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Francis Ben Kaifala Elected W/A Regional Representative of Anti-Corruption Authorities

June 24, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Francis Ben Kaifala, Commissioner of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) was on Wednesday 22nd June, 2022 unanimously elected to serve in the Executive Committee as the West African Regional Representative of the Association of Africa Anti-Corruption Authorities in the just concluded 5th Annual General Assembly meeting at the Royal Palace Hotel, Conference Centre, in Bujumbura, Burundi, East Africa.

The Executive Committee is the second highest body of the AAACA and has the responsibility to take care of the day-to-day affairs of the Association. Currently, the Secretariat of AAACA is in Bujumbura, Burundi.

It is no doubt that Francis Ben Kaifala continues to make Sierra Leone proud, as his unanimous endorsement is a result of the remarkable and exemplary gains he has made and continues to make in the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone which the African continent continues to commend and be proud of. His successes are well known and often referenced on the African Continent.

The erudite legal luminary was 2020 unanimously elected to serve on the Africa Advisory Board on Corruption as a member.

He is also the immediate past President of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA).

The three-day 5th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Africa Anti-Corruption Authorities (AAACA) was held at the Royal Palace Hotel, Conference Center, in Bujumbura, Burundi East Africa, which commenced on Monday 20th June 2022.

The Conference among other things emphasized issues of Africa’s Unity and Coordination to combat illicit financial flows, asset recovery, the commemoration of African Anti-Corruption Day on July 11, Adoption of the Association’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026, and the ratification of the Association’s partnerships with GIZ, AfDB, UNODC, and CCUAC.

On the aspect of Asset Recovery, Sierra Leone’s remarkable non-conviction asset-based recovery approach leading to the recovery of over Forty Billion Leones (USD$4M) was showcased at the Conference, which is phenomenal on the African Continent.

The Conference’s high point was the election of the New Executive Committee which will take over the administration and management of the Association.

Important also, the Conference ended with the adoption and publication of the Bujumbura Declaration which contains the key outcomes and position of AAACA arising from deliberations at the Conference in regard to the consolidation of the fight against corruption on the African Continent.

The establishment of the AAACA is in accordance with the AU Convention and seeks to provide a platform for African countries to tackle corruption as well as reinforce and strengthen good governance across the continent.

Furthermore, the existence of the AAACA is in line with the objectives of the African Union to promote good governance, democratic principles, international cooperation, greater unity, and increased solidarity between the African countries and the peoples of Africa.

NEW Ends Two Days Conference on Building CSOs Resilience vis-à-vis the 2023 Elections

June 24, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

According to a Press Release dated 21^st June 2022 it was revealed that the National Elections Watch (NEW) organized a two-day conference from the 20th to 21st June 2022 on the theme, “Building Resilience, Protecting the Civic Space: A CSO Agenda for the 2023 Elections”.

The aim of the conference was to examine the current trends and challenges of Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and the civic space in Sierra Leone and to develop a set of toolboxes to keep CSOs resilient, adaptive and relevant in the democratic space as the country approaches general elections in June 2023.

The conference was co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ), implemented by GIZ, through the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operation (EPSAO) Project.

The EPSAO Project is aimed at strengthening ECOWAS’ capacities to support peaceful electoral processes in West Africa, including civil society efforts to monitor electoral processes and prevent and manage electoral conflict.

It was recognized that Civil Society and the civic space in Sierra Leone and other countries around the world are faced with emerging challenges.

To examine those challenges and to discuss possible ways to address them, over seventy (70) civil society actors, including media organizations, drawn from all regions and districts across the country met in the two-day conference.

Their discussions focused on election-related challenges faced by Sierra Leonean CSOs, including the media, and their role ahead of the June 2023 general elections, including political polarization, politically motivated violence, hate speech and divisive messages and misinformation and disinformation.

Furthermore, the conference was conceived to strengthen the voice of civil society leaders who support democracy, credible elections and civil liberties and foster civil society activism for democratic resilience. The conference took place under an open-space approach to generate robust and insightful discussions.

