Augustine Kailie Becomes Sierra Leone’s New Deputy Inspector General of Police

August 26, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

Commissioner Augustine Kailie, the current serving Chief of the African Union Multinational Police Force in Somalia has been endorsed by the Police Council as Deputy Inspector General of Police and he is expected to round up his mission in Somalia and take up his new role in the next coming days.

Commissioner Kailie oversaw the operational planning and security of the recent concluded Parliamentary and Presidential elections in Somalia. He held various command and operational positions in Sierra Leone and holds a Bachelor’s degree from FBC and a Masters degree in Peace Development Studies.

Given his wealth of experience and professional career including his educational background, his appointment was widely appreciated by his colleagues in the SLP and the African Union.

Six Police Personnel Slain on August 10 laid to Rest

August 26, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Julius Maada Bio joined family members, the Sierra Leone Police, and the nation at the Police Training School at Hastings on Tuesday 23 August 2022 to lay the remains of six police personnel killed on August 10 and called on the country to unite in honour of their service to nation.

The late Superintendent Osman Fofanah, 49, who before his death had served the Police for 20 years; Sergeant Tommy Munda, 52, had served the Police for 27 years; Sergeant Desmond Hanciles, 44, had served the Police for 21 years; Police Constable 14625 Abu Bakarr Turay, 38, had served the Police for 12 years; Police Constable 20490 Charles E. K. Smart, 32, had served the Police for 3 years; and Sergeant Major 11890 Ibrahim Jalloh, 38, had served the Police for 18 years.

“This is a sad day in the history of our country, as we come to give our final respect to the victims of a violent and brutal attack on our peace and democracy. We have worked very hard as a nation and for nearly two decades. We thought violence was completely taken away from the tools that would be used to resolve our differences,” he said.

“These individuals have not hidden their plan. It was widely discussed and was and still is supported by political entrepreneurs who have no interest in the people of this country but to extract from the state. The common interest of the people was completely missing in their calculus”.

The President, however, assured the gathering of his personal and Government’s commitment to protecting the interests of the country, citing his military service before he became President. He added that the six police personnel were killed for the crime of choosing to serve their country by protecting lives and property.

He called on all Sierra Leoneans to be united and keep the peace, stating: “We can keep the peace. We can be a normal society like all other nations. This was what our brothers were fighting to maintain, just to make sure we lived in safety and peace. They have paid the supreme sacrifice by doing that”.

He warned that as a nation the best they could do for the six deceased police personnel was to decide, as a nation, to make a firm commitment to peace, unity, and to abide by the law, adding that democracy was here, and was here to stay, with all its freedom accompanied by it.

He assured the bereaved families that his Government would investigate and take to task all those who had committed those horrendous crimes on August 10, 2022, reiterating that the country and its people could not develop if they were not united and therefore could not achieve much without the rule of law.

The President called on all Sierra Leoneans to unite, especially against those people using social media to destabilize the nation, undermine its peace and cohesion, and preach tribal bigotry. He called for a national uprising against all forms of divisions and unrest.

On behalf of the bereaved families, Nannah Barrie said: “Our family dreams have been shattered. We are devastated. We are now orphans. They were good officers, but their good deeds did not speak for them. Their hard work and good work failed to speak for them”.

“They were beaten to death and had their bones broken. Yet we were told they were hard-working and good police personnel, but their work did not speak for them. We are, however, grateful to President Bio and his Government for standing with us in grief. We call for justice for our loved ones,” she concluded.

Gento Opines that Socio-Economic Change Starts with Changing Individual Lives

August 26, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Mohamed Gento Kamara, popularly known as ‘Gento’, the Chief Executive Officer and Country Director of Gento Group, has intimated this medium that besides road construction and rehabilitation, the Gento Group is also involved in other business activities.

He continued that when they commenced business or operations, their focus was mostly on road construction furthering how they were yearning to partner with local and foreign companies with the avowed objective of implementing several projects.

