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NP-SL is Committed to Always Avail Customers High Grade Petroleum Products

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By Amin Kef Sesay

NP–Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is really poised to continue doing business in petroleum products in this country despite all the challenges it is confounded with. Going beyond the normal business spirit the Shareholders and Management of the company deemed it as a moral obligation to avail the citizenry accessibility to qualitative petroleum products believing that it is meaningfully contributing towards enhancing standards of living.

This indomitable company has gained massive local as well as international recognition for its meteoric rise and the higher height that it has reached through effective service delivery. Through its pro-active stance, the company is always ensuring that members of the general public have easy and ready access to qualitative petroleum products of high quality.

Those who have interfaced with the company have confessed that it is amongst the most  successful privately  owned and operated business entities this country can boast of that have withstand varying external shocks, within and without,  but admirably is steadfast in its service delivery.

As a 100% indigenously owned and operated company, NP-SL has over the years, successfully extended its operations country-wide and even beyond to the West African Sub-region in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia  where it is doing extremely well with regards service  delivery, rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility, availing job opportunities, offering new products among a host of other things that it is churning out.

Very mindful that without their cherished customers there will be no NP-SL, the shareholders and Management have made customer care a number one priority which is why the company is synonymous with 1st For Customer Care. With the conviction that every experience matters, the Management is very receptive to new initiatives, ideas, suggestions and concerns as long as they could help in shaping the policies that the company outlines from time to time that will be translated into tangibles on the ground.

In order to give maximum and optimal satisfaction to customers, NP-SL has always ensured that it operates in tandem with international standards and best practices so that after any service delivery customers get the good feeling that they have derived value for money. The company’s filling stations are state of the art structures having modern calibrated pumping machines that are transparent and accurate in terms of measurement.

Their attendants are well mannered, always courteous and ready to assist both old and new customers whenever they are in doubt of what to do. Most have tire repairing sections, shopping marts and relaxation points where they can spend time doing what they think is right to do. All these facilities are made available to make customers feel at home and be comfortable.

“I always carry my NP Smart Card with me just in case my car’s fuel gauge will show red and I may not exactly have the required amount of money to refill or even if I have it such could be for another purpose. With my card I can just breeze into any NP Filling Station and by using my card the attendant will pump the quantity of petrol I need,” Amadu Bangura, an engineer intimated adding how the card’s security features are unique and could not be easily falsified. “When I first heard of ‘Your fuel on Smart Card’ I thought it was a joke but only realized its efficacy when I started making use of it,” he furthered saying he is really finding it very convenient in doing so and as such prevent him from withdrawing big cash from his bank account for purchasing fuel adding how it as well help in also saving him time.

NP Gas is now the talk of the day as numerous individuals are everyday coming to the realization that it is very suitable for cooking purposes without posing any serious health risks. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes NP Gas is marketed at all the company’s filling stations and by authorized dealers going at affordable prices. Advantageously, NP Gas can be refilled with gas that the company imports and markets making them simple for customers to continue their use.

With regards rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility, NP-SL Ltd is rated high as it has been contributing effectively in improving lives and communities. The company has been making meaningful interventions, meaningfully supporting worthy courses.

These interventions, worth millions of Leones, are through which the company magnanimously gives back to society. Lives have indeed changed for the better as a result of NP’s interventions.

Utilizing local skills and talents has been topmost in the agenda of discussions relating to national development. The argument for embracing the Local Content Policy borders around enhancing entrepreneurship, comparatively making use of less financial resources to pay for accomplished tasks and creating job opportunities thereby reducing poverty.

NP-SL has made it an established policy to give priority, in terms of employment, to Sierra Leoneans as long as they are in positions or competent to perform. The same is replicated everywhere the company is operating. Such an acclaimed stance is contributing greatly towards poverty reduction and improving lives.

From all indications it is very apparent that the premier oil marketing company, NP-SL-Ltd, is doggedly poised to continue to improve on its business strategies and step up interface with relevant stakeholders with the avowed aim of continuing to diligently and selflessly serve the people of this country and indeed it is walking the talking, doing exemplary well to foster meaningful socio-economic development.

