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Legal Link Gives 10 Reasons why ECSL Boss Must Be Sanctioned

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Statement dated 23rd October 2022 issued by the Executive Director of Legal Link, Lawyer Rashid Dumbuya Esq, he said the Non-Governmental Organization has followed religiously the tweet, press release, and interview of the ECSL boss via BBC and feels enthused to make an open call for censorship of the ECSL boss over his cavalier attitude and omission to carry out a public duty as provided for by law.

He pointed out that before delving into the reasons for their call to have him sanctioned, it is vital to emphasize that the conduct of boundary delimitation exercise which ultimately leads to the division of the country into constituencies and wards is a constitutional duty placed upon ECSL under Section 38 of the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone.

Lawyer Rashid added that no justifiable reason, therefore, exists as to why ECSL should have reneged on such a constitutional duty owed to the people of Sierra Leone and thus paving way for the President to direct for the conduct of the 2023 elections to be based on a PR system (district block system).

“It is vital to also remind the public that Sierra Leone’s electoral system for the conduct of Parliamentary elections has largely revolved around two types; the First Past the Post (constituency elections) and that of Proportional Representation otherwise known as District Block System,” he continued adding that the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone under Section 38 (1) makes the First Past the Post electoral system as the mandatory choice for the conduct of Parliamentary elections by ECSL and the country has implemented same in three successive democratic elections namely 2007, 2012 and 2018 elections.

He furthered that notwithstanding the above provision, however, Proportional Representation has also been made use of in Sierra Leone at least in two democratic elections namely 1996 and 2002 elections.

The Executive Director maintained that by Section 38 (A) (1) of the Constitutional Amendment of 2001, Proportional Representation was made part of the country’s electoral system as a default option to be resorted to only where “a date for a general election of members of Parliament has been appointed but constituencies have not been established in accordance with Subsection 3 of Section 38 of the 1991 constitution for the purpose of such election.”

That Constitutional Amendment, he pointed out, introduced during Sierra Leone’s war period was justifiable since there was an acute absence of credible population data coupled with the challenge of accessibility to many areas of the country at the time for the delimitation of constituencies and wards, hence, the basis for which the Proportional Representation system was introduced in the 1996 and 2002 elections respectively.

He continued that today, in peacetime, just about 8 months to the 2023 general elections, ECSL had made a representation to the President that they are unable to conduct the boundary delimitation exercise and divide the country into constituencies thus paving way for the President to direct the re-introduction of the Proportional Representation system as the modus operandi for the conduct of Parliamentary elections in 2023.

According to the Legal Link Boss listed therefore below are 10 strong reasons as to why LEGAL LINK believes that the chairperson of ECSL should be sanctioned with immediate effect from the institution:

That it was the ECSL boss that represented to the President that ECSL is unable to carry out the boundary delimitation exercise that will lead to the division of the country into constituencies and wards.

He said from his interview at the BBC and the Press Statement issued by ECSL dated 21st October 2022, it is clear as crystal that it was ECSL that represented to the President their inability to conduct the boundary delimitation exercise that could have divided the country into constituencies and wards.

That inability, he said, precipitated the President to then issue out a directive to ECSL to conduct the 2023 elections using the district block system.

2) The ECSL boss failed to engage the public, political parties and relevant stakeholders over ECSL’s inability to conduct a boundary delimitation exercise.

3) The flip-flop behavior of the ECSL boss poses a clear and present danger to the integrity of the ECSL institution.

4) The incessant delay by ECSL in carrying out the boundary delimitation exercise was willful and intentional.

5) ECSL’s boss reference to the August 10 violent protests as an excuse for not carrying out the boundary delimitation exercise is unpardonable.

LEGAL LINK notes also that the ECSL boss, in his interview on BBC referenced the August 10 violent protests as part of the reason for ECSL not been able to carry out the boundary delimitation exercise.

This excuse is certainly untenable and unpardonable particularly when it is construed that the violent protests of August 10 only lasted for a week. After that,  normalcy was quickly restored in the country with the curfew lifted within the shortest possible time.

6) ECSL still has time in their hands to do the boundary delimitation exercise if there’s good will.

7) The ECSL has enough available data to conduct the boundary delimitation exercise

8) ECSL’s boss introduction of the PR system in the forth coming elections via tweeter.

9) The non clarity of ECSL’s boss regarding the type of PR system to be adopted after its introduction.

10) The ECSL boss did not separate the various elections to be affected by the PR system in his press statement and BBC interview.

He said a cursory analysis of the interview of the ECSL boss via BBC and that of the ECSL press statement will leave everyone thinking that all 3 elections in 2023 ( Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council elections) will be conducted according to the district block system.