The result-oriented personality disclosed that today they operate with three subsidiaries offering services in the construction and rehabilitation of transport infrastructure, as well as in the development of residential housing projects.

“Gento Group has become a key player in the construction sector, undertaking the building of multiple roads and bridges across the country,” he intimated with pride adding that as an entrepreneur and CEO, he is happy to contribute to the country’s development.

He told this medium that they now employ over 1,000 people and currently implementing multiple projects worth millions of dollars in various parts of Sierra Leone adding how they also work closely with communities across the country, providing support to residents where needed.

In terms of competition, he said he believes that competition is very important as the arrival of more companies translates to rising job opportunities for our people.”

He continued that increased competition also ensures higher operational standards as every player attempts to raise the bar arguing further that such has a positive impact on the development of the country, be it in construction, finance, agriculture or any other sector.

The Gento Group CEO maintained that they are a company that believes very strongly in ethics, discipline and dedication revealing how he considers himself as a very dedicated person who believes such is a critical quality to have in business.

Gento asserted that as a team, they have maintained a high sense of commitment from the genesis of the business emphasizing that their efforts have obviously produced great results saying he believes they will continue to thrive, even as the market becomes more competitive.

“I am very optimistic about the future and I see many business opportunities,” he said with determination adding that Sierra Leone still needs to make huge investments in developing new roads, bridges and rail infrastructure averring how such presents opportunities for players in the construction industry.

Dilating on the rolling out of their Corporate Social Responsibility he said they are driven by a deep sense of patriotism he said he lived in the UK for several years and considers himself fortunate to have spent a small part of his life there.

“In the UK, I learnt generosity and the importance of serving communities,” he disclosed also stating how when he returned to Sierra Leone, he continued helping others and even spread this mentality to the people around him adding how unlike in the UK, there are many more people here who need help.

“Whenever there is a need to assist local communities or help the country during a natural disaster, I always bring my small contribution,” he said informing how he believes that if we are to change the social and economic situation in the country, we have to begin by changing the lives of individuals and then, collectively, we will become a better country.

Mohamed Gento Kamara intimated that he would encourage investors to invest in the country by telling them that Sierra Leone is an attractive investment market with many opportunities.

He continued that Sierra Leone borders the Atlantic Ocean, which means the country can be a strategic connection between the Western world and parts of Africa.

Gento expressed the view that Sierra Leone also has a rich supply of mineral resources and we are currently investing heavily in agriculture with plans of doubling agricultural production by 2025.

It must be noted that many have been commending Gento Group for its pro-activeness in recently mitigating a flood on Wilkinson Road due to heavy downpour with the latest being the First Lady, Dr Fatima Bio, who said on her Twitter account, “I returned home on Tuesday passing through Wilkinson Road. There was flooding everywhere and I can’t help but ask what do we have a Mayor for? Thanks to Mohamed Gento Kamara who came out to clear our gutters to allow free flow of water around the city. #Freetonians be wise.”

Special Investigation Committee Set Up to Probe August 10 Violent Protests

August 26, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Public Notice issued by the Office of the Press Secretary at State House dated 24th August 2022 it was mentioned that the General Public would recall that on Friday 12th August 2022, His Excellency Brigadier General (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio addressed the nation and assured that an investigation would be instituted into the events of Wednesday 10th August 2022.

Further stated was that accordingly, it has pleased His Excellency Brigadier General (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio to announce the establishment of a Special Investigation Committee to examine both the immediate and underlying causes, sources of financing, execution and consequences of the insurrection, as well as the response of security forces.

It was also included that the composition of the Special Investigation Committee is as follows: Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq. – Chairman, Lawrence L. Bassie (Security Sector Expert) – Secretary, Executive Director – Legal Aid Board, National Security Coordinator – Office of National Security, President – Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, President – Sierra Leone Bar Association, Executive Director – Defence for Children International, National President – Women’s Forum, Sierra Leone, President – Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, National Chairman – Council of Paramount Chiefs, Chairman – Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Chairman – Political Party Registration Commission, Chairman – Independent Media Commission, Chairman – Retired Senior Police Officers’ Association and Chairman – Sierra Leone Ex-Servicemen’s Association.

