Orange Sierra Leone, one of the leading telecommunications service providers in the country, has taken its digital revolution to another level by launching an e-shop at its Rawdon Street Office in Freetown on the 20th December, 2021.
The e-shop platform, it was stated, will enable customers to shop online with ease, shop for any product from any part of the country without travelling and get free delivery. To access information on how to use the e-shop platform one only needs to visit the Orange website.
Customers just need to visit and click www.orange-sl-eshop.com among the options and follow the steps in order to do online shopping.
Giving an overview of the launch, Bettie Mason, Head of Orange Shops Orange SL, intimated that digitalization is a major key in the operations of the company, furthering how they are keen on enhancing customer satisfaction, the main rationale behind the launch of the e-shop platform.
She continued that Orange Sierra Leone is the first telecommunications company in the country to avail its numerous customers such a service to its valued customers as a result of the growth of e-shopping in present times due to improved digitalization.
Bettie Mason continued that with the e-shop, customers can stay comfortably in their homes or offices and shop online without going through any stress and with no extra costs plus free delivery. She averred that digitalization is a major key for Orange as the company’s store offers a wide range of mobile and smart phones to order online.
Alimatu Mbaye, Chief Commercial Officer of Orange SL, explained that the new facility is a first step in terms of the digital process of transacting business noting that they are partnering with other business houses to ensure that goods purchased online are accessed easily and on time.
She entreated customers to access the new facility for ease of getting products through digitalization, adding that it is a welcome idea to avoid queues during this COVID pandemic, when people are observing protective protocols.
Alimatu Mbaye noted that devices and other products will be sold online without any additional cost and delivery is free adding that the company wants its valued customers to shop at ease and enjoy better prices available online.
Naomi Kabia, a Business Analyst of Orange SL, revealed that Online Shopping occurs when a customer buys through the aforementioned digital platform, furthering that one can pre-order or purchase with Orange Money, stating that the facility will be linked with banks in the country.
Because of the numerous advantages and benefits, more and more people these days prefer buying things online contrary to the conventional method of going into stores and purchase.
A question and answer session climaxed the Press engagement.
A young man in the streets of Freetown’s Susan’s Bay, or Allen Town neighborhoods, might dream of escaping his circumstances by becoming a media star. Perhaps he lives for the day when he can become a TV sports presenter, an actor, a director, or a screenwriter.
His dreams may be shared by many other young people in Sierra Leone, looking for ways to build fulfilling careers in the media and creative industries. But, sadly, their prospects of such a life are unrealistic, as long as the scourge of content piracy continues to affect our country.
Across Freetown, and other areas of the country, criminal syndicates are illegally sharing content from legitimate content providers using a method commonly known as cable piracy.
Cable piracy might involve the feed from a single legal decoder being rerouted to numerous households in a particular neighborhood, using cabling – often illegally make use of electricity poles and other infrastructure.
This robs legitimate creators and exhibitors of the income they are entitled to from the content business, ensuring that the industry will struggle to provide an income for more than a few media workers in Sierra Leone.
Yet, there is hope.
In a bid to protect the content industry in Sierra Leone, authorities have begun to prosecute criminal syndicate members that rob African creatives of a livelihood, launching operations across the capital.
Recently, a joint enforcement operation between the Ministry of Energy officials and investigators from digital content providers helped to uncover/identify a cable pirate operation operated by a criminal syndicate in Freetown.
A criminal syndicate was allegedly using decoders and connected households in several neighbourhoods using an elaborate cable network. Cables from the cable pirate operation were attached illegally to the electricity poles of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) allowing them to steal content from legitimate channels without paying subscription fees.
Two suspects were arrested, and electronic equipment was seized. Equipment seized includes DStv Nigeria, beIN Sports and Star Times decoders.
The suspects will be charged criminally for illegal utilizing EDSA power distribution infrastructure for content piracy and electricity theft. The decoders seized will be analysed by the relevant operators, all decoders identified and seized will be flagged and disconnected.