Participants identified strategies to improve the resilience and capacities of CSOs ahead of the 2023 general elections and beyond, as well as coordination amongst CSOs at the national level on planning and implementing election-related activities.

LAJ to Appear in Court on the 28 June

June 24, 2022

In his second appearance before Magistrate Sahr E. Kekura of Magistrate Court No 1 on Pademba Road in Freetown, on the 22^nd June 2022, Alhaji Amadu Bah alias LAJ was again refused bail and sent on remand. He was before the Court to answer to four Counts including Robbery with Violence and Assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm.

In court, one of the witnesses who identified himself as a Pump Attendant, Ishmael Kamara (PW1) said he is an employee of Leonco Fuel Station on Water Street at Congo Cross in Freetown and admitted knowing Francess Wilson as a colleague.

“I know the accused person. He is a popular Sierra Leone musician,” he said, recounting that, “I remember Sunday the 12th June 2022. I was on duty at Water Street Leonco fuel station. Something happened between myself and the accused person.”

He continued that on that very Sunday around 3 O Clock, his colleagues Musa and Francess were at work at the fuel station and a black Ford vehicle without a number plate came into the fuel station.

According to him, the vehicle parked in front of Francess’ machine (Pump 2), and the driver alighted and asked why Francess why was sitting down.

He added how the driver, Ishmael, came down and said he wanted Five Hundred Thousand Leones (Le. 500,000) Petrol but he was asked by Christiana to park properly and he did as instructed.

Ishmael Kamara told the court how a man in the same vehicle by the name of Buju started arguing with the pump attendant (Francess) asking her why she was sitting down idling to which Francess immediately responded by saying there was no vehicle to sell to.

According to Ishmael Kamara, Buju accused Francess of being lazy telling her to be up and seen working as no pump attendant should be seen sitting.

He continued that another who was with LAJ, popularly known as Isho and was the driver stated, “da timberland boot way you wear you go kill am ooo.”

Ishmael said he stated that the accused should come and speak a language Francess will understand and during the process, the accused alighted the vehicle and came to where Francess was and leaned on the vehicle where Francess was pumping the fuel.

He continued that he overheard Buju saying to Francess, “you are a prostitute and after sleeping out all night you only come here to sit down.”

He told the Court that Ishmael said, “you should fucking remove the pump from the vehicle and we will not fucking pay you.”

Ishmael said Francess removed the hose from the vehicle after pumping 27 liters with some points adding that Musa, his colleague, came and told them that what they were doing is not right saying since she is a woman they should stop insulting her.

He said LAJ was quick to scold Musa for making the cautioning statement and punched him in the face which led Musa to fall down.

The witness continued that during the scuffle Ishmael then grabbed the sales bag from Musa and that was when one Daniel Kallie, the Manager of Leonco came to the scene.

He said the Manager then held on to the bag adding that when Christiana removed her phone to film what was going on, the accused rushed at her and scolded her.

“Christiana sent the phone to me and I placed it inside my sales bag,” he told the Court disclosing that LAJ, Buju and Ishmael and one unknown person rushed and scolded him violently.

He said he was unable to breathe as a result he let go of the sales bag because the accused constantly held on to his throat.

“LAJ took the phone from my bag and the money, Four Million Two Hundred Thousand Leones (Le 4,200,000). The accused and Ishmael also threatened to come to burn down the station,” he said adding that they entered the Ford vehicle and drove off.
He said by then Musa had gone to the Congo Cross Police Station and brought a truckload of Police Officers.

He said the assailants were traced with a Police van and were caught on Kissy Road close to the cemetery where the Police instructed that he alight the vehicle and join them in a Police van.

The witness said thereafter they moved to the Congo Cross Police Station and statements were obtained during which a medical report was issued to him.

LAJ, the accused person in the matter was represented by IP Mamie Esq., Madieu Sesay Esq, Alfred Kamanda Esq, and others. State Counsel, Yusif Isaac Sesay prosecuted and strongly opposed the bail application made.

The matter will come up again on Tuesday, 28th June, 2022.

