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China Practices Whole-Process People’s Democracy… Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Dilates on China’s Democracy – Episode 5

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Hu Zhangliang.png

By Amin Kef Sesay

As the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrates its 100 years in existence, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Hu Zhangliang, has been giving a series of enlightening interviews on how the CPC has led and rallied the Chinese people in transforming a war-torn and backward China in the modern times into a remarkable political and economic force in the world today.

In this fifth and final part of the interviews, Ambassador Hu focuses on China’s whole-process democracy through which the CPC promotes and protects in the interest of the Chinese people.

Ambassador Hu started by quoting President Xi Jinping’s remarks: “Whether a country is democratic or not depends on whether it is truly run by the people, depends on if the people have the right to vote and more importantly, whether the people have the right to broad participation. Furthermore, judging whether a country is democratic, one should also look at what political procedures and rules are stipulated by the systems and laws. If the people are awakened only at the time of voting and go into dormancy afterward, if the people only listen to smashing slogans during election campaigns but have no say afterward, or if the people are only favored during canvassing but are left out after the election, such a democracy is not a true democracy.”

Ambassador Hu averred that China has been practicing the whole-process of people’s democracy, which has been proved to be the broadest, most genuine, and most effective socialist democracy safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Chinese people.

Ambassador Hu explained that the whole-process of people’s democracy encompasses two-fold meanings. First, it means that people are at the center. Under the leadership of CPC, the people exercise state power through the National People’s Congress (NPC) and local People’s Congresses at different levels. Second, it attaches great importance to the whole process, ensuring that people not only have the right to election, but also the right to be broadly involved in the whole process of decision-making and governance. It has a complete set of institutions and procedures.

Under the whole-process of People’s Democracy, Ambassador Hu said, the Chinese people enjoy not only the right to democratically elect or  elect representatives to the People’s Congresses but also enjoy the right to know, participate, express views on, and supervise the work of the People’s Congresses and the Governments. There are mechanisms, such as polling, consultation, hearing, official hot lines, official opinion boxes etc., to discern what people think about a proposed policy and to tap on the people’s wisdom.

Ambassador Hu noted that the People’s Congresses system is a fundamental platform for exercising the whole process of People’s Democracy. There are five levels of People’s Congresses in China. The deputies are elected by their respective constituencies, either directly or indirectly. Deputies to People’s Congresses at the lower levels of township and county are elected directly by voters.

This level of deputies account for a majority of deputies at all levels. They in turn elect deputies to People’s Congresses of the districts or cities, who elect deputies of the provincial level. The National People’s Congress (NPC) deputies are elected by the People’s Congresses of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. In 2019, there were a total of 2.67 million deputies of People’s Congresses of all levels, including 590,000 at the county-level, and 1.94 million at the township level. Among all the deputies over 90% are elected directly by voters.

Ambassador Hu furthered that these deputies come from every district, every trade and every ethnicity. For instance, many of the deputies of the current NPC are ordinary citizens from all walks of life, including farmers, factory workers, craftsmen, and even street cleaners. At the annual full session, the deputies review and vote on important legal documents and personnel changes, including electing China’s President and Vice President every five years and submitting motions and proposals. Since the 13th NPC First Plenary Session in 2018, over 1795 motions and 33472 proposals have been submitted by the deputies.

Ambassador Hu pointed out that the People’s Congress system has provided an important institutional guarantee for the Chinese people to safeguard their fundamental interests and create the miracles of China’s fast economic growth and long-term social stability.

Ambassador Hu added that China has also set up other systems and institutions for the people to exercise democracy. These include the multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC, grassroots self-governance, regional ethnic autonomy, and various other forms of governance.

Ambassador Hu said that political consultation is a unique but very important form of democratic decision-making. Under the leadership of the CPC, all parties, mass organizations and representatives from all walks of life in China take part in consultations of the country’s basic policies and important issues in political, economic, cultural and social affairs before a decision is made and in the discussion of major issues concerning the implementation of the decisions.

For example, during the CPC Central Committee’s coordination and drafting process for formulating the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035,several rounds of solicitations of comments and suggestions from various sectors were held. Over 1 million comments were collected through online solicitations. A total of 546 comments and suggestions have been reflected in the final plan. This is just a vivid demonstration of the CPC’s intraparty democracy and China’s socialist democracy.

