Chief Minister Inducts Special Investigation Committee

September 5, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Release dated 1^st September 2022 and signed by Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq as Chairman and Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, as Head of Media, it was revealed that the Chief Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Jacob Jusu Saffa, officially inaugurated the Special Investigation Committee that will look into the events of 10th August 2022 during a brief meeting at State House on the 1^st September 2022.

Also mentioned was that in presenting the Terms of Reference to the Committee, the Chief Minister congratulated members of the Committee and assured them of their independence.

It was further stated that he admonished the Committee to be mindful that there is an ongoing criminal investigation into the August 10th events by the Sierra Leone Police, with which the Committee will have some form of collaboration.

Highlighted was that the terms of reference for the Committee, logistical, and operational issues were also discussed.

Chairman of the Committee, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq., it was said, thanked His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for the appointment, describing it as a very important national assignment.

Also mentioned was that the Chairman called on the cooperation and support of Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad, assuring the public that the Committee will maintain the highest levels of integrity, transparency, and impartiality in the course of its investigation.

It was concluded that the Committee will update the public on its activities as and when necessary.

NP-SL Continues to Offer Qualitative Petroleum Products & Efficient Service Delivery

September 4, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) continues to make meaningful inroads within the petroleum landscape of this country based on its effective and efficient service delivery which has garnered wide-spread commendations from near and far for the petroleum importing and marketing holding the fort for too long, weathering various storms along the way

Formed years back by certain selfless Sierra Leoneans (thirty-five of them), the company has grown exponentially by infusing business-oriented initiatives that have helped in transforming the entity into a towering company within the business landscape of this country and even in the West African sub-region, in countries where it has functional and vibrant operational branches.

One major initiative which these local investors factored into their business activity and considered very paramount is the premium placed on optimizing customer care, which, they believed will put the company in a very good stead to widen its customers’ base. It was against such a backdrop that they decided to import and install calibrated pumping machines at the company’s various Filling Stations, which are very capable of churning out the right quantity of fuel and at the same time display the corresponding price.

The installation of these machines was indeed a good move, as such is constantly instilling the feeling that they are getting the right amount of petroleum products, petrol or diesel as well as lubricants, against what is being paid for.

Hitherto, the old pumping machines were not so sophisticated and created leeway through which certain unscrupulous pump attendants clandestinely cheated customers by not pumping the requisite quantity of fuel requested for. However, with the latest calibrated machines, such became a thing of the past, making petroleum transactions at the company’s Filling Stations very transparent.

To properly interface with customers, NP-SL operates on an open-door policy basis with the avowed objective of addressing the concerns of customers and by extension members of the public. The inputs from members of the public are, most times, taken into consideration whenever meetings are convened, out of which resolutions are adopted that are tailored to give satisfaction in terms of responding to concerns and embracing certain recommendations.

The buoyant oil marketing company is a premier and sustainable indigenous business entity in the country as it is hundred percent owned by Sierra Leoneans. And one thing that they laid much emphasis on is to give preference, in terms of employment, to Sierra Leoneans exclusively instead of considering bringing foreigners on board, except in instances where local expertise could not be sourced.

This stance on the part of the company is in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy, which underpins making use of local human and material resources in the production and service delivery chain. By giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans, the company has been positively contributing towards poverty alleviation and availing individuals the opportunities to live improved standards of living. The policy is truly in tune with fulfilling one of the pillars of the national economic agenda and is replicated in countries within the West African Sub-Region where the company has a presence.

With regards rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility, NP-SL has been doing so steadily and progressively. The company has been giving institutional support to certain institutions.

The company, in the recent past, actively joined the fray in trying to combat the spread of the Coronavirus in the country when it donated the sum of One Billion Leones to the Emergency Operation Centre as its own support in the fight against the spread of the virus. That gesture was highly appreciated and the company was profusely commended for its timely response.