According to him that is the case because no effort was made in both of ECSL’s media updates to emphasize that it is only the Parliamentary Elections that will be affected by the PR system.

He said hence, it is still unclear as to how the local council elections in particular will be conducted by ECSL especially so when wards and constituencies first needs to be determined for the effective conduct of lower level elections in the country.

The Legal Link Executive Director concluded by stating that it is vital to pinpoint that such an act by the ECSL boss and by extension ECSL sets a dangerous precedent in the electioneering process and the body politic in the future as it will further undermine public trust and puts the institution in a bad light before the international community.

He suggested that there is therefore a need for some strong measures to be taken against the NEC boss over his cavalier attitude and omission to perform a public duty as required for by law.

He maintained that the 1991 constitution clearly provides punishment for such omission by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone.

The Executive Director ended up asking the question, “ But will such a forceful introduction of the PR system receive validation from the Government, opposition political parties, CSO’s, election management bodies, right groups and the donor/ diplomatic community in Sierra Leone but answered, “Only history will tell.”

 

Hon. Chernor Maju Bah Says Conditions for PR System Do Not Exist

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Leader of the Opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party in Parliament, Hon. Chernor Maju Bah has on Monday, 24th October, 2022 stated that he has read with consternation a Press Release dated 21 October 2022, issued by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), in which it was stated that the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, has directed the ECSL to conduct next year’s multi-tier elections using the District Block and Proportional Representation (PR) system.

According to Hon. Chernor Maju Bah such is a serious constitutional breach that will significantly reverse the gains some have made in strengthening democracy in post-war Sierra Leone.

He revealed that when the idea of using the PR system was initially introduced in Parliament in the Public Elections Bill 2022, it was heavily criticized and rejected by Members of Parliament, leading to its eventual withdrawal.

The opposition leader maintained that amongst members of the public, the Civil Society and the Media, the proposed PR system also generated considerable controversy, given its potential to limit the participation of citizens in the country’s democratic process.

He continued that it is therefore disappointing that after its rejection by Parliament, the Executive would still give directives for the system to be imposed on the people of Sierra Leone.

“It is even more disturbing that such a change of the electoral system is being attempted on the eve of the multi-tier elections,” he lamented adding that using the PR system in place of the constituency system would amount to taking away the rights of the people to choose their representatives directly and hand that power over to political parties.

He stated that while he acknowledges that the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2001 Section 38A of the 1991 Constitution, grants ‘THE PRESIDENT discretionary powers to consult with the Electoral Commission and direct them, to conduct elections on the basis of the ‘EXISTING DISTRICTS’ in a manner to be known as the district block representation system instead of constituencies, the same amendment [Section 38A. (1)] specifies the condition precedent to the exercise of such discretion and directive:

  1. 38A (1): –

“Where under any law for the time being in force, a date for a general election of Members of Parliament has been appointed but constituencies have not been established in accordance with subsection (3) of section 38 for the purposes of such election, …….”

Hon. Chernor Maju Bah stated how inarguably the condition precedent to the exercise of such Presidential discretion is non-existent maintaining that as it is, constituencies already exist and by Section 38 subsection (4) of the 1991 Constitution, the Electoral Commission SHALL only review such constituencies at intervals of NOT LESS THAN FIVE YEARS and NOT MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS.

He argued that it is still less than five years since the present constituencies were established, taking into consideration Section 38 subsection (5) of the said Constitution:

  1. 38 (5)

“Where the boundaries of any constituency are altered in accordance with the provisions of this section, that alteration shall come into effect upon the next dissolution of Parliament, after the alteration has been approved by Parliament.”

The Member of Parliament said, therefore, it is shocking that the ECSL has, without consideration of the country’s laws and based on the dictates of the Executive, decided to switch to a PR system.

He said even more shocking the ECSL has gone further to state that it will also conduct the local council elections on a District Block/Proportional Representation System.

The opposition leader maintained that those pronouncements by the Electoral Commission and its pandering to the whims and caprices of the Executive have the tendency to undermine the independence and credibility of the ECSL.

He said in view of the above reasons and for the protection of the supremacy of the Constitution, he is calling on His Excellency the President, to reverse his directive to the ECSL.

Hon. Chernor Maju Bah pointed out that the primary right of the people of Sierra Leone to elect their Parliamentary representatives is through constituency- based elections, as enshrined in the Constitution.

“I already know that the amendment of the Constitution then, which allows for such exercise of discretion by the President, was necessitated by the prevalence of a civil war in Sierra Leone, and the impossibility of establishing constituencies across the country,” he said.

The Leader of the Opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party in Parliament said circumstances have since changed, the country is no longer at war, nor is any part of the country inaccessible.

He said it is also important to note that after the end of the civil war, the then President immediately reverted to the Constituency Based Elections system in 2007, as it promotes participation and democratic good governance.