Ambassador Hu concluded that democracy is a right for the people of all countries to enjoy, not a slogan reserved for any individual country to presume supremacy or negate others. The judgment of whether a country is democratic or not should be made by their own people and not by the handful of others. Whether a member of the international community is democratic or not should be judged by the international community together, not by a self-righteous minority.

Appealing for Donations…   Sick Pikin Project Facilitates Medical Surgery on Momoh Kamara in Liberia

By Amin Kef Sesay

Lead Campaigner of the Sick Pikin Project, Ishmail Alfred Charles, has disclosed to this medium that, Momoh Kosboy Kamara, a fifteen years old school going pupil, who is residing in Mange Bureh, Port Loko District, Northern Sierra Leone and attending the Bureh Catholic Senior Secondary School, suffering from what has been diagnosed as Posterior Heterogeneous Swelling of the Occipital has finally got assistance.

He stated that while the Sick Pikin Project was seeking to understand Momoh’s condition and have him properly reviewed, they came across an amazing Sierra Leonean doctor, Dr. Peter Bangura, who works on full time at the 34 Military Hospital through another amazing supporter and lover of children, Sister Janet Musa.

That connection, he said , could be referred to as a divine connection as it has led to a collaborative linkage that is leading to Momoh’s case that could have cost over $18,000 USD will now cost about $ 1000 to 1500 USD.

He narrated that a team of Neurosurgeons were coming to Liberia and Dr. Bangura informed them that the Sick Pikin Project was very much looking forward to a possible support. As the team arrived in Monrovia Dr. Peter Bangura shared the MRI and CT scans of about 4 cases and they choose Momoh’s case.

The Lead Campaigner continued that the team of Neurosurgeons is called Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation (KBNF) adding that it is a Canadian charity with a vision to strengthen health care systems in West Africa, with a special emphasis on brain and spine diseases and injuries.

He said in compassionate speed the Sick Pikin Project was able to loan funds from another child’s case that is due to travel to India to help Momoh to travel to Monrovia.

“We have to take Emergency Travel Certificates and thankful to the amazing team at the Immigration Department of Sierra Leone who helped us to get things sorted so quickly,” Ishmail Alfred Charles Lead Campaigner of the Sick Pikin Project stated furthering how Momoh arrived in Freetown from Mange at late night of 10th November 2021 and departed for Monrovia via road trip where he arrived at Bo waterside, with the support of World Hope International who provided vehicle and fuel.

He further explained that Momoh was then picked up by Dr. Peter Bangura at the Border and was admitted at the JFK Hospital set to undergo some clinical review and laboratory work before his proposed surgery on Sunday 14th November, 2021.

“We are grateful for all those who supported in making this a reality,” the Sick Pikin Lead Campaigner expressed gratitude but stated that they are now in support of funds to be able to keep Momoh in Monrovia and pay for the cost of his laboratory work as the surgery is free.

“Donate today and help Momoh regain his normal life as he has lived with this condition for over 6 years now before The Calabash Newspaper brought his case to the attention of  The Sick Pikin Project,” Ishmail Alfred Charles made a passionate appeal.

“We are a result oriented project, any amount donated will yield the desired result, together can make the difference. Nothing is too small,” he reiterated.

Call today and donate now +23276722736 or +23276793010.

Citizens Are Concerned That… Without An Independent Auditor General… Fight Against Corruption Will Be Very Weak

President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Julius Maada Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay

If President Bio and his New Direction Government are really listening to the people that elected them to power to, among other things, fight corruption and to ensure that the nation’s financial and natural resources are used prudently for the benefit of all citizens, they would definitely hear that the majority of Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad view the indefinite suspension of the country’s Auditor General and her Deputy not only suspiciously but sinisterly.

It is no hidden secret that this Government has not been pleased with the Auditor General’s 2019 report of how huge amounts of public money and resources were misappropriated by MDAs.

It is also known that the Office of the President did not take kindly the 2019 Audit Report’s finding of the First Lady using large amounts of state money in very dubious ways.