The company’s introduction of a Smart Card to purchase fuel has been widely applauded as a very good initiative. A particular customer, with money in his or her NP Smart Card, could easily put in for the quantity of petrol or diesel that he or she wants and the supply is facilitated, after which the amount of money expended is deducted from the card. It is a very convenient way of doing such transactions in a cashless manner. Its biggest advantage is that it creates room for a customer to budget for fuel purchase over time. NP Smart Card is now trending and many are presently using it, saying they prefer it than using physical cash.

Some users of NP Gas that this medium spoke with, intimated how it is a very good device which has a high speed performance and very environmentally useful and friendly. Manufactured in different cylinder shapes, it is portable and affordable. NP Gas could be secured at all the company’s major Filling Stations, where the gas to refill it could be accessed.

The company has really exhibited that it is poised to expand its operations, a determination that has been manifested in opening branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. In all those countries, those NP branches are doing extremely well in terms of service delivery and payment of taxes to the home Governments.

Indisputably, there is no way that we can talk of a very successful company, amidst challenges encumbered along the way, without mentioning NP-SL because the company is greatly contributing to the socio-economic development within the West African Sub-Region.

Akmed Ken Yokie on the Run After Police Declared Him Wanted

September 4, 2022

By Mohamed Awuwa Kamara

Young Sierra Leonean named Akmed Ken Yokie has been on the run since he reportedly escaped from a Police cell in Eastern Freetown on August 10 Protest. Sierra Leone Police have declared him WANTED for breaking out of Police detention camp in Freetown.

Akmed Ken Yokie and 6 others were arrested on August 6, 2022 in the company of gays, at an alleged gay engagement in Freetown. They were arrested on the intelligence of the Sierra Leone Police, taking into cognisance that gay activities are forbidden in Sierra Leone. Therefore, anyone engaging in such acts will be dealt with by law enforcement officers. Their detention was clandestinely done, as many people did not know about it.

On August 10, protests broke out in the Capital Freetown and other parts of the North of Sierra Leone, against the government for the economic hardship and rising cost of living in the country. The peaceful protests eventually turned into a violent one, following a clash between the Police and the protesters, especially in the East of Freetown, where both civilians and officers lost their lives.

Gunshots were heard everywhere in the East of the city, which created panic. The protesters stormed Police Stations and set prisoners free, including the Portee Police Station where Ken Yokie and others were being held up for four days before the protests.

One of the detainees was shot dead by the Police while trying to escape the station. Ken Yokie and the other 5 managed to escape and they have been on the run since. The Police declared a nationwide curfew and started cracking down on the suspect and massive arrests were made and some people were allegedly shot dead by the Police during these curfews, including a popular social and political commentator in Makeni.

The Police are still searching for Ken Yokie and others, who many believe might have escaped the country through neighbouring Guinea for his safety.

On August 15, Ken Yokie’s photo was one of the photos displayed by the Sierra Leone Police as ‘WANTED’ people for the August 10 protest. Some of the arrested protesters have already been charged to court while being locked up in detention camps.

As much as Ken Yokie and others are on the run, the Sierra Leone Police are still not giving up on bringing them to book. Ken Yokie who was initially arrested for gay activities, he was later associated with the August Protest. His initial crime was for engaging in prohibited activities (gay activities), which are restricted rights in Sierra Leone.

Many culprits like Yokie who engage in gay activities have managed to escape Police brutality and detention.

SLBL & Hon. Bah Turn Sod for Implementation of Water Gravity Project in Wellington

September 2, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) on the 1^st September 2022, facilitated the turning of the sod for the implementation of a project which is the construction of WASH facilities for residents of Constituency 115 in Wards 405 & 406 of Wellington, in the East End of Freetown.

The WASH facilities to be constructed in the Constituency will include two Water Gravity Facilities in Up Koya Town and Loko Town Communities.

During a short programme that brought together the Corporate Affairs Manager of SLBL, Foday Daboh, the Communications Manager of the same entity, Unisa Conteh the Honourable Member of Parliament of Constituency 115, Hon Alpha Bah, community residents and the Press together, it was disclosed by the Corporate Affairs Manager of SLBL that the implementation of the project will now commence.