The raids followed a tip-off to the Union of Sports Centres, which alerted the Ministry of Energy, launched the raid and supported the Police to make the arrests. These enforcement actions conducted by Government Agencies are the first actions taken to address cable piracy in Sierra Leone.
“An endeavour much needed and long-overdue,” says Natalia Abboud, CEO of Transnational SL DStv Sierra Leone. “We want to reassure the public that we are working closely with legal operators to continue in identifying and raiding more cable pirate operations in Sierra Leone and in doing so to create a piracy free culture, it will not be tolerated. We are working to create a decent, safe environment where business can legally help to build a better country for our people.”
While the Ministry of Energy helped to direct the raids, anti-piracy campaigners hope to partner with the Information and Communications Ministry in future raids.
“Content piracy falls under the Ministry of Information and Communications area of responsibility,” said Abboud.
“The ministry is tasked with developing and administering ICT standards, and building the capacity of mass media and ICT. We look forward to seeing the role the ICT will take in future enforcement actions in the fight against content/cable piracy.”
The Union of Sports Centres represents the interests of cinema owners, who are legally entitled to showcase movies and sports content. However, content piracy through illegal connections has severely impacted their business.
However, a spokesman for the anti-piracy campaign Partners Against Piracy (PAP) said the impact on the economy was felt across both the private and public sectors.
“Illegal connections encourage tax evasion, while actively affecting the health and business growth of legal and licensed operators. Moreover, with the formal sector accounting for only 20% of the economy, such illegal activities perpetuate the dominance of the informal sector whilst encouraging the black market to thrive,” said the spokesperson.
The piracy operation raided during the enforcement operation was sophisticated, with a control room managing housing the decoders of the various operators. In addition, several channels were made available, at a cost of only a few thousand Leones per month.
While the operation has struck a blow against piracy, many similar syndicates are operating across Sierra Leone and the rest of the region.
“Content piracy is made possible through smuggled decoders, partnerships with EDSA staff and the willingness of citizens to break the law in a way that ultimately harms their own wellbeing.” said the spokesperson. “We are slowly breaking down these operations, but it is a work in progress. We call on citizens to report piracy operations – they are destroying the creative industry in our country.”
In a bid to make the payment of property rates and licenses easy and affordable for residents of Kenema City from their comfort zones using Orange Money effective 2022, Orange Money on Monday 20th December 2021 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenema District Council during an auspicious event held at the Kenema City Council, Eastern Sierra Leone.
The MoU between Orange Money and the Council will enable residents of Kenema to pay their property rates, licenses and other city rates to the Council using Orange Money.
Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of the Kenema City Council, Councillor Michael described the partnership as not only important but a very timely intervention towards supporting the Council so that residents will pay their property rates, licenses and other city rates to the Council at ease using Orange Money.
He maintained that as a Council they are happy and proud that they have partnered with Orange Money, adding that over the years Orange Sierra Leone has been very supportive to the Council as the company has been paying for their “Council Hour” , which is a radio program.
Councillor Michael revealed that for far too long Council has been deprived in the collection of revenue as most people find it very difficult to access their offices in order to make payment of which he said they are more than happy that Orange Money has come very close to them in order to make their work very easy as residents will no longer move from their houses to go to Council or the bank to pay their rates but rather will make their payments using the Orange Money platform.
The Chief Administrator of the Kenema City Council, Joseph JT Gando stated that the partnership with Orange Money will ease the tension in revenue collection within the district, stating that when he took up office as Chief Administrator his first priority was to take the Council to a digitalized platform further underscoring that they have been working tirelessly to ensure that such is achieved.
He further applauded Orange Money for the partnership with the Council also disclosing how the company has been very supportive to the Council in many aspects, like providing WiFi internet, mobile phones and paying for their radio hour.
Joseph JT Gando further noted that the partnership will help them minimize or even eradicate fraud in revenue collection within the district. He continued that the money collected will be in the Orange money wallet for two weeks before transferring it to the Council’s bank account as their number is a private number that will be linked to the Council’s main account.
In his statement, the CEO for Orange Money, David Mansaray, stated that he is very excited over the signing of the MoU with the Kenema City Council.