It is also known that this Government deliberately denied the Auditor General the authority to investigate how millions of dollars and tens of billions of Leones expended by donors and the Government of Sierra Leone for fighting the COVID-19 disease were misused by NACOVERC.

This brings us to the importance of the Auditor General’s independence.

As the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) for Sierra Leone, the Audit Service Sierra Leone promotes accountability and good governance.
The Auditor General is mandated to carry out audits on the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which the audited Government entities used their resources in carrying out their responsibilities. The Auditor General is the independent auditor reporting to Parliament.
Section 119 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone empowers the Auditor General to audit the public accounts of Sierra Leone and of all public offices including the courts, the central and local Government administrations, the Universities and public institutions, together with statutory corporations, companies, bodies or organizations set up partly or wholly out of public funds.

Each year the Auditor General audits and provides opinions on, the annual financial statements and key performance indicators (KPIs) of public sector entities including government departments, statutory authorities, corporatized entities, universities and TAFEs, and local Governments.

Ensuring the Auditor General’s independence is as important as ensuring that revenues and expenses are properly reported and classified. If the Auditor’s independence is impaired then the Government has not satisfied the requirement to file financial statements audited by an independent accountant.

Why is the Auditor-General important?

Through its audit activities, ASSL plays an important role in enabling accountability and thus promoting sound financial governance practices. Ultimately, ASSL’s work empowers citizens to hold the custodians of public resources accountable.

The Auditor-General’s Office is an independent entity established as per the Constitution of Sierra Leone in support of democracy.

ASSL’s work continues to attract great public interest and scrutiny. Their reports are used by Governments for reference and decision-making by the citizens to determine the level of performance of public institutions and the Government; and by other external stakeholders to assess the degree of accountability and transparency of Sierra Leone.

What is the Auditor independence, and what is its significance to the audit profession?

Auditor’s independence states that the person conducting the audit should be an independent person, independent of its client in judgment and also in presence. The audit must be performed with an independent mind and not under any influence of any person.

“The Auditor-General has a constitutional mandate and, as the Supreme Audit institution of Sierra Leone, exists to strengthen our country’s democracy by enabling oversight, accountability and governance in the public sector through auditing, thereby building public confidence.”

How can Auditor General be removed?

A person holding the office of the Auditor-General shall be removed from office by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Parliament.

The Auditor-General is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal and shall only be removed from office in like manner and on like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.

As the Bullet is Bulleted… Dr.Prince Harding’s Political Career Hangs in the Balance

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The  controversial Chairperson of one of the oldest political parties in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Sierra Leone People’s Party,(SLPP), which constitutes the current ruling Government headed by President Julius Maada Bio, Dr. Prince Harding, popularly known as The Bullet, may not presently be at ease simply because he has been associated with cold-blooded murder of one, Mohamed Koroma, popularly known as ‘Done Pole’, a 40 years old man said to be his former driver, which sad event took place at the Emergency Hospital at Goderich, West End of Freetown, in the morning hours of Saturday, November 6th, 2021.

From various accounts, this medium learnt that Dr. Prince Harding’s current nightmare all emanated from an altercation that took place at the SLPP Head Office in Freetown on the 29th June 2021 at around 3:45 pm local time when an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting was held at the SLPP headquarters to set up the rules for the conduct of primary elections at zonal, constituency and regional levels.

Winners in those elections will then have to serve as delegates in the National Delegates Conference scheduled to take place later this year. Important as they are, popular show of allegiance for top contending candidates for the National Executive positions, of which Dr. Prince Alex Harding and Jimmy Batilo Songa are contesting for the National Chairmanship position of the party ,do count a lot.

It was understood that Don Pole was in Dr Prince Harding’s camp while he was a driver, but his loyalty ceased when it became apparent that the politician was obdurate to raise his salary from five hundred thousand Leones.

This medium also understood that push came to shove when nothing was done by Prince Harding towards the naming ceremony of his former driver’s newly born baby child, even those the mother of the deceased had informed the politician that they have decided to name the child after him.

The two aforementioned reasons were what actually embittered the late Don Pole who then decided to pitch camp with Prince Harding’s rival Batilo Songa, whom according to accounts financially supported the naming ceremony of the child.

