Tourism Minister & Staff Bid Befitting Farewell to Outgoing Iranian Ambassador

July 18, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

Staff of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its Agencies on the 14^th July, 2022 bade farewell to the outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Akbar Khosravinezhad during a ceremony that was held at the Ministry’s Head Quarters on Kingharman Road in Freetown with the presentation of a certificate to him.

Akbar Khosravinezhad who was coming to the end of his 4 years Ambassadorial assignment to Sierra Leone has been one of the most passionate foreign diplomats towards the development and capacity building of the tourism and hospitality industry in Sierra Leone.

Notable among his Embassy’s support to the sector was the training of over 50 women from across the country on handicraft by four Iranian handicraft experts, an idea that was proposed by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt.

The outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ahmed Mustapha thanked the Iranian Ambassador for his time in Sierra Leone saying that it has been of considerable help to the country especially the tourism sector.

In her comments, Minister Pratt said they were gathered to express their profound gratitude for the support they received from the outgoing Ambassador saying that it was the Tourism Ministry that the Ambassador first started doing cultural diplomacy on. She mentioned that the Ministry and the Iranian Embassy were able to put a number of programmes together, notably the memorable arts and crafts training workshop where the Embassy and particularly the Ambassador was able to facilitate the presence of four female trainers from Iran who trained over 50 women on different aspects of handicraft adding that it was the first historic handicraft training that was organized for ten days.

She, on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone, presented a certificate to the Ambassador and extended their thanks and appreciation to the President and Government of Iran for the support they received expressing the view of looking forward to many collaborations especially in the fields of tourism and culture.

Receiving the certificate, Ambassador Khosravinezhad thanked the Minister and the entire sector for recognizing his work especially as it has to do with cultural diplomacy.

He assured that the cultural diplomacy between the two countries and the advanced training of women on handicrafts will continue after which he presented to the Minister a handicraft that was made in Sierra Leone which is now used in Iran in appreciation of the work done by women during the handicraft training workshop.

Orange SL Commissions Franchise Shops in Kenema & Kamakwie

July 18, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

Orange Sierra Leone, on the 6th and 7th July, 2022 commissioned two new franchise shops in the northern and eastern provinces of Sierra Leone out of the main objective of providing easy access for its customers as well as to strengthen its distribution channels.

The shops, which are now fully functional, are providing products and services to residents on Dama Road in Kenema district, East of the country and Kamakwie, Karene District in the North.

It must be noted that the Orange franchise model has been a great pillar to the company’s commercial activities making accessible Orange, Orange Money and new business products and services within urban and semi-urban areas.

Similar franchise shops have been launched and commissioned in other parts of the country bringing the total to 30.

Over a year ago, Orange Sierra Leone commissioned a franchise shop in the southern town of Zimmi for which residents were pleased and elated.

With the shop in their community, they now enjoy easy access to Orange products and services.

Late last year, Orange Sierra Leone turned the sod for the construction of a US$15m Data Centre in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone which will serve as a redundancy center in the provinces.

Work on the Data Centre is currently in progress and hopefully will be commissioned soon and such will augment the main Data Centre facility in Freetown.

The company is also on the move to have more sites in Sierra Leone for easy communication.

As a result of all the qualitative services the telecommunications company is providing, Orange-SL, remains an endearing business entity in the country with the sole aim of improving lives with the offering of wonderful digital experiences.

UNCT & OCHA Support Capacity Training for Disaster Management & Humanitarian Actors

July 18, 2022

By Alfred Fornah

Disaster management and humanitarian actors in Sierra Leone have benefitted from a weeklong training, from the 4^th to the 8^th July 2022, that was supported by the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Regional Office in Dakar.

Focus of the training was to provide knowledge and tools to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to put it at a vantage position in order to cascade Emergency Preparedness and Response training at the sub-national level which will target Governmental and Non-Governmental humanitarian actors on the ground, including those in the districts.