The Parliamentarian stated that tied to the above, constituencies already exist across the country, and they have held three successive successful general elections using the constitutionally prescribed Constituency system adding that it would therefore be illogical, unprecedented and unconstitutional to revert to a PR system whose introduction was necessitated by the conditions of a raging war in the country.

Hon Chernor Maju Bah concluded by stating that he would like to assure the public that should they sense a desire to not reverse that decision, they will use all legal remedies to ensure that the rights of the people of Sierra Leone are not denied them, and that provisions of the Constitution are upheld.

 

“I Am The People’s Man” – says SLCS DG

By Leslie F. Cole- Showers (Media and Public Relations Manager, SLCS )

The newly appointed Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service has acclaimed himself as the “people’s Director General”, on the basis that he is loved and admired by most officers (both retired and active).

Mr. Ahmed Turay received huge support from Members of Parliament when he appeared in the Well of Parliament for approval. It was observed that his voluminous years of experience spanning over three decades is enough testament of the fact that he will succeed in his new appointment.

When he joined the Department in the early 90s, he had just left the classroom as a teacher. At the time, most university graduates shied away from the Prison job, because it was viewed by many as a work place for the never- do- wells. Mr. Turay disregarded every discouraging advice from friends and family alike, and stayed focus on his dream of joining the Prison Service then.

After his recruitment, he immediately started work. He served in the training school, and was later sent to manage different Prisons in the provinces. There came a time when he was needed at Headquarters to serve as Staff Officer of the Department. This new role meant he was to act as ‘hand’ and ‘voice’ of the then Director of Prisons. He was Secretary General of the Department. He served in that capacity for ten years plus, and is still reckoned as the longest serving Staff Officer. From that, he withdrew from work and went into the academic cave again- this time, to study for his Master’s Degree at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. He recounts that the then Director of Prisons did not want him out of his sight because of the diligent work he was doing. It was believed that it would be hard to find his replacement. He nonetheless pursued.

Having returned from his academic pursuit, he was posted to the provinces for the second time, just that this time, it was to serve as Regional Commander. As his experience grew apace, he was withdrawn and returned to Freetown to serve as Regional Commander of the Western Area. This meant he was to supervise all SLCS facilities in Freetown. His managerial prowess soon became visible in his boss’ eye so much so that he was transferred from the Western Area Regional Command Office to the Human Resources Office to act as the Director there, and later posted as Director of Security and Operations. One year before he was appointed as DG of the SLCS, he had served as Deputy Director General under his predecessor – Joseph Lamboi.

Also, what more could be wanted in a leader than selfless service? The new DG has loads of that in his invincible carriage. This man is a leader and not a boss. It means, he does not shout at his subordinates; he does not disrespect anyone; his door is always open to any officer who so much as knocks; he listens to what everyone has to say; when in doubts, he does not pretend to know the answer; and he seeks counsel from professionals working with him. Mr. Turay does not want to know which part of the country one comes from; in fact, that is a question he will never ask anyone. All he cares about is studious and diligent work from his colleagues. Anyone who fits into this philosophy, he draws closer and places him/her in a position of trust. On top of all that, he does not regard anyone as a subordinate; everyone he works with is his colleague. He is indeed the people’s man!

In addition, Mr. Turay has reformative packages which he intends to roll out for the inmates (prisoners). He firmly believes that offenders are supposed to be brought to their senses and not to their knees. He invites every well- meaning Sierra Leonean and even foreigners to join him in reforming inmates, so that when they are released they would not return to their offending ways. “It is not an event,” he says, “it is a process”. He added that officers’ welfare will be taken more seriously than ever under his tenure.

The new DG, with full support from the SLCS management body, has indicated that he wants inmates to be involved in meaningful agricultural activities. He intends to ensure the SLCS becomes semi- food self- sufficient before his tenure as DG runs out.

In his maiden Consultative and Management Meeting as Director General, Mr. Turay pleaded with colleagues to put aside all differences and put hands on deck to work with him “day and night”. He owned up to the fact that he might not succeed if colleagues do not work concertedly to ensure that the SLCS is re- placed on the chart of recognition.

The DG assured that he will revive all the activities that once placed the SLCS on the front seat of people’s mind. Notable one include: the University of Makeni & SLCS partnership and the Miss Corrections Beauty Pageant.

 

Chief Kadiru Kaikai Enjoins SLPP Stakeholders to Work in Unity

By Abubakarr Harding

After traversing the length and breadth of this country, motivating and inspiring residents to turn out in large numbers to register in the just concluded voters registration exercise, Chief Kadiru Kaikai has also concluded meeting with   Party Stakeholders, urging them to work together as a team in order to secure landmark victory for President Bio come to the 2023 general elections.