11 Days in the Offing for Public Voting to End for 22 Aspirants to Enter the House

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By Amin Kef Sesay

It is now eleven (11) days in the offing for the commencement of Housemates Salone Season 3 with the slogan “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand”which is slated to take place on the 22nd May, 2022.

For the attention of Sierra Leoneans, here and abroad, it is important to note that public voting is ongoing. Voting can take place by easily sending the number of a favourite candidate via SMS to: 5500 or Dial *5500#.  For International voting an individual can call: +23299005500.

Members of the public are also at liberty to cast their votes via Afrimoney through voters’ Africell Sim Cards by dialing *161*10#* plus the Numbers of their favourite contestants from any Africell line or code.

There is also  a new online voting platform and a brand new website for international voters across the world to vote using credit or debit cards by just visiting:  https://housematessl.com and/or visit: https://www.africell.sl.

Once Housemates Salone Season 3 commences on the 22nd May 2022 members of the public could watch it live 24/7 on AYV Entertainment Channels 34 & 33 and AYV on DSTV Channel 399.

What is in store for the Housemate that will emerge as the ultimate winner of the competition is a Star Prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le 250M) plus a round trip to Dubai.

Also, one of the sponsors of the Reality TV Show, Zarlux Car Rental, has revealed that a brand new car will be given to the winner of the Zarlux Car Rental task that will be performed by the Housemates in the House during the course of the show.

Members of the public should know that their votes do matter and as a result they must step up the pace at which they are voting for their favourite Housemates, The responsibility of popularizing the unique numbers of the Housemates with the objective of obtaining public votes squarely lie on the shoulders of the various Fan Clubs of the Housemates better known as “Teams”.

According to the organizers, AYV Media Empire and Africell-SL, this upcoming exciting Reality TV Show is put together against the backdrop of promoting Youth Empowerment. Better put into perspective, Housemates Salone encompasses providing mentorship for young aspiring Sierra Leoneans who believe that they have unique talents that they could showcase. The Show itself will provide valuable insights as to the everyday behavioural patterns of young people living together.

However,  it will also serve as a conduit through which the Housemates are taken through  mental and physical exercises that will end up to mould and shape their characters.

They will benefit from being guided to be motivational speakers, to think critically as well as rationally, how to healthily interact, how to solve problems, to cook, to sing, dance, control emotions and stress.

These competitors will have the opportunity to learn from what visiting guests from certain corporate institutions who will teach them, learn how to play games and a host of other things that are aligned to coping mechanisms in life.

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

Vote now for an aspirant to enter the House.

For the 2nd Time Running…. Orange-SL Bags Environmental Award from Shout Climate Change Africa

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By Foday Moriba Conteh 

Orange Sierra Leone, as telecommunications business entity, was among those that received a 2022 National Climate Ambassador Award. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Sekou Amadou Bah, received the prestigious Award on behalf of the company from the Minister of Environment, Professor Foday Jaward, for the telecommunications company’s impactful actions and support in protecting the environment and preserving it against the devastating consequences of global Climate Change.

It is on record that the company made significant gains in accelerating its solar projects in Africa and the Middle East with the avowed objective of reducing its carbon footprint to zero by 2040 an effort that is evident in Orange’s vigorous deployment of solar panels across the country.

The company came to the realization that there is the need to make use of solar systems in the entire region that many of its sites were not connected to the electricity grid and so therefore was compelled to rely on an alternative source to back up the quality of the grid.

Instead of making use of generators to generate electricity for the effective functioning of the company’s facilities, that is using fuel – fossil energy that emits CO2) in most operational areas of its subsidiaries, therefore, Orange put several mechanisms in place, the solar panels being inclusive, and with partners specializing in energy, has ensured the deployment of innovative solar solutions with the latest generation batteries, avoiding the use of fuel.

Putting it into perspective, Orange Group has also positioned itself in its operational countries to reduce its environmental footprint and is the largest deployer of solar panels, with a renewable energy use rate already at over 65% for Orange Sierra Leone, 50% for Orange Guinea, and 41% for Orange Madagascar.

