford to pay their medical bills when they are ill. The Chairman stated that help will be given to those who are qualified for it.

Sulaiman Bah disclosed that, the other issue is funeral expenses stressing how, not everybody, will be qualified for assistance, and how their immediate families and those in dying need of medical care will benefit.

He noted that in undertaking all those require funds as without money they will not be able to do anything suggesting how they should seek help from external sources besides their monthly contributions for them to achieve the set goals.

‘’I will do anything for this community. This is my community where I was born and raised, ‘’ Sulaiman Bah asserted.

He stated that all monthly contributions both in the diaspora and in Sierra Leone will be paid at the Bank. He also disclosed how the organization has been registered.

One of the members of the organization, Audrey Kanu, suggested that, they should add scholarship to the scheme, stating how not everybody can afford to pay their children’s educational expenses but, if scholarships are given to deserving students that will also bring much more development to the community.

Joseph Renner, advised that they must all work together to achieve the goals of the organization suggesting that they should support members of the diaspora one hundred percent.

The meeting was climaxed with several contributions from other members of the organization and its members also concluded with agreeing to monthly contribute NLe 10.

Small Small Chinese Spring Festival Celebration Wows Online Audience

January 30, 2023

A wide attention was captured on the 28^th January, 2023 during the 2^nd edition of Small Small Chinese (SSC) in the Chinese New Year online celebration as China welcomes the world to the Year of the Rabbit.

Friends and well-wishers of SSC and China glued on to their phones and laptop to party with the team online as the event captured a series of activities with the theme “Bridge Language Gaps and Promote Cultural Exchange for All”.

The show featured performances from several stars from China and around the world as well as students of Chinese at different levels.

In her speech, Small Small Chinese founder and Cultural Ambassador Mariatu Kargbo aka Maria the Black Perl of China, spoke of her inspiration for teaching Chinese words and phrases.

“We can all learn some simple tools that will help us make new friends,” she said, even telling the participants, “Let’s all learn the words for Thank You (xiexie), Happy New Year (xinniankuaile) and Come On (jiayou)!”

Among the singers appearing were Xinjiang folk artist Guli Xiati, Hu Junming, one of Jackie Chan’s main disciples and France’s Abbe Shushu. Further medleys of One Belt One Road and Let the World Be Full of Love featured multiple stars.

To show how culture can transcend language, dancer Cao Xinyu, DK Dance from Qinghua University, magician Cheng Sanhu, Taiqi Master Liu Suibin and wushu (martial arts) students at the Confucius Institute in Sierra Leone presented their interpretations.

The show also showcased people from around the world who have studied the Chinese language to a high level, including Victoria, Legor and Tina who perform crosstalk with Yan Jiabao.

In a segment on learning Chinese, and in messages spread through the show, we also hear from those who are just starting on their journey. Among the leaders sending their congratulations to Mariatu Kargbo, Small Small Chinese and friends project were Ambassador Wu Peng, Director of the Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs China, Ambassador Wang Qing, China’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Mr. Ji Yongjun, Deputy Director General, Department of Asian and African Affairs, CPAFFC, Professor Jing Man, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone, former South African Ambassador Grant Grobbler, Dr Samantha Sibanda, founder of Appreciate Africa Network and Vice President of ADICNET, Madam Zahra Jidda, President, Commonwealth Society in Beijing(CSB), Mrs. Onike King, Chairperson of the Sierra Leone China Friendship Association (SiLCHA), Joseph Olivier Mendo’o, ACL President and Youth Leader of African students in China.

JIT Capital Group New Advisory Board Holds Inaugural Meeting

January 30, 2023

An erudite academic and private sector expert, former Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) University of Sierra Leone, Dr. Jessie Porter, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Advisory Board of JIT Capital Group together with eight other well respected Sierra Leoneans for the 2023 business year.

During an inaugural meeting at Bintumani Hotel on Wednesday 25th January, 2023, Dr. Jessie Porter admonished members to use their shared experiences to professionally, ethically and strategically guide the affairs of the company so that JIT Capital Group will emerge as a well placed and forward looking investment and financial service institution in Sierra Leone.

The Board appointed three Executive Directors and adopted the Company’s business plan and budget for 2023 business year.

JIT Capital has established itself as a major service provider for SMEs, especially in Rural Sierra Leone. The vision of the company is to develop a financial institution that will innovate the ways SMEs are doing business with a mission to create a financing corridor for existing businesses and assist in building new businesses through credit and venture capital schemes.

