Health Ministry & Partners Target 1,500 Girls for Free HPV Marklate

August 17, 2022

By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma (Health Education Officer –HEP/MoHS)

This medium learnt that from the 3^rd October, 2022 the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and partners will vaccinate over 1,500 girls both in and out of schools with Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine for Cervical Cancer protection.

The Deputy Programme Manager at the Expanded Programme on Immunization in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Lynda Grant during an orientation meeting with Education and Health Stakeholders in Freetown last week stated that the main purpose of the vaccination was to vaccinate and protect girls aged 10 years against Cervical Cancer, adding that the exercise will take place all over the country targeting over 1,500 girls.

Dr Grant added that the vaccination will take place in schools, health facilities and in communities through outreach points.

While giving an overview of Cervical Cancer in Sierra Leone, Dr Lynda Grant said that Cervical Cancer is the most common cause of cervical cancer in women in Sierra Leone – with an estimated 1.9 million women at risk and most often caused by a virus called Human Papilloma viruses (HPV). She reiterated that HPV is a common infection transmitted sexually – 80% of sexually active people will get HPV infection sometime in their lives, adding that most people with HPV do not have any symptoms even when they have the virus.

Cervical Cancer is most often caused by Human Papilloma viruses (HPV) but most HPV do not result in cancer. HPV vaccine protects against the infection of HPV, which causes cervical cancer.

She continued that HPV vaccine is given to girls at an early age, before the start of sexual activity. “HPV vaccine is not recommended beyond early adolescence and older girls and women can lower their risk of Cervical Cancer by using condom and going for Cervical Cancer screening at the nearest health facility,” she stressed.

Dr. Lynda, while pointing out the impact of the disease stressed that the country is burdened with a high number of cervical cancer cases contributing to the increase morbidity and mortality in women and she referenced that according to available data from the Sierra Leone Cancer Registry which states that Cervical Cancer is the 2nd most frequent cancer among women in Sierra Leone and the 2nd most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age.

She concluded that over 50 countries around the world have introduced HPV vaccine, including countries in Africa like Tanzania, Liberia etc. She recalled that in 2013/2014, the HPV vaccine was piloted in Sierra Leone in Bo with positive feedback and this is now the roll out and introduction into the routine system.

“Vaccination is one of the efforts in our elimination drive which can also be achieved if only 70 % of women are screened with a high-performance test by 35 years of age and again by 45 years of age and 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment (90% of women with pre-cancer stage are treated, and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed”

ECOWAS Chairman Condemns Violence & Sympathizes With Victims

August 17, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

His Excellency President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, who is the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, on the 15^th August, 2022 paid a solidarity visit to Freetown after the violent insurrection of August 10 that killed innocent Sierra Leoneans, including Police Officers on duty.

The visiting Head of State informed a meeting of Ambassadors, Heads of Missions, the United Nations and journalists that he had been fully briefed by His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, on the sad events East of the capital city and in some parts of the country.

“Your Excellency, as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, let me start by condemning this act of gruesome violence where law enforcement officers have been brutally killed in cold blood. On behalf of the ECOWAS Authority, the Government and people of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, let me express my heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost loved ones.

“I was shocked when I saw the killing of policemen. This is the first time I have seen such gruesome violence against law enforcement officers after 20 years in the ECOWAS region. That won’t happen in my country. It is not a good example. Good citizens don’t kill security personnel,” he said.

He also emphasized that violence has no place in a democratic dispensation, particularly in a country like Sierra Leone which was making immense progress in building a stable democratic nation over the years and one that was recently ranked the 4th most peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, I am equally pleased that the President has launched an investigation into the events of 10th August 2022, which is in line with the ECOWAS position.

“I want to encourage the President to continue to engage with various stakeholders in the coming days, including getting the Peace Commission to undertake strategic engagements with youth and opposition parties in various parts of the country,” he noted.

He said he had also called up former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who was still in Kenya, to encourage him to support the Government and work with President Bio, adding that the opposition leader had promised to engage him further when he returns to Sierra Leone.

“When you are in the opposition and you ignite a huge fire in society, it will rage on until you come to power one day and face the challenge of putting that fire out,” he warned.

“The President also informed me that he will be meeting with traditional chiefs, religious leaders, civil society, and political party leaders. He also told me that Government has briefed the International Community and he has personally met and engaged with Ambassadors. I want to thank the President for all these efforts and encourage him to continue to engage,” he concluded.

He ended by thanking the diplomatic community in the country for their efforts and encouraged them to continue to use their good offices to support the good work of the President, reminding them that the international community, like ECOWAS, had invested enormously to bring peace to the West African nation.