Now with the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone pronouncing that the proportional representation (PR) system will be used to conduct the forthcoming General Elections, Chief Kadiru has assured that he would keep traveling to districts, constituencies, and wards to meet with key party stakeholders and talk about how important it is for party members to stick together ahead of 2023.

Such laudable move by Chief Kadiru Kaikai, many have said, is geared towards  appeasing  some key stakeholders who have worked hard for the party from 2012 to the 2018 elections but feel they have not receive any recognition or benefits from the party.

“𝐖𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞,” he stated.

Chief Kadiru Kaikai acknowledged that it is extremely important to identify with committed SLPP members who will run the party’s operations and ensure that its presidential candidate, Julius Maada Bio, wins in most parts of the country.

He emphasized the need for unity among party stewards and urged them to love one another and always work for the progress of the party and President Bio.

“𝐖𝐞’𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞’𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐲𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲; 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲, 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐁𝐢𝐨, 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬.” Chief Kadiru assured party stakeholders.

Stakeholders present in the meetings commended Chief Kadiru Kaikai and his team for their efforts and also assured him of their readiness for party campaign activity and delivery of SLPP candidates across the board in the forthcoming elections.

 

 

NP-SL Makes it Feasible for Petroleum Products to be Accessed Easily Countrywide

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

By Amin Kef-Ranger

It must be noted that as lack of access to petroleum products has debilitating effects on residents in different parts of the country there are few oil marketing companies that are very keen on making it feasible for residents in hard-to-reach areas to access petroleum products.

One of such companies is NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), a marketing entity, which, over the years, has done extremely well in the direction of making it possible for the products that the company imports and markets to be accessible to all and sundry across the country.

On various occasions, NP- Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) had commissioned ultra-modern NP Filling Stations in different parts of the country during events in which community residents were engaged and fully participated in.

On those occasions, one thing that really came out vividly were that as a result of the poor road networks within districts residents have been experiencing acute shortage of petroleum products.

Most times community residents have expressed hope that with the timely intervention of the petroleum marketing entity, the narrative will change as the company will now be extending its services in another settlement where petroleum products are needed.

Speakers most often highlight how in most cases some people dishonestly create artificial fuel scarcity but hopes are being expressed that the Management of any new NP-SL outlet or Filling Station will not be a party to that menace but rather will work towards ensuring that their products and services are accessible to all even during times of crisis.

Profound appreciation have been expressed by residents in different parts of the country for the construction new Filling Stations in their settlements, adding that fuel scarcity had been a big challenge for them but said with the commissioning of the new Filling Stations they are of the strong conviction that those challenges will become things of the past.

The Proprietors and Dealers of the new NP Filling Stations have often expressed delight for partnering with the NP- (SL) Limited and commended the efforts of the  company’s Management for giving them the necessary support from the commencement of  construction work up to completion.

They are always delighted that the new Filling Stations create job opportunities for residents and beyond noting that they will also address the problem of fuel crisis that do arise circumstantially from time to time.

Prior to the establishment of Filling Stations in some parts of the country, there had been constraints in securing fuel in some parts of the country especially during times of crisis, a lacuna which gave some people the impetus to establish new Filling Stations always assuring residents that with the commissioning of the Filling Stations, scarcity will become a thing of the past.

Some of the storage facilities in the Filling Stations have the capacity of storing large quantity of petroleum products which could be enough to ward off any prevailing fuel crisis in townships and their environs of which residents could take ownership of, with the potential of creating job opportunities.

The result-oriented and charismatic Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL Limited, Kobi Walker, has always maintained that the company is committed to ensuring that petroleum products are easily accessible to residents in any part of the country and at the same time making sure that employment opportunities are provided.

As far as the CEO is concerned residents will never have to travel many miles away to procure petroleum products adding that the commissioning of the new Filling Stations is part of the company’s effort to optimize customer care, make their products and services available to residents at their doorsteps.

The CEO always reminds of how the company always imports qualitative petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas, lubricants among which is the popular  Castrol Oil that is widely used for the good functioning of engines.

He most times encourages all to do business with NP-SL as the empowerment that the company is receiving from Sierra Leoneans through the purchase of their products is what they are giving back to society through job creation, and also empowering other Sierra Leoneans of which he said the commissioning of Filling Stations is a clear manifestation that the company is very committed towards the empowerment of every Sierra Leonean.

The CEO uses opportunities when Filling Stations are commissioned to always inform the public that the company also markets NP Gas, a cooker which is convenient for various cooking purposes. According to him, NP Gas is environmentally friendly, is quick in terms of performance and could be accessed at Filling Stations or through the company’s authorized dealers.