NP-SL Ltd Deserves to be Praised, Supported & Patronized

August 26, 2022

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

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In the aftermath of all maddening noise of the establishment of a standard storage facility at the Kissy Oil Terminal by a new oil marketing company, continued commendations are showered on NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) for the company’s pro-active efforts, over the years, to ensure timely importation of petroleum products with the avowed objective of avoiding the occurrence of any shortage that will lead to negative repercussions.

NP-SL Ltd continues to gain recognition for its efficient service delivery to its many esteemed customers evident in the bagging of commendations, accolades and awards from reputable institutions in and out of the country.

An attribute that has made NP-SL Ltd to stand tall among other entities hinges on putting premium on effective customer care service delivery.

The company is highly distinguished for being 1^st for Customer Care as it strives to give optimal satisfaction to its esteemed customers right across the country.

In all its petroleum transactions the company does so transparently as it has modern calibrated machines in all its Filling Stations which are highly capable of pumping and displaying the exact quantity of fuel demanded for, be it petrol or diesel, as well as the price. This gives buyers the feeling that they are not cheated when purchasing fuel.

In the same direction, the company has a very good arrangement with transporters that operate tanker vehicles transporting fuel from the fuel depot to various Filling Stations across the country. Maintenance is always done on these vehicles to ensure that they are road worthy; something which the Management of the company takes very serious.

The importance of regularly doing so is to really ensure that petroleum products are timely delivered to various parts of the country in order to prevent the occurrence of any form of shortage that may affect daily activities and lives.

A company that was established by thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans years back, it was made a laid down policy by the Shareholders and Management that special preference must be given to indigenes who have the requisite qualifications in terms of consideration for jobs. Interestingly, that decision is in tandem with the country’s Local Content Policy which aims at making use of our local resources, both human and material, instead of depending on external resources.

Such has made it possible for indigenes, who were hitherto unemployed, to now be gainfully employed and be at vantage positions to take care of individual responsibilities. With all amount of justification it could be said that NP-SL is a very caring business entity.

The company has been a shining example of expanding its operations in the West African sub-region by establishing branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and the Gambia where they are effectively marketing petroleum products. By doing so it is providing job opportunities for locals in those countries and by extension regularly paying taxes to the Governments of those countries which are used to fund different development projects.

This bold step undertaken by the company is a mark of a serious entity that is taking business to a higher pedestal.

NP-SL is very notable for making available NP Smart Card and introducing NP Gas. In this modern age when efforts are being made to operate cashless societies and going digital there is no other moment than this when transactions in petroleum products should not follow suit. With the NP Smart Card, a particular customer could purchase fuel via using the card, just stating the quantity required which is debited from the amount in the card.

The customer can credit it again in order to make future purchases. The biggest advantage is that a customer can properly schedule or budget for the amount of fuel he or she will need over time, meaning that he or she has saved the headache of having to raise cash for the sole purpose of fuelling his or her vehicle. Using the card makes it less time consuming to buy fuel and prevents the movement of physical cash which maybe a customer could use for another emerging need or the cash could be stolen. NP Smart Card is now trending and many are now going for it.

With NP Gas, the cooking needs of individuals are easily solved as it is quick in terms of performance as a cooker. Environmentalists have validated its safety in terms of less emission of dangerous gases and it is manufactured in different cylinder sizes, very portable and easily refilled by purchasing gas at the company’s Filling Stations or its authorized dealers.

With all amount of justification, NP-SL is a thriving company among the myriad challenges it is surmounting. The company is indeed a true development partner that is positively contributing to the socio-economic development of individuals, entities and the country as a whole.