It was said that the fracas became so heated at the party’s Head Office to such an extent that it was alleged Dr. Prince Harding allegedly ordered an Operational Support Division (OSD) officer of the Sierra Leone Police Force known as Julius Amara to shoot the deceased.  It was said he fired at close range and later rushed to the Emergency Hospital where he was hospitalized until he passed away on the 6th November,2021.

The late man, it was reported, remained frustrated till death because he was disappointed that no top brass SLPP personality paid him a visit except President Julius Maada Bio.

Against the aforementioned backdrop, Dr. Prince Alex Harding in a recent interview with Radio Democracy FM 98.1, during the popular Gud Morning Salone Programme, on the issue denied the point that Don-Pole was his driver.

Interestingly, during the radio discussion cum interview program, the point of controversy heated up over the wounds inflicted on the deceased.

Dr. Harding claimed he did not order his bodyguard, OSD Julius Amara, to shoot at anyone, while admitting that the deceased was the one who tried to murder him with a sledge led chain.

However, it was put to him that the deceased, before his death, maintained in the presence of one Hassan, that Dr. Prince Harding indeed ordered his bodyguard to shoot and kill him.

Another interesting thing that emerged during the interview was that the mother of the late man recounted instances of incidents when Prince Harding has threatened his son stating that she tried her best to advice her son to stay away from the politician and he assured her that he will stay away from him.

Another controversial aspect of the whole issue borders around the Sierra Leone Police stating that the deceased was stabbed when on the flip side the medical report stated that he was shot with a gun.

Dr Prince Harding was invited by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Sierra Leone Police Force for questioning, was detained but later released.

As of now the mother of the deceased is calling for justices were as the mother of the late man’s child is also calling for welfare support.

One of the ardent and hardcore grassroots party supporters by the name of Abravo intimated The Calabash, in a short interview, that they are not pleased with Prince Harding’s action. “After Don Pole has served him faithfully over the years that was how to tell him thank you by instructing that he should be shot,” he lamented adding that they also want justice for the late man. “We will ensure that the late man gets justice because he died unfairly,” Abravo vowed religiously.

According to a seasoned Political Commentator it now seems that the political career of Dr.Prince Harding is hanging in the balance.

NDMA, MoHS Update Journalists on Wellington Fire Disaster

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During the 11th November 2021 Press Briefing hosted by the Ministry of Information and Communications, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHs) updated the public on the Wellington PMB fire incident.

Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Brima Sesay, Director-General, National Disaster Management Agency informed media practitioners that the institution was launched on the 19th November 2020, just few days to their first anniversary when the fire disaster occurred. He furthered that their response was swift as he immediately put together all their members of staff and volunteers to head for the location

The Director-General stated that NDMA divided the response process into three key stages; the emergency phase, which starts from day one to ten of the incident, the stabilization relief and early response stage from day 11 to day 30 and the response to the early recovery phase, that is from day 31 to day 90 of the incident.

The DG further stated that; “We were able to coordinate the National Fire Force and the Port Authority Fire Service to come immediately to the scene to help in putting out the fire; we also contacted the National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) for an ambulance service, and they also responded immediately, which enabled the evacuation of both the injured and the corpses.”

He also intimated the press that the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society played a significant role in the evacuation process. He said, “They were all over the place in numbers and medical teams as well; we safely transported 99 affected persons to three hospitals that night.”

The DG added that, NDMA also transported 84 fatalities using ambulances and military vehicles.

“The Vice President was able to visit Connaught and 34 Military Hospitals the night of the incident and also visited the accident site the following morning and consoled the affected families.”

“His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, had to cut short his foreign trip to come and lead the overall response of the incident. The president also called on victims at various hospitals and visited the incident site to get first-hand accounts about the catastrophe,” the DG also stated.

In relation to how people should donate to the affected victims, the DG said it has been agreed by stakeholders within the disaster management circle that all donations should be done through the NDMA.

He furthered that the account numbers of the “Disaster Relief Fund Account” in Leone currency and the US Dollars are available to the public and added that the NDMA has been getting calls from people wanting to know how they can contribute to the relief efforts.”

The Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr Austin Hinga Demby, affirmed that his Ministry has received lots of medical donations from the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, the UAE including 6.6 tons of medical supplies and experts from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Mustapha S. Kabba, who doubles as the Incident Manager for the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, confirmed that 299 victims are recorded to date at the various city hospitals, and the death toll as of the 11th November has risen to 138. He confirmed that a total of 59 victims are undergoing treatment at the municipal hospitals.

BAN Calls on President Bio to Rescind Suspension of Auditor General & Her Deputy

By Amin Kef Sesay

One of the country’s functioning and vibrant Civil Society Organizations, the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) has succinctly pointed out in a public statement it put out dated the 13th November, 2021 and signed by its members, which include: Christian Aid (CA), Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), Action Aid Sierra Leone (AASL), Search for Common Ground (SFCG), Network Movement for Justice (NMJD), Western Area Budget Education Advocacy Network (WABEAN) and Transparency International Sierra Leone, that its members  are concerned about the indefinite suspension of the Auditor- General, Lara Taylor Pearce and her Deputy, Tamba Momoh of the Audit Service Sierra Leone.

BAN stated that the decision came as a shock to the public especially that there is limited information for the action continuing how they are particularly worried that the action undermines public accountability which is fundamental for good governance and development.

The Organization continued that it further hampers efforts in maintaining fiscal discipline and accountable use of public resources.

Members of BAN stated that the President should be reminded that Sierra Leone is committed to the African Charter on Democracy Elections and Governance, which under Chapter (9) Article (33) indicate that: “State parties shall institutionalize good economic and corporate governance through effective and efficient Public Services; and through promoting transparency in Public Finance Management”.

“We want to state that the Audit Service Sierra Leone has over the years demonstrated high levels of financial probity and provided oversight on the use of public resources as evidence in the Open Budget Survey were its score for 2020 was 72% and as mandated by the 1991 constitution, with high levels of professionalism and acceptance of its work by citizens,” the members state pointing out that therefore in the area of auditing, ensuring effective financial management, performance and professionalism, the Audit Sierra Service Leone and the Auditor General are rated highly in the world.

BAN continued that the action is more disturbing when the country is looking forward to the release of the annual audit report by the Audit Service Sierra Leone.

“We want to draw the attention of His Excellency to his Government’s commitment towards protecting the independence of the Audit Service Sierra Leone,” members of BAN said furthering that while they respect the authority of the President, citizens have the right to be informed of the reasons for the indefinite suspension of the Auditor General and Deputy to avoid misconceptions and misinformation amongst the Sierra Leonean population.

“Since there are no clear information on this decision, we kindly ask His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone to reconsider this suspension of the Auditor General and her Deputy because it is not in line with what he promised to Sierra Leoneans in the New Direction Manifesto,” BAN stated adding that it is also not a good and popular action, especially when the country is doing well in the Control of corruption indicator.

“We therefore kindly ask His Excellency to rescind this decision in the spirit of national interest,” BAN appealed.

Non-State Actors Express Grave Concerns Over Suspension of Auditor General & Deputy

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By Amin Kef Sesay

It could be recalled that on the 11th November 2021 Sierra Leoneans were taken aback when it was made public that the SLPP Government headed by President Julius Maada Bio has indefinitely suspended the Auditor General of Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), Lara Taylor-Pearce and her Deputy, Tamba Momoh, without initially giving clear-cut reasons as to why the decision was arrived at.

So far the reasons given for the suspension of her and her Deputy border around violating the Financial Management Act of 2016, the Fiscal Management and Responsibility Act of 2017 and the National Public Procurement Act, 2016.

Further, stated was that the recruitment of private audit firms by the Supreme Audit Authority did not follow procurement rules, according to reports.

The suspended Auditor General, Lara Taylor-Pearce, indeed confirmed that she was handed a letter signed by the Secretary to the President to the Chairman of the ASSL Advisory Board, stating that the Attorney General has been asked to set up a tribunal to look into the ASSL for professional performance or the lack thereof. She said herself and Tamba Momoh, her Deputy, according to instructions, should be sent on suspension with immediate effect.