He assured the Kenema City Council that they have chosen the right path because the world is now moving towards digitalization, noting that they will help the Kenema City Council in their revenue mobilization. He said the partnership will ease the burden on the tax payers, boost transparency and went on to thank the Orange staff and the Kenema City Council staff for their efforts in actualizing their dream.
David Mansaray noted that it is their responsibility to support the budget of the Council to achieve its objectives. He added that they have agents all over who will be deployed to support all forms of collection at any given point or time.
He revealed that Orange Money is going to provide the Council with reports that will support the financial team within the Council and will also help to know how much was collected, who collected what and reconcile all what had been collected in their bank account.
The CEO added that another form of support they are going to give to Council is communication, which ,according to him, will help residents of Kenema to know that they have established a relationship with the Kenema City Council and also help the people of Kenema understand that they need to pay all those taxes and that they are going to support the Council in that endeavor.
Closing the event was the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Money, David Mansaray and the Chief Administrator of the Kenema City Council, Joseph JT Gando.
The Executive Director of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), Abdul Fatoma, was the proud recipient of a Certificate of Participation handed over to him by US Ambassador David Reimer in honor and recognition of his work towards supporting the US Embassy achieve its Integrated Country Strategy Goal and the furtherance of US Foreign Policy Objectives in Sierra Leone.
Receiving the Certificate, Abdul Fatoma extended sincere thanks and appreciation to Ambassador Reimer for the honor and recognition stating how it was particularly timely and humbling.
“I dedicate this honor to my team at CHRDI, the CSO community, and those working to strengthen and consolidate the pillars of democratic good governance in Sierra Leone,” he stated.
It must be noted that the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) is a Rights based social-policy advocacy Organization that draws attention to the responsibility of duty-bearers to uphold human rights, and seek to support rights-holders to claim their rights.
CHRDI is in Special Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council and accredited to many UN Agencies.
It has now become a tradition that in December of every year the President will sit and dine with members of the Fourth Estate, discuss certain pertinent issues which was exactly what transpired on the 15th December 2021 at the Country Lodge on Hill Station in Freetown.
Present were President Julius Maada Bio, the First Lady, Fatima Bio, the Minister of Information and Communications, Abdul Rahman Swarray, a host of other Government functionaries, the Executive of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) ,representatives of both the print and electronic media in Sierra Leone as well as other media stakeholders.
Indeed, the atmosphere was pulsating with life, with fragrance from perfumes filling the air, laughter and joy permeating, while those who graced the occasion were seen chatting , pulling jokes and making new relationships most neatly clad in well designed Africana attire, some excitedly taking selfies and photos from different angles.
President Julius Maada Bio told journalists that it was indeed a big joy to him and his Government to one more meet with the Press during this year’s Presidential Media Cocktail Dinner. He added that the Media is an important component in any democratic dispensation, stating that he is of the strong conviction that the Media must be pluralistic and free as long as media practitioners practice the profession within the ambit of the law.
He underscored that his Government is committed to uphold Press Freedom in the country stating steps that were taken to repeal Part V of the obnoxious 1965 Libel and Seditious Law, the enactment of the IMC act and turning to an Act of Parliament the Cyber Crime Bill.
When President Bio pronounced that there has been an increment in the yearly SLAJ subvention from Le200, 000,000 to Le500, 000,000 there was a deafening applause lasting for three minutes.
In his statement, the President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla ,started by taking permission from the President to ask everyone present who has not yet been counted to raise their hands stating that if the Census people are around, he will encourage them to please go around and do the counting whilst they continue with the program.
“I believe as citizens we should all stand up and be counted,” the SLAJ President seriously stated adding that if the Government wants to count them 10 times in a year let them count saying he does not think there’s any harm in that.
“May be the Government is planning to do some gifts distribution to every household during this Christmas,” he euphemistically stated adding that if one refuses to be counted then one will loses out and one will have only oneself to blame.
He furthered that since the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law, SLAJ has become very attractive, especially for women disclosing how earlier in the day they inducted new members into SLAJ from the Western Urban and Rural regions, after a membership drive of over 200 applicants, the highest ever in take in the Association’s 50 years of existence.