SLPP Young Generation Leader Inspires Members to Participate in Voter Registration Process

August 17, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

Ing. Francis Kallon, the Leader of the Young Generation Council of the SLPP on Saturday, 6th August 2022 brought together the Western Region youth membership of the party to strategize for an all-inclusive participation in the process ahead of the Voter Registration exercise nationwide slated to take place in September 2022.

Addressing young supporters of the SLPP at the John James Complex on Jenner Wright Road, in the East End of Freetown, Ing Francis Kallon, thanked all for attending the meeting.

He intimated how the meeting was convened to inform that the process of voter registration will soon commence adding that it is very key on their agenda to encourage the grassroots and first-time voters to participate and own the process.

The Young Generation Leader encouraged young supporters of the party to turn up in their numbers to register and also take the registration campaign to others in their various communities.

He continued by welcoming all to one of their regular meetings, saying he believes in working together to promote the ideals of the SLPP and President Bio’s agenda underscoring how in the midst of global crises of COVID- 19 and the Ukraine-Russia war, the President is still continuing to deliver.

Ing. Francis Kallon energized the youths when he assured that the SLPP Government would continue to create “pathways for young people to realize your potentials”.

He, therefore, admonished them to deviate from violence and remain united to achieve the 2023 goal.

“We need to be peaceful, united and loyal in our approach to push the agenda of the party to give President Bio a landslide victory in 2023,” he admonished and called on them to focus and take their minds away from hate speech.

The Youth Leader emphasized on youth participation for a landslide victory, saying “It is an obligation because President Bio has done a lot in his first term.”

He cited the Free Quality Education programme, the sustained electricity, and infrastructural developments among others as fulfillments of the SLPP manifesto by the President in just four years.

SLPP National Students Union President, Amadu Bangura, a student of Fourah College strongly assured the SLPP leadership of students’ support. He said out of the about twenty-seven thousand students in the various universities across the country, he and his Executive will work with the leadership of Ing. Kallon to bring over twenty thousand of those votes for President Bio in 2023.

Amadu assured the YG Council leadership that they are ready to go on massive sensitization drive to target especially first time voters in the various colleges and universities.

Former YG leader and current National Organizing Secretary of the party, Hon. Musa Moigua in his contribution called on the leadership of the party to throw their total weight behind the young generation and the leader of the Young Generation Council to bring more votes for President Bio by supporting the registration process. He said the youths are the only ones that suffer when there is violence so he sent a message that they should fully participate in the voting process as their right and obligation.

All stakeholders present stressed on the registration process and urged all to come on board to work with the Young Generation Council to take the campaign across for citizens’ full participation ahead of September

The meeting ended with those in attendance socializing.

Suspect Samuel Kalokoh on the Run Following Allegations of Involvement in August 10 Riot in Freetown

August 17, 2022

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) are actively pursuing suspect Samuel Kalokoh, 25, a protester linked to the violent protests that erupted in parts of Freetown on August 10, 2022. The August 10 protest in Sierra Leone was a large-scale demonstration sparked by widespread public frustration over rising inflation, economic hardship, and perceived government mismanagement.

Citizens expressed anger over the high cost of living, unemployment, and inadequate public services, which led to protests that turned violent in parts of Freetown. The unrest resulted in property damage, clashes with security forces, and the tragic deaths of several police officers and protesters. The protest was driven by deep-seated economic grievances and a lack of trust in government leadership to address the pressing issues facing ordinary Sierra Leoneans. Kalokoh, identified as a resident of the East End of Freetown, remains at large.

Authorities have issued a public appeal for information regarding his whereabouts to aid in his arrest. Several youth have been arrested and placed under police custody, awaiting charges to be levied against them regarding the protest, but Kalokoh remains at large. The unrest which was fueled by widespread anger over inflation, high rate of unemployment, arbitrary arrest, torture, and perceived government mismanagement, resulting in the tragic deaths of six police officers and dozens of protesters.

According to police sources, a colleague of Kalokoh voluntarily identified him as a participant in the violent protests. The Sierra Leone Police have called on the public to assist with any information that could lead to Kalokoh’s arrest. A police spokesperson, Samuel Saio Conteh, emphasized that he is considered a suspect from the East End of Freetown: “Anyone with information about Samuel Kalokoh’s location should contact the nearest police station immediately.” Kalokoh’s family in Freetown said that they are unaware of his current whereabouts.

