A Remembrance and Thanksgiving Service, which was convened by President Julius Maada Bio, was held at State House on the 9th November 2021 to mark the end of a 3-day national mourning after the November 5 Wellington fire disaster that killed over 100 people and left many seriously injured.
Sheik Alie Kallay and Rev. Fr. Vincent Davies both gave sermons on behalf of the Christian and Muslim communities in the country. They told the gathering that everyman would face the bitterness of death and prayed to God for forgiveness of the sins of the departed souls.
As the chief mourner, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio said it was a solemn moment for the country, a sad moment that the nation should come out of together and prevent its future occurrence.
“We are here as a nation to mourn the passing of so many of our compatriots who lost their lives in the tragic disaster. As we mourn the deaths of our brothers and sisters, it is also an opportunity for us to think about the many who are still in the different hospitals experiencing and enduring excruciating pain,” he stated.
The President further stated that the country had had so many moments of suffering that could be prevented to reduce the pains Sierra Leoneans had gone through. He, therefore, called on everyone to embrace each other, devoid of political belonging, to reason together for the betterment of the country.
“As the chief mourner, I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of the nation, to thank our foreign partners for your timely intervention. You have proven that you are partners in need and partners indeed. May their souls receive merciful judgment,” he concluded.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that the revolution within the Ministry of Lands which was staged by the current Minister of that public entity, Dr. Turad Senesie, has not only been internally commended but has also gained international acclamation.
Based on what this medium learnt, this latest acknowledgement of the unmatchable and enviable progress made by the Lands Ministry over the last six months specifically is coming from the global good governance scorecard – Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
In the latest MCC Scorecard, Sierra Leone records an unprecedented 40% in the Lands Rights and Access, as opposed to the Nation’s 24% score in 2020.
Essentially, the Lands Ministry recorded almost 100% improvement since Dr. Turad Senesie was appointed as Minister this year as compared to the score for last year (2020 = 24% and 2021 = 40%)
This medium was also made to understand that the aforementioned came about as a result of the dedicated leadership and commitment of the Minister with support of his team of experts, towards achieving land rights and access as evident in the laudable milestones of the Ministry under the current dispensation.
Among the latest productive actions of the Ministry includes reviewing and enforcing policies, generating income for Government, instilling discipline in land administration and management, enhancing public trust in the operations of the Ministry, providing fair access to land and most importantly prioritizing the provision of affordable housing for the citizens.
It will be recalled that for the first time in land administration and management history, the Ministry recently announced the availability of State Land and called on the general public to apply for lease of such land. Over Seven Thousand (7,000) applications are currently being processed by the Ministry.
The Board of Directors and Management of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) are still mourning the death of those who were trapped in and consumed by the 5th November 2021 inferno that claimed the lives of many, leaving others seriously injured who are now responding to treatments in different health facilities in Freetown.
In the wake of the gruesome accident, the company was among the first to tangibly extend humanitarian gesture by availing the Connaught Hospital, Emergency Hospital, 34 Military Hospital and Choithram Memorial Hospital with some amount of assorted but highly recommended and potent medical items to be used in administering treatment on the injured victims.
The company continues to extend its sincere and profound sympathy to all those who were affected in one way or the other by the gruesome fire accident, wishing all those admitted speedy recovery. Board and Management of the company also heartily commend all the health workers who are using their professional expertise in the treatment of those who sustained burns during the incident.
NP-SL Ltd has been rated as one of the successful indigenous companies in the country which majority of the citizens could point at as a resilient company , especially when serious consideration is given to the fact that the petroleum marketing entity has stood the test of time, weathering various challenges that could have led to its demise.
For such a commendable feat to be achieved during quite a long period of time now means that the company has been blessed with capable Shareholders, Board of Directors and Managerial teams that have been providing the requisite ideas and initiatives that continue to take NP-SL Ltd from one higher level to another.
Providing its esteemed and cherished customers, right across the country, with rapt and efficient attention by always ensuring that their petroleum needs are well satisfied which, with all amount of certainty, has been identified as one of the secrets behind the successes of the company.