He informed all present that they were approached in the past by the Member of Parliament and some community residents appealing for support to overcome a constraint most of them have been facing for far too long which is easily accessing clean water supply.

Foday Daboh added that they channeled their felt need to the Heineken Africa Foundation which approved their project proposal and decided to fund the implementation with over Eighty-Nine Euros (€89,589.5). He informed the residents that the Members of Parliament do not have access to the funds and so should not be looked up to for the resources.

“You should all play various roles to ensure that the project is completed successfully,” he enjoined and admonished the contractor to consider utilizing community labour and materials.

Foday Daboh also disclosed that over 23,000 residents, including women and children, are to benefit from the Gravity Water Supply System Project.

Hon. Alpha Bah on his part informed the audience that this will be the first mega project that he will be monitoring to ensure that they get value for money. He disclosed how he first knew about gravity water during a launching programme he attended. The Member of Parliament said everyone should clearly know that the money for the project is not meant for sharing and appealed for all to get onboard and monitor its implementation.

He profusely thanked S/L Brewery Limited for their continued support to the people of Wellington and Constituency 115 in general.

Hon. Bah noted that the project which costs the sum of € 89,589.5 ( One Billion One Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy Nine Leones-Old Leones) was approved by Heineken Africa Foundation (HAF) since September 2019, but due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the project was put on an hold.

The contractor, Alie Samu, assured the people and stakeholders that the project will be implemented according to the right specifications in order to ensure that the project meets it overall objective.

He informed that the project will be implemented within six months period.

Communities that will benefit from the project are Peacock Farm, Taylor Street, Koya Town, Up Mountain, Mellon Street, Beccles Street, Upper Philip Street, Tar Road, Hill Top and Upper Zion Communities.

Afrimoney and Skye Bank Unveils “Push &Pull Service”

September 2, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to enhance financial inclusion in the country, AfriMoney, an appendage of Africell Sierra Leone in collaboration with Skye Bank Sierra Leone has on Wednesday 31^st August, 2022 unveiled the “Bank To Wallet and Wallet To Bank” Service (Push & Pull Service) during an auspicious event held at Skye Bank Boardroom on Rawdon Street in Freetown.

In his statement, the Managing Director of Skye Bank, Abiola Bolaji, said as a Bank they are excited to collaborate with Afrimoney to launch the Bank To Wallet and Wallet To Bank service which he described as historic, adding that the launch means they are turning another corner (achieving another milestone) in their digital aspirations as a bank.

Abiola Bolaji expressed appreciation to Afrimoney for the partnership describing it as a great deal for the people of Sierra Leone and especially people in remote communities where banks are not existing adding that the bank currently has five branches in the country, four in Freetown and one branch in Bo.

The Managing Director said that in order to serve their valid customers easily and affordably the bank has introduced internet banking platform to host all their customers, adding that in order for the bank to do more they need to leverage on the growth of the use of internet in the country.

He revealed that in terms of financial inclusion there are about 12.4 % of Sierra Leoneans that are financially included, stating that such shows that only 12.4 % has a bank account of which he said with the launching of the “Bank To Wallet and Wallet To Bank” Service (Push & Pull Service) those unbanked in the remote communities will be catered for through Afrimoney.

Abiola Bolaji revealed that the platform will enable their esteemed customers to conduct financial transactions securely and efficiently without going through the normal hassle of queuing in the banking hall but can conduct transactions within their comfort zones at any time by using their mobile phones.

On his part, the Director of AfriMoney, Martinson Obeng-Agyei, expressed how excited they are to announce the launch of the Bank to Wallet, Wallet to Bank service partnership in collaboration with the Skye Bank.

He underscored that with the launch of the service it will allow AfriMoney subscribers with Bank Accounts at Skye Bank to be able to transfer money from their Bank Accounts to their Mobile Money Wallets and from their Mobile Money Wallets to their Bank Accounts vice versa at the comfort of their zones. He further informed all that from subscribers’ AfriMoney accounts they can be able to check their bank account balances.

