SALT Officially Metamorphoses MEAL

July 27, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

This medium was reliably informed that the SALT Manifesto of the Ahmed Sahid Nasralla-led Executive of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on the 23rd July 2022 officially ended and a new Manifesto titled MEAL has been born.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla is the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), who is now serving his second and final term.

SALT, which stands for Stimulate/Strengthen, Appreciate, Listen/Learn and Transfer, basically targeted mindsets of journalists and reinforced their roles and responsibilities with regard to responsible practice and the overall growth of the media in Sierra Leone.

The new manifesto MEAL, the acronym for Mobilize, Evaluate, Allocate and Liberate, will seek to consolidate the gains made in the SALT manifesto by continuing with the SLAJ project of defending, promoting and protecting free speech and free media whilst strengthening financial sustainability and accountability at national and regional levels.

Speaking at the national orientation program for incoming executives of SLAJ at J & E Hotel, Koribundu Road, Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone, President Nasralla noted that when running for office three years ago he promised to look into the welfare of journalists, address gender imbalance in SLAJ and the media, provide mentorship and training for members and advocate for the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law.

He said to a large extent his executive succeeded in achieving the SALT manifesto promises.

Key among the successes include the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law and the passing of the IMC Act 2020, annual Government of Sierra Leone subvention to SLAJ (which has been increased by H.E. President Bio), launching of a Journalism Welfare Fund to promote public interest journalism and support journalists in times of emergencies, establishing a Gender Advisory Panel to help SLAJ address gender imbalance in the media, increasing the membership intake (with the highest number of female members) whilst attracting a lot of qualified people with various academic credentials among several other achievements.

President Nasralla also mentioned the national media viability and investment conference and its prospect of establishing a national basket fund to support public interest journalism in Sierra Leone; the biggest gains ever made in the World Press Freedom rankings since the repeal of the Criminal Libel law, and successful celebration of the Associations 50th Independence Anniversary.

He used the opportunity to appreciate the ENTIRE MEMBERSHIP of SLAJ for the overwhelming confidence reposed in him to continue as President of SLAJ for the second and final term UNOPPOSED.

He recognized the national and regional executives, the Affiliate bodies, partners including MRCG, Guild, IRN, Mass Comm USL, Bournemouth UK, BBC Media, IMDEV, IMC, RAIC, HRSCL, NPDC.

He further acknowledged donors and sponsors including Mercury International, Orange, Africell, UBA, RCB, SLCB, GTBank and the Diplomatic Community.

President Nasralla also thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for their continued support to media development initiatives and for ensuring Sierra Leone joins the Global Media Coalition.

Conclusively, President Nasralla noted that in implementing the MEAL manifesto he shall use his usual approach of team work, inclusivity (leaving no one behind), dialogue, engagement, consultations, and receptive to constructive criticism.

University Student Sent to Life Imprisonment for Stabbing Partner to Death

July 27, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Augustine K. Musa, has on the 23^rd July 2022 sentenced 26-year-old Sheriff Kamara, a first year Student of the United Methodist University and a staff of A & S Clearing and Forwarding Agency operating at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown to life imprisonment.

The particulars of offence revealed that accused Sheriff Kamara on the 5th day of February, 2021 at Machama village, Romende Chiefdom in the Karene Judicial District in the North-West Region of the Republic of Sierra Leone, murdered Mariama Kongaima.

According to the Police, the accused, Sheriff, admitted that the allegation against him is true, narrating further that, “we were in a love relationship since 2016 when the deceased was a pupil until she wrote the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) in 2018. I later engaged her through her parents (traditional marriage) before she moved to stay with me in 2019.”

He continued, “I received urgent message about the sickness of my mother at Machama village and I travelled with the deceased Mariama. She was asleep when I took her phone and saw a text message which reads: Hi baby are you at home now, go sleep well.”

The accused said he saw another text responding to the earlier text message:”yes o dear I’m at home now thanks for caring.”

He said he didn’t explain anything regarding the message until they left for a nearby stream at Machama village to bath. Whilst there on Thursday, 4th February, 2021 they decided to eat palm fruit and he (accused) decided to show the text messages to the deceased which was followed by a palaver and the deceased removed a knife to stab him but he narrowly escaped.