Management is always very keen on prioritizing Customer Care which is why it is keen to know the reactions of customers to certain policies or decisions as well as to listen to various concerns raised and always be in a position to address them.
Having amassed the requisite and seeing the need to expand appropriately, NP-SL Ltd thought it fit to expand by opening branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia and all of them are extremely functioning well to the utmost satisfaction of the Governments of those countries plus its ever growing customers. In doing so, the company has been contributing towards job creation and poverty reduction more especially as it is virtually impossible for the Governments in these countries to provide all job opportunities for citizens.
When cognizance is taken of the fact that Governments need revenue to finance development projects it is important to find the sources of generating such. NP-SL Ltd , as a company, is one of the biggest taxpayers to Government. Management always makes it as a point of duty to timely pay taxes and despite battling with existing and unforeseeable challenges there has never been an instance when it has been coerced to do so.
Many have praised NP-SL Ltd for making available cookers popularly known as NP Gas which is safe for cooking purposes. These NP Gas cookers are sold at reasonable prices and could be procured in all their Filling Stations as well as from authorized dealers. At a time like this when it has been recognized that it is advisable, for health reasons, to avoid using firewood or charcoal for cooking purposes the best option could be NP Gas, which is hygienic, clean and quick.
NP Smart Card is now in vogue as some of the company’s customers are currently using it to procure fuel. The NP Smart Card could be easily credited which then could be used at a Filling Station to purchase fuel without the physical exchange of cash. It has been confirmed that it is a very convenient means of purchasing fuel and whenever it has run low in cash it could be credited and ready for the next purchase.
Talking about effective implementation of the country’s Local Content Policy, NP-SL Ltd stands tall in that regard as it is truly the only indigenous company that employs 100% Sierra Leoneans as workers. The company gives preference to employing Sierra Leoneans which is a clear indication that it adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy by utilizing local talents thereby making it possible for indigenes to acquire useful knowledge and skills through on the job experience or via various training programs.
It is important to know that the company deals with individuals and various entities, always ensuring that its various petroleum products are available and are sold at affordable prices. There is a good business strategy in place whereby entities or customers are permitted to use chits to secure fuel and pay later. Such is very advantageous more so when those entities do not always have cash at hand to be purchasing petroleum products from time to time. This symbiotic relationship with its customers has been paying huge dividends making NP-SL Ltd very endearing to all and sundry.
With regards recognition, the regulatory institution of the different petroleum companies in the country, the Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has also lauded NP in recent times for its efficient service delivery in its areas of operation.
There could be no doubt to authoritatively state that NP-SL Ltd. is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.
Without mincing the truth, NP-SL Ltd stands tall within the business landscape in and out of the country growing stronger and stronger as time goes by.
It will be recalled that one of the telecommunications service providers in the country, Orange-Sierra Leone, as part of rolling out its Early Childhood Development Center School Project, which happens to fall under the GSM Company’s Free Quality Education Support to the Government’s Free Quality Education (FQE) Initiative, the company had already constructed three pre-schools in Kambia, Moyamba and Pujehun districts respectively.
On the 10th November 2021 during a well-attended ceremony at Lokomasama Chiefdom, within the Port Loko district, Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, turned the sod for the construction of another Early Childhood Ultra-Modern Pre-school in the Petifu Section, of Lokomasama Chiefdom, which will be constructed by Arch Design Construction Company.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chiefdom Speaker for Lokomasama Chiefdom, Pa Alimamy Obai Fet Kamara described the move by the company as a move in the right direction geared towards children in that part of the country to access early education like any other child in the country of which he used the opportunity on behalf of his chiefdom to expressed appreciation to Orange Foundation-Sierra Leone for the laudable venture.
He maintained that the construction of the pre-school in Lokomasama by Orange Foundation clearly shows that the company’s is actually committed to complementing the Government’s Free Quality Education Initiative further revealing that as chiefdom they are more than ready to embrace Orange Foundation as a development partner.
Chief Kamara also appealed to his people to embrace the project which, he said, will benefit Lokomasama Chiefdom and the surrounding villages and will largely contribute to overall national development.
