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NDMA Commences Implementation of a 5 Year Coastal Risks Management Project

June 22, 2022

In collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), the Institute of Marine Biology & Oceanography (USL-IMBO), and the National Tourist Board (NTB) and with funding support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), on the 20^th June 2022, commenced on the implementation of a five-year GEF funded project titled: “Adapting to Climate Change Induced Coastal Risks Management in Sierra Leone”.

The Project, it was understood, is aimed at strengthening the ability of coastal communities to systematically manage climate change risks and its impacts on the physical infrastructure and economic livelihoods through the use of Community-Based Early Warning Systems (CBEWS) which is based on “people-centered” approach through the empowerment of individuals and communities that are threatened by hazards to act sufficiently and effectively in order to reduce the possibility of injury, loss of life, damage to property, environment, and loss of livelihood.

The four (4) coastal communities in which the project is being implemented are Konakridee – Kaffu Bullum Chiefdom, Port Loko District; Shenge – Kagboro Chiefdom, Moyamba District; Turtle Island – Dema Chiefdom, Bonthe District and Tombo, Western Area Rural District in Sierra Leone.

While welcoming the participants and guests on behalf of local leaders, the Chiefdom Speaker of Kayamba Chiefdom, Moyamba District, Chief Abu Bendu Mboyawa mentioned that Shenge Island is degrading due to natural and human activities. “All that we are seeing now in Shenge Island are Early Warning signs of disaster. Only our attitude and activities can avert disasters, especially those we can control,” he commented.

During his presentations both at Konakridee – Kaffu Bullum Chiefdom in Port Loko District and Shenge – Kagboro Chiefdom in Moyamba, NDMA’s Director of Risk Reduction & Preparedness, Thomas A. Lebbie stated that the training will provide communities, practitioners, and organizations involved in disaster risk management with advance information and techniques that can be readily translated into prevention, preparedness and response actions. “This training will give you the skills and knowledge about hazards, threats, and vulnerabilities in communicating messages on disaster prevention, mitigation, and response,” he disclosed.

Whilst thanking NDMA and partners for organizing the training and inviting selected Councilors whose wards are currently experiencing severe consequences of man-made disaster, the Councilor of Ward 235 in Main Port Loko, Abu Bakarr B. Kanu noted that; “When we were young, we use to get shrimp and fish for our households from the Bankasoka river. It was an attractive breeding ground for fish and shellfish. We hope with this capacity-building engagement, we can now pass on the message to our people to start practicing adaptation mechanisms and move away from illegal fishing practices,” he added.

It was learned that the training will continue in the remaining two targeted coastal communities in a bid to close the knowledge gap in managing hazards within their communities.

Confucius Institute Awards Winner of 21stChinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition

June 22, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Confucius Institute of the University of Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has on Saturday 18^th June 2022 held its 21^st edition of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students inclusive of those in Sierra Leone. The event was held at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown.

10 University students who were contestants gave a full display of their talents in Chinese speaking, in a Q&A session and a talent show, which took the competition from one level to another until it reached the climax.

Daniel Siaffa, a student of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, bagged the first prize and won a ticket to travel to China to participate in the World Final representing Sierra Leone.

In his statement, the Director at the Confucius Institute of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor Bai, revealed that the Chinese Bridge means the Chinese language is like a bridge and it could be a tremendous and endless bridge crossing the Atlantic Ocean from one end of the globe, giving us an example from China in East Asia to the other end- Sierra Leone in West Africa.

He further described it as a huge international bridge being built by the People and Governments of China and Sierra Leone-through the Chinese language

The Director underscored that it could also be a small bridge just as the Confucius Institute of the University of Sierra Leone has been building by teaching Chinese in Sierra Leone.

“When we see our students communicating or working with Chinese people in the Chinese language -we see that the bridge of Chinese really works: we are getting closer to each other; we understand each other more and better. Finally, we become friends and brothers. Some even become international married couples. It is the Chinese Language that joins us together,” he underscored.