“I have not been told what the remit of this tribunal is or what wrongdoing we are supposed to have committed, neither have we been told who the members of the Tribunal are or will be,” the suspended Auditor General further revealed. She, however, stated that ASSL has always maintained the highest standards at all times and that they have upheld international best standards.

“I remain ready to cooperate with any tribunal guided by my legal representative and to defend my reputation anywhere, anytime,” Lara Taylor-Pearce said with all amount of seriousness.

Since the news break out there has been mixed reactions by entities as well as individuals.

One such individual is the vociferous and speak-truth-to-power Founder and Governing Officer of the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ), Basita Michael.

She has stated that any legal suspension or investigation of the Auditor General must follow the following procedure as set out in the Constitution: The Judicial and Legal Service Commission must present to the President that the question of removing the Auditor General ought to be investigated. Thereafter, the President, acting in consultation with the JLSC, shall appoint a tribunal consisting of three members, the tribunal must present its findings to the President and Recommend to the President whether the AG ought to be removed from office

She continued that after the question of her removal has been referred to the tribunal as set up by the constitution THEN AND ONLY THEN may the President suspend the Auditor General from performing the functions of her office and such suspension shall cease to have effect if the tribunal recommends to the President that the Auditor General ought not to be removed from office.

Basita Michael further argued that, therefore, any suspension outside the confines of the above-mentioned provisions of the Constitution is in breach of the constitution and any tribunal set up by the AG is illegal.

Another strong entity that has added its voice is the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists.

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), in a Press Statement, it issued out on the 11th November 2021, signed by its Acting Secretary General, Alhaji Manika Kamara, categorically stated, among other things, that it is concerned about the sudden indefinite suspension of the Auditor General of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), Lara Taylor-Pearce, and one of her Deputies, Tamba Momoh.

SLAJ stated that the action is particularly worrying because, in its estimation, the ASSL under the leadership of Lara Taylor Pearce has a hitherto unblemished track record of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of its duties spanning over ten years and two political administrations.

The Association continued that be that as it may, while its members respect the authority of His Excellency the President to hire, suspend, or fire, they are urging that in line with constitutional provisions, in Sections 119, Sub-Section 9 and Section 137 respectively, the Attorney General immediately makes public the composition of the Tribunal along with clearly stated Terms of Reference, and a short timeframe as would be most appropriate for the Tribunal to function.

SLAJ stated that already the action has created a level of uncertainty within the local governance circles which its members understand is being closely monitored by not only the country’s international friends but also the donor community whose contribution to the country’s fledgling economy cannot be underestimated.

“While we wait for the outcome of the tribunal, which we expect in the shortest possible time, we regret that considering the recent impressive statistics on control of corruption in the just-released MCC Scorecard, this Government can by this action seek to overturn all those gains in less than 24 hours,” SLAJ maintained.

The Association went further to say that it is concerned that given the severe economic constraints facing most citizens, decisions are being taken that are creating undue disaffection, confusion, and distrust.

“We urge the Government to maintain the independence and integrity of our institutions and continue to give hope to the people of Sierra Leone,” SLAJ enjoined.

It will also be recalled that the Auditor General’s initial refusal to comply with the legal opinion of the Solicitor General to set up a Single Treasury Account for the payment of audit fees was strongly opposed by the Ministry of Finance which led to the intervention of the Speaker of Parliament.

Tamba Momoh is believed to be a member of several Boards of Directors of Government or Government Assisted Secondary Schools which fall under the audit mandate of Audit Service Sierra Leone. This is seen as a conflict of interest.

Orange Foundation takes Ultra-Modern Pre-School to Tihun

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

Orange Sierra Leone, one of the leading telecommunications companies operating in the country, through one of its appendages, Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, has on the 12th November 2021, turned the sod of the soil in Tihun Town, Pengor Section, Sogbini Chiefdom, and Bonthe District for the construction of an Ultra-Modern Early Childhood Education Pre-School.

Speaking during the event, the Councillor for Ward 321 of Constituency 092 in Sogbini Chiefdom, Bonthe District, Councillor Joseph S. Silvalie, in a statement told the audience that the Pre School, after completion will be a first class school within the Sogbini Chiefdom, further extending gratitude to the Management and Staff of Orange Mobile Company in Sierra Leone for the kind gesture. He continued that through the execution of its Corporate Social Responsibility the company has rolled out various interventions in different parts of the country, saying it is indeed welcoming and soothing that Orange Sierra Leone is bringing a state-of-the-art Pre Primary School to Bonthe District.