In her address, the Director of Orange Foundation, Jestina Betts noted that Orange Foundation is very pleased to turn the sod for the construction of the Ultra-Modern Pre-School in Lokomasama Chiefdom Port Loko District which she said after completion will be the 4th Ultra-Modern Pre-School the company has constructed in four districts.
She maintained that it has been assured that the construction work will be completed by December 2021and will be handed over to Government which will in turn offer to the people of Lokomasama as the first state of the art Early Development Center that will serve as a safe facility to provide space for the children of Lokomasama Chiefdom and its environs to access free and quality education which she said will mark the fourth pre-school the as part of the company’s school building Project which purely focuses on ensuring a better and promising future for children.
Jestina Betts encouraged residents of that great settlement to take advantage of the golden opportunity and enroll their children into the facility, especially the girl child assuring how it will avail them a better foundation, nurture them well for the Primary School stage and help to foster their educational pursuit in general.
Liaison Officer, Office of the Vice President, Moses Kamara, commended Orange Foundation for their tireless efforts in complementing the Government’s Free Quality Education Initiative by constructing Early Childhood Centers in the country.
He added that with the construction of the Pre-School in Lokomasama Chiefdom it will surely create positive impacts on the lives of children in that part of the country especially when the Free Quality Initiative is a priority in the New Direction Agenda.
He revealed that he is aware that Orange Foundation has constructed similar Early Childhood Centers in Kambia, Moyamba, Pujehun and now Port Loko District.
In her keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Basic Senior and Secondary School Education (MBSSSE), Kadiatu Emily Gogra, described Orange Foundation Sierra Leone as a reliable partner in development especially towards the Free Quality Education Initiative in the country.
The Deputy Minister also commended Orange for the big intervention in Lokomasama chiefdom, adding that the company has been helping the Ministry of Basic Senior and Secondary Education in increasing schools across the country.
She urged residents of Lokomasama to see Orange Sierra Leone as their own and appealed to the community to support the company by purchasing their products and services which includes the buying of more top-up and sim cards so that the company would grow and in return contribute towards the development of the country.
Madam Gora revealed that over the years the company has been working tremendously towards digitalizing their services with particular attention paid to the launching of the 4G+ by the telecoms company which she said has given customers the opportunity to access fast internet connection in the country.
“The company helped the West African Examination Council in churning out WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination), BECE (Basic Education Certificate Examination) and NPSE (National Primary School Examination (NPSE) results. This help from Orange Sierra Leone saved parents Le40, 000 (forty thousand Leones) per pupil,” she noted.
Climaxing the event was a conducted tour of dignitaries to the construction site which was followed by the official turning of the sod by the Deputy Minister of Basic Senior and Secondary School Education (MBSSSE), Kadiatu Emily Gogra, the Director of Orange Foundation, Jestina Betts, community stakeholders and pupils.
Sierra Leone Football Association in collaboration with Africell Sierra Leone has on the 10th November 2021 unveiled four Technical Support Team Members who are charged with the responsibility of helping the Head Coach, John Keister, in adequately preparing the darling Leone Stars vis-à-vis the upcoming African Nation’s Cup Competition scheduled to take place in Cameroun early in 2022. The four selected members of the Technical Team were veteran players of the team and they include, Kemokai Kallon, Lamin Conteh alias Junior Tumbu, Lamin Bangura and Julius Woobay.
The unveiling took place at the Head Office of Africell in Wilberforce, Freetown.
He continued by informing that Captain Umaru ‘Zingallay’ Bangura, Rodney Strasser and George Kweku Davies are being recalled by him.
The Head Coach further stated that Idriss Kanu, who plays for Championship side Peterborough United, was called up for the second time and he is hoping to make his international debut.
He informed that Steve Caulker, Issa Kallon and Sahr Morsey are still waiting for FIFA clearance to be eligible to play for Sierra Leone.
Africell Head of Events and Sponsorship, Abdul Aziz Kamara, stated that the decision made by Africell to support SLFA is a call to duty underscoring that it is something they owe to the country further maintaining that it is an opportunity presenting itself for the SLFA to go beyond what they have achieved in history adding that it is from that perspective Africell comes in.