Of this total, he disclosed, women constitute 30 percent, the highest ever they have recruited into SLAJ attributing such thanks to the President’s policy of free media.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said it is clear now that women can freely practice the profession adding that as he expects now there will begin to see more women taking leadership positions in the media industry.
He continued that the arrest of journalists in relation to their work has also substantially reduced since the repeal disclosing how in that light they have signed an MoU with the Security Sector to see how they can improve their relationship with especially the SLP so that the working environment will be more conducive for journalists.
He lamented that regrettably, the latest incidents of cyber-bully of Asmaa James, by one of the country’s popular musicians, and the physical attack and detention of an AYV Staff by the SLP will cloud all of those gains stating how such is the huge challenge media practitioners will continue to face, especially in the digital space.
“These are the imperfections of life; when you plan for good, others plan for bad,” he stated expressing hope that in the New Year things will improve.
He reminded the President of his outstanding manifesto promises to the media disclosing how for the annual subvention, this year’s allocation has been surprisingly delayed as they are yet to receive for 2021.
Nasralla stated that for land for a SLAJ Secretariat, when it comes to lucky dips he does not think he will stand a chance.
“I have heard my colleagues and some people say I am probably the luckiest President SLAJ has ever had, but I don’t think I will want to put that to the test through a lucky dip to acquire land that Your Excellency promised us,” he funnily puts it adding that if the President will consider their follow up request for SLAJ to acquire the Daily Mail building at Rawdon Street, that will be the best gift of the year to the media.
He drew the attention of the President to the SLAJ East Building project which, he said, is now almost 40% up thanking Chief Brima Swaray of the NPPA and Sheikh Bawoh of the SLRSA for their contributions.
“We call on other well meaning people and organizations to support this initiative for an independent media,” he appealed.
With regards an investment conference for the media, he said they have worked with the Ministry of Information and Communications, the indefatigable Minister Mohamed Rahman Swarray and his team, throughout the year to put a program together, but said there are still outstanding issues that they are trying to sort out.
“We will continue to work with the MIC to deliver on this promise by mid next year and we anticipate a conference whose outcomes will change the face of the Sierra Leone media forever,” he stated.
He expressed delight over the just launched Sports Development Fund and a commitment of Le10 Billion Leones from the State. The SLAJ President stated that SLAJ, under his leadership will launch the Golden Jubilee Journalism Welfare Fund by mid January 2022 to cater for the welfare of journalists in times of emergency and to promote independent journalism in Sierra Leone.
Nasralla disclosed how several corporate bodies, including Orange SL, Mercury International and Rokel Commercial Bank have consented to contribute to the seed fund, part of which will be invested in bearer bonds so it will yield dividends periodically.
“We hope other well meaning organizations will come onboard in time for the launching, and I believe the State, and your Excellency, would not want to be left out from this initiative to support independent journalism in the country,” he made an appeal.
He said there are other promises but said they understand the State can only do some because of limited resources, maintaining how journalists understand the times and they will not be Oliver Twist.
Recapping some of the topical controversial highlights of the year, not necessarily in order of sequence, which kept the media and the citizens excited, the President of SLAJ named the following:
The April 19th Parliamentary Clash in relation to the tabling of the mid-term census instrument which saw MPs throwing punches, doing mix martial arts, police spraying gas and a very senior citizen breaking his fast;
The appointment of the NEC Commissioner for the Western Area
The final Re-run MP elections for Constituency 110 which the SLPP lost;
The Black Johnson Fish Harbour, which we expect to produce patinum fish in the near future;
The COP26 Glasgow Climate Change Summit and the untimely Public Notice from Leadway for the exportation of our timber;
Those that are practicing Munku politics in my party, to the idiots who want to interrupt while I am speaking
The Koinadugu bye election and those conflicting figures,
The 68 million Dollars the Bank Governor used to bribe hoarders of the Leone to bring back the national currency to the banks but which is the only bribery that is not corruption.