In a statement during the opening session, the United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) in Sierra Leone, Babatunde Ahonsi, highlighted the importance of the training, which, according to him, “provides advanced skills and tools in Emergency Preparedness and Response, including Multi-Indicator Rapid Assessment (MIRA), coordination mechanisms, information management, humanitarian funding, Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), PSEA, gender and protection, disability inclusion, early warning and DRR, the link between humanitarian action and development, and awareness on civil and military coordination”.

According to the Regional Coordinator, in February 2022, the UNCT tasked the UN Inter-Agency Emergency Preparedness and Response group to consult with NDMA on their additional need for support from the UN and it was agreed to conduct comprehensive training on disaster management and coordination addressed to all humanitarian stakeholders in the country.He expressed delight to see the presence of national humanitarian actors for a full five-day residential training.

The Deputy Director-General of NDMA, John Vandi Rogers, on his part explained the rationale behind the establishment of the NDMA, further commending UN Sierra Leone for its tremendous support towards disaster management in the country.

“Since the establishment of the NDMA in 2020, the positive impact of the Agency has been felt nationwide through its various mandated activities via Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Relief and Response and Communications”, he disclosed.

“On behalf of the Government, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the UN Country Team and officials from OCHA who are here to deliver the training. This is the first time we are having a national training of this type characterized across the length and breadth of the country,” Rogers added.

The training attracted more than 40 participants from Government institutions and local and International Non-Governmental Organizations.

Isatu Sesay, who represented Handicap International, said that the knowledge gained in the training will be integrated into their disaster management programming to further strengthen the capacity of local community stakeholders in disaster response.

The training ended with a simulation exercise carried out at Lakka Coastal Community to evaluate the real-time preparedness and readiness of humanitarian actors to deliver and support response efforts in case of an emergency.

Housemates Salone Season 3 Ends in Grand Style

July 18, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The venue , AYV Media Empire, was bubbling with life, laughter filling the air, the fragrance of a variety of perfume, all over the place, as those who turned up to grace the climax of Housemates Salone Season 3, with the slogan “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand” were seen chatting in groups, some cracking jokes, some taking group photos and selfies, which probably could serve as testimonies that they witnessed the climax of one of the biggest entertainment social events organized by the African Young Voices (AYV) Empire and Africell.

The audience was a mixed one mainly made up by young people as well as elderly folks. The organizers, AYV Media and Africell personnel, were conspicuous as they could be easily identified in T-Shirts, with the event’s name inscribed on them, seen moving here and there ensuring that everything was going according to plan.

After fantastic musical and cultural performances setting the stage for proper commencement of the grand finale of the Reality TV Show that has been running for weeks, the Master of Ceremony (the MC) informed the audience of the purpose of the event.

Speeches, bordering on the objective of organizing the Reality TV Show, portrayed as a conduit to enhance Youth Empowerment, were delivered by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AYV Media Empire, Amb Anthony Navo Jr and the Managing Director of Africell-Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi.

Both underscored that the mentorship provided the Housemates, from the start of the competition up to the end undoubtedly impacted them (Housemates), in positive ways expressing the conviction that they will no longer be the same as they were before they entered the Big House.

They noted how the participants have been exposed to the outside world maintaining that with the vista of opportunities that now await them they must make good use of them.

They also expressed thanks and appreciation to all the sponsors that supported the show, asserting that indeed the platform, in one way or the other exposed the products and services that they have to offer which many may now be aware of.

The organizers also appreciated all the efforts made by members of the public for taking part in the Public Voting maintaining how their contributions helped in making the Reality TV Show a success.

As the event progressed, reaching the climax, the audience which was now restless to know the winner, was held in suspense, as there were catcalls and false announcements made evoking laughter and fun. Finally the winner was announced and the crowd went wild with commendations, in various forms, coming from different sides.

With the rowdy support from the fan base, seen all around the winner, a symbolic presentation of the Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) and a ticket for a round trip to Dubai was done to the winner , who emerged at the top after all the ‘Yagba’ in the House.

Indeed, from what this medium learnt many in and out of the country really enjoyed the Season 3 of the Reality TV Show stating that it was well organized. Others expressed the view that there were certain explicit scenes that were not decent for minors recommending that in future episodes such should be well edited or not shown bordering their assertion on morality. But what was so exceptional about the Show was the interest shown by young Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to actively participate which dwarfed that aspect in the previous two Seasons.