He disclosed that subscribers should just dial *161# then follow the instructions in order to do their transactions in an easy, safe and affordable manner.

The official launching of the Bank to Wallet and Wallet To Bank service was done by the Corporate Affairs Officer at Africell Sierra Leone, Joe Abass Bangura, the Director of AfriMoney, Martinson Obeng-Agyei and the Managing Director of Skye Bank, Abiola Bolaji.

Peace Commission Holds Familiarization Meeting with Political Parties

September 2, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has on Wednesday 31^st August 2022 held a one-day meeting with leaders and representatives of 17 political parties in the country. The meeting was held at the Office of National Security (ONS) Conference Room on Tower Hill in Freetown.

Declaring the purpose of the meeting, the Communications Officer of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Fatmata J. Kamara stated that it was a familiarization meeting geared towards bringing together leaders of various political parties and officials of the Commission which in other words was introducing the Peace Commission to leaders of all the political parties and security forces in the country.

She dilated on the formation of the Peace Commission, its mandate and activities they have undertaken so far, the August 10 violent protests, and how the Commission intends to join forces with all political leaders on a nationwide peace awareness sensitization drive in the international peace month of September.

In her presentation, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Hawa Sally Samai, dilated on the antecedents that led to the establishment of made the Commission, its mandate, implementation of its mandate, the successes and challenges they have been facing since inception.

She explained that what they are desirous of achieving is a Sierra Leone that is peaceful and cohesive maintaining how the responsibility lies with them to facilitate peaceful co-existence, inclusiveness and to building a network for peace and national development.

“As representatives of political parties it is good that you work closely with the Commission to preach peace throughout the country as such will create huge impact in enhancing peaceful co-existence,” she appealed.

Madam Samai
mentioned major thorny stalemates that they have mediated to ensure peace and stability in communities, adding that notwithstanding gains made it was not all issues they were able to amicably resolve or prevent from escalating citing the August 10 violent protests saying the Commission was not knowledgeable of the group or persons responsible for the violent protests in Freetown and parts of the provinces.

She called for a fair dialogue by all present through presentations of disaffections in order to find possible ways to maintain peace in the nation.

With regards the August 10 violent protests representatives of political parties present made references to various factors and also proffered possible solutions to certain societal ills. One thing that featured prominently was lack of communication on the part of the Government some expressing the view that the President and his Ministers must work effectively to counter false rumors.

Some maintained that the Government showed bias in responding to the people that lost their lives saying it only concentrated in giving the slain security personnel a befitting burial arguing that all those who were killed on August 10 should have been treated equally and because of that the Government must apologize to the nation.

It was ultimately agreed that as political leaders they are ready and willing to work hand in hand with the Commission to preach peace among their supporters and denounce violent activities or words that could lead to violence.

The Director for Conflict Prevention of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Philip Bona, profoundly thanked all the political parties representatives for attending and admonished them to be aware that we only have one Sierra Leone, whose development and destruction lies in our hands but wished that we will always strive towards having a peaceful nation.

CARL Holds Discussions with Stakeholders on Reviewing the Development Cooperation Framework

September 2, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), with funding from Irish Aid, has on Tuesday 30^th August 2022 held a one-day roundtable discussion with stakeholders on the ongoing efforts at reviewing the Development Cooperation Framework (DCF) and how it has impacted the work of NGOs since 2020. The event was held at the New Brookfields Hotel on New England Ville in Freetown.

In his presentation on the report, the Executive Director Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), Ibrahim Tommy Esq. said that with funding from the Irish Embassy, CARL produced a study report in June 2020 on the implications of the Development Cooperation Framework (DCF) for civic space and the role of non-governmental organizations in Sierra Leone, adding that among other things, the study found that, although NGO actors understand the need for accountability and coordination in the sector, they reported that the DCF policy negatively impacts on their work in a number of ways and that they recommended that the policy be reviewed in a consultative and transparent manner to allow for a healthy civic space and a mutually advantageous relationship between NGOs and the Government and people of Sierra Leone.

