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Innoson Oil & Gas Ltd Discovers 8 trillion Cubic Gas Basin in Sierra Leone

May 18, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

A recently concluded independent third party evaluation, by the Ryder Scott Company, revealed an SPE-PRMS P50 estimated un-risked gross prospective recoverable resources of 8.2 TCF and 234 MMbbl of gas and condensate respectively, attributable to the Innoson Oil & Gas (IOG) concession offshore Sierra Leone.

IOG was awarded nine graticular provisional blocks in May 2020. The following year, Parliament ratified a petroleum exploration and production license in favor of IOG as confirmed in a letter of conveyance to IOG in April 2021.

The Sierra Leonean basin has a working petroleum system, corroborated by oil deposits encountered during previous exploration activities amongst others by Anadarko, Repsol, and Tullow Oil that achieved the Venus B1 discovery and Mercury wells.

According to Martin Nweke (IOG’s Administrative Director), boldness, and the willingness to deploy unconventional but performance technological ingenuities and people, constitute foundational propositions that drove the campaign of the industry novice.

With cost, time, and precision quintessential, IOG exploration team, led by Dr. Andrey Sergeev (Project Director & Chief Geologist) deployed ab initio, robust earth remote sensing (ERS) method for basin reconnaissance.

Assessment of gathered ERS data pre-informed the choice and number of graticular blocks in IOG extant acreage. The so determined ERS acreage pre-knowledge reduced the need for 2D & 3D seismic- and well-data to target only prospective anomalous zones in the contract area.

The development opportunity is currently being appraised. Asset evaluation, a field development plan, and the setup of a data room are vigorously pursued with the immediate objective to engage a farm-in partner; ideally, with the financial strength, technological and management competencies to accomplish joint discovery, development, and production.

IOG has a 100% working interest on the prospect with a 10% carried, plus an optional 5% paid interest(s) for the state of Sierra Leone. Attractive fiscal and tax regimes by the state of Sierra Leone offer a flexible so robust environment for a big take.

Commissioning Magbele Bridge… President Bio Highlights Various Development Interventions in Port Loko District

May 18, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

All roads were leading to the Rogbere Community in Port Loko District on the 14th May 2022 where on that very day, during a very auspicious occasion that was full of life, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio commissioned the 48 million Euros (Le 634 billion) Magbele Bridge, during which the President informed the huge gathering that the 163-meter-long modern two-lane bridge, now provides a safer corridor for trade and commerce.

President Bio underscored that in less than 4 years alone in Port Loko District, his Government, with our EU partners, has constructed the 163-meter-long modern two-lane bridge stressing how in less than 4 years, they are also constructing a $270 million USD airport terminal at Lungi, Port Loko District even when the other people wanted to move the airport away from Lungi.

As the thunderous applause was dying down it was once more revived when the President stated also, “In less than 4 years, we are reconstructing and modernizing the Tagrin ferry terminal and working on bringing 4 new ferries. In less than four years, we have reopened the iron-ore mines at Marampa, expanded its operations, and created more jobs for our people in Port Loko District,” he said.

The President also mentioned the billions of Leones invested to refurbish the Port Loko Government hospital with a functional ambulance service and medical facilities that provides regular supplies of drugs, adding that Community Health Care Centres now have access to solar electricity after Government hired more nurses and midwives specifically for Port Loko District.

“Fewer mothers are now dying in childbirth and fewer children under five are now dying as there is better immunization and primary health care. Our friends in the UAE have also invested in constructing a major health facility. In just four years, my Government thought it fit to bring in agricultural investors to consider rice production in the Rombeh area. There is an investment in onion and vegetable production in Port Loko District.

He said those developments could be added to electricity access [solar] in Lokomasama and other places in just four year informing how he personally came to Lokomasama in 2019 to switch on the lights maintaining how in just four years, his Government has invested extensively in Port Loko District by all accounts.