He most times encourages members of the public to make use of the NP Smart Card to procure fuel. According to him, it is a cashless way of transacting fuel transaction. As long as the Smart Card is loaded with money, the holder could use it to procure fuel and latter recharge for the next purchase.

Bike riders in various parts of the country have applauded NP-SL for commissioning Filling Stations in their localities most times stating that as bike riders they have been facing a lot of constraints in securing fuel furthering that they had to go miles away from just to secure fuel but said with new NP-SL Filling Stations being established such will surely address those fuel constraints experienced by residents in different localities.

It is worthy to note that NP-SL is a caring company with an intense passion to give utmost satisfaction to its cherished customers in all the nook and cranny of the country.

Whenever, an individual decides to invest in the petroleum trade by constructing a Filling Station, the individual must first approach the Management of NP-SL. The Management will, in turn, provide all the necessary technical specifications of the station must be built. Those specifications must sit well with the regulatory entity, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FHBD-SL Facilitates Travelling of 4 Volunteers to South Africa

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts towards empowering Sierra Leoneans on Hemophilia in the country, the Frontiers for Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorder (FHBD-SL), a registered non-profit, non-governmental, volunteer based patients’ organization working towards the provision of affordable medical facility to all those suffering from bleeding disorders in the country has on Tuesday 25th October, 2022 facilitated the travelling of 4 medical volunteers attached at the Connaught Hospital and the Ola During Children’s Hospital in Freetown to gain two weeks training on Hemophilia at the  Free State University in South Africa.

The four medical volunteers include Doctor Mavolo Toure, a Medical Officer at Ola During Children’s Hospital, Osman Conteh, a Laboratory Scientist, Connaught Hospital, Aruna Momoh, a Nurse at Connaught Hospital and Mohamed F.K. Bangura. The send off ceremony was held at the X-Ray Department of the Connaught Hospital in Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, the President of Frontiers for Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorder (FHBD-SL), Harry M. Koroma stated that Hemophilia is a rare disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot in the typical way because it doesn’t have enough blood-clotting proteins (clotting factors), stating that if someone is suffering from hemophilia that individual might bleed for a longer time after an injury than they would if their blood clotted properly.

He said that, over the years, many Sierra Leoneans have been silently suffering from Hemophilia of which he said that his organization has been working tremendously toward raising the awareness on Hemophilia Disease in the country.

The President maintained that the organization has been partnering with Government institutions, local organization, community networks and international organizations in a way to develop a coordinated effort in their quest to combat bleeding diseases in the country.

He added that they have undertaken series of activities including raising awareness about bleeding disorder, providing a coagulator machine, training and empowerment, facilitating affordable diagnosis for patients with bleeding disorder on diagnostic days and to provide free and ongoing medication to all Hemophilia victims.

Harry M. Koroma further revealed that as part of their efforts towards capacitating Sierra Leoneans to know about Hemophilia in the country, the organization is proud to announce that they have secured an opportunity for 4 medical volunteers attached at the Connaught Hospital to gain training on Hemophilia at the Free State University in South Africa.

He noted that the organization has provided a semi-automated coagulator to the Connaught hospital with start-up reagents, and that the organization held Quarterly diagnostic on diagnostic days, of which suspected cases of Hemophilia were brought to Connaught hospital for free factor diagnosis, adding that the organization is also embarking on Information sharing where there will be data sharing between the Connaught Hospital Management and Frontier for Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorder.

The President pointed out that the organization has also been doing training and development of which the Frontiers for Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorder and its partners provided series of training opportunities for their volunteers both within and out of the country.

“We have training for laboratory technicians, nurses, doctors, social workers and physiotherapist. This will keep FHBDSL and the entire medical family up to speed about Hemophilia and other bleeding disorder. We believe this will help provide relevant knowledge, skills and experiences needed to perform relevant tasks with maximum efficiency,” he disclosed.

Commenting on behalf of the beneficiaries, Doctor Mavolo Toure, a Medical Officer at the Ola During Children’s Hospital commended the Frontiers for Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorder (FHBD-SL) for giving them the opportunity to gain two weeks training on Hemophilia at the Free State University in South Africa.

He described the move by the organization as a laudable venture towards capacitating them with the required knowledge on Hemophilia in the country.

He said that there is little knowledge of Hemophilia by medical practitioners in the country but said there are issues relating to detection and confirmation of Hemophilia in the country owing to the fact that the equipment to be used for detection and confirmation of Hemophilia were not available.

Doctor Mavolo Toure stated that with the intervention of the Frontiers for Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorder (FHBD-SL) by bringing the detection and confirmation machine in the country such will help to enhance detection and to confirm people living with Hemophilia in the country.

He maintained that at this is the very first time they are benefiting on such training on Hemophilia adding that with the training, the availability of the machine and awareness raising will help to increase the knowledge of Sierra Leoneans on Hemophilia.