He reiterated their appreciation for Orange Sierra Leone’s kind gesture in helping the Government to promote the Free Quality Education Initiative in the country. He disclosed that for them in Bonthe District, majority of the residents are subscribers to the company.

Councillor Joseph S. Silvalie revealed that it is sometimes mind-boggling to see their children attending Nursery school in another Village. He advised the parents to send their children to school earlier in order for them to have a solid foundation. He said the parents should make the use of the opportunity so that at the end of the day the school will not be a white Elephant.
He advised the parents to send their children to school and to support the children to learn.
He concluded by appealing to Orange to support them have certain basic amenities like school toilets, and water wells at the schools within Sogbini Chiefdom.
The Deputy Director of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Lahai Feika, said eleven months ago they commissioned a secondary school at Sogbini Chiefdom and now they are present at the scene to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a Pre Primary School adding  that indeed education and development are intertwined.

He noted that the Pre School is very important saying it will provide the space for children to engage in brain work and prepare them to pursue basic education. Lahai Feika encouraged the parents to send their children to the Pre School adding that Pre School likening it to an investment that will improve the child’s language easily.

He advised the parents and the community to take ownership of the school and advised them to make sure they monitor the facility regularly.

The Ministry of Education official revealed how Orange-SL has been giving the Ministry big support by constructing schools telling residents that it a big opportunity for them.

He assured that as a Ministry they will make sure they monitor the Pre-school, especially the learning system, and also monitor the teachers regularly. “As a Ministry we will make sure the Pre School has the kind of learning materials it should have,” he promised stating that he will report the development to his superiors accordingly.

In her keynote address, the Director of Orange Foundation, Jestina Betts said Tihun is a very beautiful town.

She advised the parents to send their children to the Pre School disclosing that the Orange Foundation will continue to reach out and spread hands to support Mama Salone.

The Director noted that they will join hands with residents of Tihun and officials of the Education Ministry to ensure that the investment they are making will be sustainable and that the children of Tihun are enjoying the facility.
Jestina Betts appealed to everyone at Tihun to join hands and help the contractors, be watch dogs of the building materials so that the building will go on as planned.

The turning of the sod in Tihun within the Sogbini Chiefdom of Bonthe District climaxed the occasion.

For Making the Less Privileged ‘Visible’… Foday Moriba Conteh Highly Honoured by ‘Orphan Empowerment Society’

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Foday Moriba Conteh

By Amin Kef Sesay

In recognition of his outstanding and excellent contributions in telling the untold stories of  the less privileged children in the country, including those with disabilities and orphans, making them “visible”, one of the most ambitious youth activists and journalists in the country, Foday Moriba Conteh, was on the 12thNovember, 2021 among other selected personalities that bagged the “Humanitarian Goodwill Award 2021” from the Orphan Empowerment Society during a well organized and not to be soon forgotten event which was held at the City Hall Auditorium in Freetown.

Foday Moriba Conteh is a young Sierra Leonean journalist working for The Calabash Newspaper, a youth activist, a public speaker and debater whose immense contributions towards the development of young people is unbreakable.

As a youth, he is a member of many youth organizations in and
outside of Sierra Leone and his contributions towards nation building and youth development is invaluable.

As a result, in 2018, Foday was recognized as a New Generation Leadership Africa Ambassador by the Ministry of Youth Affairs. In 2020 he was also recognized as a New Generation Leadership Africa Youth Achiever Honorable Ambassador during the National Youth Leadership Summit through the Youth and Children’s Advocacy Panel. In the same year, he was also recognized by the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences as MBRU Community Immunity Ambassador after successfully completing a course in, “Let’s Break the Chain of COVID-19 infection”.