The Director General of Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), Ing Amara Kanneh, stated that the bridge was constructed with funds from the European Union (EU) under the supervision of the National Authorizing Office (NAO) in the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, saying that the two-lane bridge would replace the dilapidated one lane.

He also pointed out that the bridge was 7.2 meters on each side with a footpath of 5 meters as opposed to the old one that had no footpath, noting that the load-bearing capacity of the bridge was guaranteed.

“This bridge will stand the test of time and if preventive measures are observed and maintained, it will serve for more than 100 years. Thank you very much President Julius Maada Bio for providing the requisite leadership. Thank you, the EU,” he concluded.

EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Manuel Müller, expressed delight that the bridge, which project they funded, was being commissioned by the President of the country, adding that the construction of the New Magbele bridge started in March 2018 as part of the package of roads infrastructure projects Sierra Leone and the EU intended to round up before the 2023 rainy season.

He further noted that they had a long and strong relationship with Sierra Leone and with a track record of working together in education, governance, decentralization, agriculture, environment, rural electrification and the management of public finances further expressing hope that the EU would continue to work with the country to achieve its development agendas.

“What we are witnessing here today at Magbele, also, is part of a huge programme of building bridges between nations. The cooperation of the EU and Sierra Leone has contributed to more connectivity in the sub-region,” he concluded.

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Anthrax Outbreak Hits Port Loko District

May 18, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

As news continue to dwindle about the spread of COVID-19 in the country there is news making the round that the country’s North-Western Region has been hit by an anthrax outbreak that has claimed the lives of animals in that part of the country, especially cows which are mostly groomed for commercial purposes.

Already, the Ministry of Agriculture has as on the 16th May 2022 confirmed the death of 91 heads of cattle, 53 goats and 79 sheep bringing the total to 223 livestock.

In a joint Press Release by the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Sanitation dated 16th May, 2022 it was reported that there has been an outbreak of anthrax disease among animals in Port Loko District in the North-Western Region of Sierra Leone.

It was pointed out by the two Government entities that Anthrax is a serious infectious disease that commonly affects farm, domestic and wild animals.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus Anthracis. Anthrax can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. Since it is zoonotic humans can also be infected.

Underscored was that people can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products and the disease can cause severe illness in both humans and animals but underpinned that however it is a treatable condition.

The two Ministries revealed that in view of the above, Government is evaluating its options to institute restrictions on the production, processing and marketing of livestock and livestock products, mainly cattle, sheep and goats.

It was stated that while that comprehensive set of restrictions is being considered, the Ministries of Agriculture and Health and Sanitation would advise members of the public to report to officials of those two entities any case of sick cattle, sheep and goats in their household, neighborhood or community.

Presently, as of now no human case has been confirmed adding that in the meantime they wish to advise all not to try and administer treatment on sick animals personally or eat them or their products.

Numbers to contact are: Ministry of Agriculture: 078-354-828, Ministry of Health and Sanitation: 076-602-460 or Emergency No: 117.

‘Women’s Power Hour’ to Launch a Book During its 11th Year Anniversary

May 18, 2022

By Esther Wright

The 11th year anniversary of Women’s Power Hour (WPH) will be celebrated on the 21st May, 2022 at 1:00pm at the YWCA Institute in Freetown with the theme: ‘Breaking Barriers for New Heights.’ This year’s anniversary will feature the launching of a book titled: “Monitoring for Greatness – M4G Work Book”. The Women’s Power Hour (WPH) is slated against the backdrop of positioning women to rise to high places.

According Regina Peters-Moore, who happens to be the Group Pioneer, to nurture, groom and build great women for God in this generation and upcoming ones, WPH was started by 8 women in the UK and later transferred its headquarters to Sierra Leone where she said it was noticed women have various challenges.

Regina disclosed how they started with writing strong articles for and about women and went on to hosting talk shows on radio stations, talking to women, focusing on educating, encouraging and motivating women to walk in their high places as well as helping ordinary women to become extraordinary for God in their nations.