The SLPP Women’s Leader Elections: we tok am, we do am!
The indefinite suspension of the Auditor General and her deputy…
And the last, but not the least, which is: “I will continue to Fly!”
He concluded by wishing all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2022.
It could be recalled that the 11th December 2021 marked the commencement of the commemoration of UNICEF at 75 on the theme: “Re-imagine the Future of Every Child”.
On the 22nd November 2021, during an auspicious ceremony held at the Freetown City Council Auditorium in Freetown, UNICEF launched the commemoration of UNICEF at 75 years and since then the UN Agency has been embarking on series of activities across the country.
As part of their activities for the commemoration of UNICEF at 75 years, the institution on Friday 17th December 2021 held an entertaining Variety Show at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown.
The event brought together children from across the country to witness a very entertaining variety show. During the event, various children groups which include, the One Family People, the Blind School Band, Music for Girls Initiative and individual children had the opportunity to communicate issues affecting them through musical performances, poems, melo-drama etc.
Speaking during the ceremony, the UNICEF Country Representative in Sierra Leone, Dr. Suleiman Braimoh stated that UNICEF has been at the forefront of defending the legitimate rights of the most vulnerable children across the globe through short-term relief and long-term development programmes underscoring how they have been working tirelessly to save the lives of children, protect their rights and secure their future.
“While this celebration is a time to reflect on the numerous achievements that we have championed and supported across the globe and here in Sierra Leone, this is also a moment for us to recognize the many people who have supported us to make the differences which we see in our daily work,” he disclosed.
Dr. Suleiman Braimoh used the opportunity to thank the Government of Sierra Leone for the leadership and shared vision in prioritizing children’s rights in national development plans and programmes, stating that since 1985 when UNICEF opened it offices in Sierra Leone, they have partnered in efforts and events to give every child in Sierra Leone, a happy, healthy and fulfilling chance to life.
He further recognized the ongoing support from donors and development partners, whose generous contributions to children have been consistent.
The UNICEF Country Representative pointed out that as they commemorate UNICEF’s 75th anniversary, they find themselves at a moment that is as urgent and critical as those who first created UNICEF out of the ashes of the Second World War furthering that with COVID-19 entering its third year, they are finding themselves in a moment of reckoning.
“We can build back stronger societies by ensuring quality education, protection and good mental health for every child. And we can strengthen systems to better prevent, respond to, and protect children from crisis. Thank you for joining us in commemorating this milestone for UNICEF and for children’s rights,” he concluded.
Representing the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Chief Director at the Ministry, Joseph S. Sinnah, stated that on the 11thDecember 2021 UNICEF offices globally, in line with Governments and partners from the different countries, commemorated 75 years of the existence of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),since it was established as an UN Agency that is responsible for providing humanitarian and development aid to children worldwide.
He congratulated UNICEF for the dedication and commitment to serve the children of the world including the children of Sierra Leone, adding that UNICEF has been a trusted partner of the Government and that the Government of Sierra Leone and UNICEF have partnered in ensuring that child rights are prioritized in Sierra Leone.
The Chief Director reiterated Government’s appreciation of UNICEF especially during periods of health and natural disasters or emergencies, including the Civil War in the 1990s, the response to Ebola in 2014, during the mudslide of 2017 and now in responding to COVID-19.
Giving a goodwill message from the UN Family and the International Community, the UN Resident Co-coordinator (Acting in charge), Nicholas Gardner, noted that UNICEF has over the years made some remarkable results, which include contributions to reduce child mortality, improving nutrition, scaling up school enrollment, and promoting water and sanitation and hygiene practices.
“Through the poetry, songs, drama and photography, which the children exhibited today, we have seen evidences of how UNICEF also works closely with their main constituency, the children, helping them to unleash their potentials and defend their rights across the world,” he stated.
Nicholas Gardner continued that as a UN Family, they have seen great talents among the children present and importantly they have heard strong voices from the children on the issues which are affecting their survival and development of which he said that some of those messages which have emanated from the children border on the need for child labor to stop, early marriages to come to an end, for every child to be in school learning, for every child to have good access to water and sanitation.