During the scuffle, he mistakenly hit the deceased on the neck with the knife when she got a big cut and started bleeding profusely.

“She couldn’t survive and later died that same day,” the accused concluded and disclosed that he immediately called his brother to report his unfortunate act.

In his first appearance before Hon. Justice A.K. Musa, the accused, Sheriff Kamara, denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty.

“I didn’t tell the police that I stabbed the deceased,” the accused told the Court.

He was represented by S.I. Koroma Esq. The matter was prosecuted by State Counsel Y.S. Koroma.

In his summing up to the Jury, Hon. Justice Augustine K. Musa said the accused Sheriff Kamara stands before the Court on a one Count charge of murder, stressing that it is a fundamental principle of the English Law that a person is innocent of a Criminal offence until proven guilty.

He told the Jurors that for the prosecution to succeed to prove his case, he must meet the threshold which is proof beyond reasonable doubt. This means, the prosecution must be able to establish each and every essential element of the offence/offences.

“There are four essential elements the prosecution must prove…that the accused did the killing with a sound mind, the person killed was a reasonable creature, the killing must have been done with malice aforethought… and that the death followed within a year and a day,” said Hon. Justice A.K. Musa (J).

The autopsy report certified by Sierra Leone’s Pathologist, Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma, revealed that the neck of the deceased was swollen with a single stab wound on the base of the neck (right aspect) with 2cm wide. On the Neck Musculature, it was discovered that there were bruises, oedema and bleeding into the neck muscles and structures.

Relying on the unanimous guilty verdict returned by the Jurors against the accused Sheriff Kamara, Hon. Justice Augustine K. Musa sentenced him to life imprisonment for the offence of Murder.

SLAJ Orientates & Inaugurates 2022 Incoming Executives

July 27, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Over the weekend the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) ended its orientation program and inauguration ceremony for incoming Executives of the association.

The event took place at J & E Hotel, Koribundu Road, Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone targeting newly-elected and outgoing SLAJ Executive members across the regions. Heads of affiliate bodies of SLAJ and Secretariat staff were also invited to be part of the program so they will understand the operations of the parent body and how to relate to and support the Association.

In a presentation on the Association’s Financial Management Policy, Isha Kamara- a representative from Freetown Nominees Limited (the institution that manages SLAJ’s finances)- noted that the draft Finance Manual which the new SLAJ Executive will review and adopt will not only assist the finance team in the day-to-day execution of accounting operating procedures but also help them understand their relationship to audit materials.

She furthered how cash management is a key component since cash is the key to every institution’s daily operations emphasizing that all audit trails must be properly filled to ensure transparency and accountability. (Audit trails include documentation, media, and financial transactions).

The financial manual, she continued, will provide management with pathways to attain the goals and objectives of the Association. Its main function is to measure organizational efficiency through proper allocation, acquisition, and management. It also provides a guide in financial planning and assists in acquiring funds from different sources.

Key components of the manual pointed out that, in line with best practices, the President must be in the know and he must be a key signatory for the release of cash, cheque or transfer transactions.

Each document, Isha underscored, must meet certain requirements including the fact that all documents must be financially correct with all supporting documentation attached. Every transaction must be within the regulations of donors, SLAJ’s financial procedures and General Accounting Principles.

In his presentation on Project Implementation, Dr. Francis Sowa- National Coordinator of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), guided the SLAJ project team on important components they must take note of in project management. The session was to equip the team to better execute, monitor, and handle the various projects SLAJ is currently implementing. The term Project, he says, refers to any temporary endeavour with a definite beginning and an end.

“Project implementation or project execution is the phase where visions and plans become reality. That means we are all in this big SLAJ project and we must know about project implementation to succeed,” says Dr. Sowa.

He cautioned that projects must be taken seriously because all the institution’s hard-earned reputation can be lost if just one project is not properly managed and implemented.

The implementation phase, he says, is the phase where the team carries out activities described in a laid down work plan. He mentioned that the two main components that must be accurately done in the implementation of a project are the narrative report and the financial report.

Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq (COOR), Director General of the SLBC, admonished the new executives on their constitutional roles and responsibilities as enshrined in the SLAJ revised constitution. He maintained that all regional and national Executive members must work in line with the vision of the President of the Association to achieve the institution’s aims and objectives and advised all executive members that even though they are all elected officials they are firstly directly answerable to the President, and secondly to the membership.