She further revealed that WPH now does groundwork in Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Malawi among other countries, reaching out to women through the radio, publication of life changing articles, girls mentoring and coaching, rehab squad, correctional arm, the blessing provokers club supporting women in full time ministry, putting skills and business training in the hands of women and gals.

The Group Pioneer said WPH helps to position women to succeed in their homes, their visions, careers and other areas of their lives, adding that they raise people to greatness by mentoring women and girls including tomorrow’s women; taking prostitutes out of the streets; bringing hope to women behind bars; supporting women in ministry and giving skills to women and girls for self-reliance.

Mrs. Peters-Moore , another strong member, on her part, stated that WPH started in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2011 with a mandate to build great women, starting with writing strong articles on online for and about women and to date, it has established 7 centres in Freetown and 2 in Kono and Makeni.

She also disclosed that it has grown 6 arms:-the Girls Mentoring and Coaching (GM&C), which features girls between the ages of 9 and 18 years. According to her, the girls are prepared for adulthood so that they can reduce teen pregnancy, school dropouts and prepare them for the future.

In the GM&C girls are taught God’s words, handsome skills – braiding, sewing and cake making and in every August, training and mentoring are done.

With regards Mentoring for Greatness (M4G), it is meant for women within the age bracket of 18 years to retirement and it features three module courses for women done online and radio as well as covers woman’s spiritual life, legacy, vision, career and more. It help single individuals to be prepared for marriages.

Mrs. Peters-Moore said WPH has trained up to 200 women on Mentoring for Greatness (M4G) since 2018, in USA, The Gambia, Nigeria and other international countries.

She said: “We do not only do mentoring, we also have every week a Rehab Squad visiting streets to mentor girls off prostitution. I believe we have reached out to over 500 prostitute or they’ve heard the gospel from us from 2016 to date. The Correctional Arm ministers to women in prison and because it is expensive so we do it yearly. When some of them are released they are sent to us and we find for them a new life,” she said adding how such has helped to reduce re-offending.

She also spoke about the Blessing Provokers Club (BPC), which according to her, provides monthly support to women countywide, especially women in service but who have needs disclosing how every month WPH supports one woman each in Makeni, Kono and Freetown.

Dilating on the Skills and Business Training (SBT) she disclosed the provision of training programmes that are tailored to give commercial skills that is geared towards empowering women so that apart from being involved in their careers they could be at vantage positions to be able to learn other skills.

Highlighting how this year’s anniversary celebration will look like, Mrs. Peters-Moore said on the 27th May, there will be a zoom online programme to specifically deal with abuse and domestic violence issues.

“Relevant issues on those two topical issues will be discussed and we will see how WPH could empower and help women who are going through domestic violence but ignorant of the way out of the quagmire,” she maintained adding that on 29th May, they will hold a thanksgiving ceremony at Mersy House off Syke Street in Freetown.

She concluded by extending an invitation to members of the public to support and participate in the anniversary celebration.

APC… Lately, The Party Of 21-Man Committees

May 18, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

It can be recalled that this is not the first time that Justice Adrian Fisher ordered the main opposition, All People’s Congress (APC) to set up a 21-Man Interim Transition Governing Committee.

As the Alfred Peter Conteh petition unfolded in court, in August 2021 Justice Adrian Fisher’ s orders for a 21- man committee to take the All People’s Congress ( APC) to its emergency national convention to ratify their new constitution. The people selected were representative of all the factions in the matter. They were:

From the National Advisory Council:

Hon. Minkailu Mansaray

Hon. Chernor Maju Bah

Hon. Elizabeth Mans

Bai Mahmood

Sidi Yaya Tunis

Karamoh Kabba

Diana Konomanyi

Ady Macauley

Africanus Sorie Sesay

SBB Dumbuya – Chairman

Alfred Peter Conteh‘s representatives

Rashid Santigie Sesay (Attorney of Alfred Peter Conteh)

Ambassador Ibrahim Sorie

Hon. Ibrahim Rassin Bundu

Mohamed Sheridan Kamara Esq. – Secretary to the Committee.

