Afrimoney Signs Sia Jarieu Bayoh Morsay as New Brand Ambassador

November 28, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The way and manner in which Africell-SL is enhancing telecommunications services in the country has been widely commended by many. According to them, the operations of Africell in the country has been a big blessing in terms of taking the telecommunications sector to a higher level as well as other spheres that are significant to nation-building in and outside the country.

There is a school of thought which is of the firm conviction that Africell’s track record of investing, aiding, and empowering the citizenry in the country is unmatched, especially in the entertainment industry, education, arts, culture, tourism, health, sports, technology, innovation and creating job opportunities.

It must be noted that Afrimoney, which is an appendage of the parent company, Africell, has been empowering Sierra Leoneans in and out of the country.

During a Press Conference held on Thursday 17^th November 2022 at the Africell Sierra Leone headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown Africell unveiled the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Business Women Network Sierra Leone, Sia Jarieu Bayoh Morsay, as their new Brand Ambassador in the country.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Director of Afrimoney Martison Obeng-Agyei said as a company they decided to sign Madam Sia Jarieu Bayoh Morsay as Brand Ambassador taking into consideration the role she had played in empowering and promoting women in business.

Martison Obeng-Agyei furthered that tapping into the insights both men and women offer can make products and services more marketable and a business more profitable. In fact, recent research from McKinsey shows that gender-diverse businesses are 15% more likely to outperform financially above the industry median.

Martison Obeng-Agyei continued that actualizing gender diversity in the field of business and workplace will help increase productivity, creativity and improve performances of workers.

Mr. Obeng-Agyei added that the Focal Point, Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBWN) Sierra Leone has been very supportive to women in Sierra Leone over the years by awarding scholarships to over 500 (five hundred) school-going children in deprived communities in Sierra Leone, of which 95% are vulnerable girls. She said that she also sponsored a school-feeding program for 200 orphans, and constructed water-wells in various parts of the country.

Martison said that Africell and Afrimoney by extension has always been enthusiastic in supporting women’s empowerment in the country and having Madam Sia Jarieu Bayoh Morsay as their latest Brand Ambassador is not a novelty in the country.

He concluded that the partnership will help promote women in business especially through the means of digitalization and expertise in the field of business.

On the side of the newly signed ambassador of Afrimoney, Madam Sia Jarieu Bayoh Morsay, she extended her thanks and appreciation to Afrimoney for such an epoch-making day in her life as such means achievement, perseverance and not to give up in your dreams amidst the cultural shock she went through adding that the trajectory is changing gradually as women are making significant progress in leadership and business in the country.

Madam Sia Jarieu Bayoh Morsay continued that the Women of Sierra Leone have long been looking forward to the opportunity of being part of a network that would cater for their felt needs by way of providing the digital space, expertise and the wherewithal to engage in profitable business endeavors.

Madam Sia furthered that they are focusing on three thematic areas which are talent, trade and training as they have just concluded a financial inclusion training of three hundred and fifty women as anticipated but however it was more than three thousand women that showed up which is a clear demonstration of how eager women are in empowering themselves in sills like cosmetology, catering, financial inclusion training and financial literacy.

She concluded that work had already started by incorporating over one thousand women to Afrimoney through their business scheme all across the country so that the more women become part of the family the more help they will benefit from Afrimoney and admonished other women to come on board and support the project as she is highly optimistic in fulfilling her own side of the bargain as she believes in effectiveness and efficiency in work delivery.

NP-SL Marketing of High Grade Petroleum Products Remains Unmatched

November 28, 2022

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

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In no way can it be disputed that the NP- Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is the leading petroleum marketing entity in the country. One outstanding thing about NP-SL Ltd is not taking customer care for granted but rather does everything within its ambit to optimize it just in a bid to enhance maximum satisfaction and at the same time maximize profits.

Being an indigenous company that cherishes its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which it is effectively rolling out to such an extent that it has earned the company the enviable reputation of 1^st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated pumping machines in all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to various Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

The company has also sustained an open door policy in the sense that it encourages customers to express their concerns as well as recommendations which the Management takes into consideration whenever major decisions are taken, geared towards the development of the company. It has been ascertained that whenever customers have the feeling that their inputs are well respected such does not only bring them closer but also gives them the satisfaction that they are indeed relevant and highly regarded. This is exactly what NP-SL Ltd does and that has been paying good dividends. As far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned their customers do matter.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company makes use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured and suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious business entity that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and it is indeed an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is truly a success story!