Tony Morgan Analyzes Bar Association’s Press Release on Arrest & Detention of LAJ

June 24, 2022

In a Press Release, dated 19^th June 2022 issued by Tony Morgan terming in which he analyzed a previous Press Release by the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), bordering on the arrest and detention of Alhaji Amadu Bah alias LAJ, he categorically stated that the SLBA went beyond its purview in its standpoint on the said issue.

According to Tony Morgan, the SLBA Press Release was clearly designed to incite the public for which he called on the Sierra Leone Police to sue the Association for defamation.

He continued that the Sierra Leone Bar Association was created to protect and regulate its members within the confines of the law and it is important for the SLBA to note that it can only regulate its members.

The author underscored how it is not a legal requirement for every lawyer to be part of the Association but it is usually preferred.

He furthered that SLBA stated in their Press Release, “The violator of the laws and values that we hold dear to our hearts and minds should certainly not be the SLP that vowed to enforce the laws “.

Tony Morgan argued that the statement clearly implies the Police is guilty without any proof adding how every “fact” in the Press Release was embarrassingly based on heresy and absolutely no discussion with the Police was done.

He said that against such a backdrop, he is calling on the Ministry of Labour to look into the conditions under which the Association was established to determine if it is within their right to issue such a statement.

Tony said it is to be determined if the Press Release was in line with what the Association has done previously and also called for all members of the Association to sign a document stating they were in agreement with the press statement issued and that if the members were not aware before it was released then the Executive of the Association should be disbanded immediately.

He again reiterated that the Sierra Leone Police should look into litigation saying the Association clearly defamed the SLP.

Also, contained in his Press Release is that the SLBA is not the law-making body or the moral guarantor of the constitution of Sierra Leone calling on them to release another statement stating clearly that they are just an Association.

He concluded by stating that the SLBA should state clearly if the Association is acting on behalf of Alhaji Amadu Bah.

See press release:

Analysis of the press release by the

Sierra Leone Bar association

Dated 19^th June 2022 with the headline “The Arrest and detention of Alhaji Amadu Bah (Alias LAJ)”.

The SLBA went beyond its purview, in the above-mentioned press release. The release was clearly designed to incite the public. The Sierra Leone Police should sue the association for defamation of the Force. The Press release was signed by Alfred Paul Juwah, Esq. the General Secretary- of SLBA.

The Sierra Leone Bar Association was created to protect and regulate its members within the confines of the law. It is important to note, that the association can regulate its members only. It is not a legal requirement for every lawyer to be part of the association but it is usually preferred.

SLBA stated in the press release “The violator of the laws and values that we hold dear to our hearts and minds should certainly not be the SLP that vowed to enforce the laws “. The statement clearly implies the police are guilty without any proof. Every “fact” in the press release was embarrassingly based on heresy and absolutely no discussion with the police.

Accordingly, I hereby call for:

Ministry of Labour to look into the conditions under which the Association was established to determine if it is within their right to issue such a statement.
Determine if the press release was in line with what the association has done previously.
All members of the Association to sign a document stating they were in agreement with the press statement issued. If the members were not aware before its release, the Executive of the Association should be disbanded immediately.
The Sierra Leone Police should look into litigation. The Association clearly defamed the SLP.
SLBA is not the law-making body or the moral guarantor of the constitution of Sierra Leone. They should release another statement stating clearly they are just an association.
SLBA should state clearly if the association is acting on behalf of Alhaji Amadu Bah.

Tony Morgan

Standing at $36M….. Government’s Indebtedness to Karpowership Responsible for Intermittent Power Outages

June 24, 2022

For some period of time now the business relationship between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Turkish business entity that generates and supplies electricity, Karpowership, has been shrouded in some form of secrecy permeated by rumors which sometimes makes it very difficult to know whether it is healthy or not.

However, with the recent launching of the Sierra Leone Economic Update by the World Bank in Freetown on Tuesday 21st June 2022 at the Sierra Palms Hotel it was disclosed that the Government of Sierra Leone owes Karpowership the sum of 36 Million United States Dollars since the end of 2021.