NRM representatives:

Sirajin Rollings Kamara

Umar Salman Kamara

The Big 6:

Hon. Ibrahim Kemoh Sesay

Dr. Richard Konteh

Diaspora:

Chairman of APC USA branch Mr. Unisa Kanu

The PRO of the Guinean branch Mr. Mohamed Bangura

UK/Ireland branch Mr. Yankay Seisay

The setting up of the second 21-man committee was the climax of the legal battle between Alfred Peter Conteh and the former President Ernest Bai Koroma APC National Executive which was ordered dissolved by Justice Adrian and the then National Secretary General – Osman Foday Yansaneh to vacate office within 14 days and to provide handover notes to an Interim Committee (the 21-man committee).

Justice Fisher said an Interim Transition Governing Committee that shall comprise of 21 officers, of which nine members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Plaintiff – Peter Conteh, one of which shall be the Chairman, be formed to conduct the forthcoming National Delegates Conference.

Meanwhile, students of political science, as well as lawyers interested in constitutional matters have praised Alfred Peter Conteh and Justice Fisher for paving the way to APC having a new constitution that they describe as a democratic legal document that fosters a modern day democratic style of leadership; one that they said other political parties can copy for a better leadership going forward.

It can be recalled that at the behest of the party’s National Advisory Committee, a Constitutional Review Committee completed its mandate and submitted a Report on the party’s new constitution. Part of it reads:

“BEARING IN MIND the applicable provisions enshrined in the Sierra Leone Constitution and as set forth in the Political Parties Registration Commission Act and the Electoral Laws relating to regulation of political parties;

“HOLDING the conviction that we are called upon by duty to lead our Nation and its most populous political Party for generations to come, against nepotism, corruption, ethnicity, lack of transparency and accountability and ethics, through the struggles and sacrifices of the aged, the women, the youths, the disabled, the students, the underprivileged, including workers, farmers, marketers, professionals and technocrats, trade unions, social, cultural, religious, professional and political organizations for reconstruction and development;

“NOW THEREFORE we the members of the All People’s Congress in fulfillment of our historic mandate to build a mass based democratic structure determined to render service at all levels of governance; and to build a nation which will guarantee equal opportunity for all, mutual and peaceful co – existence, eliminate all forms of discrimination and social injustice, promote the interest of minority and marginalized groups, render selfless service that will rekindle a deep sense of patriotism and nationalism; hereby make, enact and give the following Constitution to ourselves for effective administration of our Party and the promotion of its ideals, aims and objectives…”

Mayor’s Legal Team Challenges ACC’s Decision

May 18, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It could be recalled that in a recent publication by this medium it was reported that according to a Press Release issued by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), coming in the wake of an investigation it conducted and concluded , it was decided that the Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki Sawyer and the Team Lead of the Mayor’s Delivery Unit (MDU), Manja Kargbo, were found wanting and therefore instructed to refund to the State the sum of One Hundred and Eighty-seven Million, Nine Hundred and Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty Leones (Le 187,904,830) or risk a legal action instituted against them.

However, in a sharp reaction to that decision and stance taken by the ACC, it was established that the details of the Mayor’s legal response were not acknowledged by the ACC but rather the ACC issued a press release on social media on 11th May 2022 in which it summarily rejected the response without a fair opportunity to be heard.

Clearly stated by the Mayor’s legal team it was stated that their response clearly highlights inter alia that Manja Kargbo has been the Team Lead of the Mayor’s Delivery Unit (MDU) since 2018.

In addition, they continued that the travel expenses paid in respect of air fares, hotel and per diem in respect of Manja Kargbo were done following Council’s procedures and with the signatures of the Mayor, the Chief Administrator (Vote Controller) and the Finance Officer but only the Mayor and Manja were investigated.