He solicited the views of members on several constitutional provisions which he says will be looked into when the Association reviews its constitution, an action which he says is ‘urgently needed.

Dr. Julius Spencer shared his wealth of experience when he spoke on Governance, Management and Fundraising. He made references to several sections of the Companies Act of 2009 as amended in 2014, pointing to leadership, delegated responsibilities from the Board of Directors (the National Executives), separation of functions, checks and balances, and management of essential staff.

He reiterated the points raised by lawyer Kapuwa, laying special emphasis on the management structure and how SLAJ should be run as a company limited by Guarantee in line with the Companies Act and the institution’s constitution.

In the area of fundraising, Dr. Spencer encouraged SLAJ to seek funds from projects using its credibility and track record in managing its existing projects. He stated that projects can even be sought from non-SLAJ members, and that he said could add up to the membership dues which can be collected using new and improved methods with the aid of technology. He stated that the national and regional executives must be creative and innovative and should think outside the box in raising funds to sustain the Association’s operations.

In his presentation on Vision, Approach, and Visibility, SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla informed those present that his SALT manifesto, which stood for Stimulate/Strengthen, Appreciate, Listen/Learn, and Transfer, basically targeted the mindsets of journalists and reinforced their roles and responsibilities with regard to responsible practice and the overall growth of the media in Sierra Leone officially ends on Saturday 23rd July 2022 and a new Manifesto titled MEAL is immediately born.

The new manifesto MEAL, the acronym for Mobilize, Evaluate, Allocate and Liberate, he said, seeks to consolidate the gains made in the SALT manifesto by continuing with the SLAJ project of defending, promoting, and protecting free speech and free media whilst strengthening professionalism, financial sustainability, and accountability at national and regional levels.

President Nasralla noted that when running for office three years ago he promised to look into the welfare of journalists, address the gender imbalance in SLAJ and the media, provide mentorship and training for members, and advocate for the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law. According to him, to a large extent his Executive succeeded in achieving the SALT manifesto promises.

Key among the successes include the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law and the passing of the IMC Act 2020, the annual Government of Sierra Leone subvention to SLAJ (which has been increased by H.E. President Bio), launching of a Journalism Welfare Fund to promote public interest journalism and to support journalists in times of emergencies, establishing a Gender Advisory Panel to help SLAJ address gender imbalance in the media, increasing the membership intake (with the highest number of female members) whilst attracting a lot of qualified people with various academic credentials among several other achievements.

President Nasralla also mentioned the national media viability and investment conference and its prospect of establishing a national basket fund to support public interest journalism in Sierra Leone; the biggest gains ever made in the World Press Freedom rankings since the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law, and successful celebration of the Association’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

He used the opportunity to appreciate the entire membership of SLAJ for the overwhelming confidence reposed in him to continue as President of SLAJ for the second and final term UNOPPOSED.

He recognized the national and regional Executives, affiliate bodies and partners including MRCG, Guild, IRN, Mass Comm USL, Bournemouth University UK, BBC Media, IMDEV, IMC, RAIC, HRSCL, and NPDC.

He further acknowledged donors and sponsors including Mercury International, Orange, Africell, UBA, RCB, SLCB, GTBank, and the Diplomatic Community for their continued support to media development in Sierra Leone.

President Nasralla also recognized the Government of Sierra Leone for its continued support to media development initiatives and for ensuring Sierra Leone joins the Global Media Coalition.

Conclusively, President Nasralla noted that in implementing the MEAL manifesto he shall use his usual approach of teamwork, inclusivity (leaving no one behind), dialogue, engagement, consultations as well as being receptive to constructive criticism.

Former SLAJ President Kelvin Lewis shared his experience with the incoming Executive and urged them to change the face of SLAJ. He noted that although President Nasralla has made quite a success a lot more needs to be done to improve the Association.

Lewis encouraged the regions to work in tandem with the National Executive whilst calling for improved transparency and accountability. He encouraged Nasralla to continue to improve the structures (including the annual audit report and the new draft finance manual) which he says will make SLAJ an accountable and respectable institution.