“On behalf of the entire United Nations family and Sierra Leone, I congratulate UNICEF on this occasion to celebrate 75 years of hard work, dedication and commitment to children’s rights and wish you all the best for the next step,” he concluded.
As part of its continuous efforts towards engaging all sectors of society in relation to the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Bill in the country, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, on Thursday 16th December 2021 held a one-day consultative meeting with stakeholders at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel at Aberdeen in Freetown.
Giving her welcome address, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Manty Tarawalli revealed that the gender empowerment bill is very inclusive as the entire bill was put together by civil society; women led organizations and other stakeholders.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry brought together its partners and stakeholders to Parliament for a consultative meeting that was geared towards allowing Parliament to provide constructive feedback on the position papers that she presented to the House of Parliament, stating that the Ministry received 15 position papers from interest groups following its nationwide consultation drive on the Bill.
She maintained that during the meeting Parliament shared the many resolutions reached on the Bill that include:
a change in the Bill’s nomenclature to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Bill. And: A) the creation of two ‘district interest based seats’ for women candidates to compete at Parliamentary elections.
B) Also included is the following clause: “political parties must take steps to ensure its constituency nomination lists for Parliamentary elections shall include a minimum of 30% female candidates per district.” These two provisions, Parliament believes will give women more than the 30% quota.
She pointed out that they also included in the revision the creation of Gender Units in respective MDAs headed by a Director of Gender and the unit will ensure gender rights are mainstreamed across every sectoral legislation, plan or policy.
Chairperson of the Gender and Children Affairs Committee in Parliament, Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawallie revealed that as a Committee they have been working in collaboration with the Ministry towards pushing forward the enactment of the bill, adding that she is of the strong conviction that by the end of the fifth Parliament the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Bill will be enacted into a law.
She expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Gander and Children Affairs and women led organizations, women activists for their tremendously efforts in pushing forward for the enactment of the bill, noting that regardless of the challenges these women continue to give their support towards the process.
Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawallie maintained that when they received the position papers which were presented to the House of Parliament by the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Manty Tarawalli they noted that they were concerns by members of the public on the Gender Empowerment Bill furthering how they had to spend time in order to have those relevant inputs in the bill.
On his part, the Clerk of Parliament, Paran Tarawallie, recalled the engagement between the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Manty Tarawalli and the Parliament of Sierra Leone of which he said the consultative meeting with stakeholders originated from that very engagement between the two institutions.
“If we leave 52 percent of our population behind there is no way Sierra Leone will develop. Sierra Leone became independent in 1961 and this is the 60th year, and for 60 years Sierra Leone has been led by men and for 60 years all what we know is corruption, dysfunctional administration, embezzlement and it has been ugly for 60 years; why not turn to the other part of Sierra Leone, the women?” he asked.
The Clerk of Parliament also revealed that he has engaged the Minister in relation to the enactment of the bill of which he assured all that they will work tirelessly to ensure that His Excellence President Julius Maada Bio on the 8th March 2022, which is commemorated as International Women’s Day, will sign the Gender Empowerment Bill into law.
Statements were followed by a presentation of the draft Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Bill by the Director of Gender at the Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs, Charles Vandi.
The presentation was also followed by a Question and Answer session which gave participants present the opportunity to ask critical questions or proffer recommendations related to the bill. Women in attendance expressed strong desire for more provisions to be included to advance the cause of women. Many women in the audience thought the improvements were steps in the right direction towards the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Bill.
The World Bank Board on the 16th December 2021 approved an International Development Association (IDA) grant of $75 million to improve natural resources governance, enhance inclusiveness and promote sustainability of development financing.
According to the World Bank, this Development Policy Operation (DPO) is the first in a series of three operations focusing on Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Financing, aimed at supporting the Government’s efforts to build the foundations for a robust, inclusive, and sustainable economic recovery from the pandemic.
“The World Bank continues to be an active partner in supporting Sierra Leone’s recovery from severe shocks in the aftermath of the Ebola Virus Disease, and the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone. “We stand ready to further support the Government of Sierra Leone to transform the economy, make it resilient to shocks while improving the well-being of the Sierra Leonean people.”