SLBL Kickstarts Implementation of WASH Project in Calaba Town

August 26, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Time, they say, flies! Indeed, as it is now sixty years since the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) started operations in the country, over the years manufactured favourite alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages which its cherished customers have been enjoying to consume throughout these sixty years.

Sixty years of existence is an accomplished feat which SLBL has been able to achieve partly because of the active cooperation of residents in its area of operations and through the patronage of loyal consumers of its products.

As part of the sixty years celebrations, Management of the company thought it fit to continue to give back, as it has been doing in the past, to residents of communities where the company is operating by responding to their felt needs, captured in an assessment, which includes water and toilet facilities.

It was against such a backdrop that on the 24^th August, 2022, the company facilitated the turning of the sod for a Project, which includes the construction of WASH facilities for residents of the Calaba Town community which was done by Dr. Unpha Sorie Koroma, the Member of Parliament, at the Pamuronko Community and the Pa Morlai Field Community, within Constituency 114.

The turning of the sod was done in the presence of the Corporate Affairs Manager of SLBL-Foday Daboh, the Communications Manager of SLBL-Unisa Conteh, the Contractor- Community Agricultural Development Association (CADA-SL), community residents and journalists.

The Corporate Affairs Manager of SLBL, Foday Daboh, welcomed all present intimating that the main purpose of the meeting is to inform community residents that the turning of the sod is about to be done for the commencement of the implementation of the project.

He revealed that some time in the past residents from the Calaba Town community approached the company and kindly requested assistance for the provision of certain facilities which they were constrained with.

Foday continued that as a caring company, after listening to their requests they then decided to forward their request to the Heineken Africa Foundation (HAF) and according to him HAF gave approval and agreed to fund the implementation of the project.

“HAF decided to support the WASH Project for the Calaba Town community with the sum of €70, 585,” he disclosed, an information that was greeted by a resounding round of applause. He, however, underscored that the funds are not meant to be handed over to the Member of Parliament, Councillor or any community leader stressing that none of them has anything to do with finance.

The Corporate Affairs Manager also encouraged the contractor to source community labour and resources where possible further calling on residents to constructively report any untoward attitude by the contractor adding that if there is persistent disturbance to the work it could be possible for the project to be taken somewhere else. He disclosed that over 22,000 people will benefit from the Calaba Town WASH Project.

In his statement, Dr. Unpha Sorie Koroma, pointed out that he is indeed excited, elated and very grateful for the commencement of the implementation phase of the project. He extended thanks and appreciation to the Heineken Africa Foundation (HAF) for providing the funds and the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited for channeling their felt needs for them to be acknowledged, approved and to be addressed. The Member of Parliament maintained that such an intervention could only come from a responsible corporate business entity. He admonished the community residents to embrace the project, give their total cooperation to the contractors and monitor its successful completion underscoring how it will greatly help to alleviate the constraints they are now facing with regards WASH facilities.

“After completion the facilities will be operated on a cost return basis as residents will have to be paying minimal fees for using them in order to pay the caretakers in order to maintain sustainability,” he told the gathering.

On her part, the Councillor of the Ward where the WASH facilities will be located, Mary Kamara, revealed that some time ago when a needs assessment was conducted most of the residents identified clean water and toilet facilities as felt needs adding that she is very happy that today their dream has turned out to become a reality.

“My Constituency and Ward falls within one of the slum communities in Freetown and plays host to people from other communities that are engaged in business activities,” she pointed out adding how accessing WASH facilities has been a big challenge stating that there are some people who openly defecate on the rivers.

“The project will drastically reduce pollution,” she expressed optimism extending thanks to the Heineken Africa Foundation for providing the funds. She said the community residents will value the Project as it is a felt need.

It could be recalled that with support from the Heineken Africa Foundation, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) on the 22nd July 2022 launched two new community development projects that will benefit residents of Wellington and Calaba Town respectively.