The program ended with an experience-sharing session by the outgoing Executive members across the regions, an official handing over to the newly elected Executive members, and an inauguration.

Residents of Nieni Chiefdom Demand Pronouncement of New Paramount Chief

July 27, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Residents of Nieni Chiefdom in Koinadugu District are desperately calling on the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to announce the name of the person whom they believe was democratically elected as Paramount Chief in the Paramount Chieftaincy election that was conducted on the 10th of June 2022 by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone in which four candidates contested.

The start of the election was said to be peaceful and agents of all four candidates as well as observers were present and even witnessed the counting of votes.

After the counting of the votes the results that emerged were as follows: Robert Yirah Balla Koroma scored 294 votes (which is 58% of the total votes cast), Foday Manso Koroma scored 193 (which is 38% of the total votes cast) and the remaining 4% was shared among the remaining 2 candidates.

This medium learnt that the results were handed over to the Provincial Secretary for pronouncement. However, someone from the crowd, said to be a supporter of Foday Manso Koroma, rushed and snatched the ballot box but was apprehended by security personnel.

It was further understood that the Police apprehended the snatcher and collected the ballot box from him but they were greeted by a stone pelting crowd resulting in the cancellation of the pronouncement of the result and relocation to Kelleh town, which is nine miles away from Effie town, where the pronouncement was supposed to take place and so they decided that all must converge at Alkiliah town, before proceeding to Kabala town.

The said activity was again stalled, allegedly as a result of an instruction given to Cloud Kamara, the District Electoral Manager by Paul Damba, a senior official at ECSL.

Further learnt was that the other date set for the activity was again cancelled on the grounds that the President and entourage, while en route to Kono will be passing through Samaia Bendugu and most of the residents will be in Kono

Residents claimed that since then there have been series of excuses from the authorities to declare the winner of the said election, and such has resulted to desperation and frustration, as residents are restlessly yearning to have a sitting Paramount Chief.

Some residents have alleged that the delay may be as a direct result of the alleged interference by the Deputy Minister of Justice, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, who is also the Secretary General of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). They also claimed that Napoleon Koroma is a nephew of one of the losing candidates, Foday Manso Koroma, and could be using his position to prevent the authorities from pronouncing the result.

As the situation now stands, it has been a while after the election was held but since then there has been no announcement of the winner as it was expected on the part of NEC. In that regard, the people of Nieni Chiefdom are urgently calling on NEC to officially announce the democratically elected Paramount Chief.

For now everything appears to be on a standstill as the Council of Elders have been complaining that there are no meetings, no Court sittings to address disputes etc.

CSOs Prevail on NRA to Re-Introduce the Excise Stamp to Reduce Smuggling

July 27, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In a Press Release dated18th July, 2022 and issued by the Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery, signed by William BM Sao-Lamin as Chairman, it was categorically stated that the entity partners with Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, INGOs, NGOs, and other Development Partners to protect and promote transparency and accountability in the use of development funds and facilities, ensuring free and fair disposal of supports, transportation of goods and services, adhering to regulations, popularization of financial policies, monitoring the process of Decentralization of State institutions to the Local Councils and most especially provisions that are made for community development in the country.

Further mentioned was that the Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery exists to contribute to promoting Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ECOSOC) for strong communities and to ensure sustainable development for the people and to live in dignity and have access to basic opportunities and facilities such as markets, food, health, education, shelter, investors and basic amenities.

The Consortium, it was highlighted, functions through networking, partnership, and collaboration with Government, communities, Local Councils, Local and International Agencies.

Also mentioned was that the entity has observed the operation of an incessant smuggling cartel across various border crossing points in Sierra Leone and further notes with dismay the inferior quality of smuggled goods across those crossing points which has exacerbated an already crippling health environment in Sierra Leone.

Also indicated was that quite apart from the smuggling, the Civil Society Consortium has also noted the production and promotion of different energy drinks and illicit drug substances and alcohol which continue to ravage the sanity of young people and the Sierra Leone population.

“As a Civil Society which holds Government accountable on Service Delivery, we have noted with great concern the budgetary toll or effects on Government in providing increased health and sanitation outcomes for its people,” it was highlighted.

According to the Consortium, in 2022, the Government of Sierra Leone budgeted around Le 897 billion on the Health Sector alone aside from the different interventions by International Donor Partners within the Health Sector.