They expressed concern over his potential return, stating, “If Samuel comes back to Sierra Leone, he will face justice. He is linked to the violent protests, and he will be made to answer for his actions.” The family also expressed their prayers for his safety and hope he remains wherever he is, underscoring the serious charges associated with his name: “We just pray he does not come back. If he does, he will rot in jail,” they said.

Family members revealed that Kalokoh was previously a tiller and later held a part-time job at the 34 Military Hospital, assisting the elderly before joining the protests. As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to bringing those responsible for the unrest to justice and to restoring peace and stability in the country. The police urge anyone with information about protesters’s, including Kalokoh’s whereabouts to come forward to aid in the ongoing manhunt. However, the protests and grievances of Samuel Kalokoh and other demonstrators are fundamentally calling for progress toward SDGs related to poverty reduction, economic opportunity, social equity, justice, and peace.

Their demands reflect a deep-rooted aspiration for sustainable development that prioritizes social justice, inclusive economic growth, and accountable governance — core principles embedded within these SDGs.

It is Certain that Sierra Leone Will Rebuild its Image

August 17, 2022

By Tony Morgan ( Developmental Sociologist )

One of President Bio’s noteworthy achievements over the last 4yrs is his tenacity in positively rebranding Sierra Leone’s image internationally.

This dramatically led to increased foreign direct investment and Sierra Leone qualifying for more international grants.

The unfortunate events of 10th August in certain locations has created a huge negative dent in the image of our beautiful Sierra Leone. The negative report internationally has created a nightmare for our tourist industry amongst others.

However, I am exceptionally happy because image rebuilding of Sierra Leone has started with the Solidarity Visit of the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, H. E General Umaro Sissoco Embalo, on Monday 15th August, under a week after the violent attack on democracy.

Incitement to murder by Adebayo in the recent violent attack on Freetown came at a huge economic cost; both locally and internationally.

Fortunately, on the international stage, the Government reacted quickly in putting the situation under control and ensured the seaport and airport were operational.

During the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, observers emphasized the role of media propaganda in inciting Rwandan Hutus to attack the Tutsi minority group, with one claiming that the primary tools of genocide were “the radio and the machete.” Fast forward to 2022 in Sierra Leone, information dissemination tools have improved, with “Whatsapp” being a tool of choice for Adebayor.

Coming back to Rwanda’s case, the U.N. Tribunal found that mass media hate speech constitute genocide, incitement to genocide and crimes against humanity, (Int’l Crim. Trib. for Rwanda Trial Chamber I Dec. 3, 2003 – Harvard Law review ).

The ICTR indicted three people for incitement to genocide in the so-called Rwanda Media Case: Hassan Ngeze, Ferdinand Nahimana, and Jean-Bosco Barayagwiza. All were convicted.

Adebayor’s incitement both at home and abroad is very well documented. The police are identifying other persons who are also actively involved in inciting the people of Sierra Leone to commit lawless acts.

One legally complicated issue will be the one of the media houses with one of the highest coverage in Sierra Leone granting Adebayor an interview on the eve of the attack. Adebayor had before the interview clearly stated Police Officers should be violently attacked. As stated by the UN before the conviction of 3 persons accused of incitement to genocide in Rwanda:

“The power of the media to create and destroy fundamental human values comes with great responsibility.”

In line with the quotation above, the media house in question showed wanton irresponsibility in interviewing Adebayor on the eve of the brutal riots. So the media house should be charged as an accomplice. Or the media house can simply dissociate themselves and claim it was the sole creative right of the producer of the programme.

The tribal utterances attributed to Her Worship, the Mayor of Freetown was done in private. I personally will not classify that as incitement. This is not the case with Presidential aspirant and APC flag bearer Samura Kamara. His tribal utterance at a rally was blatant incitement that others who were determined to disrupt the country jumped on. The Police should also charge him immediately and leave it for the Judiciary to decide if he is guilty or not.

For Mama Salone to enjoy the economic development that comes with a peaceful Republic, Sierra Leone must bring these persons inciting others to kill innocent Sierra Leoneans to justice. More importantly the dark financiers of these persons should be investigated. The UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi , twitted by 2:30pm at the height of the violent insurrection with the videos of Police Officers being brutally murdered trending on social media :

“The United Nations in Sierra Leone expresses serious concerns over the violent incidents that occurred today in Freetown, including reports of casualties. The UN calls for calm & dialogue, and stands ready to facilitate such dialogue, (2:29 PM • 10 Aug 22 •).