The Legal response furthered that Manja’s travel expenses of Le187,904,830 (equivalent of $14,500), through her work on those 6 trips, yielded for FCC investments of over $4m.

Also underscored was that as per the ACC Act 2008 Section 89 Subsection (I) b), re-payment of amounts would automatically result in the payer being barred from public office for a period of at least three years.

Continuing, it was maintained that it is clear that the ACC’s insistence on repayment of valid and legitimate travel expenses of the MDU Team lead by the Mayor will result in the Mayor being barred from holding public office for at least 3 years.

The legal argument stressed that rather than allowing the issue of the procedural audit query to be addressed via the parliamentary process, the ACC instead sought criminal prosecution for the exact same issue raised in the same Audit Report in respect of the Office of the First Lady (see page 434 of the Audit Service Sierra Leone Audit Report 2019, audit query number 5.50.2). Against that backdrop, it was argued that no action has been taken by the ACC about that audit query.

In conclusion, the legal team stated that the flagrant selective and inappropriate use of powers is clearly a bid to remove the elected opposition Mayor through the misuse of the mandate and authority of the ACC.

Housemates Salone Aspirants to Undergo Mandatory Medical Test

May 18, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

The current sixty (60) contesting aspirants stiffly competing at the moment to secure highly coveted twenty-two (22) spaces to be determined by members of the public through public voting via various Africell platforms, which is ongoing, and by extension members of the public, will undergo a mandatory medical test to be conducted, prior to the commencement of Housemates Salone Season 3, on the 22^nd May,2022, which is a Reality TV Show organized by the African Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire and Africell-Sierra Leone with the slogan “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand”.

This was made known by the Chief Executive Officer of Sing Song Medical Services, Dr. Joseph A.K Kamara, who pointed out that it is very significant for the aspirants to know their health status which is why they will be medically tested in order to protect the reputation of the institution further assuring that the test results will not be disclosed to anyone but rather will remain strictly confidential.

He made that statement during a Press conference held on the 14^TH of May 2022 at the AYV Conference Hall on Wesley Street in Freetown, which attracted media practitioners from various media houses and was moderated by Samuel Wise Bangura, geared towards updating members of the Press and by extension the general public on how the TV show would be like and what had been done so far or should be done, the Chairman of the Executive Board of AYV Media Empire, Dr. Ezekiel Duramany Lakkoh, welcomed all present especially their partners and sponsors ,whom he said, have decided to render their services to them for the upcoming Reality TV Show Housemates Salone Season 3.

He pointed out that Housemates Salone Reality TV Show happens to be one of the dreams of every Sierra Leonean and is one that majority are looking up to in terms of entertainment in the country.

Lakkoh pointed out that within the shortest possible time, to be precise, on the 22^ndMay, 2022, the Reality TV Show will commence maintaining that they are reiterating their commitment towards the hosting of the third edition of Housemates Salone.

He revealed that they have team from Lebanon, an expert from Nigeria and even others from the Diaspora who have come together to ensure the smooth commencement of the event.

“We have never had any one to one discussion with any of the aspirants and so the issue of bias or prejudice does not sit in here as it will be fair competition,” he assured adding that all the aspirants, who will eventually enter the House, would be tested to know their health status maintaining that any aspirant that does not match with the health qualification of the organizers, AYV Media Empire and Africell-Sierra Leone, will be disqualified from entering the House.

Nancy, an official from Africell Sierra Leone, stated that this year’s Housemates Salone is going to be credible and standard disclosing that there would be professionals that would be part of the program.

She encouraged members of the public to continue to vote for their favourite shortlisted aspirants if they want to see them in the House adding that Africell, as a mobile company, is so grateful and will always feel proud to be part of AYV simply for the sake of their promotion of unity, and providing interesting contents.

Nancy also reminded viewers or members of the public not to forget to vote for their favorite aspirants by using Afrimoney to vote while at the same time extending appreciation and gratitude to their sponsors for partnering with them.