Housemates Salone Season 3, will for a very long period of time, etched on the minds of many as one of the biggest events of the year.

If it could be succinctly put in other words, Housemates Salone was a kind of refinery where the competitors went through life overhauling experiences to an extent that life after Housemates Salone is now completely different for them.

NP-SL in High Esteem for Efficient Service Delivery

July 18, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is indeed one successful indigenous company which most of the citizens can boast of, especially when cognizance is taken to the fact that this entity has stood the test of time weathering challenges that may have led to its downfall.

For such a commendable feat to be achieved during quite a long period of time means that the company has been blessed with capable shareholders and Managerial teams that have been providing the requisite ideas and initiatives that continue to take NP from one higher level to another.

Providing its esteemed and cherished customers right across the country with rapt and efficient attention, by always ensuring that their needs are well satisfied has been identified as one of the secrets behind the success of the company. Management is very keen on prioritizing customer care which is why it is keen to know about their reactions as well as to listen to various concerns raised and always be in a position to address them.

Having amassed the strength and seeing the need to expand appropriately, NP-SL thought it fit to open branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia and all of them are extremely functioning well to the utmost satisfaction of Governments plus its ever growing customers. In doing so, the company has been contributing towards job creation and poverty reduction more especially as it is virtually impossible for the Governments of these countries to provide all job opportunities for citizens.

When consideration is taken that Governments need revenue to finance development projects it is important to find the sources of generating such. NP, as a company, is one of the biggest taxpayers to Government. Management always makes it as a point of duty to timely pay taxes and despite battling with existing and unforeseeable challenges there has never been an instance when it has been coerced to do so.

Many have praised NP for making available cookers popularly known as NP Gas which is safe for cooking purposes. These NP Gas cookers are sold at reasonable prices and could be procured in all their filling stations as well as from authorized dealers. At a time like this when it has been recognized that it is advisable, for health reasons, to avoid using firewood or charcoal for cooking purposes the best option could be NP Gas, which is hygienic, clean and quick.

NP Smart Card is currently trending and is a device that makes it possible to procure fuel without exchanging money. As long as the NP Smart Card holder has money in the card he or she can secure fuel based on the amount of money inside the card. It has been rated as a convenient way of purchasing fuel and is very secured.

Talking about effective implementation of Local Content Policy, NP-SL stands tall as it is truly the only 100% indigenous company that employs 100% Sierra Leoneans as workers. The company gives preference to employing Sierra Leoneans which is a clear indication that it adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy as utilizing local talents makes it possible for indigenes to acquire useful knowledge and skills through various training programs.

It is important to know that the company deals with individuals and various entities, always ensuring that its various petroleum products are available and are sold at affordable prices. There is a good business strategy in place whereby entities or customers are permitted to use chits to secure fuel and pay later. Such is very advantageous more so when those entities do not always have cash at hand to be purchasing petroleum products from time to time. This symbiotic relationship with its customers has been paying huge dividends making NP very endearing to all and sundry.

With regards recognition, the regulatory institution of the different petroleum companies in the country, Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), has also lauded NP in recent time for its efficient service delivery in its areas of operation.

There could be no doubt to authoritatively state that NP-SL Ltd. is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.

Without mincing the truth NP stands tall within the business landscape in and out of the country growing stronger and stronger as time goes by.

Intending Independent Presidential Candidate Writes President Bio

July 18, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of Sierra Leone’s prominent Economists, who is frequently consulted by certain institutions in and out of the country to proffer sound economic solutions, the indefatigable and result-oriented, Prince Jacob Macauley, who of late has disclosed his ambition to vie for the Presidency as an Independent Candidate vis-à-vis the forthcoming General Elections, slated to take place in 2023, has written a letter to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, seeking his help, to expunge Section 41(b) of the Sierra Leone Constitution which makes it compulsory for any individual who wants to contest as a Presidential election to belong to a political party.

An aspect of the content of the letter is a passionate plea made by Jacob Macauley to His Excellency President Bio to use his good office to facilitate the speedy expedition of expunging that aspect of the 1991 Constitution.