Professor Bai used the opportunity to state that he is going to finish his 3-year tenure in August 2022. He extended appreciation to the Department of Language Studies in the Faculty of Arts, FC, USL, for its strong support and great tolerance. He further thanked the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and the Chinese Community in Sierra Leone for their sincere and consistent support.

Representing the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, Li Xiao Yong, noted that now more than ever before is there a need for cross-cultural knowledge and communication skills to address global challenges, adding that people are deeply aware that it is their common responsibility to cultivate a younger generation with a global vision, a global mindset,cross-language and cross-cultural abilities.

He pointed out that they have greatly enhanced their understanding of the importance of strengthening language education, deepening international cooperation, and working together to build a stronger community with a shared future for mankind.

Li Xiao Yong disclosed that China and Sierra Leone have enjoyed a time-honored friendship, furthering that last year marked the 50^thanniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and that in the past five decades their education and
cultural exchange has been continuously improved upon.

He maintained that under their various Government scholarship programs, China has sponsored more than 1000 Sierra Leonean students to study in China and invited more than 5100 Sierra Leonean friends from all walks of life to China for short-term training courses or exchanges.

“China will strive to continue deepening educational and cultural exchanges with Sierra Leone as time goes on.
Rest assured that once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, more and more Sierra Leonean friends will be invited to China to experience the unparalleled charm of the Chinese culture,” said Li Xiao Yong.

“Language is a bridge connecting all different cultures and races. I hope that more and more Sierra Leonean youth will continue to learn the Chinese language through the ‘Chinese Bridge’ program, learn to tell their own personal stories through Chinese, and one day become bridges and ambassadors of the Chinese-Sierra Leonean friendship. I am happy to be here with all of you to witness the Sierra Leone Finals of the 21^st ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students,” he concluded.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor & Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Prof. J. Kargbo commended the Confucius Institute for the laudable venture in giving the opportunity to foreign college students to learn the Chinese Language and Culture.

He informed the gathering that the College administration and the University of Sierra Leone are ready to support the Confucius Institute in its numerous engagements.

Prof. J. Kargbo stated that for the past five years their students brought laurels to FBC and so those representing FBC should do their best to clinch the guru position. He further appealed to the Confucius Institute to add more women to the contest since only two out of ten contestants were women.

Daniel Siaffa, a student of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) University who took the first position commended the Institute for organizing the 21^st edition of the ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students which he said has enabled him to learn the Chinese language.

He maintained that he won the ticket to go to China for the World Final on behalf of Sierra Leone of which he assured all that he is going to empower himself more in order to emerge as the winner.

Closing the event was the announcement of the final 10 University student winners following the awarding of the winning prize to the winner as well as the announcement of the final result for the 2^nd edition of the ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition for primary school pupils as well as awarding prizes to those who did well.

Sierra Leone Institutes 1st Cyber Investigative Directorate

June 22, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

President Julius Maada Bio has fulfilled his commitment to implement Sierra Leone’s first Cyber Investigative Directorate (CID) which gives the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) the capability to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes and crimes committed using the internet.

The CID was commissioned recently and consists of multiple teams of Sierra Leone Police officers who have been trained and certified in leading state-of-the-art cyber and digital forensics systems.

According to cyber forensics experts from the United States, very few nations have this expertise making Sierra Leone one of the global leaders in cyber Investigative capability.

The CID’s cyber forensic systems will be used to fight all types of crimes that involve the use of the internet, the dark web, and analog and cellular networks including humans, weapons, drug, and contraband trafficking, extortion, identify theft, financial and BITCOIN fraud, sexual assault, robbery and homicide committed by organized gangs, cartel, organized crime, terrorist organizations, and individuals.

The implementation of the CIU was the vision of President Maada Bio, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ambrose Michael Sovula, and the Sierra Leone Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency, Ambassador Sidique Abubakarr Wai.