Mobile Operators to Cease Operations in Remote Areas

November 28, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

According to our sources, this is part of the measures that will be used to scale down on management cost. Our sources further informed us that the operational cost of management of mobile companies has increased thrice the initial cost, adding that, the mobile service providers are currently struggling to provide the needed services for its subscribers.

Furthering that, if nothing is done to salvage the situation, this will affect all Sierra Leoneans. They also mentioned that, this measure has the proclivity to affect businesses, learning and other administrative functions in the remote areas of the country.

“When the people in the remote areas are deprived of the much needed telecommunication facilities they desire, it will have a ripping effect on the Government of Sierra Leone,” one of our sources said, adding by urging the National Telecommunication Commission (NATCOM), the Ministry of Information and Communication and other state bodies that are concerned to intervene and find a win-win situation for all parties that are concerned. They continued by stating that, most of people in the provinces rely on the services provided by the mobile service providers to conduct their transactions at their own comfort.

With the penetration of mobile companies in remote areas with their mobile money services have also made life much easier in the provinces. This huge steps taken by mobile companies is a laudable one and for it to be shut down at this moment, will drastically affect the livelihood activities of people residing in remote areas of the country.

According to the findings of this medium, it is no fun that the astronomical rise of the dollar as against the Leones has badly hit he telecommunication sector of the country. As the dollar continues to hit the roof top and couple with the global economic downturn, the telecommunication sector will not thrive well if they are left unattended. Sad to note that, if nothing is done by the appropriate authorities to cushion the challenges that mobile services operators are facing in the country, it will suddenly affect investment and employment. It is no joke that the Government of Sierra Leone needs to speedily address the issue and save the telecommunication sector from collapsing.

Xi told Biden Taiwan is First Red Line that Must not be Crossed, urging US to Respect China’s path, system

November 28, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with US President Joe Biden in Bali, Indonesia, Nov. 14, 2022.

By Global Times

At the very core of China’s core interests, the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed, Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Joe Biden during the meeting on Monday in Bali, Indonesia, urging the US to respect the differences between the two countries’ paths.

The Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-US relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations, Xi told Biden, expressing hope that the US will match its words with action and abide by the one-China policy and the three joint communiques.

“President Biden has said on many occasions that the US does not support “Taiwan independence” and has no intention to use Taiwan as a tool to seek advantages in competition with China or to contain China. China hopes that the U.S. side will act on this assurance to real effect,” Xi emphasized.

Xi said it is vital to recognize and respect the differences between the paths China and the US take which is nothing new and will continue to exist as the US practices capitalism and China practices socialism.

“Neither side should try to remold the other in one’s own image, or seek to change or even subvert the other’s system. Instead of talking in one way and acting in another, the US needs to honor its commitments with concrete action,” Xi noted.

Xi pointed out the so-called “democracy versus authoritarianism” narrative is not the defining feature of today’s world, still less does it represent the trend of the times.

“Just as the US has American-style democracy, China has Chinese-style democracy. Both fit their respective national conditions”, Xi said, adding that the whole-process people’s democracy practiced in China is based on the country’s reality, history and culture and it reflects people’s will.

“We take great pride in it. No country has a perfect democratic system, and there is always a need for development and improvement. The specific differences between the two sides can be worked out through discussion, but only on the precondition of equality,” Xi added.

The Chinese and US leaders agreed to make joint efforts to push the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) to reach success.

Xi said China and US should chart the right course for the development of bilateral relations and push bilateral ties back to the track of healthy and stable development.

Xi said during the meeting that China and the US have braced winds and rains in their more than 50 years of engagement, from the establishment of diplomatic relations until today. There have been gains and losses, experience and lessons. History is the best textbook and China and the US should take history as a reference and look to the future.

The current situation of China-US relations does not conform to the interests of the two countries and their peoples, now does it conform to the expectations of the international community, Xi said.

As leaders of two major countries, we should hold the helm and find the right direction for the development of bilateral relations and push ties to improve. Politicians should think about both their own country’s development path and how to get along with other countries and the world, said Xi.