He stated that they have enjoyed working with the SLFA as their official sponsor furthering that they also see it from a fan perspective that it is their duty to cheer up the players for them to go to Cameroon and make the nation proud.
He commended the Head Coach, John Keister, for his hard work and especially for making sure that the team is well-prepared for victory, adding that they will continue to ensure that they render their support and collaborate with the team whenever there is a need for them to come in.
SLFA Secretary General, Christopher Kamara, said that as a federation, since their qualification for the AFCON 2021 they have done their utmost best to ensure that the preparation of the team is topnotch.
He maintained that the appointment of the four as a technical support team is to support the Head Coach in preparing the team, furthering that the veterans will bring in their experiences they had gathered in yester years.
Chris added that the team would be playing a friendly match with a team in Istanbul, Turkey, further revealing how Government has fully funded their trip to Turkey for the match.
Leone Stars Head Coach, John Keister, informed newsmen that it is normal in football to have a technical team stating that him alone cannot do everything and that every single one of them has a role to play.
He mentioned that the friendly match is a part of their preparation in terms of identifying players, mentioning that 24 players will be going to Turkey.
Keister stated that after they return from Turkey they will have to register 40 players and out of the 40 they will chose the best 20 that will play at AFCON.
On his part, the Corporate Affairs Manager of SLFA, Benson Bawoh disclosed that the national football team will depart for the Lungi International Airport for Istanbul Turkey immediately after the Press Briefing, which was on the 10th November, 2021.
According to him, the delegation is made up of home based players, technical staff and officials from the SLFA and NSA.
He revealed how Leone Stars will engage Comoros in a friendly encounter on the 13th November in Turkey, with a possibility for another unconfirmed friendly outing against another African country.
The highpoint of the Press Briefing was the question and answer session.
The True Story of the Wellington-PMB Fire Disaster
By Amin Kef Sesay
It is very important as individuals and road users to be aware that road traffic injuries remain an important public health problem. Thus, drivers and road users generally should know then when road safety products are utilized correctly or efficiently, they can help save lives, prevent accidents and injuries.
As such, this year’s Road Safety Day marked the start of the 2nd Decade of Action for Road Safety launched on 28 October by the UN as part of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 with a universal theme for member states to aim towards reducing road deaths by 50% by the year 2030.The third Sunday in November is also the World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims and Africa Road Safety Day.
In Sierra Leone, averagely almost 2000 people are killed on our roads every year with 3000 seriously injured. These should be viewed not just statistics but a calamity that is affecting our nation with a weak social Safety net and overstretched and under funded health services.
As we continue to mourn the death of our citizens and comfort the family of the deceased of the November 5 PMB, Wellington tragedy, we should look at the above data critically, especially those that relate to causes of accidents and injuries in order to develop mitigation measures that are practical and time bound.
The accident that led to the fatalities at PMB clearly showed that road safety is very important nowadays as there has been a big increase in vehicles on road which makes it crucial that we follow the traffic rules and laws and save ourselves and our families from road accidents. Also making everyone aware of road safety rules could make our roads safe.
If the majority of the accident is because of human error, it simply means that our drivers are not properly trained or negligent. There are remedies to this and that is to strengthen our drivers’ testing and licensing system; enhance public education and awareness using various media; implement the Traffic Points System to punish persistent offenders.
The next cause of accident is related to mechanical failure of the vehicles involved. The preferred solution is to improve our annual vehicle testing system.
Accidents that involve pedestrian in built up areas are caused by lack of proper and safe crossing areas and in particular the design and use of the Road. When street traders occupy pedestrian walkways it forces the pedestrian to compete with vehicles to use the road. The simple solution is to strictly enforce street trading laws.
Finally when the accident is caused by speeding, especially on the highway, the solutions are to enforce speed restrictions; increase highway patrols and provide vehicle speed restriction measures especially along areas on the highway where people sell mostly consumer goods to passing motorists. These include but are not limited to proper road signs and markings; and road bumps and rumble strips to reduce the speed of approaching vehicles.
With relation to the PMB accident, how can we maintain road safety?
Do not take drugs or drink and drive.
Obey road signs and speed limit.
Do not use cell phone when driving.
Ensure the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition.