It must be noted that the Sierra Leone Economic Update is an annual publication of the World Bank that reports on and analyzes recent economic developments, reviews regional and global contexts, and analyzes the implications for the country. It also presents the medium-term outlook and prospects for the economy.

The fact is indisputable that most parts of the country have been witnessing and experiencing consistent power outages for a considerable period of time now which has been attributed to delay in paying its biggest supplier of electricity.

As a result of the delay on the part of the Government to honour payment arrears Karpowership (KP), a Turkish subsidiary that accounts for more than half of the electricity supply in Sierra Leone, has been rationing power supply.

Freetown has witnessed the most extensive load shedding as electricity demand peaked at nearly 78MW, while supply from alternate sources (hydro and solar) amounted to 35–40MW.

From what this medium understood, the amount of US$36 million is what Government owes Karpowership in terms of unpaid arrears which forced the company to shut down since there has been a violation of adherence to the agreed payment schedule.

It could be recalled that the current Power Purchase Agreement was signed in 2020 for 5 years, between the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), on behalf of the Government and Karpowership.

Under the current contract, the agreed price is dependent on the variable global cost of fuel. These power outages reflect three noteworthy facts.

The unreliable power supply is driven in part by a significant capacity gap as energy demand exceeds installed capacity. The gap between projected energy demand and existing supply is expected to rise in the coming years to nearly 50MW by 2025. While this has made room for independent power producers (IPPs) to enter the market, it has also resulted in expensive PPAs due to a lack of competition and the government’s limited negotiating power. Unreliable power supply and frequent outages represent a major constraint to growth and poverty reduction in the country.

Second, weak public finances have contributed to, and been affected by, the troubles of the power sector. Overall, poor cash management has resulted in recurrent accrual of arrears. Since Q4 of 2021, the government has reportedly accrued new arrears, including those to the power sector. Further, high technical and commercial losses at EDSA have resulted in a low recovery of revenues. All EDSA obligations are guaranteed by the government of Sierra Leone (GoSL), including the arrears owed to KP, and will most likely have a direct impact on the federal budget.

Third, the indexation of fuel prices, embedded in the PPA, results in an increase in overall costs when global crude oil prices increase. In 2021, as crude oil prices have risen to above US$70 per barrel (compared to US$50 per barrel predicted under the contract) the average cost has increased from 14 USC/kWh to about 18 USC/kWh.

As the Yagba Continues… Support Your Favourite Housemate via Voting to Emerge Victorious

June 24, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

We are now in Week 5 of the Reality TV Show, Housemates Salone Season 3, with the slogan “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand.”

By all estimation and regardless of contrary views that have been expressed, which is naturally inevitable, the crystal fact remains that the ongoing Housemates Salone Season 3 Reality TV Show will go down in the annals of the entertainment industry as one of the biggest social events that are successfully being staged in the country.

The Reality TV Show is indeed truly thrilling and somehow funny generating discussions in different quarters not, particularly about how it is rolling out but rather bordering on the performances and characters of the various Housemates presently in the House.
All the Housemates are frantically putting on their best performances in order to attract votes from the wider public and what they bag in terms of votes partly determines whether some will be evicted or continue to stay in the House. Members of the public could vote as many times as possible for their favourite Housemates.

For now as the Yagba continues for the Le 250 M cash prize & a round trip to Dubai, members of the public should earnestly vote for their favourite Housemates. Members of the public residing in Sierra Leone could either start or continue to vote via Afrimoney. To do so, they should just dial *161*10*1# with the NUMBERS of the Housemates. For International voting, it must be done via www.housematessl.com or www.africell.sl.

If some of the Housemates appear sexy by the kind of dresses they wear then that must not come as any big surprise simply because they are expected to display nudity. Again, if sometimes they talk harshly then it is because they intermittently use strong language and acting funnily is a result of the expectation of being humorous.
Organizers of the event, Africa Young Voices (AYV) and Africell are very enthusiastic to enhance youth empowerment in the country and the Reality TV Show is one platform that is providing that.

The Housemates are benefitting from motivational lectures and added to that they are given the opportunity to socialize, learn how to play different games, how to speak fluently etc. All these empowerments, such will definitely transform the Housemates from what their characters were before they entered the House.
But financially empowering these Housemates is one of the most important channels of making them relevant in society.