As leaders of two major countries, we should find the right way. Politicians should think about both their own country’s development path and how to get along with other countries and the world, said Xi.

Xi noted the changes of the times are unfolding in an unprecedented way and human society is facing unprecedented challenges, and the world is at a crossroads. We care, and all countries in the world care about where they are going.

The international community expects China and the US to handle our relations well. Our meeting today has attracted worldwide attention. We should work together with other countries to inject hope for world peace, confidence in global stability and momentum for collective development, Xi said.

He expressed willingness to continue candid and in-depth exchanges with the US president on strategic issues in China-US ties and key global and regional issues.

Xi said he looks forward to working with the US president to push bilateral relations back on the track of healthy and stable development so as to benefit both countries and the world.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the G20 summit to be held in Indonesia on Tuesday and Wednesday. Xi told Biden that though the two leaders have remained in communication via video-conferences, phone calls and letters, none of these can really take the place of face-to-face exchanges.

President Xi arrived at the island of Bali on Monday afternoon. As a guard of honor paid salutes alongside the red carpet, some local youths in national costume played traditional Indonesian musical instruments, while others performed a traditional Bali dance. Young students cheered in Chinese “Welcome! Welcome!” while waving the Chinese and Indonesian flags, CCTV reported.

According to CCTV, local people also gathered along the roads from the airport to the hotel where Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were going to stay, waving the Chinese and Indonesian flags to express their warmest welcome on their arrival.

Community Declares Man Wanted for Same Sex Practices

November 28, 2022

By Hassan Gbassay Koroma

Kpetema Section Community in Kenema city, Eastern Province of Sierra Leone has banished one Rafiue Bendu from the community for allegedly practicing homosexuality. Residents of the community threatened to beat him to death if ever seen within the community again.

According to information gathered by this medium, Bandu, who was a member of the Community Mosque, was allegedly caught with his male partner kissing in public, and they were massively beaten to the point of death.

Kpetema Section is one of the Communities in Kenema City, dominated by Muslims and prides itself on its traditions, closely guarded values and customs that sees the practice of homosexuality as abomination and believes that anyone practicing it is not worthy to live in the community.

Rafiue Bendu, is the nephew of Mohamed Bendu, one of the sub-Imams at the Dama Road Central Mosque (Fullah Mosque) in Kenema City, but he has however been suspended due to the alleged act by his nephew who was under his watch.

Speaking to this medium, Alhaji Amadu Alpha Bah, an Imam of the Mosque, described same-sex as an act of ‘evil’ and that any man who is practicing it should have no place in their community.

According to him, the practice is against their Muslim beliefs and also against the traditions, customs, and values, and they have agreed that any man caught practicing it must not be allowed to live in the community.

“If Rafiue Bendu was my son, by now, he would not have been alive because I would have killed him myself. What he is doing is evil and would not take him anywhere rather than to hell when he dies because Islam forbids same-sex,” he said.

Bah, continued that they cannot keep such a person in the community because he has the tendency to manipulate and initiate their children into the said evil act.
Abdul Kamara, a childhood friend of Rafiue Bendu, said he was shocked to know that his old time friend is a gay because he knows he his friend is married to a beautiful woman with two kids, and he never noticed such act of him since they were growing up, noting that he was very sure that something was wrong somewhere.

He emphasized that the practice is not only forbidden in Kpetema Section Community but Kenema City, and the Kenema District as a well whole, expressing fear that it is possibility that the residents may harm his friend if he ever returns to the community, pointing out that it was not safe for him to continue living in the Kenema City.

Aminata Bendu, younger sister of Rafiue Bendu, noted that his elder brother’s act has put their family in shame and humiliation, and it will take the family time to recover such a disgrace act.

“Two years ago, I started suspecting him by the types of friends he was moving around with and at some point, his Josephine French, raised concern about his strange behaviour and the types of friends he was mingling with. He must have been influenced by his friends,” she said.

Rafiue Bendu is one of the hundreds of people who are facing challenges in their communities and the country as a whole for choosing to practice same-sex. Many others like him have lost their lives just because they chose to be different in the type of relationship they go into.