At this point the misinformed belief was the “Peaceful” riot was about standard of living, but it seems Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, had more information because he was ready to facilitate “dialogue”. Some persons are theorizing that miscreants within APC ranks were going to form a quasi governing body on Thursday 11th. The quasi government will then insist on dialogue concerning power sharing and the UN will facilitate the said dialogue. The strategic thinking of the Vice-President to impose a curfew 30mins after the tweet by the UN and other unanticipated tactical security moves quelled the situation and ended any plan to create a quasi government based on chaos.

The tweet and timing by the UN Resident Coordinator was very unprofessional and in my subjective opinion very suspect. The tweet is surely part of the ongoing police investigation, so I will not belabour the issue any further.

The solution to rebranding Sierra Leone to wash away the stain of August 10 will be a multi-sectorial approach on both national and international fronts. Part of ongoing process of reacting to the incident would be:

Adebayo will be formally charged and a warrant issued for his arrest.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador should visit Holland, and meet with the Foreign Service to officially make a complaint that Adebayo is a person of interest and at the request of the Sierra Leone Police force should be repatriated to Sierra Leone immediately.
Simultaneously write formally to key organizations (ECOWAS, the African Union, United Nations et al) about Adebayor being a person of interest.
Warrant of arrest issued to persons of interest in the USA. (With both audio and video evidence attached).
Our Ambassador in the US formally requests their extradition. If the Government of the US refuses to extradite them for trial in Sierra Leone, we simply charge them for the crime in the country they currently reside. Fortunately, none of these persons inciting violence are political refugees.
Fully investigate their sponsors

In the Government’s move to break the cycle of underdevelopment in Sierra Leone, it is expected that we face new challenges. Presently different Ministries are developing strategies to further engage our youths, create employment and build the economy. The Government will not tolerate a few detractors truncating the great strides made in building the image of the country.

Sierra Leone is blessed with a visionary leader. We have to take full advantage of that.

In the Aftermath of August 10… Sierra Leone Police Declares Augustine Koroma & Others Wanted

August 17, 2022

Augustine Koroma.jpeg — Augustine Koroma

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Various human rights activists in the country have seriously condemned the unlawful and wrongful arrests of young people identified as the real perpetrators of the August 10, 2022 violent protests that erupted in some parts of the country including Freetown, the capital city, as some social media posts have indicated.

However, when this medium decided to undertake a serious investigation into the issue, it came out glaringly that in actual fact such false identifications are mainly politically motivated and perpetrated by supporters of the ruling SLPP Government against those considered to be against the political establishment.

What has made the situation become very alarming is the fact that there are certain vigilante groups, said to be made up of supporters of the ruling SLPP Government, going around and clandestinely killing those considered to be diehard supporters of the opposition APC Party.

These frightful extra-judicial killings have even become very fearful and dreadful to an extent that it has created panic in some communities especially when news break out that a fanatic supporter of the APC in the Northern Provincial City of Makeni was identified and shot dead amidst other unconfirmed incidences of similar nature.

The aforementioned Evangelist Samson was a well-known, vociferous and ardent supporter of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party, whose members were deemed and accused of being behind the violent protests that claimed the lives of Police Officers and civilians, some said to be innocent.

Evangelist Samson was known for his incisive and acidic criticisms against the governance policies of the ruling SLPP Government and has called on Sierra Leoneans to vote out the SLPP from power simply because of ineptitude and corruption.

Portee, one of the communities situated in the East End of Freetown, was indeed a hot spot during the violent protest as the situation was really tense as the crowd was trying to advance towards the city’s center with Police Officers repelling them by firing tear gas canisters and in some cases live bullets.

Young people were seen violently protesting as they believe that the economic hardship has become really unbearable, and therefore a political change must take place.

Mounting roadblocks, burning tyres and throwing various missiles against the Police, who in return retaliated by firing teargas to disperse the sporadic crowds that were converging or building up from time to time, the situation really got out of hand as the Police started firing live bullets with some fatalities taking place.

As the situation died down, one of the ardent supporters of the APC Party, a resident of the community by the name of Augustine Koroma was accused by some irate youths, believed to belong to the ruling SLPP, as one of the ring leaders of the violent protest who was calling for the resignation of President Julius Maada Bio.

The desperate group of young irate SLPP supporters was seen violently moving towards his house, with some holding sticks, machetes with the objective of physically manhandling him in order to teach him a lesson that he should learn to respect the President and Government of the day.

A reliable source, who intimated this medium on the condition of anonymity, stated that the accused person, Augustine Koroma, was not even in town when the protest in Freetown occurred. According to our source, Augustine Koroma on 6^th August, 2022 travelled to Guinea and only returned a week later after the protest.