He maintained that in that regard they decided to bring stakeholders together in a roundtable discussion in order to seek their perspectives on the findings of the study, their experiences with the implementation of the DCF since 2020, and how the ongoing review process can be supported to address the key concerns of NGOs as well as take on board the objectives of the Government of Sierra Leone, furthering that the round table is part of a series of engagement CARL will sponsor to disseminate the report and generate evidence to support the ongoing review process.

The Executive Director pointed out that the GoSL has made several attempts over the last 3 decades to define its relationship with NGOs and regulate their operations, adding that the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC) introduced a policy in 1994, Late President Ahmad Tejan-Kabbah maintained and revised the NPRC Policy in 2003 and that the previous administration revised and introduced the Non-Governmental Organizations Policy Regulations in 2009 and attempted again in 2017 to review the 2009 policy with a number of restrictive clauses (This was fiercely resisted by NGOs and SOs and therefore did not come to operation).

He stated that in December 2018, the current administration introduced the Development Cooperation framework (DCF), with pretty most of the provisions in the 2017 version.

Commenting on why does the GoSL wants to define its relationship with and regulate NGOs, he said it is to strengthen the relationship between NGOs and the Government as partners in development and to promote transparency and accountability in the delivery of development aid programs.

On the objectives of the study, he pointed out that the overall objective of the study is to enhance civic space in Sierra Leone and specifically, the study looked at the challenges associated with the implementation of the DCF both for NGOs and the Government and the implications of the DCF for service delivery by NGOs etc.

Giving the key findings of the report, he said from the point of view of MoPED, after two years of implementation the DCF has contributed to generating very accurate data of the number and types of NGOs (as a register of local & international now exists), raising awareness/ popularizing the DCF, building capacity of NGO focal persons in MDAs, the establishment of a Technical Review Committees etc.

Concluding, he maintained that the study reveals the following: that there was inadequate consultation and engagement ahead of the approval of the December, 2018 DCF; only a select few non-state actors participated, that the DCF policy should be unpacked, that the merger of the aid policy and NGO policy is unhelpful, that there are adequate infrastructure and weak capacity of Government to implement the DCF, that the NGO Directorate of MoPED is understaffed and focal persons are constantly being replaced/transferred etc.

Dilating on the recommendations of the report, the Executive Director said that given the consensus on the need to review the DCF, and the announcement by the Government that it has begun the process of reviewing the DCF, it is recommended that there should be wider consultation and engagement with non-state actors to address the keys concerns raised in the study.

He added that the revised version should be simplified; preferably separating the Aid policy from the NGO Policy/Regulation and that Government (MoPED) should also improve its capacity to implement any revised policy (adequate staff, focal persons and other resources) etc.

Following his presentation was a panel discussion with stakeholders present on the experiences, challenges with the implementation of the DCF and a prospect for a progress review to be followed also by comments, next steps, and recommendations.

US Ambassador Updates the Press on the Embassy’s Recent Activitie

September 2, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended Press Roundtable held on Wednesday 31^st August 2022 at the United States of America Embassy on Southbridge – Hill Station in Freetown, the Ambassador of the United States to Sierra Leone, David Reimer, briefed Pressmen in attendance on the Embassy’s recent activities.

The Ambassador commenced by pointing out that the role of a free and an independent Press is critical to a democracy in which the Government is accountable to the people maintaining how it is one of the values that the United States and Sierra Leone share.

He used the opportunity, on behalf of the American people, to again offer his deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives during the August 10 violent protests, as well as to those who lost loved ones as a result of the recent mudslides and flooding, adding that they are aggrieved as a result of the tragedies.

“As we look to the future, I again urge a commitment from all sides to de-escalate tensions. Dialogue, respect for human rights, and the rule of law should be guiding principles for everyone as we work to resolve our differences peacefully and productively. We call for all to refrain from violence, and urge the country’s leaders – in both words and action to bridge divides and work to unify Sierra Leoneans following the violence,” he enjoined.