Ambassador Wai initiated an investigation into cyber technologies to fulfill their vision and brought in experts from the United States led by Jerry W Torres who is a retired US Special Forces Soldier and global leader in cyber Investigative methodologies. Torres also a dedicated philanthropist, provided donations to help build the 34 military hospital complex in Freetown under First Lady Madam Fatima Bio’s “Hands off our Girls” program to treat victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

The Cyber Forensics Unit complies with Sierra Leone’s Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021.

During Solade Adams Public Lecture… ACC Commissioner Dilates on ‘Sanitization of the ‘Dominion’ Effect

June 22, 2022

Francis Ben Kaifala Esq, Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), on Wednesday 15^th June 2022 revealed that education in Sierra Leone has taken the center stage of late, lamenting how the fake degree scandal has rocked the country.

He quoted the late Nelson Mandela as saying that “the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world is education” and Malcolm X who said “education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who are prepared for it today” while former American President Barrack Obama said, “in a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity–it is a prerequisite.”

He made the statement as a Guest Speaker at the Solade Adams Public Lecture Series on the topic, ‘Sanitization of the ‘Dominion’ Effect. Retracing the ‘Athens of West Africa’ to Unleash Sierra Leone’s Developmental Aspiration’ held at the Great Hall of the MMTU, Goderich campus in Freetown.

According to Francis Ben Kaifala, the Greeks held the view that if philosopher-kings were made all will be well, that during the 19^th century Sierra Leone occupied an enviable position in entire West Africa but in the 1970s and 80s bad governance crept in while corruption reared its ugly head as the meager funds allocated to the education sector were embezzled resulting to overcrowding in schools, low wages for teachers, lack of teaching and learning materials with endemic corruption and bad governance that led to the civil war.

He also enlightened that Government has prioritized education as 30% of the national budget goes to the sector and upgraded a number of tertiary institutions all in the country’s efforts to retrace its steps to get back to where it was affirming that the ACC is clamping down on academic fraud as the children of today are the seeds of tomorrow and that there is loss of faith in professionals at all cadres.

He furthered that during the same period educational institutions decayed and dilapidated as there was a lack of adequate facilities, little incentive to attract quality teachers while the syllabuses were not in line with modern trends and lamented that the country has lost the title of Athens of West Africa that resulted to the setting up of the Professor Gbamanja Commission of Inquiry stating that the 6334 system of education was “an error of judgment.”

The guest speaker quoted a UNESCO report as stating that Sierra Leone’s literacy rate is 48.1, that no country can develop without education, that fake degrees, honorary PhDs, and other titles and examination malpractices have now become the order of the day, and asked the rhetoric question, “how did we get there?”

He said the penalty for acquiring fake degrees is five years imprisonment and recalled the ACC press release of 19^th April 2022 in which it clarified that there are state institutions like the Tertiary Education Commission, Public Service Commission, and the Human Resource Management Office among others that are responsible to address the issue stating that the 205 ACC staff nationwide is inadequate but informed that the ACC has established a Task Force to support other institutions to address the issue, appealed to students to be examples to others to change the country reiterating that one does not need to have a PhD to succeed in life but that people must merit what they have underlining that dishonesty would not dominate the country.

He revealed that the ACC undertakes massive public sensitization for transparency to reign, undertakes system reviews in government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as well as tertiary institutions where they attack the minds of students and are covered by intellectual freedom, that Sierra Leoneans hate corruption only when it does not benefit them and appealed to all to support the fight against corruption.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of MMTU, Dr. Philip John Kanu warmly welcomed Mr. Francis Ben Kaifala to the campus and observed that Sierra Leoneans do not know how to celebrate their compatriots. Introducing, the guest speaker, the head of the Hotel Tourism and Nutritional Sciences, Ms. Aminata Bangura revealed that the ACC has made remarkable improvements in the fight against corruption in all indexes both local and international.