Doctor Mavolo Toure concluded by assuring all that as they represent Sierra Leone in the Hemophilia training in South Africa they will come back and give back to society by embarking on massive awareness raising and training of other medical personnel on Hemophilia across the country.

 

TOES to Recognize Individuals and Institutions with Humanitarian Goodwill Award

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In commemorating World OrphansDay 2022 in the country, the Orphan Empowerment Society (TOES), which is a registered community-led initiative seeking to improve the operations of care institutions in Sierra Leone, is poised to host its fourth edition of the Humanitarian Goodwill Award 2022.

The Award is part of their efforts to recognize individuals and institutions that have been providing excellent and humanitarian services towards orphans and the less privileged in the country.

Speaking to this medium, the National Coordinator of The Orphan Empowerment Society (TOES), Amb Alie Conteh, said the organization with other humanitarian organizations will join the world to commemorate the world orphan day this year on the 17th of November 2022 with the theme: “Caring for Orphan Children in Awful Conditions is a Duty, Particularly in the Fight Against Corruption,” adding that the organization will also use the opportunity to recognize individuals and institutions that have been providing excellent and humanitarian services towards orphans and the less privileged in the country with a Humanitarian Goodwill Award 2022.

He said that The Orphan Empowerment Society underscores the significant role care institutions and individuals can play in responding to the needs of risks children, adding that over the years TOES has equipped orphans and caregivers with entrepreneurial-based vocational training, tools & support so that they can become self-sufficient and through their network of volunteers, they are ending orphan poverty by helping orphans move from aid-dependent to creating economic prosperity for themselves and their immediate communities.

The National Coordinator pointed out that tragically, millions of children all over the globe have become orphaned for many reasons: war, famine, displacement, disease, or poverty and to make sure that they are not forgotten, once a year there is a special day dedicated just to them which is World Orphans Day, which falls on the second Monday of each November, furthering that this special day has been put in place to draw attention to the plight of the world’s orphans, and so on this day, people are encouraged to actively participate in helping raise awareness, support, and funding for motherless and fatherless children worldwide.

He revealed that their goal as an organization for the year 2022/2033 is to empower 5,000 orphans across Sierra Leone with vocational skills and free medical care which, he said, they have been doing but said they cannot do this alone by leveraging on their massive volunteer network and the support of kindhearted partners that have been supporting the organization.

Amb. Alie Conteh disclosed that according to UNICEF, there are 153 million orphans worldwide with over 310,000 in Sierra Leone alone and that many orphans do not have access to clean water, sufficient food, or basic sanitation of which he used the opportunity to call on individuals and institutions to come on board in order to support orphans in the country.

He said the event is open to sponsorship and partnership form individuals and institutions and members of the public who wish to sponsor or partner with the organization should contact them at 24 Sackville Street in Freetown or call +23299 258-986/ +23275 139-257.

 

 

Confucius Institute Hosts CCECC on a Football Friendly Match

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College University of Sierra Leone has on Saturday 22nd October, 2022 held a friendly Match with the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) on the theme: “Work Together to Forge Ahead.” The friendly match was played at the Siaka Stevens National Stadium Main Bowl in Freetown.

The friendly match ended 6-2 in favor of China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC).

Speaking to this medium, the Chinese Director of Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College, Professor Jing Man, said the friendly match is geared towards bringing staffs of the two institutions together after they have been working so hard in actualizing their dreams and that there was a need for some exercise.

She pointed out that football is a very good means of exercise as it builds someone’s strength, stamina and speed and that it also improving concentration, coordination, promoting teamwork, being social and boosting someone’s confidence.

Professor Jing Man said that the Confucius Institute has local staffs and students while CCECC also employs local staffs and that the football friendly has created the platform for them to interact with Chinese staffs and the local staffs which she will continue to build the good friendship between the people of China and Sierra Leone.

She said that the Confucius Institute is very proud of their local and Chinese lecturers, students and every one at the Institute adding that they are a team and they are one they don’t care that they were defeated in the match but what matters is the love manifested between the two institutions.

On his part, the Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC),Eric said their company has been in Sierra Leone for ten years now and they have constructed many roads among anther things, and the football match is a way to promote mutual understanding and confidence between themselves and their local workers in the country.

He commended his team for putting up such a massive performance by defeating Confucius Institute in the friendly match.

“I love the People of Sierra Leone, their love and kindheartedness has left me with great impression and I will always like be friends with Sierra Leoneans. This Football Match is a reflection of my inner mind in this regard,” Eric maintained.

The Local Director of Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College, Rev. Oliver Harding, said that the institute has been established at Fourah Bay College since 2012, that they have been organizing Chinese programs including Diploma studies and cultural cooperation, and because of the demand from students who are passionate about the language the Institute decided to start the degree course for students.