As a responsible institution, it was emphasized that let it be known that Government cannot be seen as striving to uphold the health sector, whilst a portion of society continues to open doors to harmful and inferior products in Sierra Leone; an action which clearly undermines the efforts of Government in the health sector.

The Consortium says it is therefore calling on all authorities concerned especially the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, the National Revenue Authority, Sierra Leone Police, Importers of beverages, Civil Society Organizations, local producing factories, and Ministry of Trade to take the necessary actions on the aforementioned menace which should include but not limited to: Imported or Exported goods, especially consumables must go through thorough tests before finding their way in or out of the local market/ store, to discourage smuggling or the production of harmful products, advocate for the introduction of tax stamps for products like spirits, alcohol, energy drinks and loads of others and an affirmative action to boycott certain productions which are clearly and consistently harming many.

The Consortium says it is immediately calling on the Standards Bureau to engage with NRA for them to develop a strategy that will help the Authority in introducing the Excise Stamp to minimize illegal importation of alcohol and other brand substances.

They also called on the Commissioner General and his team to further take the necessary actions by robustly engaging and collaborating with the relevant Government agencies for them to introduce the Excise Stamp so that the Authority will help minimize the illegal importation of alcohol, energy drinks, and other substances through porous borders.

It was further pointed out that the good work of the Authority, within record time, is making Sierra Leone proud to be among countries that is growing digitally in collecting revenue for the State even during such a difficult time in the world and to also ensure that all issues dealing with smuggling, illegal importation of energy drinks, alcohol and other substances across the country’s porous borders are resolved in the interest of all with key emphasis on the introduction of the Excise Stamp to cub smuggling.

NP –SL Remains a Leading Petroleum Importing & Marketing Entity

July 27, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

It has been established that the NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) sheds a ray of hope for Sierra Leonean businesses. The existence of the company portrays that any ambitious and determined group of Sierra Leoneans, with good intensions and initiatives, can make meaningful achievements when they put workable ideas together and invest solidly.

Today, the company is the leading importing and petroleum marketing entity in the country simply because some 35 nationals were shrewd enough to plough their end of service benefits into the formation of the company. This example, if emulated by forward-looking and ambitious individuals with meaningful investment plans, will change the development trajectory of this country.

As an indigenously owned company, NP-SL Ltd believes in breaking new grounds and such has been the driving force behind its expansionist drive.

The company churns out various services which are not only limited in the capital city but are replicated nationwide. Everywhere it operates, the company offers the same qualitative services to its esteemed customers.

In order to make the purchase of fuel very simple NP-SL Ltd introduced the use of NP Smart Card, which enables organizations and individuals to purchase fuel at ease without any physical exchange of money. With credit in the Smart Card it avails customers the convenience to purchase the desired quantity of fuel at Filling Stations.

Established by some 35 Sierra Leoneans years back, NP-SL Ltd has a presence in Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and The Gambia and as a result of effective management initiatives, the company is vibrantly operating in those countries.

In all the five countries where it is operating, the company always ensures that petroleum products, in terms of fuel and other lubricants, are available in order to avoid scarcity.

Management of the petroleum importing and marketing company is always keen on ensuring that customer satisfaction is prioritized and indeed the company truly deserves commendation in that direction.
With well-motivated members of staff, who know how to efficiently treat customers, NP-SL Ltd has become very endearing to many. Station Managers and Pump Attendants are always conscious of the fact that the customer must be treated politely and their concerns immediately addressed. With that rapt attention given to customers it gives them the sense of importance and at the same time makes the company very endearing.

It has been established that using charcoal and wood for cooking purposes poses health hazards and negatively contributes in depleting the environment. Against such a backdrop many have commended the company for making it possible to get access to NP gas cookers, which are have been proven to be safe and user friendly for domestic purposes. Gas is as well available at the company’s Filling Stations which individuals can purchase at affordable prices.

The company is one of the few business entities in this country that strictly adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy by strictly offering jobs to Sierra Leoneans except in situations when expert knowledge and skills should be outsourced. This has helped a lot of indigenes to access jobs and in reducing poverty.

NP-SL Ltd is a major taxpayer to the National Revenue Authority and is contributing to Government’s revenue basket out of which funds are used for the implementation of various development programmes.