The two projects to be implemented, which falls under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility are; WASH Project for Calaba town community worth €70,585 and Gravity Water Supply system project for the people of Wellington worth €89,589.5.

Pan-SL Concludes 14 Days Sensitization Campaign on Peace & Patriotism

August 26, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Pan-SL Concludes 14 Days Sensitization Campaign on Peace & Patriotism

The Patriotic Advocacy Network has on Friday 26^th August, 2022 concluded phase one (1) of their 14-day sensitization campaign on Peace and Patriotism. The phase one of the sensitization started on Friday 12^th August, 2022 and will end today, Friday 26^th August, 2022.

The campaign is geared towards creating awareness among youth to develop the spirit of patriotism, unity and national cohesion. The campaign also advocates against violence and tribalism in Sierra Leone.

Speaking to this medium, the Executive Director of PAN SL, Ansumana Keita said that since the formation of the organization in 2013, they have been organizing campaigns on the danger of tribal hate speeches and violence.

He added that they have been engaging young people in several schools and communities across the country on the relevance of patriotism and peace.

Keita intimated that prior to the 8th, 9th, and 10th of August protests in Freetown and other parts of the country, they had been calling on youth across the country not to involve in any form of violence and have also been encouraging youth to embrace peace.

“With great dismay, we condemn all acts of violence that transpired before, during, and after the said violent protests which include the sending of inciting audios on social media, using of invectives and words of incitement in public places, firing of teargas and live bullets, pelting of stones, burning of police stations in different locations and tires, looting and destruction of properties. Let’s be reminded that our country had once tasted the bitterness of war and we are still romancing with its predicaments. As a nation, it is clear that violence leads to perpetual pain, suffering and above all does trek a nation from progress. Therefore, violence in all form and shape is unwelcomed, unacceptable, and unreasonable. Violence has no room in our society and violence is not the answer,” he stated.

The Chief Patriot, Keita urged all Sierra Leoneans, especially the youth, to stay out of violence in all forms and also called on the Government to engage in dialogue with various stakeholders in the country to see how best they can address the issue of violence.

The Campaign is expected to be extended to September during the celebration of International Peace Day.

In another development, during the 5th Edition of the Sierra Leone National Youth Leadership Summit 2022 pioneered by the Youth and Children Advocacy Panel (YACAP) on Friday, 19th August 2022 at the House of Parliament, Ansumana Keita was awarded Male Youth of the Year for his relentless and outstanding service to the development of young people in Sierra Leone.

The event saw over 500 youths across Sierra Leone discussing pertinent subjects geared toward Youth in Peace Building and Conflict Resolution and proffered endurable and sustainable remedies to issues affecting youths from diverse facets to which Ansumana Keita contributed greatly.

The Founder and General Overseer of Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone (PAN-SL) had been positively contributing to the progress of hundreds of youth across Sierra Leone over a decade now.

Commenting on the award, Ansumana Keita stated that he is overwhelmed saying he was not mindful of the honour but said he truly appreciates it. Keita said this gratitude and esteem have again heightened and strengthened him to never relent in his developmental oriented endeavours as it is for the youth that he is going extra miles as that is what gives him joy. Keita dedicated the award to his late Father, Mr. Foday Keita and Sierra Leoneans that lost their lives in the August 10th protest.

SLAJ Conducts One-Day Workshop on Cyber Law for Bloggers

August 26, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A workshop on the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021was convened by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on Wednesday 24th August 2022 targeting bloggers with the objective of continuing the discussion around the law under a project titled: “Cyber Safe Sierra Leone”.

The first and second workshops were held on 8th February and 4th August 2022, respectively.

The essence of the initial engagements, which brought stakeholders from various sectors, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and MDAs at the Harry Yansaneh Memorial Hall, SLAJ Headquarters, 56 Campbell Street, was to look at the Cyber security law again and identify gaps and sections that could be open to abuse of the right to freedom of expression and to develop strategies for awareness raising targeting constituent members.