The Director of Commercials at AYV, Daniel Moore, talked about the sponsors so far that have shown interest to be part of the show. He presented a list of those sponsors which include, ACTB, Anti Corruption Commission, Bet Salone, Chicken Town ,ESME- Luxury Bedding, Expressions Hair, Frontline Chicken, Genius Bet, Kolat Bricks, Merani, Padi, Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Distribute, Sierra Leone Brewery, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency, Sing Song Medical Services Sora Cosmetics and Zarlux. He encouraged more sponsors to come on board to give supporting hands.

Acting Business Development and Marketing Manager of the Rokel Commercial bank, Mariama Jajua, assured the organizers of the Show, AYV and Africell, that they have the Bank’s full support also disclosing how they will open free accounts for all the Housemates.

The General Manager of Bet Salone, Nicolas Nicol, stated that they believe in what AYV is doing because they see it as an opportunity to push Sierra Leone out to the world further maintaining that whatever content AYV will be showing out will reflect the face of the nation also assuring of giving their full support.

A question and answer session climaxed the briefing or updating.

1st for Customer Care is Synonymous with NP-SL’s Effective Service Delivery

May 18, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

There is no doubt that NP-Sierra Leone Limited is highly known for prioritizing customer care and taking it to the highest pedestal in the country. Indeed such is indisputable when cognizance is taken of how Management is very keen in optimizing customer satisfaction in its service delivery on different fronts.

Members of staff of the company are very mindful of the fact that it is the customer that comes first and therefore needs the utmost attention always ensuring that transactions are conducted under a congenial atmosphere that always result into a win-win situation.

Through this brilliant and managerial initiative, the company has been making positive headways, positioning it to stand tall among other business entities in this part of the world.

The well-established oil marketing company is also relentlessly enhancing its strides to always ensure that imported petroleum products are available on the market and easily accessible to its numerous and esteemed customers. Management of the company has made it a matter of must for these products to be present in all the nook and cranny of the country.

Amidst various challenges that the company has encountered it has, however, successfully weathered those storms that could have dwarfed it or exposed it to extinction, save therapeutic intermittent Managerial injections that keep it upright and on the right course.

Demonstrating its true Sierra Leonean identity the company has maintained a policy of strictly adhering to the Local Content Policy ensuring that it has a maximum indigenous staff in its employ. What this actually means is empowering our brothers and sisters to access employment opportunities and reduce poverty.

As a matter of fact some members of staff continue to benefit from various trainings that have afforded them the conduit to imbibe useful skills to efficiently carry out certain assigned tasks. If we are counting the number of companies that have upheld the Local Content Policy, without any iota of doubt, NP-SL could be seen at the top.

1st for Customer Care was earned by the company because it has been widely acclaimed by many for solidly executing such.

In its drive to optimize customer satisfaction the company went the extra mile to install calibrated pumping machines which are not only modern but trustworthy, as opposed to old pumping machines which certain unscrupulous individuals used to cheat unassuming customers.

This is helping to repose confidence in customers that they are dealing with a very transparent entity. The friendliness of their pump attendants is very impressive and they are always there to timely respond to various concerns.

Still within the purview of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in a position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for supplied fuel and lubricants as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place.

When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honouring their obligations.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the required financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA). NP is one big tax payer to Government and it has been doing so timely.

NP-SL remains undaunted, unperturbed amidst all the challenges it is going through and conscientiously it is steadily contributing to the socio-economic development of the country as well as positively changing communities and lives.

Increasing Attacks on LGBTQ Individuals Persist in Sierra Leone: Mohamed Kallon Declared Wanted

May 16, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The disturbing trend of isolated physical attacks against individuals perceived to be gay continues unabated in Sierra Leone, with the recent case of Mohamed Kallon shedding light on the issue.