The company continues to make Sierra Leone proud as it flies the Green, White and Blue high in West Africa with the interesting story of how serious minded and ambitious individuals can initially start from low key to become one of the most successful business entities not only in the country but in the West African sub-region.

IOM & Ugandan Government to Host Conference on Climate Change

July 27, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

To call for a more integrated approach and response to climate change, ahead of the 27th session of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) that will take place in Egypt from 7-18 November, Heads of State and Ministers from the East and Horn of Africa will meet in Kampala, Uganda, from 27 to 29 July.

The event is being organized by the Government of Uganda and the International Organization for Migration (under the leadership of Alhaji Sanusi Tejan Savage- who is currently serving as Chief of Mission of IOM Uganda).

The objective of the Conference, according to the organizers, is to support the development of an integrated approach to climate change-induced migration in Africa and to develop outcomes that will contribute to raising migration issues at the global level for serious consideration, such as at COP 27.

Also, the three-day Regional Inter-Ministerial Conference on Migration, Environment and Climate Change also seeks to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on human mobility.

After four consecutive failed rainy seasons, the East and Horn of Africa are currently experiencing the worst drought in four decades. Millions of people across the region have been displaced and are at risk of famine. The drought has already led to multiple deaths in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti.

The increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events resulting from climate change directly force people to move, negatively impacting livelihoods. These movements create new humanitarian needs and place pressure on resources vital for migrants, displaced persons, and host communities, competing for already scarce resources.

Sanusi Tejan Savage, the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Uganda said the conference will also bring together relevant Ministers of Environment and the Ministers who manage Migration and their technical experts, from the 12 countries under the IGAD, EAC and the IOM East and Horn of Africa Regions namely Burundi, Djibouti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda and other African member states.

The conference will conclude with the signing of a Joint Declaration by States as a landmark for enhancing regional cooperation about climate change-induced human mobility, including migration, displacement, and planned relocation. The Declaration, amongst other objectives, will provide a standpoint from which the 12 States intend to articulate regional priorities concerning the negotiations planned at COP27, with a particular focus on the adverse impact of climate change on human mobility.

Meanwhile, with Alhaji Sanusi Tejan Savage at the helm of Affairs, IOM has been very effective in supporting the Government of Uganda in addressing migration challenges. Under his stewardship, the IOM Office in Uganda has been able to develop and implement impactful programs such as the EU-IGAD COVID-19 Response programme, a project to transform the management of solar electronic waste in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement situated in Uganda’s north-western region and also programs to strengthen national and local Government’s capacity to respond to natural disasters among others.

DIWC Hosts Evang. Rev Christian K. Dagadu in Sierra Leone

July 27, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Destiny International Worship Center (DIWC) is currently playing host to the Liberia International Radio and Television Preacher, who also doubles as the Founder and President of the Christian Evangelistic Pentecostal Church, Inc. (CHRISEM); Evang. Rev Christian K. Dagadu Sr. as they commence their Family Day Celebration 2022 on the theme: “O Lord Robe My Household with Fine Garment”.

Rev. Dagadu, who is into a worldwide ministry of teaching, training and evangelism is in the country on a week visit as a guest speaker of the Family Day Celebration 2022 event that is hosted by the Destiny International Worship Center (DIWC) situated on Brass Street, Brookfields in Freetown which started on Monday 25^thand will end on Sunday 31^st July, 2022 when there will be a thanksgiving ceremony of the grand Family Celebration & Feasting.

As part of the Family Day Celebration 2022, there is a 5-day Holy Ghost Deliverance Night which started on Monday 25^th and will end on Friday 29^th July 2022 at 6:00 PM daily of which Rev. Dagadu is the preacher of the Holy Ghost Deliverance Night.

In addition, there is also a family deliverance seminar which started on Tuesday 26^th and will end on Friday 29^th July 2022 at 9:30 am daily and Rev. Dagadu is also the teacher during the said seminar.

Rev. Dagadu is a renowned Servant of God who ministers God’s word with divine power and he is called to breaking curses over nations and setting the captives free through the power of God.

He has traveled extensively on preaching tours in the United States of America, Europe to include Kosovo, England, Spain etc Asia- South Korea, West, East, North, Southern Africa to include Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, the Holy Land of Israel and his land, Liberia.