Government Approves Standard Operating Procedures Manual to Improve Rolling out of Audit Recommendations

January 30, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Release issued by the Ministry Of Finance Press dated 27^thJanuary 2023 it was stated that on the 31^stAugust, 2022, Government approved the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Manual to follow up on the implementation of audit recommendations by all public sector entities which are issued by either the Auditor-General or the Internal Audit Department.

Further stated was that the Manual is an important aspect of Government’s Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms and includes the legal, institutional and policy frameworks for audit reports within a public sector entity and the responsibilities in implementing the audit recommendations therein.

The Ministry of Finance added how it further wishes to inform the Public that the objectives for audit follow-up are: to determine the status of audit issues and recommendations to confirm executive commitment to implement recommendations already agreed upon during the audit process or to come up with executive commitments to solve those issues through the audit follow up mechanisms; to confirm the implementation of the executive commitments by verifying the remedial actions taken; analyze and disseminate audit follow-up information to improve the overall governance and accountability environment.

It maintained that the SOPs bring procedural clarity on how internal and external audit issues and recommendations are implemented; executive/auditees’ commitments to implement remedial actions are documented; how the actual implementation of those actions is tracked; and the results of the follow-up process are disseminated broadly to stakeholders.

The Ministry pointed out that the manual will also address the audit issues and recommendations emanating from Parliamentary Public Account Committee (PAC), predominantly based on the reports submitted by the Auditor General.

According to the Finance Ministry, to improve on the low rate of implementation of both internal and external audit recommendations in the public sector over the years, Government has instituted penalties and sanctions ranging from withholding of remuneration, fees and allowances of Vote Controllers and other responsible persons.

It continued that, therefore, responsible officers who fail to implement audit recommendations as per their respective performance contracts will be liable to punitive measures as outlined in either the Civil Service Code or their terms of employment.

Concluding, the Ministry of Finance entreats all Heads of Public Entities, Vote Controllers and Responsible Persons of Ministries Department and Subvented Agencies, State-Owned Enterprises and Local Councils to support the implementation of the Manual and to ensure that audit recommendations are implemented to improve the overall public financial management.

The SOP manual, the Ministry of Finance ended, is available on its website (www.mofsl.gov.sl).

450 Aprons Donated to Market Sellers via the LAPPA to APRON Project

January 30, 2023

A project titled “LAPPA TO APRON” was launched in Potoru, Barrie Chiefdom, Pujehun District, Southern Province on the 31^st December, 2022.

About 450 aprons were donated to market women and men selling in the following markets: Potoru Town, Njala, Makonde (NUC), Congo Town, Wilberforce, Aberdeen Road, Blackhall Road and Malama Thomas Street.

This initiative is directed and coordinated by Dr. Margaret Konima Sesay and supported by family and friends from Sierra Leone, UK, USA and UAE.
A million thanks was extended to the following:
Reverend Canon Joseph and Mrs Maria Tucker & family, Sawyerr family, Modu Jr. & Hamusa Sesay, Iscandari family, Bismarck Davies family, Lukulay family, Bishop Samuel Gbonda& family, Mr. Melvin and Mrs. Hawa Tucker & family, Mrs. Francess John, Dr. and Mrs David Khanu & family, Mrs. Valish Coker and family, Mrs. Aliea Kamara & family, Ms. Ann Akaki, Mrs. Victoria Kargbo & family, Ms. Jane Moikowa, Ms. Beatrice Kuyateh, Haja Fatu Yumkelĺa-Sankoh & family, Dr. Robert Moikowa, Mr. Foday Brima Sawi & family, Ms. Isata Sawi and De-Masoki, Mr. and Mrs. Rashid Sesay & family and Mr.& Mrs. Mahmoud Kamara.

Dr. Margaret Konima Sesay, the Director and Coordinator “FROM LAPPA TO APRON” Project informed that the aprons are of the finest quality as they want the market women to be decent while selling as is the case in other countries the world over, promised that more aprons would be distributed to various markets in the country and appealed to other individuals and institutions to emulate the sterling example.

She further observed that one of the cleanest places in any country should be the market as that is where food items are bought, otherwise, individuals will fall sick and that poor hygiene in market places would zoom on the country’s public health.

Some of the beneficiaries interviewed including Mariatu Kargbo, the Chairlady of Aberdeen Road Market, commended the initiative to promote hygiene and food safety in markets and appealed to other individuals and institutions to emulate the example.