Reports indicate that Mohamed Kallon, residing in Kenema District, Eastern Province, has faced severe intimidation and harassment from both family members and the community. Accused of practicing homosexuality, Kallon is now declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police, with community stakeholders and youths conducting a relentless search.

Hailing from an Islamic background, Kallon’s alleged actions have shocked his community, known for its religious values. National and religious laws in Sierra Leone strictly prohibit such practices, leading community members to express disappointment at Kallon’s perceived deviation from customs and traditions.

An investigation by The Calabash Newspaper reveals that Mohamed Kallon was married to Mariatu Kamara, but suspicions arose when he spent more time with his male counterpart than his wife. The discovery of his alleged relationship with a male partner prompted Mariatu Kamara to report him to family members, causing distress within the family.

On May 8, 2022, Mariatu Kamara caught Mohamed Kallon in a compromising situation with his male partner in an unfinished building. In response, she attacked him, leading to a clash and Kallon’s subsequent escape.

Mariatu reported the incident to the Kenema Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID), resulting in a search for Kallon by armed police officers.

Facing both community hostility and a police search, Mohamed Kallon decided to flee the country to an undisclosed location. Despite the stigma and police declaring him wanted, Kallon’s current whereabouts remain unknown.

Family members express serious concerns about his safety, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in Sierra Leone.

Four Years In Office… President Bio Outlines Challenges & Development Gains Made

May 16, 2022

Sierra Leone’s 61 Independence Anniversary.jpg

By Amin Kef Sesay

In his valedictory speech to the House of Parliament, and by extension the nation, President Bio on Tuesday in the Well of Parliament outlined that amidst serious challenges his Government has within the four years that it is been in power since April 4^th, 2018 achieved remarkable development gains.

“When I first addressed this Honourable House, four years ago,” he started his four-hour long speech, the world was in a vastly different place. I brought to this House plans to translate campaign promises into policy actions, to tackle troubling inflation and low revenue mobilization, to introduce disciplined leadership and efficiency even in the face of the dire economic situation we inherited as a Government.

He went on that, “No one could have predicted then that we would also be tackling a global pandemic that would cause unprecedented disruptions, irrational spikes, and uncertainties within the global economy.

In the words of Martin Luther King, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge”.

I dare say that the ultimate measure of a leader and a nation lies in the ability, not just to weather a storm, but to emerge hopeful and resilient.”

President Bio said that it was his great honour to lead this nation during these challenging times which said he was not going to dwell on but to “show just how far we have come, and how resilient we have been; to show my Government’s continued commitment to political stability and economic prosperity in spite of the times we are living in; to show our investment in educating our future generations, building robust healthcare systems, prioritizing food security, empowering women and youth, protecting and promoting rights and access to justice, addressing poverty and unemployment, governing justly and accountably, protecting our environment, mitigating public safety risks, opening up the investment ecosystem, and underwriting purposeful infrastructure.”

These development gains, he said, are a product of the deliberate choices we have made together in the last 4 years, adding that as we continue to face such choices, he would like to highlight a few of the significant initiatives that his Government has instituted and will continue to institute, to respond to the challenges facing us today and in the future.

In terms of development planning and the economy, President Bio stated that we have transitioned from the UN Peacebuilding Fund framework and are now transforming our nation into a just, peaceful, cohesive, and productive one.

Accordingly, he said, we have significantly improved our capacity for national planning, resource mobilization and coordination of development interventions.

He gratefully reported that throughout COVID, our development partners have continued working with us to address our development challenges in such areas as human capital development, health, infrastructure, energy, the environment, human security, and natural resource management.

On the controversial issue of the first ever digital national census – the 2021 Mid-Term Population and Housing Census – he said his Government will henceforth base national development planning on credible data; as well as also popularized and amplified our National Population Policy to ensure that our development interventions are aligned with the aspirations of our citizens.

On the economy which has been his government’s biggest development challenge, President Bio said that, like many countries around the world, Sierra Leone continues to grapple with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises.