Rev. Dagadu has established 22 churches-18 in Liberia and four (4) in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with two elementary schools and a Bible School. He has also established the CHRISEM School of Ministry and the Seminary Masters Degrees for biblical studies.

On his part, the General Overseer of Destiny International Worship Center (DIWC), Apostle Olubumie SYL-Macfoy, described Rev. Dagadu as God’s sent in the country.

“We are blessed and privileged for this year’s Family Day Celebration 2022 to have Evang. Rev Christian K. Dagadu Sr. as our guest minister; in 2005 when we invited him in Sierra Leone it was something else and I will never forget how God used him to do great things in my life and I believe after 15 years he is here again with the belief that this year is going to be extraordinary,” he revealed.

Apostle Olubumie SYL-Macfoy urged Sierra Leoneans to be part of this year’s Family Day Celebration 2022 emphasizing that their lives will never be the same.

DIWC Hosts Evang. Rev Christian K. Dagadu in Sierra Leone

China Railway Seventh Group is Compliant with Provisions of Contractual Agreement

July 27, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In two recent publications by one of the local tabloids in the country, the China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG), was bashed, in a one-sided perspective, accusing the company of breaching its contractual agreement, reneging on maintenance of the toll road (the Wellington –Masiaka Highway), that the paints are not properly kept and one of the toll poles which was severely dented following a car accident a couple of months ago is yet to be repaired, that dirties are visibly seen on the sheds which housed the toll agents from Hastings to the Masiaka tollgates, the appalling work on the drainages and that when it rains heavily the road gets flooded with debris washed away from the hills.

The allegations made against the company may seemingly appear alarming but thorough investigation proves that they are not only over-exaggerated but hollow and far from the truth as many, whose views this medium sought to shed light on them, have attested.

In order to react to aforementioned allegations, the Management of the China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) engaged members of the Press in a meeting it convened at the CRSG Camp at Mongegba, Grafton on the 26^th July 2022. Present were the Finance Director/Acting Head of CRSG, Ren, the Administrative Manager -Alhaji Kamara, the Logistics Manager -Alfred Kamara-, the Consultant for CRSG- Ing Munda Rogers, and journalists from different Press Houses.

It was established by the Acting Head of CRSG, Ren, that the China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG), as the investor and contractor of the Wellington-Masiaka highway, is a responsible international company.

He intimated that as an international investor, CRSG is concerned not only with generating profits but also ensuring that the lives and satisfaction of Sierra Leoneans and other nationals are always secured and assured.

The Acting Head of the company furthered how the toll road system is providing aesthetic pleasure to both foreigners and Sierra Leoneans maintaining how such is positive sign of development in the country.

He continued that in terms of the cost of the toll, in terms of comparison of costs among Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Ghana, for instance, it will clearly reveal that the cost in Sierra Leone is about half of those in Senegal and Ghana.

“This beautiful highway and advanced toll plaza facilities have become a unique landscape,” he continued mentioning how the road has improved the overall beauty of Freetown and become a “landmark” construction of Sierra Leone, deepening the impression of the whole city and even the whole country to the world.

He debunked the allegations made against the company stating that, understandably, although the company continues to face various challenges, including rising fuel costs, and lack of materials it is doing its best to provide the best service to its customers and as well adhere to the terms and conditions of the contract

“It must be made clear that it is not the wish of the company for some of the drainages to be filled with mud but it must be noted that such is as a result of the impact of rain-washed gravel caused by residents digging and building facilities everywhere along the road,” he categorically clarified adding how the company is most often engaged in repairing and replacing of damaged facilities and cleaning up the mud in a timely manner just to keep the highway unimpeded.

He hammered home the point that CRSG’s normal road maintenance has been carried out since the beginning of construction, including annual ditch cleaning, road surface cleaning, green weed cleaning, road marking and repair of road surface deterioration caused by various reasons.

The Acting Head laughed over the mentioning by the local tabloid of dirties visibly seen on the sheds which house the toll agents from Hastings to the Masiaka tollgates stating that if the author means dust then he should be joking as that should be expected. He said other than that he must be joking if it is Management that should clean the sheds maintaining that it will be absurd to think of keeping piles of garbage.