However, the laws of Sierra Leone criminalizes same-sex sexual activity between men with a penalty of life imprisonment if caught and tried by a court of law. There is limited evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, however LGBT people are regularly subjected to discrimination and violence.
Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under the Offences against the Person Act 1861, which criminalizes acts of ‘buggery’. This provision carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Only men are criminalized under this law.

Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre Commemorates World Toilet Day

November 25, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre, in partnership with CODOHSAPA, FEDURP, Freetown City Council, Directorate of Environmental Health and Sanitation (MOHS) and other partners, has commemorated World Toilet Day with a sanitation tour and other activities in three case study areas (Dwarzack Abacha Street and Eastern Police Market area, and Colbot community), on the 19^th November 2022, to celebrate the unpaid work women are doing in terms of sanitation as part of their OVERDUE Project.

The Freetown theme for this year’s celebration is, ‘Making women’s unpaid role in sanitation VISIBLE’ which focuses on the impact of sanitation crisis on groundwater, exploring how inadequate sanitation systems spread human waste into rivers, lakes and soil, polluting underground water resources.

Series of events were held to commemorate the day which included a sanitation tour to the three case study areas (Dwarzack, Abacha Street and Eastern Police Market area, and Colbot community), holding cards, that displaying key messages and acting short sanitation practice skits, radio and TV discussions amongst others.

The Director of Research and Training, Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre, Brima Koroma, intimated that in June this year, SLURC started OVERDUE, a 3-year Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF)project which he said aims to ‘tackle the sanitation taboos across urban Africa’.

He revealed that the objective of the project is to interrogate the trajectories and possible pathways to tackle the sanitation taboo across African cities. Furthering it is a task at the core of the Open Defecation Free campaign and the 2030 SDGs, especially SDGs 6 and 11, with explicit consideration of gender relations, and disproportional impacts upon women and girls.

Mr. Koroma maintained that women have been playing great roles in sanitation at both household and community levels with no pay as compared to men continuing that, most times women are under -represented in sanitation decision-making, governance and management structures.

He noted that women do the vast majority of the unpaid work in homes which include childcare, caring for the sick and the elderly, cleaning of sanitation facilities, disposal of buckets toilets, and collecting water for sanitation.

“Their unpaid work in sanitation has been an essential instrument in ensuring safer and sustainable sanitation within households and communities.” Mr. Koroma stated.

He continued that, “On a dint of this, the Freetown OVERDUE project team thought it fit to make visible women’s unpaid role in sanitation, and to raise the awareness of women inclusion in sanitation management and governance structures at all levels to ensure safer and sustainable sanitation.”

Abdul Rahman Parker, Sanitation Officer, Freetown City Council, stated that women carry the main burden of caring in communities and, according to him; they care for those who are sick often due to the spread of diseases as a result of poor sanitation infrastructure.

He maintained that although women are the main sanitation users, they are however excluded from meetings and decisions around sanitation.

The commemoration was climaxed with the giving out of certificates to women working in community toilets, to appreciate them for the invisible work they are doing.

Economic Association of Sierra Leone Holds 2nd Annual Conference

November 25, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Economic Association of Sierra Leone (EASL) held its 2^nd Annual Conference on Thursday 25^th November 2022 on the theme “Economic Uncertainties, COVID-19 and Geopolitical Tensions: The Way Forward for Sierra Leone and Africa” at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, 4^th Floor, Lamina Sankoh Street, Freetown.

Giving an overview of the event, the EASL President, Dr. B.I. B. Kargbo, noted that they are gathered not just as individuals from diverse professions and ethnicities, but what he described as homo economicus.

He maintained that majority of the participants are in attendance to gain insights into how the economy actually functions continuing that whether they are paying for residential accommodation that is quoted in foreign currency, searching for a job, being paid not a competitive wage, amongst many others, according to him the elephant in the room is the economy.

“It is the economy we all share in common regardless of your political beliefs and region of birth; it is the economy that sets the terms of our prosperity as a people,” Dr. Kargbo stated.

He intimated that as a national society of economists they are not-for-profit and apolitical stating how they believe in contributing to nation building through research initiatives.

According to him, the Annual National Conference provides the forum that brings together all registered economists, both domestic and international, to deliberate on current topical issues affecting economic lives.

