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14 Years Old Theresa Tarawallie Died of FGM

FGM

By Foday Moriba Conteh

According to the autopsy report dated 16th January, 2023 issued by the Consultant Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma, it was confirmed that a 14 years old JSS 3 Pupil, Theresa Tarawallie, of Keinsay Community in Koidu City, Kono District, died as a result of an Hypovolaemic Shock leading to chronic blood loss (prolonged bleeding) for 14 days due to Female Genital Mutilation.

It could be recalled that the Tankoro Police Divisional Headquarter in Koidu City was investigating an alleged murder of a 14 years old girl by the name of Theresa Tarawallie as a result of Female Genital Mutilation which said incident occurred in Keinsay Community, Koidu City on the 9th January, 2023.

According to what this medium learnt, the Sierra Leone Police arrested the uncle of the late Theresa Tarawallie who is currently in their custody but the Bondo Society ‘Sowei’ or Head was reported to be on the run.

It was further understood that Theresa Tarawallie (the deceased) met her untimely death on Monday, 9th January, 2023 after she was forced to be initiated and up to the point of her death she was residing with her uncle in Kensay Community in Koidu town.

Relatives of the deceased had wanted to sweep the issue under the carpet and secretly bury the girl when the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in Koidu town intervened.

The SLP acted on intelligence and forestalled the burial ceremony after taking the decision for the corpse to be taken to Freetown for proper postmortem in order to determine what led to the Theresa’s early death.

Postmortem examination was done on Monday 16th January 2023 by the Consultant Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma, who confirmed that the 14 years old Theresa Tarawallie died as a result of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

It must be noted that Sierra Leone has made commitments under  various international protocols and conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) all geared towards  eliminating the practice in the country.

According to Article 24 of the CRC, “States parties shall take all effective and appropriate measures with a view to abolishing traditional practices prejudicial to the health of children.” Similarly, Article 5 of CEDAW requests Governments to abolish traditions and practices that are discriminatory to women and girls and to modify social and cultural practices based on the notion of female inferiority. In addition, the United Nations CEDAW Committee issued a general recommendation No 14:“Female Circumcision-FGM-Female Genital Mutilation” during the ninth session in 1990, and called on States parties to “take appropriate and effective measures with a view to eradicating the practice of female circumcision”.

However, despite the fact that Sierra Leone is a signatory to the aforementioned protocols failure to condemn the practice in the country has led to serious human right violations.

 

NP-SL Always Assures Accessibility to High Grade Petroleum Products  

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

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s leading oil marketing company, NP –SL Ltd is taking bold steps in ensuring that the general public access qualitative petroleum products as well as services.

The company’s competent and razor-shape managerial team always looks at best options, in order for effective service delivery to be executed in timely and excellent manner all geared towards giving utmost satisfaction. If there is any accomplished feat for which the company is most times commended then such is optimizing customer satisfaction for which it has earned the enviable reputation as ‘1st for Customer Care’.

Prioritizing customer care is considered very paramount out of the strong conviction that the company will be nowhere without its cherished customers.

In its drive to optimize customer satisfaction the company went the extra mile to install calibrated pumping machines which are not only modern but trustworthy, as opposed to old pumping machines which certain unscrupulous individuals used to cheat unassuming customers. This is helping to repose confidence in customers that they are dealing with a very transparent entity. The friendliness of their pump attendants is very impressive and they are always there to timely respond to various concerns.

Still within the domain of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for supplied fuel and lubricants as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place. When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honoring their obligations.

In this country today, for one to see a successful business entity that is owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans and having a maximum number of indigenes as members of staff is like trying to find a lost needle on the beach, although there are some that could be identified..

For NP-SL Ltd this has been a big achievement as the company is strongly adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local brains has been identified as one of the conduits through which developing countries like Sierra Leone could attain economic empowerment. Correspondingly, if there is a continuation of the colonial mentality that it is only by importing foreign ideas and skills that we will get there then such could be a very sad mistake.