According to consummate personality, belonging to a political party is enslavement to the party but as an Independent Candidate, an individual, with political ambition, will be saved a hassling of having to go through a lot of certain uncanny things which mostly characterize belonging to a political party.

“In the USA and in most Western countries there is no restriction placed on independent candidates to contest,” Mr Macauley intimated this medium.

He argued that the framers of the Sierra Leone Constitution must have been ill-advised to add that Section of having to belong to a political party.

“That 1991 Constitution came at a time when this country was still under a dictatorship but now we are in a true democracy, it is high time it is expunged from the Constitution so that citizens can freely exercise their rights to contest for the presidency without the hindrance of having to belong to a political party first,” Mr Macauley stressed.

YaDA-SL to Stimulate Discussions on Consolidation of Democracy

July 18, 2022

Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability.png

By Abubakar Elisha Harding

The Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone (YaDA-SL), a registered Non-Governmental youth led Civil Society Organization working towards the promotion of democracy, accountability, human rights, good governance and peace in order to bring long term change and sustainable development in the county is poised to stimulate discussions among current and former political leaders, representatives, civil society activists and academics on the consolidation of democracy in the country.

It could be recalled that in 2007 the UN General Assembly established the International Day of Democracy (IDD) through a resolution with an objective to encourage Governments to strengthen and consolidate democracy. The day is celebrated on the 15^thSeptember every year as an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world.

In celebrating this year’s International Day of Democracy 2022 in the country, the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone is poised to host its 1st National High-Level Youth Driven Dialogue Conference on the “Consolidation of Democracy 2022”.

The Two day Conference ,which is scheduled to take place on the 14th & 15th September, 2022, is geared towards supporting the Government of Sierra Leone to strengthen institutions and processes that are more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens, including the poor, as well as to promote sustainable development.

Commenting on the conference, the National Coordinator of Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability, Alfie Barrie pointed out that the conference will serve as an important opportunity for past and current leaders, institutions and civil society activists to collectively renew their commitments and efforts to build democratic constitutional rule and importantly to counter democratic backsliding in the country.

“The upcoming event will include current and former political leaders, representatives, civil society activists and academics, who will be engaged in discussions on how to support and have respect for constitutional rule across the country and how to strengthen political discourse in favor of strengthening democracy in the country,” he underscored.

Alfie Barrie, however, said that the high level dialogue on the consolidation of democracy will stimulate debate on different topics among politicians, diplomats, representatives of civil society organizations and the media especially on how to strengthen democracy in the country.

The National Coordinator added that beneficiaries of the conference will include: Democracy Experts, Politicians and Practitioners, Diplomats, Current and Former Political Leaders, Civil Society Activists, Religious Leaders, Women Leaders, Disabled Groups, the Media, Academics, University Students etc. and they will be drawn from the 16 districts of the country.

He maintained that since the launch of the online delegate registration, the Conference Committee, as of Saturday 16^th July, 2022, has received 390 applications from national delegates and 5 from international delegates which brings it to a total of 395 applications received so far.

He revealed that members of the public who intend to attend the conference should access the delegate’s registration form using the attached link https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfvEOPhZe5…/viewform…

“We are looking forward to partner with likeminded organizations in order to make this conference a success, and any organization that wants to partner or sponsor the event should not hesitate to contact us on +23276482358 or email: youthalliance2022@gmail.com”, he concluded.

Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone (YaDA-SL),

QNET REFUTES ALLEGATIONS OF “TRAVELLING SCAMS”

July 16, 2022

QNET today issued a strong statement denying and refuting all allegations of “traveling scams” and “offers of education or employment”.

Biram FALL, QNET Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, said “this is a wholly unwarranted and false report and false and baseless accusations against the company. We are a 23-year-old business that operates worldwide. We encourage proper enterprise and support entrepreneurs while maintaining strong ethical and professional practices at all times. We undertake consistently and continuing education and training programs which certify our representatives. This “scam” has no bearing or connection with us whatsoever. We are truly saddened at the plight of those affected, which must be due solely to rogue individuals using QNET’s name wrongfully for their personal benefit and advancement. But we want to be absolutely clear: this has nothing to do with us. We will work with the authorities to ensure proper resolution and rogue elements being brought to their deserved justice”.