He said Augustine Koroma is lucky as he should have been dead by now because, unaware that he is wanted, upon his immediate return no one spotted him until he was alerted by one of his cousins that the Police have raided their house four times on the lookout for him.

Besides, it was stated that on three occasions strange voices have been heard, late at night, close to where Augustine Koroma was residing, speaking in low tones but upon thorough investigation in the morning hours the owners could not be identified. However, it has been speculated that the voices belong to those who are on the lookout for Augustine Koroma and two other young men accused of killing a police officer.

Although some of those identified, arrested and charged to court for taking part in the August 10th violent protests have been tried in various Magistrate courts, heavily sentenced, there are, however, reports that some people have gone missing for days now.

A relative of Augustine Koroma, whom one of our reporters spoke with stated that as the political situation in the country continues to become tense with the build up to the 2023 Presidential, Parliamentary and Municipal Elections, it is but advisable for Augustine Koroma and others accused of involvement in the violent protests to lie low and if possible move out of the country immediately because the Sierra Leone together with the supporters of the ruling SLPP Government has vow to make sure that all those accused of participating in the protest are arrested or otherwise they may risk any untoward thing that may occur or happen to them.

Dr. Adonis Abboud Maintains Improved Protection & Regulation are Critical

August 17, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

During a well-attended symposium that was held on the 6th August, 2022 to deliberate on the commercialization by the media industry in Sierra Leone Media Industry, the Director and Member of the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, the Chairman of Equinox Group, Chairman of DStv Sierra Leone, Chairman of Capital Radio 104.9, the Consul of Serbia to Sierra Leone, the Dean of Consular Corps, the Chairman of Pikin Bizness and Chairman of Miss Sierra Leone Ltd, Dr. Adonis Abboud raised very salient points.

He started by intimating participants that all over the world the mass media enjoy dual acknowledgment as a social institution and an industry.

Dr. Abboud added that human communication, through designed channels – not through speech or gestures – dates back to many tens of thousands of years ago when our ancient ancestors painted on the walls of caves.

He revealed that the term media, in its current application relating to channels of communications, was first used by Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980), a Canadian professor, philosopher, and public intellectual who said: “The media are not toys; they should not be in the hands of Mother Goose and Peter Pan executives. They can be entrusted only to new artists, because they are art forms.”

The development oriented personality maintained that, however, most observers of the communications landscape in Europe in the early decades of the nineteenth century saw markets as guarantors of greater freedom of expression adding that it was regarded as a conduit through which voices, perspectives and lives could be brought into the public sphere, with the media’s agenda-setting function often influencing debate, thinking and priorities within society; in its role of educating, informing and entertaining.

Dr. Adonis Abboud underscored how the mass media, whether electronic or print, exist essentially as a social institution to provide voice to the populace through a ‘full, truthful, comprehensive and intelligent account of the day’s events in a context – that gives meaning arguing how the role of the media is no doubt critical in providing information ,especially in a democratic society and promoting good governance.

He said as an industry or business concern, the media while providing their traditional products of news, views, information and entertainment, keep in view, and are in fact being directed, motivated and controlled by the manifest principles of the bottom line.

The overriding goal of this school of thought, he informed, is that of profit maximization and increased returns on investment of the owners.

According to him, opinions vary among media scholars on the propriety or otherwise of either of the dual concepts of the media maintaining that as Oso (2006) rightly observed “the debate is no longer a normative question of the propriety of commercialization of the media, rather it is coming to terms with the opportunity cost of a media system weighted in economics at the expense of social responsibility to the society.”

Expressing gratitude for the enabling environment created by the current administration, he noted that the Sierra Leone media landscape, despite several shortcomings, continues to thrive, thereby exposing the latent potentials of the industry.

He informed how deregulation and diversification have made both the country’s print and electronic media relatively an independent and pluralist industry, very interesting and more so in the wake of the repeal of the dreaded Public Order Act which he likened to a sword of Damocles over its practitioners.

Free market ideology, he stated, presupposes that anyone who spotted a gap in prevailing provision could enter the market and submit his or her ideas to the judgment of readers, viewers or listeners, now evident in the number of newspapers, radio and television stations as well as blog sites.

Dr. Abboud furthered how such has led to the increasing participation of private investors and has transformed the media to become a business whose proliferation is being exploited by both urban and rural communities to access and deliver information for social and business purposes.

He pointed out that the primary business of the mass media is to produce content – fill the broadcast hours, the print pages or the new internet social media stating how because of limits of time and space, selection of content, then becomes a necessary function.