It was stated by the World Bank that Sierra Leone faces major economic and social challenges, including substantial gender gaps, that lead to low human development outcomes. The country’s growth potential has been constrained by limited spillovers from the mining sector, and poor access by the population to financial services, natural resources (such as, land and minerals), and high-quality education.
The reforms supported by this DPO, it was stated, address some of the most critical structural impediments to raising potential output and improving resource allocation in key sectors of the economy and are well-anchored in Sierra Leone’s Medium-term National Development Plan (MTNDP, 2018–2023).
This DPO, the World Bank continued, supports the Government’s efforts to build the foundations for a robust and inclusive economic recovery from the pandemic and promote sustainable development financing of the Budget.
In the short term, it is hoped the operation will help the Government close the country’s large financing gap, as it emerges from the pandemic. It supports policy reforms under three pillars: improving natural resources governance through land and mining reforms; enhancing inclusion through reforms to support women’s economic participation, access to quality education and financial inclusion; and ensures sustainable development financing through measures to improve fiscal sustainability and debt transparency and management.
This DPO will address poor governance of the mining and land sectors, limited access to financial services, limited job creation, and the quality of education. As the COVID-19 shock has eroded the country’s fiscal position, this DPO proposes reforms that will help minimize the immediate tradeoff between supporting the economy and maintaining fiscal sustainability. It aims to improve fiscal and debt sustainability and address weaknesses in the public procurement process. By addressing regulatory issues in the land and mining sectors, this DPO is expected to help mitigate climate risks through progressive afforestation of mining sites, protection of forest reserves, improved environmental standards and community involvement in managing the environment.
“This Operation builds on previous development policy engagement in Sierra Leone, while also introducing new elements. It has a direct connection with the previous DPO series (“Productivity and Transparency Support Grant” over the period 2017-2020) and continues two policy reforms –the mineral and mines and lands reforms – whose implementation was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kemoh Mansaray, Senior Economist and Task Team Leader. The financing by this DPO closes a critical fiscal gap essential for maintaining macroeconomic stability during the pandemic.
In recognition of its “Enduring Contribution to the Nation’s Growth and Development”, Sierra Leone Brewery Ltd, has received an exceptional award at the 2021 edition of the National Development Award (NaDA) 2021, organized by Diaspora Focus Organization.
According to the local and international committee Board organizing the award, SLBL scooped the accolade in the Exceptional Award Category after a thorough nomination process: background check/investigation, debate, etc. “Your meritorious contributions to nation-building need not be over emphasized, hence, members of the public nominated SLBL alongside other notable institutions.”
The Corporate Affairs Manager (Designate), Foday Daboh, described the award as a testament to the company’s commitment to provide everyday enjoyment, support growth and contribute to the development of Sierra Leone. “The award is dedicated to our loyal consumers/customers who have been with us all these years.”
Recognition from Diaspora Focus for Enduring Contribution to the Nation’s Growth and Development reinforces Sierra Leone Brewery Limited’s growing footprint locally, where the company continues to attract and hire the best talents focused on keeping people safe and business operating during critical events.
This indeed adds to the many good stories that the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited continues to tell to the people of this country as partners for growth and development. The good story of the company’s continued Corporate Social Responsibility support is truly a story that must be celebrated and according to the Management of the company, “as a true corporate citizen and industry leader we will continue this good work in order to reach even the remotest parts of our communities.”
The DIASPORA FOCUS is an Organization formed in the United Kingdom to advance the cause and welfare of Africans living abroad and returning home to better integrate and contribute meaningfully to their communities and society as a whole.
The much long awaited 2020 Auditor General’s Report is finally out with the startling revelation of Le153.9 Billion reported as public funds that could not be accounted for by MDAs. As stated in the Forward of the Report, the Auditors intimated that they are delighted to present their professional opinion on the Accounts of Sierra Leone for the Financial Year 2020.