QNET also released excerpts of its training programs which detailed, comprehensive aspects of training its representatives undertook in becoming IRs. “No errant company behaves this way, nor gives back to the community”, added Biram FALL while showing community projects conducted in Sierra Leone and adjoining cities.

QNET operates its business in more than 25 countries worldwide through subsidiaries, branch offices, agency partnerships, and franchisees.

QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Association in several countries, as well as the Hong Kong Health Food Association and the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, among others.

QNET is also active in sports sponsorships around the world. Some more prominent partnerships include being the Direct Selling Partner of Manchester City Football Club and the African Club League Championships of CAF.

For more information, please visit QNET’s website at qnet.net or our blog qbuzz.qnet.net. QNET is committed to society and its betterment. QNET empowers entrepreneurs and their welfare, which leads to an overall positive economic consequence.

QNET does not engage in unlawful activities and is committed to upholding the rule of law. If you are approached with an opportunity for money, QNET warns and requests that you be alert and careful. Do not engage with such persons, and always be ready to ask for their credentials or clarify directly with QNET itself at the following email and hotline: network.integrity@qnet.net.

Together with the public, QNET builds sustainable and safe business environments.

THE 2022 GLOBAL PEACE INDEX (GPI) REPORT PROCLAIMS SIERRA LEONE A PEACEFUL COUNTRY

July 15, 2022

By: Teddy Foday-Musa

INTRODUCTION

The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) has released its 2022 Global Peace Index (GPI) report, in which Sierra Leone was rated as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. This year’s report is titled: Global Peace Index 2022: Measuring peace in a complex world. In its executive summary, it is noted that:

“This is the 16th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI), which ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. This report presents the most comprehensive data-driven analysis to-date on trends in peace, its economic value, and how to develop peaceful societies. Produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the GPI is the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness.” (Global Peace Index, 2022).

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMICS & PEACE (IEP)

The IEP is credited with creating a paradigm shift in how people think about peace. It is the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness by using a comprehensive data-driven analysis of trends in peace, its economic value, and how to create peaceful societies. It works with many international partners and collaborates with intergovernmental organizations to measure and communicate peace’s economic value. As indicated in their profile:

“The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank dedicated to shifting the world’s focus to peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. IEP achieves its goals by developing new conceptual frameworks to define peacefulness; providing metrics for measuring peace…” (Global Peace Index, 2022).

SIERRA LEONE: A PEACEFUL COUNTRY AS PER THE 2022 GPI

The 2022 Global Peace Index (GPI) presented a snapshot of the global state of peace by indicating the peacefulness of 163 countries under six colours, interpreting their rank, scores, and the progress made in terms of their upward or downward mobility. See the table-1 below for the six colours and their interpretation.

Table-1: The 2022 GPI peacefulness colours and interpretations

NO.	COLOUR	INTERPRETATION	NARRATIVE
1.	Bottle Green	Very High	Countries with *very high* peacefulness
2.	Light Green	High	Countries with *high* peacefulness
3.	Yellow	Medium	Countries with *medium* peacefulness
4.	Orange	Low	Countries with *low* peacefulness
5.	Red	Very Low	Countries with *very low* peacefulness
6.	White	Not Included	Countries *not included* in the 2022 GPI

Source:2022 GPI – slightly modified by the author

The 2022 GPI puts Sierra Leone in the second colour category (light Green), indicating that Sierra Leone is among the most peaceful countries in the world. On the 2022 GPI list of 163 countries, Sierra Leone was ranked 50^th with a score of 1.801, indicating upward mobility progress of 2-step from the 2021 GPI. Only Ghana and the Gambia were ahead of Sierra Leone in West Africa, with the country taking 3^rd in the West African sub-region. Consequently, Sierra Leone is among 90 countries that recorded improvements in peacefulness from the 2021 to 2022 GPI assessment. This status is shared with great industrialised nations like Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia, to name a few.