“These solar panel solutions have also been deployed in other African and Middle Eastern countries where Orange is present, like Liberia, for instance, where 75% of Orange’s telecom sites are equipped with solar panels. In total, Orange has installed solar panels at 5,400 of its telecom sites (some 100% solar, others hybrid) saving 55 million liters of fuel each year,” an official of the telecoms entity stated authoritatively.

With other affiliates, Orange-SL has made environmental targets a core business concern and a major priority for its Corporate Social Responsibility in meeting the company’s net zero-carbon initiative, this medium was informed.

The company is on record  that in 2021, Orange-SL launched the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Committee to help implement, rollout and monitor all programs and make recommendations to the Management on issues of EHS for onward action.

It is also commendable that the telecoms company expedited its green energy projects by migrating 334 out of its 505 sites to solar (+65% sites with solar) and to increase its target for renewable energy ration from 33% to 41% by the end of 2022.

So far Orange-SL is committed to make its Bo Data Center completely solar powered by 2023, to provide an on-grid solar solution for the Freetown Data Center  in order to reduce the load by 2023, the expansion of site footprint to install more solar panels, swapping of existing solar panels with high power panels, the provision of Li-on batteries instead of OPZ to all new sites, and the training of over 150 employees on EHS programs as well as rolling out 7 community engagements and disseminating over 500 EHS awareness messages and tips.

“Our goal is to create as much awareness on EHS programs and increase the share of our renewable energy mix in Sierra Leone. For us putting Environment, Health, and Safety into practice means implementing actions in the EHS field through training, awareness, and engagements,” an official of the company intimated.

It could be recalled that Orange-SL received the 2019 Environmental Care Award presented by Shout Climate Change Africa on the 23rd November 2019 at the Miatta Conference Centre during a well-attended programme.

Orange SL has participated extensively in environmental and corporate social investment. Some include, but are not limited to: Obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment License (EIA) from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in accordance with the EPA Act 2008.

The telecoms entity remains the first company to secure an EIA license from EPA in 2018 upon the successful completion of an Environmental and Social Impact assessment study with its consultant, CEMMAT. That License is secured annually.

To Satisfy all Bidders… NPPA Must Ensure Due Diligence Plays Before ECSL Awards an Important Contract

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By Amin Kef Sesay

In one of our recent publications it was made abundantly clear that the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and specifically the Director of Procurement of that institution, Sheku Loleh was not lucidly convincing in trying to make clarifications over certain lapses that were detected during a stage that would ultimately lead to the award of a contract to one out of the five bidders. Bringing up this issue at this time is very timely and important because already the ECSL has sent a letter of notification disclosing that one of the bidders, Laxton Group would likely be awarded the contract and that is to happen soon based on the content of the letter.

It could be recalled that when it was mentioned that one of the bidders, Laxton Group, submitted a bid form that was not signed, the ECSL Director of Procurement trivialized it in his response by stating that it was a mere mistake on the part of his deputy, when opening the bid documents, reporting that Laxton’s was not among. Only for him to again state that after contacting the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) it was discovered that the bid form was there intact.

However, that lapse on the part of Laxton, submitting an unsigned bid form was duly noted as part of the unofficial minutes on the 21st March, 2022  at the bid opening for Lot 1 of NEC/DMVR/ICB/G/2022/0063 for Laxton Group, a fact which can be authoritatively corroborated.

Furthermore, Sheku Loley, was also not explicit in his explanation that the reason why the Laxton bid price, which at the time of , submission, recorded on the 21st March, 2022 was $1,954,000.00 USD changed so quickly $2,247,100.00 USD which represents a price increase of $293,100.00 USD was as a result of not factoring the Goods and Services Tax (GST) initially, but that Laxton later did so, seems to be a very lame, defensive and unconvincing justification on the part of the Director of Procurement. That the other bidders were not given the privilege to do so seemingly looks like some form of manipulation seemed to have allegedly taken place.