Some of the awardees who were also awarded on that day include the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Ekundayo Gilpin Walton, Executive Director of Citizen’s Advocacy Network, Thomas Moore Conteh, Mayor of Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, Commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission, Francis Ben Kaifala, among others.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Country Coordinator for the Orphans Empowerment Society Sierra Leone, Amb Alie Conteh, stated that tragically, millions of children all over the globe have become orphaned for many reasons: war, famine, displacement, disease or poverty, adding that to make sure that they are not forgotten, once a year a special day is dedicated to them: World Orphan Day, which, he said, falls on the second Monday of each November.

He furthered that this special day has been put aside in order to draw attention to the plight of the world’s orphans disclosing how on that day people are encouraged to actively participate in helping raise awareness, support and raise funds for motherless and fatherless children worldwide.

Amb. Alie Conteh said that World Orphan Day was created to raise awareness about the number of children in this world who lack something most of us take for granted: parents and that the Orphan Empowerment Society wish is to motivate people to do anything they can to help orphans.

“With a desire to take care of the orphans left behind by war and a commitment to help bring an end to orphan poverty in Africa, an integral part of the Orphan Empowerment Society agenda is to bring humanitarians and leaders from across AFRICA to participate as our organization decided to appreciate and recognize stakeholders for their outstanding and excellent services towards orphans and less privileged children in the country with Humanitarian Goodwill Awards as part of our Public Awareness and Advocacy work on behalf of orphans,” he stated.

Commenting on the award, Foday Moriba Conteh expressed profound appreciation to the Orphans Empowerment Society Sierra Leone for recognizing his efforts towards his contributions to Orphans and the less privileged in the country.

He disclosed that the number of orphans and abandoned children in the country and the world as a whole is increasing day by day due to natural or man-made causes and that while it is not possible to prevent children from becoming orphans and vulnerable, so much can be done to reduce factors causing orphan hood.

Foday Moriba Conteh called on organizations to support orphans and the less privileged children stating how such  is a national concern, furthering that it is time to ensure that no child is left behind as every child matters regardless of his or her status.

He assured of his continuous support towards Orphans and the less privileged children in the country, furthering that he will use his profession to raise awareness on issues affecting Orphans in the country with the aim of making Sierra Leone a safe space for Orphans.

World Vision Donates Clothing &IPC Materials to Rokupa Hospital and NDMA

National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).jpg

By Fatmata Jengbe

World Vision International has on the 10th November 2021 donated clothing and infection prevention control materials meant for the victims of the Wellington Fire Disaster to the Government Rokupa Hospital in the East End of Freetown and the National Disaster Management Agency. The infection prevention materials were handed over to the Medical Superintendent of the said hospital, Dr. Mohamed Kamara.

Before presenting the materials, the Country Director of World Vision International, Sagane THIAW and some members of staff offered prayers for the victims who lost their lives in the inferno and wished those admitted speedy recovery. The Country Director pointed out that as an organization they will continue to support the Government of Sierra Leone to provide succour for the bereaved families and those that are hospitalized.

Sagane THIAW said when the disaster occurred, World Vision ,was keen to know the Government’s response stating that after attending meetings as an organization they decided to mobilize what they have in one of their stores disclosing that as a relief organization they usually keep items in their stores for emergency purposes.

He said they were able to put together certain items adding that they are currently looking forward to secure additional resources to enable do more.

The Medical Superintendent of the Rokupa Government Hospital,
Dr. Mohamed Kamara, thanked the Director and Staff of World Vision International, stating that they are trying all their best to give the victims optimal treatment adding that what they have donated will help in the process. He promised that the donated items will be used for their intended purposes.

At the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) the Deputy Director General, John Rogers, welcomed the Management of World Vision International. He informed them that the incident occurred around 8: 30 pm on Friday pointing out that as an Agency they are the   first respondent and worked alongside other institutions to provide coordination for all other entities to make sure that they are in touch with medical facilities. He said those who sustained burns up to third degree were taken to various hospitals where they are currently undergoing treatments.

The Deputy Director General intimated that they have received other supports from institutions and individuals all towards providing relief for the victims including bereaved families and those hospitalized, further maintaining that it is indeed welcoming to see candid humanitarian assistances and condolence messages extended to the affected persons at this crucial moment.

High point of the occasion was the donation of the items to the NDMA. In return, the Deputy Director General thanked the Management and team of World Vision, promising that their gesture will be communicated to the requisite authorities.

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