It is an open secret that since its inception the African Young Voices (AYV) has been providing opportunities for young people to have their voices heard, learn new skills and meaningfully contribute to overall national development.
This youth empowerment drive is one of the cardinal objectives of this renowned media empire and it has been successfully rolling it out.

On the part of Africell-SL, the telecommunications service provider has been supporting various entertainment activities and even young artists in the country with the avowed aim of catching them young and as well providing the space for bringing out their potential which could be harnessed for productive ends.

The Reality TV Show could be viewed live, on a 24/7 basis, on AYV Entertainment Channels 34 & 33 and AYV on DSTV Channel 399. It must also be noted that Housemates Salone Season 3 is also shown on what is widely referred to as Nigeria and Ghana DSTV.

Viewers now have a wide variety of platforms through which they could enjoy watching the Reality TV Show and make informed decisions why they should vote for certain Housemates.

Cast your vote now to maintain your favourite Housemates in the House as eviction awaits them over the weekend.

High Commission of India in Freetown Celebrates 8th International Yoga Day

June 24, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The High Commission of India celebrated the 8^th International Yoga Day on 21^st June 2022 featuring Indians and Sierra Leoneans who practice it here in the country.

It is a global celebration highlighting the importance of Yoga and its role in keeping the body and mind in perfect health. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Yoga: the Guardian Ring” and the celebration took place at the High Commission of India, Wilkinson Road in Freetown.

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that helps to boost one’s mental and social well-being.

Deepak Kumar Kashyap, as Attaché of the High Commission of India, intimated this medium that the day aims to raise awareness on the significance of inculcating the habit of meditation for peace of mind and self-awareness which is necessary to survive in a stress-free environment.

Edward Kekura Kamara, one of the Yoga instructors revealed that Yoga has many benefits which according to him could be useful antidotes for stress, anxiety, flexibility, trauma, amongst others.

Climaxing the event was a demonstration of how Yoga is practiced which captivated those in attendance.

Sierra Leone has always been an important partner of India to promote and celebrate the International Day of Yoga since its inception.

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Magistrate Hadiru Daboh Remands Accused for Stealing & Flushing Vehicle Key

June 24, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of Court No.3, Ross Road, Freetown refused granting bail to one Alimamy Sillah for stealing and flushing the key of a vehicle with Registration No. AQY 015.

The accused was charged with One Count of Larceny Contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916. According to the Prosecution Witness, the accused was seen in the footage of a CCTV at So Pure Water Company at Kissy Dockyard in Freetown removing a key from his colleague’s vehicle with registration number AQY 015 only to flush it in the flush toilet at the Company.

He pleaded not guilty to the said one count and the matter was adjourned to the 30th June, 2022.

NP Stoutly Reacts to Baseless Propaganda on TV

June 24, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Management of NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), has intimated this medium that the current fuel situation in the country could not be divorced from the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Management continued that since the inception of the war the petroleum importing and marketing company has bent backward in order to ensure that petroleum products, mainly petrol and diesel, are available at all times in the country.

“Though the war has caused and continues to make the company run at huge losses yet as an indigenous company we take it as our moral responsibility to make sure that those products are available on the market,” this medium was informed during an exclusive interview he granted adding that NP-SL Ltd has been the only oil marketing company in the country that has been unreservedly supplying and marketing fuel during trying times like now maintaining that the company is still doing so.

Management revealed that every day NP fuel stations have petroleum products to sell underscoring that they intend to import more of those products.

It was stated that NP-SL is the only company at the moment that has AGO gas and diesel in the country furthering that the negative statements certain people are making against the company will in no way discourage them or deter them to continue to translate their sacred duty into reality which is to ensure that there are petroleum products in the country.

The NP-SL Management debunked a statement made by one Peter Beckley of the Strategic Communications Unit on the SLBC Podium Programme of the 23^rd June 2022 that NP-SL doesn’t have the required resources to import petroleum products in the country and that the company is purchasing those products from sources within the country for onward sales.