“Unfortunately, the industry is a capital intensive proposition that requires substantial investments,” he added saying consequently, the economics of media production, distribution and consumption, has led to increasing commercialization arguing that the essence of investment for returns has led to challenges of how the media balances its role as the Fourth Estate of the realm and society’s conscience with that of economic realities.

He stated that, inevitably, commercial considerations have debased the statutory mandate of the media pointing out that as a matter of fact, Media commercialization is the natural precursor of “commodification” of news, information and other sundry products through the policy and principle of cash and carry or what is now known in media parlance as “Let Them Pay” (LTP) arguing that such is what Oso (2006) refers to as news by barter.

The diplomat cum businessman informed the gathering that they have the task of looking at the internal and external factors of commercialization in the industry because of the media’s place and role as societal conscience, compass and barometer of development.

He then asked the questions: What are the implications of the emerging issues and their implications for public interests and sustainable national development? What suggestions for the way forward?

It is true that advertisers are the backbone of the media industry, but the question is: how true is it that as a result of trying to deliver a mass audience to advertisers and sponsors, content and quality has become secondary?

Dr. Abboud said those questions remind him of 2007 at the British Council while when they, as an organization, highlighted the role of the Media in saving lives reference was made to the “Exclusive” Newspaper which carried a front page alert on a 6 year old heart patient, Abubakarr Jalloh, who had 6 months to live unless operated overseas for a congenital heart disease which saved his life.

He revealed that, ABK, as the boy was popularly known was flown to Paris through the PIKIN BIZNESS and had a successful life-saving surgery adding how he is now 22 years old enjoying a healthy life.

Dr. Abboud said their International Rep, the late David Applefield, a Financial Times representative in Paris who was present remarked that: “Sierra Leone has 33 newspapers but very little news”.

He stated how there are several concerns about commercial influence of the media and asked: how is business done in the industry? Does it affect the depth of competition, content development and ownership?

According to Dr. Abboud, quite a number of people who watch TV today do so on their phones, iPad or tablets or even computers adding that with a little network coverage and data subscription, the subscriber will have the express permission to many sources saying such accounts for the increasing level of disinformation and as a result, social challenges and control difficulties

“The wealth and success of the industry has continued to expose the media as low-hanging fruits, leading to the mushrooming of several newspapers and radio stations,” he argued.

He continued by saying that in looking at public ownership of the media, the need for improved protection and media regulation are critical underscoring how the corrupting of the media through excessive reliance on advertisers and sponsors as well as political manipulation are indisputable and real major problems.

He also revealed that there are several cases where the owners of media organizations do not ensure payment of wages and salaries arguing that such exposes the journalists to corruption while other editors use stories submitted by their reporters to blackmail those involved making money and later sending the story to the dustbin.

Dr. Abboud said there is no doubt that the drive to maximize advertising revenues by assembling the largest possible readership has led to some arms of the media no longer playing the watchdog role and have deviated into entertainment and sensation rather than objective information and rational debate on public issues.

“Consideration around the intensified principles of commercialization and competing principles like the ever-changing technological initiatives and provisions such as free Wi-Fi, Google, YouTube etc. and effects on the future of public communication have suddenly become emerging factors that needs evaluation,” he stated adding that Media Commercialization, Public Interest and National Development then becomes a topic worthy of a careful and comprehensive x-ray maintaining that such developments, including viral marketing, are a double-edged sword for commercial enterprise.

He expressed optimism that as the participants deliberate, the forum will provide an avenue for practitioners to come up with steps to sanitize the industry while mindful of the fundamental principles of the role of the media and the place of commercialization.

Ibrahim King Komeh: Youth Advocate Wanted by SLP in Connection with August 10 Protest

August 17, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Human rights organizations in the country have vehemently criticized the unjust and illegal arrests and detentions of young individuals alleged to be the instigators of the violent protests that rocked various parts of the country, including the capital city of Freetown, on August 10, 2022, as reported by both local and international media outlets.

Upon thorough investigation, it has become evident that these false identifications are primarily politically motivated and carried out by supporters of the ruling SLPP Government against those perceived as opponents of the political establishment.

The situation has been exacerbated by the presence of certain vigilante groups, reportedly consisting of supporters of the ruling SLPP Government, who are believed to be covertly targeting and eliminating fervent advocates within the country.

The community of Rokel, situated on the Waterloo highway, was a focal point during the violent protests. Tensions ran high as crowds attempted to advance towards the city center, prompting the police to respond with tear gas canisters and, in some instances, live bullets.