He noted that they selected this year’s theme to match the current realities facing the nation and as citizens of the globe. And according to him, they selected four topics bordering around the theme and how they appointed well-experienced speakers to deliberate on the topics.

These four sub topics are; revitalizing Sierra Leone’s productive sector in a global economic turmoil, using fiscal policy to respond and recover from regional and geopolitical shocks, optimizing the private sector as a vehicle for economic diversification, job creation and sustainable growth in the context of the current crises, and lastly monetary policy in response to shocks: Lessons for Central Banks.

The keynote speaker, Minister of Development and Economic Planning, Dr. Francis Kaikai, commended the founders of the Association and all those who have been promoting it to ensure that it holds regular discussions on topical issues that constantly preoccupy the Government of Sierra Leone.

He maintained that the aforementioned organization have played significant roles in shaping global development policy thinking.

“Some development experts have perceived results-oriented planning as a discourse entailing analysis, analysis, and analysis: respectively covering conceptualization of development problems; and implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and projects derived there from, in the planning cycle,” the Minister stated.

He disclosed that, it is against that critical reflection at some point in the last four years that they decided to prioritize development research in the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, through the Department of Planning, Policy and Research, that was formerly named Central Planning Monitoring and Evaluation.

“No one could have been happier for the establishment of the Economic Association of Sierra Leone (EASL) than the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, charged with the responsibility of providing strategic direction to the State through promoting critical thinking, translated into national development plan formulation and implementation management processes,” Dr. Francis Kaikai said.

One of the presenters, Dr. Patrick M. Kormawa, CEO of Belverde Sierra Leone Ltd, spoke on Revitalizing Sierra Leone’s productive sector in a global economic turmoil stating how economists should play pivotal roles in the growing of the economy in the country.

According to him, Sierra Leone is suffering from long term economic challenges with COVID-19 and the Ukraine-Russia War exacerbating the economic problem furthering that, the effects of these shocks show there is the need to build a resilient economy.

Dr. Kormawa explained that the inflation in the prices of commodities is one of the tangible effects of the country’s economic problem stating that if jobs were created 20 years ago, many youths would have been busy working in factories, instead of perpetuating violence.

Dr. Abdu Muwonge, another presenter, spoke on optimizing the private sector as a vehicle for economic diversification, job creation and sustainable growth in the context of the current crises.

He stated that, to develop the economy in the country, the Government should move labor from low-productivity to high productivity sectors, providing more incentives for investment in manufacturing, encourage transformation of primary commodities, and to increase access to finance.

He revealed that high collateralization of loans driven by perceived risk of SME segment 150-350+ percent further revealing that the passing of the Land Act, reduced rural infrastructural gap (road, energy and ICT connectivity) will create an enabling environment for investors to invest in the country.

The event was climaxed with a question and answer session, together with interactions among the different participants.

APC Must Abide by the Law & its own Constitution -Justice Fisher Cautions

November 25, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay (Ranger)

Hon. Justice Adrian Fisher, High Court Judge, has on the 23^rd November, 2022 disclosed that the Interim Transition Governance Committee (ITGC) members are responsible for the state of readiness of their party to contest the next general elections,

“I have not disbanded the ITGC,” Hon. Justice Adrian Fisher said. He went on to say that IGTC under the leadership of Alfred Peter Conteh remains in full control of the APC Party. According to him, those who can’t work with the ITGC MUST resign or COMPLY with the Court Order.

Justice Fisher said, “The ITGC must understand and reflect that they alone are responsible for the state of readiness of their party to contest the next general elections. The future of their party is in their hands and blaming the courts or other institutions is an exercise in futility. The court has done its best to ensure that they comply with the law and their own constitution and where there is a failure to do so, the court would enforce the law.
As an added measure, I have come to the conclusion that enforcement of the rule of law is at the apex of dispute resolution, particularly in political disputes. Notwithstanding, there is room for alternative dispute resolution as part of the legal framework for enforcement. To that extent, the involvement of the Peace Commission is necessary to ensure that the parties respect the rule of law and settle their political differences in a democracy, peacefully for the good of the country. The parties have proven that they are unable to settle their differences amicably and if left alone, lawlessness and chaos will prevail. A multi-faceted approach is therefore needed from different institutions of the State to achieve peace within the party.”