It could be also argued that if the tender requirement was to include all prices inclusive of applicable duties and taxes,which it is believed was the case for Lot 1 NEC/DMVR/ICB/G/2022?0063 then such should have been part of all the bidders original bids at  the time of submission including Laxton.

According to a Procurement expert,  of over twenty years experience and proven track record, not signing a bid form typically indicates that a bidder does not agree with one or more than one of the terms and conditions attributed to said tender and eventual contract.

He furthered that an international bidding process of this nature would not make room for even allowing the Laxton Group to make price adjustments as it is expected that all the interested parties must have known what to do before even venturing to get onboard.

Statutorily, all public procurement must fall under the purview of the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA).  That institution was established to perform oversight functions and advice Government on public procurement management. As far the mission of the NPPA is concerned it is  to regulate and monitor public procurement and therefore  it is very much important for that institution to take note of the detected anomalies that have fraught the process that is eventually leading to the award of the  aforementioned contract.

The contract in question is :LOT 1 of the 2022 Biometric Voter Identification/Update Project which could be identified by procurement number: NEC/DMVR/ICB/G/2022/0063.

As far as this medium is concerned the NPPA is a  key institution that has made significant gains over the years. It is expected that the institution  will continue to ensure that best practices are adhered to in order to derive value for money.

The NPPA must take note that the oddest part of what has transpired so far related to the tender is that one bidder was given the opportunity to clarify multiple parts of their bid submissions while the other companies were not given the same   opportunity.

In the spirit of true competition and ethical principles such should not be allowed to happen.

What is expected at this material time is for the ECSL to do is a re-tender of NEC/DMVR/ICB/G/2022/0063) due to the various inconsistencies mentioned.

Another recommendation could be that if a re-tender is not required and called for then perhaps ECSL should select the most responsive, most compliant, most capable company of successfully completing the project.

The project under the spotlight will involve millions of Leones in its implementation which is why it is of vital importance to have a competent company to emerge as the winner in order to derive value for money.

The NPPA has an integral part to play in order for fairness to come into play otherwise anything short of that would smack of foul playing and send the wrong signals internationally.

APC Resolves Not to Appeal Justice Fisher’s Ruling

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

Since the court ruling by Justice Adrian Fisher, which spelt out the dissolution of the APC Party National Executive to give way to the setting up a 21-Man Interim Committee to be instituted by Alfred Peter Conteh and Minority Parliamentary Leader, Chernor Bah aka Chericoco, which will subsequently  set up another Committee to conduct lower tier elections to culminate into a National Delegates Conference that will elect the National Executive, tongues have been wagging and lots of speculations made as to what will be the reaction of the main opposition party. Some were saying it will be challenged as the learned Judge does not have the mandate to arrive at such a decision.

In order to strategize and map the way forward, the outgoing National Executive of the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) met recently at the party headquarters on Old Railway Line, Brookfields, in Freetown where it was unanimously agreed not Appeal against the court ruling.

The out gone National Secretary General, Ambassador Alhaji Osman Foday Yansaneh, stated that after a closer and careful study of the ruling by the party’s Legal Team it was decided  that the party will go on with the implementation of the ruling instead of filing an appeal against the judgment.

He allayed fears fuelled by rumours by stating that the party has no major split but rather the ruling has brought in more unity among the rank and file of the party hierarchy.

Ambassador Foday Yansaneh also revealed that all the dissolved chairpersons and other executive members have agreed to vacate their positions.

On his part, the outgoing National Youth League President, Bai Mamoud Bangura said it is not the first time for the court to dissolve the APC executive, noting that when such actions are taken against the APC the party always win general elections.

According to Lawyer Timbo explained some of the roles and responsibilities handed over to the 21-Man ITGC. He said despite being removed from his office, the outgoing Secretary General still has right to work with the 21-Man Committee as and when needed.

Celebrating 60 Years… Red Cross to Raise 1 Billion Leones to Address Disasters

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a press conference held on Friday 6th May, 2022 at the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society Office on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, the Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society ,Kpawuru Sandy, informed pressmen that as part of their 60 years celebration the society is poised to raise the sum of one billion Leones to address emergency and disaster relief efforts to help the country make a remarkable difference in the lives of those in need.