Papa Njai, Coordinator of Short Courses at MMTU, who moderated the program, underscored the timeliness of the topic by citing the case of the fake degrees awarded by the Dominion and Africa Graduate Universities, recalled the period when Sierra Leone was described as the Athens of West Africa and hoped lecturers and students would take advantage of the knowledge gained by disseminating it.

He continued that the guest speaker would do justice to the topic, that MMTU is now a force to be reckoned with in Sierra Leone and soon in the West Africa sub-region citing the recent visit of The Gambian delegation to MMTU to understudy its achievements.

The question and answer session and the vote of thanks given by Santigie Conteh, a final year student, climaxed the well-attended event.

With 70% Completed & 30% Remaining… Sick Pikin Project Appeals for Le37M Support to Complete Medical Treatment

June 22, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Followers of The Calabash Newspaper would recall that last year this news medium drew the attention of the public to the sorry plight of a 16-year-old pupil, Momoh Kosboy Kamara, who is residing at Mange Bureh within the Port Loko District and appealed as well as sought for medical support from individuals and organizations.

Diagnosis revealed a medical condition known as MENINGOCELE which is a Posterior Heterogonous Swelling of the Occipital that caused his elongated head.

His condition was so disturbing and distressing for Momoh that he had to drop out of school as a result of the bullying he got from some of his friends and schoolmates.

Momoh’s parents, who are low-income earners and could not afford to foot his medical bills, brought him to Freetown to seek help.

The Sick Pikin Project, a humanitarian organization, responded to that appeal. It is an organization whose primary goal is to help sick children in Sierra Leone whose parents cannot afford to pay for their medical bills, stepped in to help Momoh.

“We tried to first examine his condition through the help of medical doctors here in Freetown before they told us that, his condition could be difficult to be operated on here in Sierra Leone, so he need to be taken out of Sierra Leone to another country where they do this kind of surgery,” Ishmail Alfred Charles, an official of the Sick Pikin Project informed.

He added that as they were working effortlessly and tirelessly to ensure that Momoh stays alive, they came in contact with Dr. Peter Bangura through the help of Sister Janet Musa.

“After a few days we had come across Dr. Bangura, he called to our attention that a team of Neurosurgeons called Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation (KBNF), a Canadian medical health charity foundation that deals with brain and spine injuries, were coming to Sierra Leone from Liberia and that he would share with them the MRI and CT scans of Momoh,” Ishmail Alfred Charles furthered revealing that he profoundly did. He said the team of Neurosurgeons then after looking at the Momoh’s case, accepted to do his surgery in Liberia at the John F Kennedy Hospital.

The official of the humanitarian entity disclosed how The Sick Pikin Project decided to loan funds from another child’s case who was due to leave Sierra Leone for India.

He said as urgent as the case was they had to take the loan and replace it later and so they did.

“We prepared all necessary paperwork for Momoh who was bound for Liberia. We accomplished our tasks and took Momoh to Liberia through the help of World Hope International and Dr. Bangura who was in Liberia to receive Momoh,” he stated.

Ishmail said Momoh got admitted to the John F Kennedy Hospital where he underwent clinical review and laboratory tests before he could be operated on.

“On Sunday 14 November 2021, Momoh Kosboy Kamara successfully completed his first set of surgery, and 70% of the swelling of his occipital was removed remaining 30%,” he continued adding that

as complex as his case is, Momoh’s hopes are on the verge of being restored and his dream to return to school is about to come true.

“We have done so much but not too much to reach the finish line. Momoh currently needs Le35, 000,000 to undergo the remaining 30% of the surgery,” he disclosed maintaining that as said in the local palace, “wusai wi don komot na dey far.”

He said certain people have all done tremendously well to ensure that Momoh gets back on his feet and returns to school but it’s not over yet as The Sick Pikin Project needs additional help to make that happen.