In his 55 pages Judgment, Justice Fisher concluded that, “With respect to appointments to the TIIEMC, I shall vary the previous order and make the following orders.

The chairman of the Transition Interim Independent Elections Management Committee, shall submit a list of seven names who shall be members of the 3rd defendant APC party of good standing for at least five years to the ITGC within 72 hours of this ruling, in any event not later than 4pm on Monday 28th November 2022, for ratification by the ITGC.

The Interim Chairman of the ITGC shall submit a list of seven persons, to the Secretary to the ITGC, who shall be members of the 3rd defendant APC party of good standing for at least five years, within 72 hours of this ruling, no later than 4 pm on Monday 28th November 2022.

The leader of the 3rd defendant APC party in Parliament shall submit a list of seven persons (not necessarily members of parliament), who shall be members of the 3rd defendant APC party of good standing for at least five years, within 72 hours of this ruling, no later than 4 pm on Monday 28th November 2022.

The diaspora region of the 3rd defendant APC party shall nominate one person who shall be a member of the 3rd defendant APC party of good standing for at least five years, within 72 hours of the date of this order, in any event no later than 4pm on Monday 28th November 2022.
The National Women’s Congress of the 3rd defendant APC party shall nominate one person shall be a member of the 3rd defendant APC party, of good standing for at least five years, within 72 hours of this judgement, no later than 4pm on Monday 28th November 2022.

The National Young Congress of the 3rd defendant APC party shall nominate one person who shall be a member of the 3rd defendant APC party of good standing for at least five years, within 72 hours of this order, no later than 4pm on Monday 28th November 2022.

The ITGC shall hold a meeting to ratify the appointments to the TIIEMC no later than Wednesday the 30th November 2022 for the purpose of this ratification, a vote is not required.

The interim chairman of the ITGC shall submit the ratified list of appointees to the chairman of the TIIEMC and the PPRC no later than 4pm on Friday the 2nd December 2022.

The chairman of the TIIEMC and all appointed members shall ensure the conduct of the lower-level elections within 45 days commencing from Monday 5th December 2022 and all such elections shall be completed under the supervision of the PPRC no later than the 19th day of January 2023.

The ITGC shall make available all APC party resources to the TIIEMC and all party offices, to enable it to meet its mandate.

The ITGC shall ensure the conduct of the National Delegates Conference under the supervision of the PPRC no later than the 29th January 2023, to elect a new executive and a flag bearer.

All previous orders of the 28th April 2022, not varied by this order, remains in force.

All decisions of the ITGC must be by a simple majority of all members of the ITGC present or absent at the meeting, save for the meeting ordered by this court for the purpose of ratification of appointees to the TIIEMC as set out at paragraph 54(3)(4) above. To that extent, the following shall apply.

The Chairman shall summon a meeting in consultation with the Secretary.

The Secretary shall circulate notice of the meeting to all members by whatever means necessary, at least 24 hours before the meeting is scheduled to take place.

All members shall vote on any decision to be taken by the ITGC by whatever means they have at their disposal.
The Secretary shall record the number of votes cast with respect to every decision in the minutes of meeting.

The mandate of the ITGC in Paragraph 90(10) of the judgement of the 28th day of April 2022, is varied by the following new paragraphs:
The ITGC shall have overall responsibility for manning the affairs of the Party until the National Delegates Conference when their mandate would expire. To that extent, the ITGC shall be responsible for:
Ensuring that all lover level elections are conducted by the TIIEMC and supervised by the PPRC within 45 days commencing from Monday 5th December 2022 and all such elections shall be completed under the supervision of the PPRC no later than the 19th day of January 2023.
Resolving all membership issues in accordance with Article 10 of the of the APC 2022 Constitution, prior to the national delegates conference no later than the 20th day of January 2023.

The holding of the first National delegates Conference after the APC 2022 Constitution no later than the 29th January 2023, which shall be supervised by the Chairman of the 4th defendant PPRC.

Holding regular meetings at least once a week, in accordance with paragraph 54(3)(10) above.

The interlocutory injunction I granted on the 18th day of November 2022, is hereby lifted.