He revealed that through its 18,000 volunteers across the country, the Society continues to play a pivotal role in promoting safe and sustainable blood donation awareness to citizens through engagement of stakeholders and sensitizing communities about the benefits of giving out blood to those in need of it furthering how they have also served as the longest non-remunerated blood donors nationwide.

“At this stage, we’re celebrating our 60th anniversary of excellent humanitarian service. We aim to reach more people with the bond of kindness, One of us can do a lot, More of us can do a lot more, Let us therefore form a Bond to save vulnerable lives” he pointed out.

The Secretary General disclosed that the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society traces its beginnings to an influenza pandemic (also called the ‘Spanish flu’) that gripped the world in 1918. Sierra Leone was badly affected by this plague, which killed many Sierra Leoneans and that a group of women (mostly the wives of British colonial administrators in Freetown) formed a social welfare organization to assist those affected by the influenza.

He pointed out that when the disease subsided, these women continued their humanitarian work, offering various forms of assistance to Sierra Leonean mothers and children and in 1937 the group was affiliated to the British Red Cross Society, as Sierra Leone was still a colonial enclave of the British Government of which he said the organization was then known as the Sierra Leone Branch of the British Red Cross Society. Their work was extended to the provincial areas of Bo, Kenema and Makeni in the 1950s.

“Established by an Act of Parliament in 1962 a year after Sierra Leone gained its independence from the British Government in 1961 under regime of the former Prime Minister Sir Milton Margai; SLRCS has remained true to its vision, mission, and mandate by continuing to build a resilient National Society that delivers quality and sustainable humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable. In the process of alleviating suffering and restoring human dignity, and since it became a full member of the RCRC Movement in November 1962, SLRCS has been consistently operating in alignment with the Movement’s fundamental principles and values,” he also stated.

Kpawuru Sandy maintained that SLRCS also intensified the expanded sensitization programme on the control and prevention of Lassa Fever endemic in the eastern province of Sierra Leone; Kenema, Kono and Kailahun districts. In collaboration with the MoH and medical emergency relief international, volunteers and first aiders reached approximately 9,000 households and community members through education activities focusing on the prevention of lassa fever.

He continued that in 2014 – 2016, the country faced the deadly Ebola virus resulting to the loss of thousands of lives. With proven efficiency and effectiveness in responding to emergencies, SLRCS worked tirelessly with the Government in providing safe and dignified burials, sensitization and awareness raising within communities across the country thereby building trust amongst community residents and vulnerable people.

The Secretary General stated that the Society also played a crucial role during the mudslide in 2017 that claimed the lives of over 480 citizens and living many homeless being first on site, the volunteers conducted search and rescue, first aid and psychosocial support, safe and dignified burials and distribution of food and non-food items.

Furthering that also, in 2020 when the dreadful Corona hit Sierra Leone, it raised lots of misconceptions, myths, and distrust around the virus which brought about major panic in the country. Because of the established trust of community member towards the NS, it was much easier for volunteers to penetrate hard-to-reach places on sensitizations and awareness raising activities.  The national society was instrumental in disseminating lifeline information through radio and television talk shows, and on social media platforms.

These and many other successes of the Red Cross Society were highlighted by the Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society Kpawuru.

Kpawuru Sandy concluded by asking individuals and organizations to show their support for the organization’s emergencies and disaster relief efforts to help the country and make a remarkable difference in the lives of those in need.

GRAND Expresses Concern Over Proliferation of Fake Degrees

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Grassroots Action for National Development (GRAND) has expressed concern over the rate at which the revelations of falsehood in acquiring fake degrees have proliferated in the country.

According to GRAND, their concern was further deepened after a careful and thorough analysis of the allegations made by Dr. John Idriss Lahai over the mammoth number of fake degree holders in the civil services, Government agencies and other sectors.