Young protesters voiced their grievances, citing unbearable economic hardships and demanding political change. Roadblocks were erected, tires were set ablaze, and various projectiles were hurled at the police. In response, the police used tear gas to disperse the sporadic crowds, and in some instances, they resorted to live ammunition, tragically resulting in fatalities.

In a startling turn of events, Ibrahim King Komeh, a resident of the community, known as a passionate youth advocate, activist, and owner of a second-hand shoe business, has become the subject of a nationwide manhunt by the Sierra Leone police.

Ibrahim King Komeh, often referred to as “the King,” is the Founder and Leader of Campaign for Justice (CFJ). He was accused by a group of irate youths, believed to be aligned with the ruling SLPP, of being one of the leaders of the violent protests, calling for President Julius Maada Bio’s resignation.

His accusation is closely tied to his unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of fellow youth. His influential role as a youth leader has further solidified his impact on matters concerning the younger demographic in the country.

Ibrahim King Komeh’s advocacy and activism have made him a figure of both controversy and admiration in the country. His unwavering dedication to principles, including a bold stance against social injustice, political tensions, and the victimization of youth, centers on the mission to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law while challenging systemic issues that hinder the country’s progress.

This angered group of young SLPP supporters violently advanced toward Ibrahim King Komeh’s residence, some wielding sticks and machetes, with the intent to physically harm him for his outspoken stance against social injustice. They alleged that he was among the ringleaders who called on youths to join the protests.

As a result of these accusations, the Sierra Leone Police have declared him and others wanted, accusing them of being among the key figures behind the violent August 10 protests in the country.

The Sierra Leone police’s decision to declare him a wanted individual has stunned the public. Although the specific charges against Ibrahim King Komeh remain undisclosed, it is evident that his advocacy and activism have drawn official attention. His prominent role as a youth leader, coupled with his unwavering commitment to social justice and democracy, appears to have placed him in the authorities’ spotlight.

A confidential source, speaking anonymously, revealed that on three occasions, mysterious voices were heard late at night near Ibrahim King Komeh’s residence, speaking in hushed tones. Subsequent morning investigations failed to identify the individuals responsible, fueling speculation that these voices belong to those seeking Ibrahim Komeh and two other young men accused of killing a police officer during the August 10 protest.

While some of those identified, arrested, and brought to court for their involvement in the August 10 violent protests have faced legal proceedings and received heavy sentences, there are reports of individuals who have gone missing for several days.

A friend of Ibrahim King Komeh, interviewed by one of our reporters, expressed concern about the escalating political tension in the country as the build-up to the 2023 Presidential, Parliamentary, and Municipal Elections continues. Given these circumstances, it is advisable for Ibrahim Komeh and the others accused of involvement in the violent protests to consider leaving the country.

As of the time of this press release, Ibrahim King Komeh’s whereabouts remain unknown. At the heart of recent developments surrounding Komeh is the perplexing disappearance of his family members, most notably his mother. The absence of his family, along with Komeh himself, from their usual surroundings has raised serious concerns about their safety and welfare.

This medium will continue to follow this story keenly.

NP-SL is the Leading Petroleum Marketing Company in Sierra Leone

August 17, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

There is not a single iota of doubt that NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is a premier petroleum marketing company that has been doing extremely well in the areas of importing and marketing various petroleum products in the country, notably petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which the most outstanding is Castrol oil.

Without contesting the undiluted fact, this 100% indigenous company has left its footprint on the sands of time as it continues to bag wide commendations for its timeliness in always ensuring that qualitative petroleum products are imported into the country, distributed country-wide to dealers of Filling Stations across the country in order for its numerous and esteemed customers to easily gain access to them.

The company has never reneged in doing so save only certain times when as a result of unforeseen contingencies, most often beyond its control, there could be some delay. However, in such circumstances measures are quickly rolled out to address them and restore normalcy in the supply and marketing chain.

It must be noted that for any petroleum marketing company to maintain such a solid and unshakable posture such could only be attributed to prudent business management initiatives. Indeed, with all amount of certainty, the selflessness and dogged determination, on the part of 35 Sierra Leoneans, who established the company, have greatly influenced most of the policies that were adopted, effectively implemented which saw the transformation of a small business enterprise to a towering entity. This trend still continues.

One of those laid down policies is that which has to do with placing premium on enhancing or maximizing customer care to create a situation where its customers are always made to feel good and satisfied. The company’s Shareholders and Management are also conscious of the fact that by taking customer care to a higher pedestal such could serve as a leeway to attract other individuals to become customers.