The Sick Pikin Project official, who is a lead campaigner for the organization, quoted Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

“Let us join hands as we have normally been doing, to help Momoh Kosboy Kamara,” he appealed maintaining that they believe individuals and organizations can make that happen.

Contact: © Sick Pikin Project International, Tel: +23276722736 or +23276793010 Website: sickpikin.org

Dr. Memunatu Pratt Becomes Chair of Global Chairperson for Women in Tourism

June 22, 2022

Dr. Memunatu Pratt, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has been appointed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as Global Chairperson for Women in Tourism.

The Minister’s appointment to chair the global platform for women in tourism came in recognition of her dedication, commitment, and development strides geared towards the improvement of tourism, especially in Sierra Leone.

As a specialized UN agency in the field of tourism, UNWTO is committed to enhancing the positive impact of tourism development on women’s lives and, in so doing, contributing to the development of the fifth sustainable development goal, “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”.

It could be recalled that since her appointment as Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs by President Julius Maada Bio in 2018, Dr. Memunatu Pratt has positioned the sector both locally and internationally by implementing programs aimed at increasing domestic tourism, marketing the destination, and attending international tourism trade fairs.

The Ministry, under her watch, has gained the support and confidence of donor partners, UNDP, EIF, and the World Bank who have been very instrumental in the implementation of the activities of the Ministry and its agencies.

Dr. Pratt’s appointment as the global chairperson for women in tourism by UNWTO will add to the plethora of local and international accolades she has received for her outstanding performance in tourism and women empowerment.

In addition to Fanzone Gossips… Voting is Decisive in Making Housemates Salone Season 3 Lively & Suspenseful

June 22, 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.”At the end of Season 4 and the beginning of Season 5, we witnessed the eviction of Munah Mimi Zayat #46 aka Ginger Queen, and Abdul Michel Koroma #2 aka M’Posh from the House.

The Housemates have been coupled again and the House is getting hotter as the love triangle and love square are taking different turns with ladies coupled with different guys besides their usual pairs. Viewers may begin to ponder what will be the outcome of the unusual pairing which was done according to their wishes as they were not forced.

However, there is only one way to find out but we will come to that later on.

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 favorite 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.

It must be underscored that the fate of any of the Housemates is largely determined by the number of votes secured from the public through the aforementioned voting channels. Members of the public could vote as many times as possible for their favorite Housemates.

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 about why they should vote for certain Housemates.

Back to find out what will be the outcome of the unusual pairing it is good to watch Housemates Fanzone every Monday at 10:00 pm hosted by, Hurai Bangurah, where there are exciting games, questions, fun moments, and one on one discussions with the evicted Housemates plus bits on the side with fans.

It could be watched on AYV DStv Channel 399, AYV Channel 34, and YouTube Channel in real-time 24/7.

The way and manner in which the Housemates are carrying themselves with regards to putting on their best performances as required in order to score certain points or scores are captivating and worth learning from. These Housemates are imbibing life-long skills as evident in them given the opportunity to cook, play various games, compete in the form of debates, socialize, learn how to psychologically respond to certain situations in life, how to compose songs, how sing, dress for different occasions and a host of others.

From time to time they are taken through certain tutorials by experts who have specialized in certain disciplines to mentally impact their knowledge base to better prepare them for the future.

What has been seen so far is that these Housemates are availed outlets to demonstrate their innate talents through the platform that the Reality TV Show has so far provided. Argued from whatever perspective it is glaring that these young Housemates are going through an empowerment phase in their lives and by the time they emerge from the House they may be quite different personalities.

NP-SL Ltd Epitomizes Excellence , Caring & Dedication in Efficient Service Delivery

June 22, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Amidst the economic turmoil the country is facing, NP Sierra Leone Limited sheds a ray of hope for Sierra Leonean businesses. It epitomizes what any determined group of Sierra Leoneans can achieve when they come together and sincerely invest in an entrepreneurial venture.