The US Ambassador informed pressmen about the return of Peace Corps Volunteers to Sierra Leone which he described as great news disclosing how they are all very happy about that.

He disclosed that after completing their 10-week pre-service training, the 17 new volunteers will be officially sworn in on Friday, September 9 at the Peace Corps Training Facility in Kambia and that after their swearing-in, they will go to communities across Sierra Leone to work together with local partners in the health and education sectors.

He furthered that five of the volunteers will serve alongside community health workers focusing on child and maternal health adding how they will be working with women and caregivers to promote healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries, and healthy children.

Ambassador David Reimer also pointed out that they will be working with community health workers to improve their skills to deliver health education, and working with the youth in order to increase their knowledge as well as improve their health and well-being.

He disclosed that progress has been made on the Health Grid Sierra Leone Project that, he said, is going to literally turn on the lights in rural health communities across Sierra Leone

The Ambassador stated that, “access to stable, reliable electricity is key for health care providers to treat people. Electricity should not be a privilege just for health care clinics in major cities. That is why I am proud to highlight that this year; we expect to finish installation on the first of what will be 31 clean energy facilities for rural health clinics. This is part of the HealthGrid project, a project designed to improve access to electricity in health facilities.”

He informed pressmen that the HealthGrid is as a result of a collaboration among the U.S. Government through USAID, the non-profit RESOLVE and World Vision organizations and a private sector partner, Orange Sierra Leone, together with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

“The project will total almost $2 million, of which around 40% is funded through USAID. The project will also include a sustainability fund of about $100,000, which will enable long-term maintenance and oversight of the facilities. HealthGrid will install sustainable solar energy systems for 31 remote, off-grid, healthcare facilities in Sierra Leone,” the US Ambassador revealed.

He said the project will also install and maintain internet connectivity equipment at each healthcare facility, as well as water and sanitation equipment at selected sites, stating that thus far, HealthGrid, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has selected 16 facilities throughout Sierra Leone and they are expecting the first installation to be completed by the end of the year.

The Ambassador concluded by informing the pressmen of the training for Public Health Officials and Clinical Practitioners.

He continued by intimating that he is pleased to announce that the United State’s partnership with Sierra Leone to increase the training of public health officials and clinical practitioners is going strong.

“On Monday, we celebrated the graduation of 35 students by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Field Epidemiology. I was there in person and it was a wonderful celebratory event,” he stated.

He disclosed that the CDC Field Epidemiology Training Program was started in 1980 to train what he termed, “disease detectives” ,all over the world, adding that the impact that trainees of the program are having on health in Sierra Leone speaks for itself as graduates of the program lead investigations on outbreaks of diseases like Lassa fever, Monkey pox, Ebola, COVID-19, and Polio furthering that additionally, previous trainees of the program are also working with their counterparts to investigate the tragic food poisoning incident in Kenema some weeks ago.

“Earlier this year, I was pleased to attend a training session for health care providers to more effectively diagnose and treat HIV/AIDS. This is an area that both the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the U.S. Department of Defense have been instrumental in addressing,” he concluded.

Closing the press roundtable was a question and answer session during which Pressmen present had the opportunity to ask pertinent questions to the Ambassador.

President Bio & First Lady Visit, Console Flood Mudslide & Mud Affected Victims

September 2, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, and the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio on the 31^st August 2022 sympathized with citizens affected by the August 28 2022 mudslide at the Looking Town and Culvert Communities in the East End of Freetown.

They reached out to the victims of the disastrous mudslide and flooding giving them courage further telling them that they should know that the Government is there to help them but said the process should begin with registration so that they will help them with basic supplies.

Addressing the affected persons at the Culvert Community, President Bio sympathized with them and told them how thankful he is to God for His mercy upon their lives.

“I thank God that you all survived the floods, I am happy you all are alive and no deaths were recorded here as in the Looking Town Community where we lost six people. May their Souls Rest in Peace,” the President consoled.