THE MANO RIVER UNION COUNTRIES

Our neighbour (Liberia) is ranked 75^th in the colour category of yellow, indicating medium. Guinea Conakry is ranked 123^rd and falls in the yellow colour category, falling 26 steps downward in negativity. So, among the Mano River Union Countries, Sierra Leone is ranked 1^st as the most peaceful country in the mano river basin. In contrast, Ivory Coast is ranked 108^th with scores of 2.144, taking the lead over Guinea Conakry. See table-2 for the Mano River Union Country ranking.

Table-2:2022 GPI Mano River Union Country ranking

RANK	COUNTRY	SCORE	COLOUR	INTERPRETATION
50^th	Sierra Leone	1.803	Light Green	High Peacefulness
75^th	Liberia	1.973	Yellow	Medium Peacefulness
108^th	Ivory Coast	2.144	Yellow	Medium Peacefulness
123^rd	Guinea	2.332	Yellow	Medium Peacefulness

Source:2022 GPI – slightly modified by the author

CONCLUSION

Sierra Leoneans have once again displayed their resilience and quest for peace. This pattern has been a constant trend since the end of the war in 2002. Sierra Leone’s two post-conflict governments – the Sierra Leone Peoples’ Party (SLPP) from 1996 to 2007 and the All Peoples’ Congress (APC) from 2007 to 2018 – both expressed a desire to reclaim and sustain peace.As a result, since the end of the civil war, Sierra Leone has held four democratic elections: in 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2018. While the incumbent was democratically re-elected in 2002 and 2012, the 2007 and 2018 elections saw a peaceful transfer of power from each democratically elected President to his successor, demonstrating the excellent judgment of Sierra Leonean electorates. In this narrative, the international community has frequently portrayed the country’s transition from conflict to peace and development as a success story. This must have undoubtedly supported the country’s assessment for the 2022 GPI. However, the government is yet to fully implement the 2004 TRC recommendations, as Sierra Leoneans continue to trust in the recommendations, believing that its implementation will provide human dignity and social justice for all.

Kingho Hands Over to Residents of Kamasondo CDAP and CSR Projects

July 15, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The 2^nd Quarter 2022 Community Development Action Plan (CDAP) projects, as well as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, were handed over to residents of Pepel Town, Kamasondo Chiefdom by Kingho Railway and Port Company, a subsidiary of Leone Rock Metal Group on Sunday 10^th July 2022.

The CDAP projects are the rehabilitation of nurses’ quarters at the only health center in Pepel Town and the reconstruction of the overhead road in Pepel Town.

It was done as part of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s provisions which mandated companies to bring in developments into their operational chiefdoms. On the other hand, the company also donated brand new school band set to revive lively learning for pupils.

During the handing over ceremony, Resident Minister of Northwest Region, Honourable Alpha Kanu, said that he is impressed with the company so far as the company is delivering at a very fast rate. He highlighted that since he took over about 6 months ago, the company did the school, water facility and Independence Day celebrations. He said, in the Northwest Region, the company has done 4 programmes during his leadership so far. He thanked the company and expressed optimism for more development.

Bai Sheku Conteh, Chairman FMC Pepel Health Centre thanked the company for renovating the health center last year as well as rehabilitating the nurses’ quarter this year. He called for more support to the health sector in Kamasondo.

Chairlady of Kamasondo Chiefdom, Zainab Koroma said that the overhead road is now in good standard. She said that the indigenes of Pepel Town are now happy that such standard road has now averted danger and accident. She also thanked the company for the Women in Agriculture Projects, adding that the project empowers more women in Kamasondo.

National Minerals Agency (NMA) representative, Sahr Osman Koroma, thanked the company for the CSAP projects because they perfectly resonated with the agenda of the government. He said that the CSR brass band is timely and will boost learning in the communities.

On behalf of the company, Edward Moriba, Community Coordinator of Leone Rock Metal Group said that the company is fully committed in complying with its statutory obligations and as well doing some CSR in its operational communities. He assured all that Leone Rock is here to stay and to bring more goodies to not only its operational communities but Sierra Leone at large.