With respect to the contempt of court by the plaintiff/contemnor, I have to assess the seriousness of the breach of the orders of this court. Whilst the breaches are serious, I am satisfied that there are many mitigating factors that mitigate against a sentence of immediate imprisonment. In any event the conduct of the plaintiff is deserving of some punishment on his part, particularly with regard to the deliberate distortion of portions of the judgement in a bid to aid his disobedience of the court orders. In that regard, the plaintiff/contemnor shall pay a fine of NLe 50,000.00, with an alternative of 30 days imprisonment which shall be suspended for seven days on condition that he swears to and files a sworn affidavit to the court undertaking to comply in future with all orders of the court, no later than 4pm on Wednesday the 30th November 2022. There shall be no orders as to costs.”

J.M. Jengo Esq. representing Alfred Peter Conteh had argued that the decision to initiate Contempt Proceedings is a decision ought to have been taken by Simple Majority as ordered by the Court on 28th April, 2022.

In his defence, Jengo Esq. referenced the High Court Rules, 2007.

Two Major Electoral Regulations Laid in Parliament amidst Tense Pandemonium

November 25, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

Umaro Napoleon Koroma, Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, on Wednesday 23/11/2022 laid on the Table of the House two major Electoral Regulations for the purposes of next year’s General Elections.

The following Electoral Regulations were laid in Parliament: The Public Elections (District Block Proportional Representation System) Regulations 2022 and the Public Elections (Local Councils Proportional Representation System) Regulations, 2022.

Already, a Notice of Motion was given by Hon. Musa Fofanah of C4C for the Regulations so laid to be debated.

The said Regulations will form part of the Laws of Sierra Leone after the expiration of 21 Days or until otherwise annulled by two-thirds of votes cast by Members of Parliament which is pursuant to Section 170 (7) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone which reads: “Any orders, rules or regulations made by any person or authority pursuant to a power conferred in that behalf by this Constitution or any other law: shall be laid before Parliament; shall be published in the Gazette on or before the day they are so laid before Parliament;
shall come into force at the expiration of a period of twenty-one days of being so laid unless Parliament, before the expiration of the said period of twenty-one days, annuls any such orders, rules or regulations by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the Members of Parliament”

The two Electoral Regulations were finally laid in Parliament after a prolonged delay of proceedings by Opposition APC Members of Parliament, who were opposed to the Electoral Regulations.

The Police assisted the Speaker of Parliament to restore decorum in the House for the proceedings of Parliament to commence and go on unhindered.

In another development, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 22/11/2022 enacted into law the bill entitled, “The National Security and Central Intelligence Act, 2002” with some amendments for the development and security of Sierra Leone.

The bill seeks to repeal and replace the National Security and Central Intelligence Act, 2002 (Act No.10 of 2002) to provide for the internal and external security of Sierra Leone and to provide for other related matters.

The bill had earlier been sailed through intensive debates and amendments and was passed into law.

The bill was piloted by the Chief Minister, Jacob Jusu Saffa.

Sky Bank MD Docked on Allegation of Murder

November 25, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The embittered Managing Director of Sky Bank-SL, Ikubolaje Nicole, was remanded in custody by Magistrate Marke Ngegba, who presides over Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, following allegations that he murdered his fiancée.

According to the Police, Ikubolaje Nicole, the defendant, planned Sinnah Kai Kargbo’s murder with unidentified individuals on several occasions between October 15 and October 16, 2022, at Leicester Village, Western Area, in Freetown.

The accused, Ikubolaje Nicole, is also accused by the Police of killing Sinnah Kai Kargbo on October 16, 2022, in Leicester Village, Western Area, in Freetown. According to the Police, on October 17, 2022, at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) the accused manufactured evidence with the intention of tainting the court system.

As a result, the Police filed three counts of charges for murder without a license, perverting the course of justice without a license, and conspiracy to murder in violation of Section 4 of the Offences Against Persons Act 1816.

After the charges were read to him and explained to him, the accused did not enter a plea because it was a felony. The prosecuting team was made up of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Easmon N. B Ngagui, and six state attorneys, whilst the accused did not have legal representation in court.

However, the defendant revealed that Roland Wright will represent him.
Director of Public Prosecution, who also serves as Lead Prosecutor (DPP), Easmon N. B. Ngagui told the Bench that their witness was not present in court. He therefore requested for an adjournment date.

Magistrate Marke Ngegba remanded the accused and adjourned the matter to the 30th November 2022.