It is worthy to note that since its inception, the Management of NP-SL Ltd has been very keen on prioritizing customer care and in that direction is very much interested in listening to concerns as well as putting in place measures that address anomalies. From time to time the company capacitates its partners, such as Filling Station Managers and pump attendants, through training programs in a bid to optimize their abilities how to treat customers well. This is why the company is better known as 1^st for Customer Care.

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 functioning extremely well to the utmost satisfaction of governments plus its ever-growing customers.

When cognizance is taken of the fact that Governments need revenue to finance development projects; it is important to find the sources of generating such.

NP-SL, as a company, is one of the biggest taxpayers to the government. Its management always makes it 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-SL for making available cookers popularly known as NP Gas, which are 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.

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.

The introduction of the NP Smart Card has been acclaimed by many simply because it makes the purchase of fuel safe and cashless. All that the holder of the Card needs to do is to top up with money and use it to buy the quantity of fuel he or she requires with no exchange of physical cash. It is indeed a modern way of conducting transactions.

In terms of rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility, the company is doing so solidly evident in its support of various worthy causes that impact positively on communities and the nation as a whole. Examples abound to justify this assertion but because of space, such will be highlighted from time to time.

NP Limited has truly made Sierra Leone proud as it continues to fly the Green, White, and Blue in the West African sub-region with the story of how Sierra Leoneans are capable of becoming successful entrepreneurs.

As Institutions Raise Human Rights Concerns… LAJ in Court Today

June 22, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Controversial Sierra Leonean rapper, Alhaji Amadu Bah, alias LAJ, whose treatment at a Police detention centre in Freetown, with the forceful shaving of his hair, dreadlocks, and his alleged injection with a chemical generated so many heated discussions on Social Media and other platforms bordering on the violation of his human rights, finally appeared in court at the Magistrate Court No 1 on Pademba Road in Freetown on the 20^th June 2022.

He was arraigned before, Magistrate Sahr E. Kekura, on allegations of Robbery with Violence Contrary to Section 23 (1)b of the Larceny Act, 1916 as repealed and replaced by Section 2, Act No. 16 of 1971 and Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm Contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861.

The particulars of the allegations stated that on Sunday, 12th June 2022 at Leonco Fuel Station on Main Motor Road, Congo Cross in the Freetown Judicial District in the Western Area of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the accused with intent to steal, robbed one Francess Wilson the sum of Two Million and Ninety Thousand Leones and immediately after the robbery he physically assaulted Francess Wilson.

In his defence was a battery of Lawyers led by M.P. Mamie who made an application for bail pursuant to Section 79 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1965.

State Counsel, Y.I. Sesay prosecuted the matter and was vehement in his opposition to the granting of bail on the grounds that offences allegedly committed by the accused were grievous and indeed very serious. He further argued that if bail is granted there is the propensity of the accused person to tamper with the witnesses and could even jump bail.

After listening to both parties, Magistrate Kekura refused bail and the matter adjourned to 22nd June 2022.

Prior to his first court appearance, the Sierra Leone Bar Association stated that it has followed with keen interest the incidents surrounding the arrest of Alhaji Amadu Bah (alias LAJ) and his subsequent detention which took place on 12th June 2022.

The Association said it notes with grave concern the allegations of torture and degrading treatment of Alhaji Amadu Bah and the refusal to allow his family members or his Solicitors to have access to him whilst in Police custody as contained in an open letter dated 17th June 2022, addressed to the Inspector General of Police.

“Such action by the Sierra Leone Police amounts to degrading and serious mistreatment and in blatant violation of Section 20(1) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991 Act No. 6 of 1991,” it was pointed out.

The SLBA underscored that the said Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by the Police in the said facility is in stark variance with the provision of Section 20(1) Supra and a flagrant disregard of the several International Treaty Instruments that Sierra Leone has ratified.

It called for the Independent Police Complaints Board to conduct an immediate investigation into all allegations of torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment of Alhaji Amadu Bah and other detainees relating to his arrest.