By providing job opportunities for hitherto jobless Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd continues to help in alleviating poverty by putting monies into pockets which could be utilized to take care of responsibilities.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the required financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).  The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited is one of the big time tax payers in the country and it is very compliant in that direction.

From all indications, it is crystal clear that NP-SL Ltd is the leading oil marketing company in the country.

 

Choithram Hospital Free Surgical Camp Returns

Choithram Memorial Hospital,

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

One of the renowned medical facilities in the country, Choithram Memorial Hospital, which is a private hospital situated on Hill Station in the West End of Freetown, through the pioneering work of the current Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Germany, Dr. ML Baryor and in collaboration with Bintumani Association will be offering a Free Pediatric Surgical Camp from the 11th March, 2023 to the 23rd March, 2023.

Management of the hospital revealed that a team of German Paediatric Surgeons, who have been visiting Sierra Leone since 2010, will be in the country to perform Paediatric Surgeries free-of-charge at the hospital.

Worthy of note is that this is not the first time that Choithram Memorial Hospital is organizing a Pediatric Surgical Camp as it has been doing so in the past in a bid to avail individuals who could not afford the costs to access good medical treatment.

Speaking to this medium in an exclusive interview, the Medical Superintendent of Choithram Memorial Hospital, Dr. Gowrinath M. George, intimated that patients, aged 15 years and below, are qualified to benefit, adding that patients will be screened at various centers and the final list sent for scrutiny and final evaluation out of which some of the patients will be referred directly to Choithram Memorial Hospital at Hill Station, Freetown, where the operations will be performed for free.

He revealed that the German Team consisting of eight (8) persons, including the Project Coordinator, Dr. Morley Wright and Dr. Ibrahim Al-Naib, including the 3 General Paediatric Surgeons, Dr. Sarah Al-Naib, Dr. Esther Lau, and Dr. Tilman Gresing, and 1 anesthetic doctor (Dr. Kathrin Rüsse) will be administering treatments.

Dr. Gowrinath M. George maintained that the spectrum of conditions to be treated include General Surgeries like Neck fistula and Cyst, Soft Tissue Tumors and Sequelae of Thermal injury, Malformation of the Urogenital and Gastrointestinal tract, Hernias in children, Hypospadia, Undescended testes, Abdominal Wall deformity, minor contractures after burns adding that malformation of the spine will be treated depending on its severity and accompanying lesions.

“Hydrocephalus and Myelomeningoceles, Incomplete Closing of the Backbone, Clubfoot/Talipes, Esophageal stricture, Cleft lip and Palate are excluded,” he stated categorically.

The Medical Superintendent urged interested patients to please contact them on +232 76 292082 or visit the Hospital from Monday to Friday to register for screening.

Registration will open from the 16th January, 2023 to the 10th February, 2023.

On his part, the Chief Administrator of Choithram Group, Harish Agnani, stated that providing qualitative medical treatment for people from all walks of life in the country, since its establishment, has been the vision of Choithram Memorial Hospital.

In another development, the hospital in collaboration with Interplast from Germany will be also offering Free Consultation and Treatment by experienced Plastic Surgeons from Germany from the 23rd March 2023 to 3rd April, 2023. The Free Consultation and Treatment will be coordinated by Dr. Eric Wongo, Plastic Surgeon and Coordinator of the Camp.

Dr. Gowrinath M. George further disclosed that patients suffering from Post Burn Contracture, Disorder/Deformity of hand, feet or wrist, Tumors of Hand and Feet and Cleft Lip and Palate can benefit from the Free Consultation and Treatment.

  1. E. Dr. M. L. Baryoh, Sierra Leone Ambassador to Germany, has been the bridge between Bintumani Association (German Paediatric Surgeons), Interplast (German Plastic Surgeons) and Choithram Hospital.

Dr. George said, ‘had it not been for the efforts H. E. Dr. Baryoh the Camp would not have been possible. He had several meetings with all the parties to bring them on board. I am grateful to him for having chosen our hospital to deliver surgical care to the needy of our beloved country. ‘

He also urged interested patients to please contact them on +23276541331 for registration or visit the Hospital on Hill Station in Freetown, adding that registration will commence from the 16th January, 2023 to the 10th February, 2023.