He encouraged and advised them to take good care of the environment in order to prevent the reoccurrence of such a disaster.

The President ended by letting the victims know that the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) is currently registering all affected persons so that the Government will help them with some supplies.

In her words of consolation, the First Lady disclosed that she fully understands the pain associated with losing loved ones especially under such an unfortunate circumstance.

She consoled the families and encouraged them to accept the unfortunate event as the will of Allah.

The First Lady also used the forum as an opportunity to recount the unfortunate attack on the nation on August 10, noting that it was sad that we lost security personnel in such cowardice spearheaded by desperate citizens.

She called on the citizens to stop putting their lives on the line for politicians who will never encourage or use their kids or family members in acts of political violence.

Madam Fatima Bio advised Sierra Leoneans to invest their energies on productive activities that will help develop the country and desist from acts of destruction.

She called on the women to make good use of the support and love being showed to them by President Bio whom, she said, has prioritized education and women’s empowerment.

According to her, President Bio operates an inclusive Government that appoints people from all tribes and regions to top positions.

FIU & ACC Hold Meeting to Enhance a Terrorist, Money Laundered & Corrupt Free Society

September 2, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Officials of the North West Regional Offices of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) held a meeting at the Gbalamuya Custom Post lounge on Tuesday 30th August 2022.

Welcoming the Financial Intelligence Unit and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) staff and other public officials present, Peter Bobor Dawah, the Manager of the Anti-Smuggling Unit Border Controls and Management of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) expressed pleasure and warmth in hosting the Commission as he encouraged his colleagues to be keen and highlight discussion trend for apt responses during the plenary session. Several other heads of entities made statements including the FIU representative.

On the role and mandate of Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to fight Money Laundering/ Terrorism Funding (ML/TF) Luseni Batema painstakingly explained how it happens and the adverse effects such trend has on societal stability and developmental growth.

He speedily expressed the wish of the FIU Director David Borbor which was cascaded to what James Maiah, the FIU North West Regional Team Lead desire of getting a terrorist free, anti money laundering free and corrupt free Sierra Leone.

With respect to the Anti-ML/TF Act of 2012, Luseni Batema encouraged all entities present at the FIU – ACC Customized Meeting to own up and raise high the banner of professionalism on a routine official basis.

Also, the FIU official spoke of the specific mandate of his entity at the Gbalamuya border crossing point which include, but not limited to monitor the supervision of currency declaration regime by the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Customs Officers and the Sierra Leone Police etc.

Furthermore FIU, Luseni Batema spoke of the presence of FIU office at the Gbalamuya Custom Post for better collaboration with other security sector players at the very strategic border crossing point.

North West Regional Manager Al-Hassan Sesay earnestly dwelled on upholding integrity, transparency and accountability in the public service. He pointed out several other prevalent corruption related issues in the workplace.

Mohamed Thullah, who served as Chairman talked of upholding ethics in the workplace and Bernard Dixon painstakingly explained an overview of offences in the 2008 ACC Act as amended in 2019 were as Samuel Junisa Sankoh earlier on stated the purpose of the meeting.

The plenary session was interactive and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials were shared among the Management of the entities.

The FIU – ACC meeting with entities at the Gbalamuya Custom Post ended fruitfully.

It must be noted that it was against the backdrop of the benefits of having a terrorist free, money laundered free and corrupt free society as well as enlisting public support in stifling such social menaces, (terrorism, money laundering and corruption) particularly in public offices, that the FIU and ACC North West Regional Offices held the customized meeting with staff deployed at the Gbalamuya Custom Post which comprises National Revenue Authority (NRA), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Standards Bureau, Integrated Trade Services (ITS), Customs Breakers, Immigration, Forces Intelligence Security Unit (FUSU), Trans-National Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), Photosanitary, Port Health, International Police (Interpol), Mines Monitoring Unit and many other related public entities stationed to work at the strategic Gbalamuya Custom Post sharing boundaries between Guinea and Sierra Leone.