However, according to him, our economic and inclusive growth agenda remains focused on building this country and improving human capital development outcomes for all. Thus, in addition to the COVID19 Health Preparedness and Response Plan and the Quick Action Economic Response Programme (QAERP) that have guided our COVID19 response, my Government, continues to implement sound economic policies and public financial management reforms.

These policies and programmatic interventions, he said, have added stability to our economy, provided solid response to the pandemic’s socio-economic shocks, and paved the way for economic recovery.

Critical public financial management reforms, he added, have kept us on track to recover from the pandemic within the context of the Medium Term National Development Plan. These include:

(i) the automation of revenue collection and management processes by the NRA,

(ii) strengthening of the legal framework for domestic revenue mobilisation,

(iii) enhancing public debt management,

(iv) strengthening payroll management, (v) Upgrading and expanding the coverage of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS),

(vi) strengthening commitment controls for goods and services expenditures and cash management,

(vi) enhancing the fiduciary oversight of State-Owned Enterprises, (vii) strengthening the internal audit function at central and local government levels,

(viii) regular production of price norms by the National Public ProcurementAuthority (NPPA) to guide procuring entities, and

(ix) enhancing the transparency and accountability of COVID-19 spending.

In terms of building defense against the disruption caused on the economy by COVID-19, President Bio said that over the course of 2021, the Le500 billion Special Credit Facility provided by the Bank of Sierra Leone to support the production, importation, and distribution of essential commodities and the deferral of taxes due to the importation of essential commodities by the National Revenue Authority helped maintain the availability of essential commodities in the country, especially rice, fuel, and health supplies.

Government expenditures, he said, continued to focus on the priority areas identified in our medium-term National Development Plan (2019-2023). Building on this, my Government’s investments in human capital development, especially in the education and agriculture sectors, continue to be complemented by investments in infrastructure.

To facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, other goods, and persons, part payment was made for the rehabilitation of 1,835 km of trunk roads nationwide and the completion of 109 km of township streets.

Funds were also disbursed to enhance electricity generation, transmission and distribution; and to expedite the restoration of electricity supply to the district headquarter towns and cities, thus stimulating economic activities, whilst reforms to facilitate investment and improve the doing business climate have continued.

To drive inclusivity, President Bio said that my Government continues to implement the National Micro-Finance Programme (MUNAFA FUND), through which 5328 SMEs (of which 70% are female-owned), have successfully accessed much-needed finance.

Through its Business Development Pillar, the Local Content Agency has improved the capacity of local suppliers in procurement procedures and quality standards for those linked to the supply chains of 6 large companies.

Local suppliers showcased their products in the Made – In – Sierra Leone Trade Fair and Exhibition. The agency further commenced a nationwide Local Content Audit of Large Companies across growth sectors to increase compliance with Local Content Laws.

On the question of economic recovery, President Bio stated that he was pleased to announce that in spite of a sharp contraction in 2020, our economy is in recovery and projected to grow by 5.0 percent this year, higher than the Sub-Saharan African projected growth rate of 3.8 percent for 2022.

“Our economic management and inclusive growth strategy will therefore continue to focus on enhancing domestic revenue mobilization, rationalizing expenditures, working towards single digit inflation, maintaining a stable exchange rate, safeguarding financial stability, striking a careful balance between reducing fiscal and debt sustainability risks whilst improving spending efficiency, and addressing external vulnerabilities.”

Furthermore, he said, that supporting Post‑ COVID recovery in key productive sectors, especially in mining, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and tourism, will continue with efforts to improve business environment activities.

President Bio ended his speech by calling on the nation to be peaceful and to stand with his government to push forward the nation’s development agenda.

“You have heard a lot about my Government’s accomplishments,” he said, “but the job is far from over. Our challenges will never disappear, but together we can create new dreams and new hopes, instead of new fears and new crises. We can step out of our past and become architects of the future; together we can elevate our national consciousness, improve the economic and physical health of our nation and affirm the greatness of our people.”

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