 

Choithram Memorial Hospital, Choithram Memorial Hospital,

 

 

Family Tragedy Unfolds: Mohamed Sesay Narrowly Escape Death

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo.jpg

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo 

According to information reaching this medium, it has been revealed Mohamed Sesay narrowly escapes death from his family members. Shedding light on the horrific events that unfolded on December 22, 2022. Our investigation revealed that on that fateful day, Mohamed found himself at the field when a friend delivered devastating news – his stepmother, Humu Sesay, along with his stepbrothers, were attacking his mother, Aminata Kargbo, and sister, Fatima Sesay.

Rushing to their aid, Mohamed discovered his mother and sister lying on the ground, grievously wounded, blood staining their bodies. As he intervened to protect them, Mohamed was viciously attacked by his stepbrothers. In the ensuing struggle, he was stabbed in the leg and struck on the head with a stone.

Despite his injuries, Mohamed managed to fend off his assailants, inflicting injuries in self-defence. With the help of his aunt, they were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. However, Mohamed’s ordeal was far from over.

Shortly after being released from police custody, Mohamed faced renewed threats from his stepmother, who vowed to make his life a living hell. True to her word, Mohamed and his family were targeted by assailants armed with sharp weapons, intent on silencing them permanently.

Under the cover of darkness, Mohamed’s home was attacked, resulting in the brutal murder of his brother, Morlai Sesay. Despite his desperate cries for help, the assailants fled the scene, leaving behind a scene of unspeakable horror.

Fearing for his life, Mohamed’s aunt orchestrated his escape from Sierra Leone, arranging for him to seek refuge in Guinea. However, even in exile, Mohamed remained a target, with individuals and law enforcement officials relentlessly pursuing him.

Tragically, Mohamed’s aunt, who had been his pillar of support, passed away just one month ago, leaving him to navigate the perilous journey alone. Despite the immense challenges he has faced, Mohamed remains determined to seek justice for his family and ensure that their tragic story is heard.

Professor Osman Sankoh Becomes Njala University’s Adjunct Professor

Professor Osman Sankoh (Mallam O.) COR, has on the 1st December 2022 appointed as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Community Health Sciences, Bo Campus. He was appointed by the Administration of Njala University to continue his exceptional intellectual and other support to the University.

Malam O’s appointment was made by the Appraisal Review Committee’s recommendations, and it is initially valid for a period of two years.

As an Adjunct, the ‘Professor of Bongology’ will receive no salary but has all the rights and privileges of a university staff, including the right to nominate the University as the host institution for research applications, eligibility to co-supervise higher degree candidates in line with any supervision of Research Candidates Policy, and the opportunity to represent the University at professional conferences and seminars.

Mallam O. is also subject to all University policies, rules, and regulations and he is responsible to the Dean School of Community Health Sciences.

Speaking about his appointment, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, noted that the Management of Njala University was unanimous in its decision to name Professor Osman Sankoh as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Community Health Sciences due to his previous outstanding service as Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University and his continued support to the University. “In actual fact, we are looking forward to him engaging more as a full-time staff in the near future,” Professor Koroma remarked.

“I am delighted that Professor Sankoh will be providing us, especially Bo Campus where the School is located, the exceptional and diverse contributions that would improve service delivery at the School. For him to accept our appointment this time round demonstrates his modesty. We look forward to his invaluable contribution,” Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Bo Campus and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Njala University, Professor Mohamed Syed Fofanah, asserted.

On receiving the letter of appointment, Mallam O. was thrilled: “I cherished the period I served as Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal because it exposed me to both the challenges and opportunities of the University. It also gave me the opportunity to work very closely with former college mates: Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma (former Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Njala Campus); Professor Mohamed Syed Fofanah (Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Bo Campus); and Dr. Muneer Jalloh, Registrar. I also worked with my former students: Professor Alieu Mohamed Bah (former Dean of the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences); and Professor Abdul Rahman Sesay (Dean of Postgraduate Studies). I therefore appreciate the consideration of the current University authorities.”