He revealed that the institute now has both Sierra Leonean and Chinese teachers that are teaching in the institute and they have been producing Sierra Leonean Chinese speakers that are working in many of the Chinese companies in the country.

Rev. Oliver Harding pointed out that the Football Match is geared towards promoting the mutual understanding and friendship between Sierra Leonean lecturers, students, and their Chinese counterparts of which he said the team is a combination of both Chinese and Sierra Leonean lecturers and students of the Institute.

 

 

QNET’s BUSINESS MODEL: AMAZING TRUTHS DISCOVERED THROUGH AN AFRICAN JOURNALIST’S TRIP TO MALAYSIA

QNET.jpeg

By Kenneth Darko

When I joined my current local news team in Ghana and got to know QNET, the first article I saw, was the company trying to correct a misrepresentation about its brand. Some individuals were accused of taking monies from others with the promise of helping them travel outside Africa. I took interest in the brand and did a little desktop research to know more about the company. The further I dug, the more I realised that the 24-year-old company has good intentions and an interesting business model, but the actions of some individuals, who may or may not fully understand the brand’s line of business, are causing some misconceptions about the company. I made a trip from Ghana to the company’s office in Malaysia and in this article, you will discover some of the truths I took my time to explore.

One of the first observations I made as I read a little widely about QNET was the fact that in this part of the world (Africa), a lot of people do not understand the concept of Direct Selling and sadly, they are often unable to distinguish it from a Ponzi scheme, Multi-Level-Marketing and the sorts. So, for the avoidance of doubt, let’s do some clarification on what Direct Selling is.

Direct Selling Simplified

According to the World Federation of Direct Selling Association (WFDSA) based in Washington DC in the United States: “Direct Selling is a retail channel used by top global brands and smaller, entrepreneurial companies to market products and services to consumers. Companies market all types of goods and services, including watches and jewellery, holidays, wellness, home and living, education, health, personal care and technology.” Simply put, Direct Selling is a type of marketing where the company or manufacturer sells its products directly to consumers without building or hiring shops, supermarkets, malls or the like. These products are not on shelves of any shop, they are shipped directly from the manufacturer to the consumer at home, online or through other means. This is an acceptable way of marketing and it has been in existence for hundreds of years.

According to statista.com, in America alone, there are more than seven and a half million people involved in Direct Selling and the global industry is estimated at $186 billion, with more prospects than a lot of people think. WFDSA has membership across the world in virtually all continents. Companies and Direct Selling organisations from England, Germany, Malaysia, Philippines, Turkey, Thailand, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, Slovenia, South Africa, Singapore, Portugal, Norway, Peru, Panama, Romania, New Zealand, Mexico, Netherlands, Italy, Korea, Japan, Israel, India, Indonesia, Finland, France, Brazil, Australia, Canada, to name a few, are key members of the World Federation of Direct Selling Association. It is safe to say that Direct Selling is a global line of business.

 Direct Selling in Africa

In Ghana and across Africa, I noticed that the Direct Selling Industry is not as formalised and organised as they have it in Asia, America and Europe. Though, Africa, with our population surge and budding taste for lifestyle and beauty products, is the new frontier for the multi-billion-dollar Direct Selling industry, we are yet to fully comprehend its full potential. I felt the stories and experiences Africans had with Ponzi schemes have clouded their understanding, realization or appreciation of the Direct Selling industry. In many parts of Africa, people can tell stories of how get-rich-quick and money schemes that existed for a short period of time usually less than a year or two, ravaged their finances. The unfortunate part is that they tend to lump many Direct Selling companies in that same basket.

Experiencing QNET in Malaysia

I had a tour of the QNET office in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. I saw first-hand, the towering building where its operations take place on a daily basis. I saw some of the products and had interactions with key officers of the company as they explained in details, features of the products and key truths about QNET’s business model.

On Penang Island, I had a unique opportunity to witness and attend the company’s annual global conference, the V-Malaysia 2022. I was in the same arena as more than 15 thousand independent representatives (IRs) and officers of the company. It was electrifying and a sight to behold. I listened to seminars and presentations by many leaders of the company including its Founders and I visited the exhibition booths, where I saw, touched, felt and experienced QNET’s wide array of products. I saw IRs from different corners of the world testifying about their experiences and the achievements they made, both in small and big leaps.

Demystifying the misconception about QNET

The first realization I had from my five-day sojourn was that unlike Ponzi or get-rich-quick schemes that usually last for a short time and disappear, QNET has actually been in existence for 24 years and growing stronger. I got to know that QNET is one of Asia’s leading e-commerce based Direct Selling companies offering a wide range of health, wellness and lifestyle products that enable people to lead better lives. I realised that QNET is empowering millions of entrepreneurs and young people in more than 100 countries worldwide.