In a press release issued on 29th April, 2022 at their 73 Adelaide Street Office in Freetown, GRAND expressed concern over the rate at which the revelations of falsehood in acquiring those degrees are increasing.

“We as an organization believes that quality education and knowledge are the most valuable skills and weapons for societal transformation. It is our utmost desire as an organization attending to the needs of young people of Sierra Leone, particularly in education to make it clear that it is intolerable for a developing nation to go through this untimely, unnecessary, misleading and pathetic act that is being allegedly carried out by some leaders in our society. It goes without saying that if there is no strong desire to acquire valuable and genuine education the future of our country is at stake,” the release read.

Ali Tarawallie, National Coordinator of GRAND said there was no way impersonation and fake degree can be normalized in Sierra Leone. He said all those Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad with genuine degrees will be exposed to harsh treatment and “elements of suspicion” which brings the nation into disrepute at all levels.

Reading from the press release, Tarawallie said a Government that identifies itself with quality education as its flagship endeavor, the “degree gate” revelation has the tendency to sabotage the gains made in the sector and question the viability of its flagship programme if stringent actions are not taken.

Cecil Dadson, Global Chairman for GRAND, called on the Government to inform the entire nation of their plan to address the issue and ensure that the future of the youth and the jobs they are genuinely entitled to be protected. “We should not wait to be judged by posterity,” he stated.

Jonathan Bob-Amara, Board Member of GRAND said the membership of GRAND is open to all Sierra Leoneans and that the objectives of GRAND include, but not limited to undertaking humanitarian and developmental projects and activities, specifically targeting the underprivileged, vulnerable and marginalized in our society, particularly women and children.

He added that GRAND also promotes and supports good governance and the rule of law through advocacy, constructive criticisms and awareness raising interventions, among several others.

To Reflect Historic Repeal of Libel Law… SLAJ Stages Press Freedom Walk

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By Mary Kabay

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), with support from the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone, organized and staged a Press Freedom Walk on Saturday 7th May 2022 from the SLAJ Head Office on Campbell Street to the iconic Cotton Tree in the central part of Freetown as a symbolic walk is to reflect on the historic repeal of the criminal and seditious libel law and to remind all that the battle for freedom is an everyday fight.

It must be noted that according to the 20th World Press Freedom Index report published by Reporters Without Borders on the 3rd April, 2022 Sierra Leone was ranked 46th out of 180 countries, jumping 29 places up from the 75th position recorded in 2021.

The aforementioned Freedom Walk was also geared towards raising public awareness on the significance of Press Freedom and how stakeholders could help in protecting, promoting and expanding more space for the Press.

After converging at the Cotton Tree a short ceremony was held in order to explain about the importance of the repeal of criminal libel law, Press Freedom and how such have impacted the world and Sierra Leone precisely as well as dilating on some of the challenges faced or experienced that impedes the exercise of free speech and expression.

Salient statements were made by representatives from different originations and institutions.

The President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, welcomed all and expressed profound appreciation for the participation of media practitioners, the European Union delegation and representatives from certain institutions stating that there are justifiable reasons to commemorate the day.

He made mention of the extradition of the criminal libel law of the Public Order Act of 1965  which he said paved the way for enhanced freedom of expression and admonished journalists  to refrain from disinformation, misinformation and hate speech underscoring the need to be ethical and professional.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla ended by paying tributes to the founding members of SLAJ and thanked all the organizations that have been supporting and promoting the association.

The keynote address was delivered by one of the Directors at the Ministry of Information and Communication Abu Bakarr Tarawally. He intimated that as it is the wish of his Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to promote press freedom they are ready to work alongside that vision. He also called on media practitioners to be steadfast, committed and always have in mind that each right goes with an accompanying responsibility. He commended the Minister of Information, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, for his unflinching commitment in making meaningful achievements geared towards repeal of the seditious libel law and in enhancing Press Freedom.

He said to eradicate media poverty there must be a political will on the part of the Government in order to address media related issues.