It must be noted at this juncture that indeed, as attested by the Auditors who authored the Report, it is a presentation of their professional opinion which therefore invariably means that certain conclusions they arrived at were not factual. Such is understandable against the backdrop that as human beings the Auditors are not infallible; they are liable to mistakes.
Besides, the International Standard on Auditing 310 – Knowledge of Business requires: “In performing an audit of financial statements, the auditor should have or obtain a knowledge of the business sufficient to enable the auditor to identify and understand the events, transactions and practices that, in the auditor’s judgment, may have a significant effect on the financial statements or on the examination or audit report”
In performing the 2020 audit, if the ISA 310 principle was implemented, the auditor should not have included in his report audit point 2.2.7 (of page 86 of the 2020 Audit report) – “Facility given to non-creditworthy customer – A loan of Le 8.3 billion was issued to a customer (Pavi Fort). The customer was seriously indebted to the banking industry of Sierra Leone to the sum of Le 40 billion from four other commercial banks. The sum of Le 3.7 billion had been written off according to review of the credit reference report obtained from the Bank of Sierra Leone…”
It must be made clear at this point in time that the Auditor General committed an error and therefore needs to know the following:
Firstly, Pavi Fort is a leading Road Construction company in Sierra Leone with proving track record with the necessary stakeholders. That since January 2020, the company has acquired six (6) contracts and is implementing those said contracts to the tune of Le 370 billion. All of the contracts are in Sierra Leone and they were all acquired through competitive bidding. That Pavi Fort Al Associates is the first Sierra Leonean owned construction company that have acquired international contract in The Gambia to the tune of US$ 20 million through competitive bidding.
The Auditor General should also know that there are 5Cs in Credit analysis. These are Capacity, Capital, Character, Collateral and Condition. Pavi Fort’s much talked-about Le 40 billion exposure to the financial industry can only fall under capacity and not character of the 5Cs of credit analysis.
Hence, the Le 40 billion could not be used to class Pavi Fort as a non-creditworthy customer under character. This is so because the company’s capacity is excellent, the Le 8.3 billion advanced to the company on the 9th July 2019 which had accrued interest to a total of Le 9.8 billion was fully paid on the 21st August 2020. Please see the statement below:
Also it should be known that Pavi Fort did account for a turnover of Le 107 billion with SLCB from the inception of the account on the 1st September 2015 to 9th July 2019, when the Le 8.3 billion was advanced to the company and Le 158 billion account turnover with SLCB from 9th July 2019 to 17th December 2021. This sums up a total account turnover of Le 265 billion with SLCB from inception of the account 1st September 2015 to date – please see below.
Please also note that Pavi Fort has excellent account turnovers with other five (5) commercial banks in the country. Therefore, the company’s capacity to handle the touted exposure of Le 40 billion cannot be overemphasized.
Thirdly, Management of Pavi Fort is also throwing a challenge to the Auditor General of Audit Sierra Leone that Pavi Fort as at 9th July 2019 – the date of disbursement of Le 8.3 billion at SLCB, that the company had not benefitted from any write off from any financial institution.
Because of these facts stated above Management of Pavi Fort is tempted to believe, SLCB refused to comment on that audit point as it had no merit to be on the Management letter.
As a company Management is of the strong conviction that audit point 2.2.7 (of page 86 of the 2020 report) – “Facility Given to Non-Creditworthy Customer” is a deliberate attempt to blackmail Pavi Fort through a “Snipper Audit” by the Auditor General of Sierra Leone and by “Sky Times” newspaper who on Friday 17th December 2021, did a front-page headline story on the same issue captioned: “Facility Given to Non-Creditworthy Customer… Commercial Bank & Pavi Fort to Cough Up Le 8.3 Billion”.
With all the above facts Management of Pavi Fort is requesting a public apology from the Auditor General of Audit Services Sierra Leone and that audit point 2.2.7 (of page 86 of the 2020 audit report) is expunge from the report immediately.
That a public apology be offered by the “Sky Times” newspaper for publishing falsehood and the piece be published in the newspaper with front page headline before Thursday 23rd December 2021.