I also got to know that QNET is headquartered in Hong Kong and has a presence in more than 25 countries around the world through subsidiaries, branch offices, agency partnerships, and franchisees.

I realised that QNET adheres to international best practices and that, it is a member of the Direct Selling Association in several countries and is also a part of the Hong Kong Health Food Association and the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore among others.

I realised that QNET is law-abiding and highly socially-responsible. I visited the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, RYTHM Foundation (Raise Yourself to Help Mankind) at the V-MALAYSIA 2022. I saw pictures and evidence of the plethora of life-changing interventions and projects the company is implementing across the world including Africa. QNET is also active in sports sponsorships around the world. Some of the more prominent partnerships include being the Direct Selling Partner of Manchester City Football Club and the African Club League Championships of CAF.

QNET’s fight against fraud and misrepresentation

According to Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional Manager for sub-Saharan Africa: “QNET is making frantic efforts at ensuring that its reputation is not soiled. We keep implementing measures to help the general public and our stakeholders understand our business model and the fact that we are not a get-rich-quick or Ponzi scheme, we are not a travel agency, we do not condone illegal gathering, migration or unethical marketing practices. People can do business with QNET from the comfort of their homes via www.qnet.net.”

“We are aware that some individuals use QNET’s name for unethical marketing practices. We are in collaboration with some governmental agencies in markets where we operate, to identify and clamp down on these people and their negative activities. If any Independent Representative is found to be culpable in a case of unethical marketing, they are punished or terminated from the company’s record. And in some cases, they are handed over to security agencies for the law to take its course.”

On my desk as a journalist, I see a lot of communications and press information from the company, trying to educate the general public on its business model and the Direct Selling market as a whole. The company recently embarked on a 360-marketing initiative called the MAMA Campaign. The Campaign aims at helping people differentiate between QNET business and the actions of fraudulent individuals.

Finally, I am convinced that with the current economic situation in the world and especially in Africa, a lot of people need multiple streams of income to be able to stay afloat. Direct Selling offers a wonderful opportunity for anyone to buy products, use them or refer same to other people and earn commission on the purchases they make. A lot of people have changed their lives for the better, by simply taking up the opportunities offered by QNET and the Direct Selling industry.

African Leadership Magazine Honours President Bio

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Julius Maada Bio has, on the 20th October, 2022, unveiled the Special Edition of the African Leadership Magazine, telling the story of his leadership and legacy in Sierra Leone that earned him the lifetime of service award from the United States of America National Bar Association. The unveiling took place at the Freetown International Conference Centre.

The award was conferred on him by the immediate past President of the National Bar Association, Judge Carlos Moore, during his tenure in July 2022.

The President was also presented the Congressional Commendation Award by the President-elect of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators of the USA, Representative Laura Hall, during the magazine unveiling ceremony in Freetown.

In his acceptance address, President Bio said theirs was a beautiful story to tell by the African Leadership Magazine team and thanked development partners and all other stakeholders involved in piecing together the story of Sierra Leone’s growth in the last four years.

“As the unveiling ceremony commemorates our four and half years in governance and celebrates my leadership and legacy, the biblical scripture of Luke 12:48 lingers on my mind – ‘to whom much is given, much will be required’. So, I accept this award with deep gratitude, giving all praise and thanks to the Lord, who has been my Source and Sustainer throughout my life’s journey.

“I accept this Lifetime of Service and Achievement Award and Recognition with great humility but with deep reflection on a past of dreams lost and optimism about a future of great promise,” he said, noting that the award was a testament to Sierra Leone’s resilience and splendour and its hardworking citizens’ perseverance to build a country that could stand with pride among nations.

“I also want to thank the USA national Bar Association for bestowing this great honour on me. I thank the United States of America National Black Caucus of State Legislators for the National Black Caucus Commendation Award,” he said.

He paid tribute to the team in his Government saying that who is a leader without a team of brilliant and dedicated individuals, equally committed to a vision of a prosperous, just and safe nation.

“I am blessed to have a Government that breathes life into each aspect of our vision – from my dedicated Vice President to all of the Cabinet Ministers and their staff. This award and recognition are for you. I recognize all those at all levels of Government – the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, who play their role in ensuring we can make life better for each citizen,” he concluded.

The African Leadership magazine is published by African Leadership (UK) Limited and focuses on bringing the best of Africa to a global audience, telling the African story from an African perspective; while evolving solutions to peculiar challenges being faced by the continent today. It promotes innovation, entrepreneurship and development in Africa and aspires to become the undisputed vehicle of first choice in showcasing the continent’s continual growth in the critical sectors of international development.

 

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