Mallam O. attended Njala University College (NUC, USL), now Njala University (NU). He was a former President of the Njala University College Students’ Union and a former Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University. During his brief tenure as Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the University, he brought about a remarkable transformation and progress. He is one of the top researchers in Sierra Leone and has published a significant number of papers.

Professor Sankoh is currently the Statistician General and CEO of Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) and the Vice-Chair of the United Nations Statistical Commission. He has been awarded several national awards including the presidential Commander of the Order of the Rokel.

 

Steel Rod Products to be Produced in Sierra Leone in March

In March of 2023 it is expected that Sierra Leone will get its first Made in Sierra Leone steal rod products. This expectation has been triggered by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, who intimated newsmen. 

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In March of 2023 it is expected that Sierra Leone will get its first Made in Sierra Leone steal rod products. This expectation has been triggered by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, who intimated newsmen.

He explained further that if the country is experiencing high cost of production it is because Sierra Leoneans are consuming a lot of imported products. The Minister revealed that is why his Ministry has signed agreements with 3 Cement production companies and 1 organic oil production company that will invest and add production in Sierra Leone.

GOLDTREE SL Ltd, he informed, is one of the oil processing companies that was established under the Companies Act No.5 of 2009, and registered under the laws of Sierra Leone with its office at Old Mill Road Daru, Jawei Chiefdom Kailahun District Sierra Leone.

According to him, the company was established in 2007 as a specialized company in the cultivation of high yielding oil palm and extraction of organic and Round Table on sustainable Palm oil (RSPO).It fairly traded crude oil palm with a market penetration price that will not only ensure affordability but also ensure sustainable product availability.

He said GOLDTREE is presently exporting to the sub-region and locally thus with an investment capital of Twenty Million United States Dollars (US$ 20,000,000), the company is desirous and committed to undertake and own as property, the project to construct, develop and establish the infrastructure, install and operate a facility for Fresh Fruits Oil Palm Bunches production, packaging and distribution with a direct and indirect employment capacity of 40,000 people.

He also explained that SOLCO is also amongst the 4 companies which is an affiliate of WENPENG GROUP, an international Company from China engaged in production, manufacturing.

Sierra Leone Undertakes Study Tour in Rwanda to Improve on CPIA Rating

In mid-December 2022 a delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Finance II, Bockarie Kalokoh,  left Freetown for Kigali to share  experience with the Authorities in Rwanda on how the Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPAI) reforms are implemented,  and how Sierra Leone can use the information to improve on its CPIA score.

The delegation comprised members from the World Bank, Ministry of Finance, Solicitor General, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Audit Service Sierra Leone, Human Resource Management Office and the National Revenue Authority.

Speaking at the opening courtesy with the authorities in Rwanda, Deputy Minister Bockarie Kalokoh stated that the study tour is to learn from what Rwanda has been doing on the implementation of the reforms that have improved their Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) rating over the years.

He furthered that the Government is committed to mobilizing concessional resources of which the CPIA is a major indicator in the allocation of IDA resources.

Bockarie Kalokoh also stated that the tour is to understand how the authorities followed –up on audit procedures, processes, and recommendations, how the CPIA team coordinates with the World Bank country team in carrying out assessments, identify the challenges faced during the reform processes and how those challenges are addressed.

He thanked the World Bank Country Office for facilitating the study and stated that it is very significant in improving the country’s CPIA rating.

During the discussions, Sierra Leone’s delegation noted the following

  • There is the existence of a robust Performance Management System with broad national goals and targets that are translated into the Individual Performance Appraisal System
  • They have a well-digitalized public sector management system (recruitment and compensation) in place
  • The size and composition of the public workforce constitute 6% of the country’s total workforce whilst the private sector constitutes 94%.
  • There are Real time transfers of local government collection to the respective districts, at a 10% collection commission to the RRA.
  • They have a Taxpayer Appreciation
  • The Rwandan law does not make provision for the AG to impose sanctions
  • Their audit report is submitted to Parliament which indicates how the budget was executed, whether there are unnecessary or unlawful expenses, and whether there were issues of embezzlement or squandering of public funds.