The workshop was a conscious attempt to bring together bloggers to educate them about the provisions of the law and solicit their support in the awareness-raising drive.

In his opening remarks, SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, described the workshop as very important since it targeted bloggers who he described as a very important component in the information ecosystem.

Nasralla went on to give a background to the project tracing it back to consultations on the cyber bill and the passing of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021 and the need to create public awareness. He highlighted some of the major recommendations made at the first and second workshops and encouraged bloggers to have in mind their own recommendations after the workshop training would have been conducted.

He maintained as usual that: “The law is the law and so we want to promote public awareness about the law so that people understand key provisions to help them avoid coming in conflict with the law. We also want to build advocacy around certain provisions in the law that has the potential to undermine fundamental human rights such as free expression, online freedoms, and data privacy rights,” said Nasralla.

He added that although the law has some grey areas SLAJ is not totally comfortable with bloggers must abide by them since it remains the law until it is amended.

Dr. Francis Sowa, the facilitator of the workshop, brought the bloggers up to speed with issues discussed and recommendations made during the first and second stakeholders’ consultative meetings.

He emphasized the fact that SLAJ as an institution has not at any time said that cyberspace should not be regulated since the same crimes that exist in the physical space also exist in cyberspace. However, SLAJ’s concern, he said, is the upholding of free speech whilst protecting cyberspace.

“SLAJ and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) were actively involved in consultations following the enactment of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021. Parliament accepted some of our recommendations and some were not accepted. Now, we want to raise awareness about the law and remind the government about setting up the necessary structures provided for in the Act. And that we should do through advocacy,” said Dr. Sowa.

Dr. Sowa further gauged participants’ knowledge of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021 by asking bloggers what they know about the law. One of the participants noted that he heard that there is a new law that seeks to control the internet and those who use it. Kelvin Lamdo from Justice FM online noted that the law is meant to protect banks and financial institutions. Hamza, a blogger, said the law is created to tackle the issue of cyber-bullying.

Dr. Sowa agreed with all their definitions and said because of that it is important for everyone to have an idea of the law especially bloggers to ensure they do not get in conflict with the law. He gave a brief history of the internet and how the regulation of cyberspace started.

Dr. Sowa explained the short title of the law, noting that the cyber law is responsible for the prohibition and prevention, detection, prosecution, and punishment of those who break the law.

He said as SLAJ the key focus is lobbying the Government to ensure the law is looked into but in the meantime educating the public and for the purpose of the meeting, bloggers need to know the law as it is and how to avoid coming into conflict with the law.

He thoroughly explained the various parts of the law and narrowed in on Section 44 which SLAJ believes is the contentious section. Section 44 deals with Cyber-bullying and Cyber-stalking both of which have come out as controversial and ambiguous.

He went on to go through the various defenses available whilst narrowing in on the public interest defense. He shared with bloggers the three-part test in assessing what falls within the public interest but warned that it is journalistic literature that can or cannot be accepted by a competent court of law.

The meeting ended with an interactive session as bloggers had the opportunity to ask questions and get clarifications. Participants were divided into four groups to develop short messages for awareness raising and advocacy around the cyber law and later some recommendations for the continuation of the project.

Peace Commission Executive Secretary Calls for Instituting Situation Room

August 26, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) was featured in the 25^th August, 2022 Press Briefing hosted and moderated by the Ministry of Information and Communications in its Conference Hall at Youyi Building.

In her presentation, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Madam Hawa Sally Samai, intimated the audience of the Commission’s mandate and activities implemented since its inception.

She went further to reveal the Commission’s pre-election preparedness activities which, according to her, will help in addressing tensions that will culminate to violent conflicts in major hot spot areas in the country.

The Executive Secretary underscored the importance of putting into operation a “ Peace Situation Room” which will have a toll free line to help in monitoring emerging conflict hotspot areas and how they could be diffused before they degenerate into violent conflicts.