Indeed, it is in that light that a conscious move was made to make the company’s Filling Stations very attractive and welcoming. As state of the art structures, NP Filling Stations are painted in yellow and green colours, most times very spacious to accommodate fleet of vehicles, are very eye catchy and in some of them there are shopping marts where customers could purchase basic items and even relax to socialize..

To promote transparency and win the trust of its numerous customers as well as match up with international standards, it was decided on the part of the company to invest so much in procuring and installing calibrated pumping machines. These have the capacity to pump the exact quantity of fuel in vehicles and containers to the utmost satisfaction of buyers. “I always feel satisfied whenever I do purchase petrol at any NP Filling Station because I am always conscious that I am getting my money’s worth,” a banker divulged to this medium adding that the Managers of these Filling Stations are doing a fantastic job ,referencing the neatness of the stations and orderliness of how business transactions are conducted.

One very striking feature which NP-SL has so far exhibited, to the admiration of many, is its strict adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Development Economists have recommended that one way of boosting a country’s economy is to make effective use of indigenous resources, both material and human, as long as they are available. Enhancing local content has its attendant merits one of which is creating employment opportunities and ensuring that monies paid workers are not remitted overseas.

NP-SL Ltd is one of the few companies in this country that has successfully implemented its internal policy of giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. This is indeed very impressive and is helping in major ways to reduce poverty.

If today NP Gas is going at the pace of a Concord Plane, in terms of sales, then this is simply because it has been discovered that it is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly for cooking purposes. Besides, it can be refilled without going through the hassle of having to find gas elsewhere as the company markets gas alongside petrol, diesel and other lubricants. They are manufactured in different cylinder sizes and are easily accessible.

“NP Gas is my kitchen partner and I am finding it very cooperative. It is easy to handle and for me it poses no danger. I am therefore recommending it as there will be no regrets in securing one,” Mariatu Sesay a resident, living in Makeni stated.

What is much talked about today is NP Smart Card. As the name suggests the card is so smart to such an extent that as long as it is loaded or credited with money it can be slotted in a space on the calibrated pumping machine and after demanding the amount of petrol or diesel requested for, it churns out the exact amount plus displaying the price. It is trending, secured and convenient to use.

“NP Smart Card works well and since I have been using it I always procure fuel for my car and generator in record time. Using it, there are many benefits one can derive,” a Civil Servant, Mohamed Jusu, underscored.

The company does not joke with rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility fully aware that it is incumbent on it as a business entity to give back to society. This is all the more reason why it has been complementing the Government’s development interventions. The Shareholders and Management have always stood by the side of Sierra Leoneans in thick and thin always endeavoring to give succour and deepen development. Many worthy projects and programmes have been supported or championed by the company with the avowed objective of improving standards of living and complementing Government’s efforts in enhancing development.

“This shows that the company is a responsible business entity,” an official of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency commended.

The company is standing tall for having vibrant branches operating in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where they are operating efficiently, offering jobs and paying taxes to Governments. NP-SL is indeed a force to reckon with and is poised to further make its presence felt and expand its operations.

Dead or Alive: Sierra Leone Police declears Abdulai Dumbuya wanted for Alleged Involvement in August 9th and 10th 2022 Violent Demonstration.

August 15, 2022

By: Alusine Sesay

The Sierra Leone Police have declared Abdulai Dumbuya wanted for his alleged involvement in the violent demonstrations that took place on August 9th and 10th, 2022. Dumbuya is wanted for charges of divulging, incitement, and riotous conduct during the protests.

According to the Inspector General of Police Mr. Ambrose Micheal Sovula reports, Dumbuya is believed to have played a significant role in inciting violence and causing chaos during the demonstrations. The police have urged the public to come forward with any information regarding Dumbuya’s whereabouts.

“Abdulai is accuse of divulging sensitive information, inciting violence, and engaging in riotous conduct during the protest” he stated.

The suspect, who is said to be a member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in Sierra Leone, is believed to have been working with a known inciter named Adebayor, who resides in the Netherlands. Adebayor allegedly encourages young people to protest against the ruling government party, the Sierra Leone People’s Party.

The violent demonstrations in Sierra Leone resulted in significant damage to property and injuries to both protestors and law enforcement officers. The police have been working diligently to identify and apprehend those responsible for instigating the unrest and therefore have issued warrant of arrest for perpetrators.

The Public Affairs Department at the Sierra Leone Police is encouraging every Sierra Leonean with information on Abdulai Dumbuya’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Sierra Leone Police immediately. The authorities are determined to hold those responsible for the violence during the protests accountable for their actions.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the Sierra Leone Police continue their search for Abdulai Dumbuya.