The delegation discussed with the Rwanda Cooperation, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Office of the Auditor-General, Rwanda Governance Board, Ministry of Public Service and Labour, Rwanda Revenue Authority and other agencies.

This study tour came at a time when Sierra Leone just concluded its CPIA reporting assessment retreat with all relevant MDAs.

As of 2021, Rwanda’s CPIA rating is 4.1% and they can attract about 1.8 billion dollars in resources as compared to Sierra Leone’s 3.2 and about 300 million dollars in resources.

The Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) assesses the quality of a country’s policy and institutional framework that supports sustainable growth and poverty reduction.

The CPIA is a critical component of the Performance Based Allocation (PBA) Formula used by the World Bank and the African Development Bank to allocate concessional financial support to low-income countries.

It plays a significant role in the Country’s performance ratings (CPRs), established annually since 1980 as a basis for allocating resources from the International Development Association (IDA) to eligible countries.

 

National Tourist Board Boss & Entourage Assess Wara-Wara Modification-EIF Support Project

Wara Wara Mountains

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Fatmata Mida Carew, the General Manager of the National Tourist Board and team travelled to the Northern Province, Kabala district to be precise, to meet P.C. Gbawuru Mansaray and stakeholders in order to know the status of the Wara-Wara Mountain Modification- EIF Support.

P.C. Gbawuru Mansaray received the technical team at his traditional home and extended his appreciation to the Ministry, the Board, and EIF for following due processes in implementing the project.

He further said that the modification has helped both young and old to access the mountain with ease. P.C. Gbawuru continued to express appreciation and reiterate that this year’s festivals were full of expectations as the hills attracted mass number of tourists from local communities, international JC’s respectively.

The General Manager, while addressing the stakeholders of Kabala, emphasized the need for care and maintenance of structures and trails to keep the attraction in good shape at all times to meet the needs of visitors.

Kabala-“The land of powerful mixtures” has one of the attractive hills overlooking the township. These chains of mountains have a history of warfare that connects the people to their heritage.

Wara-Wara, in the closure of 2022, attracted a huge number of local tourists on VFR and international visitors, which recorded almost 7,000 arrivals/visitors from December 2022 – to early January 2023.

The Youth Chairman, Alhaji Kamara, stated that the number of visitors has grown due to the site modification with nature trails giving access to visitors to reach the top of the mountain with some ease.

He also intimated that visitors can now relax beneath the mountain to experience modern eco-tourism wooden chalets constructed for touristic purposes. The land of Wara Wara Mountains is found in Koinadugu District, immediately northwest of the District Capital of Kabala. The area is characterized by sharp hills reaching up to 1000m in elevation.

The natural vegetation of the area is characterized mostly by woodland savanna. The savanna is dominated by elephant grass.

Wara-Wara Hill is the place to be, the place of diverse cultures. The hills are covered with woodland savanna, short sub-mountain, grassland, and bare rock,  slopes of the hills, and the lowlands have riverine or gallery forests along streams and rivers.

 

 

 

 

Parliament Enacts the Courts (Amendment) Act 2023

Parliament of Sierra Leone,

The bill entitled, The Courts (Amendment) Act 2023 was passed into law by the Parliament of Sierra Leone, on Thursday, 12 January, 2023.

The bill seeks to amend The Courts Act of 1965, in order to increase the jurisdiction of The Magistrate Court in Civil matters and to provide for other related matters.

In presenting the agreement to Parliament, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawallie said that the bill is necessary and timely, in increasing and expanding the jurisdiction of the court system, so as to provide speedy trials in The Magistrate Court and also to ease the burden of citizens, when it comes to accessing justice.