The spokesman from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), who is also a member of SLAJ, Samuel Conteh, made it clear that they are ready to protect journalists either as complainants or culprits. He said the Inspector General gave him a message to tell journalist that the SLP is ready and willing to protect all journalists. He continued by referencing that the clearance that they granted to SLAJ is a testimony of how high they deem media practitioners to maintaining though there are bad apples in any institution, however, the good ones are always outstanding.

On his part,  Head of European Union (EU) Delegation to Sierra Leone,  Ambassador Manuel Muller,  stated that press freedom is a natural right that most not be violated or trampled upon. He said it is their pleasure to give support to SLAJ and thanked all present for participating in the freedom walk.

He continued by saying the press freedom remains one of EU’s main priorities  maintaining that it  should also  be the priority of  everybody further reiterating that without the work of journalist there will be no press freedom and he encouraged journalists to use it saying otherwise it will be meaningless .

“More importantly, the walk is also an opportunity for the State to renew its commitment to always protect, promote and expand the civic space,” the Ambassador maintained and furthered that, “ You have to use the freedom you have and that is how you protect it.”

Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Dr. Victor Massaquoi, in his statement highlighted the key roles of the Commission which are to regulate, monitor and also to support the media. He assured that in that light they shall continue to work with SLAJ to ensure that the media is safe and guaranteed for all media practitioner as well as to maintain Freedom of the Press and also ensure that the capacities of journalists are developed particularly those residing in the rural areas.

He reiterated that they always use the carrot and stick approach to instill discipline as well as commend journalists for their good works.

Representatives from the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), Human Right Commission Sierra Leone (HRCSL), Sierra Leone Bar Association(SLBA) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) made salient contributions all pledging support to ensure that press freedom is uphold in the country.

AfriMoney & Watu Unveil ‘Okada Bomba’ Promotion

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of the leading mobile financial service providers in the country, AfriMoney in collaboration with Watu an Asset FinTech revolutionizing mass-marketing mobility business entity has on Friday 6th May, 2022 unveiled what they termed as the ‘Okada Bomba’ Promotion. The promotion, which was launched at Africell Headquarters on Wilberforce in Freetown will give people the opportunity to be motorbike owners by doing their Watu payment via AfriMoney.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Afrimoney Director, Martison Obeng-Agyei, expressed appreciation to Watu for the partnership, which he described as a move in the right direction towards making digital payments easy and affordable.

He said the essence of the promotion is to give the opportunity to bike riders to do their Watu payments using Afrimoney as an easy, affordable means and within the comfort of their zones.

The Afrimoney Director revealed how Afrimoney has unique features that makes it secure to send the right amount of money to the right person at the precise time, making it the most reliable and secured mobile money service in the country.

Martison Obeng-Agyei disclosed that during this partnership with Watu, bike riders doing their Watu payments through Afrimoney will stand a chance to win over 1000 attractive prizes which includes Watu free payment, Airtime, data bundle, helmet etc including 6 motorbikes to be won which, he pointed out, will give bike riders the opportunity to own  brand new bikes.

On his part, Head of Growth at Watu, Mohamed Sheriff Bah, disclosed how millions of people have entrusted Watu with their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs to thrive and support their communities, adding that as a company through the support of Shalimar, TVS and others they have been able to support so many young people in the country.

He said that Watu offers asset financing to meaningfully improve employment and opportunities for those with the greatest barriers to access financial services, furthering that they have made access to owning a motorbike becomes very simply for young people across the country.

Mohamed Sheriff Bah revealed that by providing access to affordable and flexible financing for two and three-wheelers, they have created a lot of job employment for youths and positively impacted the lives of these young people, stating that are also actively promoting financial literacy and independence, adoption of digital payments and increased regulatory and safety compliances.

He said that as part of their continuous support towards digital payments they deemed it fit to partner with AfriMoney which will now give their customers the opportunity to make their Watu payments via AfriMoney.

Representing the Bike Riders, the Public Relations Officer for the Bike Riders Association, Mohamed A. T Nabieu, expressed gratitude to both Afrimoney and Watu for the launch of the ‘Okada Bomba’ Promotion which he said will make bike riders, who have been doing their payments via Afrimoney, become bike owners in the country.