She ended by calling on members present to embrace peace, be law abiding and to be ambassadors for peace

CSOs Frown at Infinitesimal Revenue Generated from Passport Contract

August 26, 2022

By Abuabakarr Harding

The entities that have the contracts of printing and marketing Sierra Leone’s passports, De La Rue and Netpage are currently picking up a battle with the Government of Sierra Leone.

A Civil Society Consortium on Justice and Development has stated recently that it has been keenly following the execution of the passport contract that was ratified by the Parliament of Sierra Leone about two years ago. “We note with dismay that both De La Rue and Netpage have not been helping the Government of Sierra Leone realize the much-needed revenue from the contract.”

Sources at the Finance Ministry confirmed that several correspondences sent to the two companies through the Ministry of Internal Affairs, calling for a thorough review and management of revenue accrued from the passport deal have not yielded any fruitful dividend.

Accordingly, the agreement is a joint venture between the Government and Thomas De La Rue, which is represented in the country by a company called Netpage (SL) Limited, headed by Jamal Shallop.

The Civil Society Consortium quoted the “2020 Performance Audit Report on the Management of Passports and Other Travelling Documents between the period 2015 and 2018”, which states “The National Revenue Authority (NRA) generated approximately Le20.7 billion (as per its cash book) from the sale of passport forms and other traveling documents at headquarters level for the review period. However, the pattern of recording revenue by streams in its cash book was not consistent and comparable to the payment method in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). As a result, it was difficult to ascertain whether that amount was accurately and completely paid into the CRF by the categories of collections stated in the NRA cash book.

It was against that backdrop that in June 2020 the Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Sahr Lahai Jusu, called for a review of the agreement which he said did not serve the interest of the Government.

Jusu, who served in the same position under the former regime of Ernest Bai Koroma, disclosed that the only money the Government was receiving from the processing of every passport was Le10, 000 (old notes), which is the cost of the sale of the passport application form.

The actual cost of the passport goes to De La Rue and its local partner, Shallop’s Netpage.

“We have realized that Sierra Leone as a nation is not realizing the much-needed revenue from the passport contract. We are therefore calling on the Government and Parliament, by extension, to investigate the implementation of the current passport contract,” says Ezekiel G. Lahai, Head of the Consortium.

It could be recalled that a Civil Society Organization, Right to Life Advocacy Network S/L, stated in a press release that it has been gauging the views of Sierra Leoneans both inside and outside the country on the imposition of an increase in the fees for obtaining a passport from nine hundred and fifty thousand Leones (Le 950,000) to one million three hundred thousand Leones (Le 1, 300,000) as announced by the Immigration Department without a thorough public sensitization.

According to the agreement signed by Jamal Shallop’s organization, a single passport is costing the average Sierra Leonean $100, equivalent to Le1, 300, 000. Ordinary citizens have said that amount is too much and prevents many citizens from acquiring their national documents.

Not more than 2 percent of Sierra Leoneans own a passport. The Finance Ministry has now realized that the agreement deprives the Government of making any money.

The Civil Society Consortium has established that Sierra Leone is currently back to its old days when foreign companies and their local representatives are not only stealing from the Government and people, but they are also seen remote-controlling business agreements signed to develop the country.

The 2020 Special Performance Audit report also states “It was also noted from the review of documents that NRA ceased to collect and make payment of revenue generated from the sale of Sierra Leone passports into the CRF on 31st August 2015. This was evidenced by a tripartite e-passport agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL), De La Rue (DLR), and Netpage on 14th February 2014, giving DLR the right to print Sierra Leone’s e-passports, and Netpage the right to collect proceeds from the sale of same and settle payment with DLR until 18th December 2023. With such a contract in place, GoSL transferred the risk of ensuring that passports are available at all times to its citizens to DLR and Netpage until the 18th December 2023.”