In making his submission, Hon. Dr. Mark Mahmoud Kalokoh referred to the bill before the House as sensitive but non-controversial. He spoke about the challenges of the court, in relation to the delays in court matters and the huge piles of cases in front of The Magistrate Court. He opined that, the amendment before the House would help in addressing matters of the Judiciary, especially petty issues.

On his part, the Chairman of the Legislative Committee in Parliament, Hon. Sulaiman Marry-Conteh, maintained that, the needful has to be done in this current time of transformation, so as to make things better for revamping the judiciary. He supported the timeliness of the bill and urged colleague MPs to speedily enact the bill into law.

Independent MP from Pujehun District, Hon. Shaka  Sama, explained that, the Judiciary needs more Judges and pinpointed the positive move of the justice system and commended the AG for restructuring the Judiciary. He also noted that, many people who are in prison today have not been fairly treated and they have been left to perish in jail.

Hon. Sheku Munirru Turay commended the Minister for the transformation of the Judiciary and requested proper clarification on matters of procedures and other related juridical matters of the Court.

Rounding up the debate, Opposition Leader, Hon Chernor RM Bah, joined his colleagues in the passage of the bill and maintained the necessity and timeliness of the bill.

In concluding the debate, Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, commended the Minister and colleague MPs for their meaningful contributions to the bill, adding that, the bill will make a good law and underscored the transformation of the judiciary, “We have made a lot of progress in enacting good laws for the State,” he concluded.

In another development also, Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Thursday 12th January, 2023 debated and enacted into law the Bill entitled; “The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (Repeal), Act 2023”.

The bill seeks to repeal The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission Act, 1996 (Act No. 1 of 1996).

Both Leaders of the House as well as Members of Parliament spoke well on the passage of the bill.

Also, The Speaker of Parliament Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu has ordered the Chairpersons of both the Committees on Transport and Aviation and the Internal Affairs to summon relevant MDAs to address the matters of the lawlessness of bike riders in Freetown.

 

 

 

CRN-SL Releases Report on Fact Finding at Sierra Leone Brewery

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL).

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Citizen Rights Network Sierra Leone (CRN-SL), a registered Civil Society and Human Rights organization, with a mission to promote and defend the rights of vulnerable groups and advocate for democratic good governance, on the 6th and 21st December, 2022 conducted  monitoring exercises to verify complaints made by members of the public against the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL).

The monitoring survey was done together with ten journalists, other civil society groups and other public interest groups. After the completion of the monitoring exercises, CRN-SL put together its findings in a report.

According to the Executive Director CRN-SL, Ibrahim Bai Koroma, Management of the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited must be commended for its laudable venture in the area of employment adhering to ISO Standards 9001, the Local Content Policy, Corporate Social Responsibility, EPA Policy.

He revealed that out of the observations made it was noted that the waste water tanks that were installed by the Sierra Leone Brewery has helped solve the environmental pollution which residents were complaining of.

“CRN-SL observed that 30 % of the raw materials used for production are locally sourced, ” he pointed out adding that the Density Meter Analyzer (DMA) of the bottle is always standardized and that the Empty Bottle Inspector (EBI) is accurate while in operation.

He divulged that the detective camera in the conveyor is sensitive to identify negative/foreign objects inside the bottle.

Based on the report it was observed that Sierra Leoneans hold top Management positions in the company.

Significantly, it was stated that CRN-SL observed that some suppliers exposed the finished products of the company under the sun resulting in the beer contents having residues in the bottles which some might have been complaining about as foreign sediments or materials found in drinks.

CRN-SL observed that in previous years the company did not meet customers’ demands but in the last three years the company has been meeting consumers’ demands.

It also observed that competitors in the markets are playing dubious games to dent the image of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited as well as its brands in the market.

In its recommendations, CRN-SL stated that Government should find a way of reducing taxes on the company based on it being an indigenous company.

He said Government should enforce the Local Content Policy to the letter with regards the area of production concluding that the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited Operations Managers should be monitoring workers during operations to identify their challenges before starting production.

The Executive Director of CRN-SL pledged their commitment to continue to work and advocate for and on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone in promoting their democratic rights in the country.

 

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