He said that over the years bike riders were considered less important individuals in society but said bike riders are key people in society and they are contributing towards the development of the country.

He assured all that as an association they will cascade the information to all bike riders across the country in order for them to benefit from the ‘Okada Bomba’ Promotion that has been unveiled by Afrimoney and Watu.

After the unveiling process of the Okada Bomba Promotion, Afrimoney held their first Okada Bomba Promotion at Model Junction by Berry Street in Freetown where one Okada Rider won a brand new motorbike.

As 2nd Parliament Open Day Ends… Role of Committees in Ensuring Good Governance & Development

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By Amin Kef Sesay

During an Open Day into the proceedings of Parliament, the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Solomon Jamiru, said Parliamentarians must see themselves as leaders – in order words, they should be the shepherds guiding the State in the ways of good governance.  He made that statement while commenting on the role of Parliament in national development.

Looking at the historical relationship between democracy, good governance and development, one finds that democracy and good governance both have a positive impact on development.

In this sense, Parliament takes the lead role in the promotion of good governance by diligently, meticulously and dispassionately performing its Oversight functions which automatically bring about good governance by promoting control a control that could be exercised through proper institutional and constitutional design.

Sub-Section 2 of Section 93 of the 1991 Constitution provides for the establishment of Oversight Committees to parallel and oversee  Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) established by the Executive branch of  Government. Each Committee bears the name of the MDA it oversees, e. g. Health and Sanitation Committee, Mines and Minerals Committee etc. etc.

By the provisions of Section 93 (4), there is no limitation in the powers of Parliament to create Committees. Parliament may at any time appoint any other Committee to investigate any matter of public importance.

As it stands, corruption and willful mismanagement of public funds are the biggest hindrance to development, as funds budgeted for that purpose most times end in private pockets and overseas accounts or are seen in mighty mansions, expensive vehicles and other valuable assets owned by those in power, financial directors and vote controllers, procurement officers and senior MDA bosses.

Thus, in order to combat corruption and to promote good governance, the parliamentary committees responsible for oversight need to be strengthened.

Specifically, it is necessary to strengthen Parliament’s ability to oversee effectively the Government and to control the behavior of its members.

To do so properly Parliament should be given proper oversight tools to scrutinize the actions of the Government ,both ex-ante and ex-post.

Ex-ante oversight refers to all the actions the Parliament (its members, its committees) can take to see whether and to what extent the Government plans are actually needed, useful, viable, efficient, effective, economic and so on. Ex-post oversight refers to all the actions that a Parliament can take to check whether and to what extent the Government is implementing its policies, plans and programs as they had been approved by the Parliament.

In order to perform its oversight function, Parliament can use a variety of tools: committee hearings, hearing in plenary sessions of the Parliament, the creation of Commissions of Inquiry, questions, urgent questions, written questions, questions to be answered in the committees, interpellations, urgent interpellations, the Ombudsman, Auditor General, and the public account committees.

The Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC )is extremely useful in overseeing the Government’s expenditure and promoting good governance.

The importance of providing the Parliament with a proper set of oversight tools should not be overlooked.

Increasing Parliament’s oversight potential promotes democracy and promotes good governance.

The quality of democracy improves as the number of oversight tools at the disposal of a Parliament increases.

And more importantly, the level of honesty perceived in the country increases as the number of oversight tools increases.

To sum up, the quality of democracy and the level of honesty are both very strongly and very significantly related to the number of oversight tools.

Therefore, increasing a Parliament’s oversight potential is good for democracy, good governance and in the end development.

This means that the availability of oversight tools is more important than the country’s level of democracy in promoting all aspects of development; including GDP per capita or life expectancy.

It is a better predictor of adult illiteracy than good governance, and it is a better predictor of both democracy and good governance in promoting social equality.

Thus, strengthening Parliament’s oversight capacity is good for three different reasons.

Oversight is good because it promotes democracy (which is good for development), is good for good governance (which is also good for development) and it contributes to promoting development in ways not accounted for by either democracy or good governance.

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