It was added that as someone who is representing Government, Peter Beckley must be capable enough of sourcing concrete facts before making statements within the public domain. He said what Peter said is not only unfortunate but very ridiculous.

In setting the record straight, Management pointed out that NP-SL Ltd has the largest market share and is the most capitalized oil marketing company in the country.

“The company is not only operating here in Sierra Leone but is also functioning in neighboring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and The Gambia,” it was stated Management, and the question was asked rhetorically if that is the case how can it be true that the company is cash-strapped or does not has enough resources to operate as a viable business entity.

According to the Management of the company, NP-SL Ltd is an open book that anybody could read maintaining that the company has nothing to hide further underscoring that they are very transparent in their dealings.

It was highlighted that if any individual or institution wants to secure any information about the company they could either contact the petroleum regulator or the Corporate Affairs Commission to have any authentic information they require.

Management added how some who had investigated the company in the past with the avowed aim of finding something fishy went back ashamed because they discovered the good work that the company is doing in the country.

It was mentioned that they will refer Peter Beckley to the Regulator, the Ministry of Trade, and the Ministry of Finance, and from there he will discover that his utterances were in complete variance with the views, thoughts, and facts known by officials of those institutions who are all part of the Government.

The company’s Management revealed how from January 2022 to date the company imported 112,491,596 metric tonnes of fuel costing over $111M.

It was hammered that people should stop thinking that Sierra Leone is the only country that is currently facing a fuel crisis.

Management pointed out that Ghana is facing a looming fuel shortage as the Central Bank rations dollars after oil prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Also stated was how the monthly fuel import bill for the West African nation jumped to $450 million in May, from $250 million in January.

According to the company’s officials, the Central Bank of Ghana is only offering about $100 million a month at its foreign exchange auctions and licensed bulk petroleum distributors can no longer plug the shortfall in the black market.

Management, however, assured that NP-SL Ltd will continue to do the good work it has been doing throughout the years in the country by ensuring that petroleum products are available at all times.

“NP-SL Ltd will remain to be 1^st for Customer Care,” it was said with pride.

Police Declare Albert Nallo Wanted

June 24, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

Report reaching this medium indicates that one Albert Nallo of 24 Fadugu Street, Bendugu Town, Sambaia Bendugu Chiefdom, Tonkolili district, Northeast of Sierra Leone has been declared wanted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CiD) of the Sierra Leone Police for his alleged involvement in the political violence that took place in Constituency 056, Tonkolili district on Saturday, June 18th, 2022.

Accordingly to the Officer Commanding CID at the Magburaka Police Division, ASP Mohamed Lahai, Nallo was accused of being part of the violence that took place in the electioneering campaign in the said Constituency.

ASP Lahai said Nallo is the Deputy Campaign Coordinator of the opposition, All People’s Congress (APC) party in Constituency 056.

He said the day in questioned was set aside by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone for the APC Party to campaign, adding that the campaign started peacefully until mid-day when violence erupted between supporters of the two main rival political parties the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and APC party which resulted to the injury of five people who were hospitalized at the Magburaka Government Hospital.

ASP Lahai said supporters of the SLPP reported the matter to the police and was instructed to handle the matter. He disclosed that Nallo’s name was mentioned in the report and he was invited to the Station to make a statement in connection with the allegations levied against him.

He said despite several calls and invitations Nallo refused to report to the Station and has been declared wanted by the police for failing to respond to police call.

Nallo’s Uncle, Alhaji Kelfala Nallo said their son’s name is included in the list of wanted persons because of his association with the opposition party and the ongoing campaign in the forthcoming Parliamentary bye-election in that Constituency.

He described Nallo as a very popular politician among his peers in the Constituency and the ruling party saw his intervention as a stumbling block to their victory in the June 25th, 2022 Parliamentary bye-elections in Constituency 056.

He said since their son heard about the police invitation, the whereabout of Nallo, his wife Abioseh Josephine Nallo and his two children Jousha Nallo and Miata Nallo remains unknown. Family members have however expressed serious concern about their safety, security and wellbeing.

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