Ren said, in addition to the timely and effective maintenance of the Wellington-Masiaka highway, CRSG has also helped communities and villages along the highway as much as possible with infrastructural support work.

He revealed how on several occasions, CRSG has helped to repair the damage of the feeder roads caused by the rainy season and the passage of heavy vehicles stating how those works are free adding that the company also provides machinery, manpower, granite and other production factors in helping communities repair damaged roads.

“Under the above unfavorable conditions, CRSG has never complained and still adheres to its Corporate Social Responsibility seriously and makes contributions and donations to surrounding communities and organizations every year,” he further disclosed.

He continued that whenever the community or residents around Wellington-Masiaka highway encounter difficulties, such as community road maintenance, community center construction assistance, school facilities and material donation and so on, CRSG always provides timely and necessary help.

On his part, the Consultant of CRSG, Ing Munda Rogers, stated that the company has been very compliant with almost all the provisions of the contractual agreement. He stated how the toll road has contributed to the reduction of unemployment and how the company is paying all its taxes. The former Head of SLRA talked about how some people are in the habit of just abandoning derelict vehicles along the highway stating that people must use the road for what it was designed for adding that parking must also be done properly.

Munda Rogers said if the allegations were indeed true it would have been the Government, through the Sierra Leone Road Authority (SLRA) and the Ministry of Works that would have been the first to raise up the issue.

He disclosed how it was him who initiated the toll road project stressing that Government was not having the money at that time and even now to fund the construction of the road.

“Since the road came into use there has not been any major fatal accident which is an indication that the company is really adhering to the provisions of the contractual agreement,” he maintained, adding that although global events and the increase in foreign exchange of the Leone are placing pressures on the company yet the company is adhering to what it is supposed to do. He said with its standardized and modern operation management mode, the China Railway Seventh Group, continues to provide high-quality services for highway users and is effectively promoting economic development along the road.

China Railway Seventh Group is Compliant with Provisions of Contractual Agreement

Skynie Girl Child Foundation Donates Learning Materials to Less Privileged Girls

July 25, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their continuous support to less privileged children, especially girls in Sierra Leone in order for them to have an opportunity to reach their full potential with basic human necessities in the country, Skynie Girl Child Foundation, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, focused on improving access to basic services and the standards of living of vulnerable girls in the country was on Saturday 23^rd July 2022 officially launched. The ceremony which attracted high personalities was held in Kono District.

The launching ceremony of the Foundation was followed by a donation of learning materials to 50 less privileged pupils (girls) who are attempting the Basic Education Certificate Examination 2022 (BECE). The donated items include geometry sets, log book, pens, pencils, rain coat etc. in order to enable them write their examination in a conducive manner.

In her address, the Founder/ Chief Executive of Officer of Skynie Girl Child Foundation, Skynie Sia Sinah said that the Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that focuses on improving access to basic services and the standard of living of the vulnerable Girls in the communities in the country through empowerment in a sustainable way.

She pointed out that the situation is deplorable due to the fact that, separate from the poverty, not much basic medical, education and WASH facilities are available to remote communities of which she added that the Foundation does acknowledge the effort of other local and international organizations to address those challenges and shortcomings in the country and that it in that regard the Foundation is doing its best to contribute in addressing those challenges and shortcomings and address them in a sustainable way. She, however, maintained that the Foundation will also establish partnerships with organizations at all levels to work in harmony and complement each other’s work to increase access to basic services for vulnerable girls in the country.

Skynie Sia Sinah informed all that the vision of the Foundation is to ensure that Girls are seen as weapons to liberate success and capacitate development rather than taking the back sit as mere house wives.

She said that the organization is mainly supporting less privileged girls in Kono District and the Western Area Urban, adding that the Foundation has over the years supported those girls with school items donations.

The CEO maintained that they are officially launching the Foundation and in that regard, the Foundation decided to support about 50 girls who are attempting the Basic Education Certificate Examination 2022 (BECE).

She inspired pupils to take their studies seriously underscoring how education is the key to success. “Education is a process of learning that one goes through in order to become somebody in society”.

Other speakers made salient contributions.

Closing the ceremony was the officially launching of the Skynie Girl Child Foundation and the distribution of the learning materials to the 50 less privileged girls.