The Bar Association also demanded that the Police Council suspends the operation of all SOPs in Police Custody Facilities pending a thorough review of the said SOPs to ensure they are compliant with the provisions of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No. 6 1991 and International Treaty Instruments which guarantee rights to humane treatment in detention

It further stated that the retained Solicitors of Alhaji Amadu Bah, Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone and Family Members be granted immediate and unconditional access to Alhaji Amadu Bah while in Police Custody Facility.
Finally, Alhaji Amadu Bah MUST be brought before a court of law within ten days from the date of his arrest.

On the very day of his first appearance before a Magistrate, the Fullah Progressive Union (FPU) in a Press Statement issued and signed by the National Secretary-General, Osman Bah, stated that it is concerned over the arrest and mistreatment of Musician Alhaji Amadu Bah aka LAJ and others.

The Union continued that it is calling for the immediate intervention of the Police Council with a view to ensuring prompt and immediate access by family members and the legal representatives to LAJ and all those detained as a result of the case as guaranteed by the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone.
It concluded by saying its members would like to see all related institutions in the matter operate within their legal mandate whilst implementing the Rule of law to the letter and allowing justice to prevail.

In a related development, the Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) Sierra Leone in a statement, also dated 20^th June 2022, signed by, Amadu Femoh Sesay, Communications Officer stated how it is concerned by media reports and press releases from certain institutions that the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has subjected a suspect, Alhaji Amadu Bah, commonly called LAJ to inhumane treatments and also refused him access to his family and legal team since his arrest on Sunday 12th June 2022.

To that end, the IPCB stated how it has commenced an investigation into the said allegations in pursuance of Section 3 (1) (d & g) of the Independent Police Complaints Board Regulations, 2013, which provides for an investigation into “incidents of injuries, assault or wounding caused by a Police Officer”, and “any matter or incident which it thinks the action or inaction of the police is likely to impact significantly on the confidence of the people in the Police” respectively.

It promised to keep the public informed of developments as and when they do occur.

Fassally Tarawally Fulfils Pledge to Bo Rangers by Doling Le 500M

June 22, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

As a twin demonstration of love for his district, Bo District and the football team representing the district, Bo Rangers, a true son of the soil, Fassally Tarawally, who happens to be the Country Director of Cheng Lee Mining Company, which is undertaking gold mining activities in Diang Chiefdom, within the Koinadugu District, has stunned many by fulfilling an earlier promise of awarding the district football club, Bo Rangers, the sum of Five Hundred Million Leones( Le 500,000,000) for the emergence of the as Champion in the just concluded National Premier League.

After various encounters, ultimately emerged as the winner with an unprecedented number of points (78) and the biggest margins (16 points).

As if his offering of Five Hundred Million Leones was just a mean feat, Fassally Tarawally, who is highly regarded as a savvy businessman and who is renowned for supporting various worthy causes, made another promise or pledge during a dinner that was organized in honour of celebrating the team’s victory, of giving the team One Billion Leones (Le1 billion) if the team repeats the feat during the 2022-2023 League Season.

This medium also reliably learned that the philanthropist per excellence also supported the team with an appreciable quantity of food items meant for the feeding of the team for a considerable period of time.

It is also on record that, Fassally Tarawally, was very instrumental in the construction of the Football Clubhouse in Bo said to be one of the best state-of-the-art clubhouses in the country

Indisputably, Bo Rangers Football Club rose to national prominence when a businessman, Babadi Kamara, took over its administration in 2020 as Chairman of the Club.

Through hard work and good networking, successfully bringing onboard good players of the likes of Musa Tombo, and enlisting the support of prominent supporters and personalities that hail from the district, Bo Rangers became a formidable force to reckon with on the football pitch. The team had several winnings to its credit and for now, remains the top district team in the country.

With the financial, logistical, and moral support of the likes demonstrated by Fassally Tarawally Bo Rangers will definitely continue to limitlessly excel in football encounters.

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