Do simple vehicle maintenance and pre-trip inspections.
Guard against distractions while driving.
And for the people who use the roads, whenever a fuel tanker has an accident and starts spilling fuel especially petrol, avoid the area totally.
Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, the biggest corporate citizen in the Wellington/Calaba Town community where the November 5th, 2021 fuel tank fire disaster took place on Thursday November 11th, 2021 made a handsome donation to the families of the victims.
The event was hosted at the Old Wharf Community Centre with host of community heads, and members, including some victims that survived but suffered minor burns and are not admitted.
Present were the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, Managing Director of Brewery, Laurent Bukasa, MD, Albert Collier, Company Secretary of Brewery, Foday Daboh, Acting Corporate Affairs Manager and Unisa Conteh, Corporate Affairs Assistant Manager both of the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Honorable Alpha Bah, Constituency 115, Honorable Unpha Koroma, Constituency 114, Ward Councillors, Community Tribal Head, Immam, Pastor and Youth Leader.
Sierra Leone Brewery made the donation through the Member of Parliament, Chiefs and Councilors of Constituency 114 where the incident happened.
The donated items are: 100 bags of 25kg white rice and 1,000 crates of Maltina Cans.
Making the donation on behalf of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff, Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited,
Laurent Bukasa , expressed their profound sympathy and condolences to the family members whilst encouraging them not to lose hope but to continue to believe that the company will, through thick and thin, always stand with the community.
The Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Laurent Bukasa stated that it is with sadness and grief when they heard of the recent disaster on Friday 5 November 2021 stating that the cause being fire explosion from a fuel tanker that led to the loss of lives and destruction of properties.
“We as a Brewery recognizing that the area is our immediate community took our press statement and flyer on the social and print media to immediately register our heartfelt sympathy to all and to associate with the suffering of our people,” he intimated adding that this is not the time for speeches but for action and as such they are presenting some food items to assist the community in their time of need.
He assured all that SLBL CARES stating that this is so much so in good times as well as bad times.
He once again expressed sympathy with all families who lost loved ones and pray that their souls will rest in peace.
“We also pray for those still receiving treatment for burns either at home or in hospitals that God will grant them speedy healing and recovery,” the Managing Director stated adding that they are also praying that such calamity will never happen again in Sierra Leone.
“Kindly receive these modest gifts from our heart and as an expression of love and care for the community,” he concluded.
Members of the Indian Mercantile Association in Sierra Leone led by the Indian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Rakesh Arora, has on the 11th November 2021 presented a cheque of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones to the Director-General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) at the institution’s head office in Aberdeen, Freetown.
Present during the occasion were the Director of the NDMA, Lt Rtd Brima Sesay, his Deputy John Rogers, Harish Agnani, and a cross-section of the Indian Mercantile Association in the country, and media practitioners.
The Deputy Director-General of the NDMA welcomed all those present and gave a brief synopsis of what constitutes the mandate of the Agency.
In his statement, the Director-General of NDMA, Lt General Rtd Brima Sesay welcomed the Indian High Commissioner and members of the Association. He gave a brief account of how the fire disaster started maintaining that it was indeed a very devastating scene which no individual would wish for any other person. He said after frantic efforts were made, the fire was eventually put out, furthering that ambulances came to the scene and moved those who sustained burns to various health facilities for medical treatment.
The Director-General further disclosed that up to 84 charred bodies were discovered stating how the number of those consumed by the fire keeps fluctuating but revealed that the official number of reported cases is 299 out of which 138 are feared dead, 54 died on treatment. He said the burns some of them sustained are so serious and are up to Level 3.
“It is indeed a big challenge for medical practitioners especially as the country lacks a specialized unit to treat such cases,” he stated adding that out of those that are hospitalized 12 are in a very critical situation adding that the focus now is to see how much medical attention will be given to them. He also disclosed that a team of medical practitioners from Senegal, who are specialized in treating burns, is in town working alongside Sierra Leonean doctors to treat those that are admitted.
The High Commissioner of India to Sierra Leone, Rakesh Arora, extended, on behalf of the Government of India, the Indian community in Sierra Leone, especially the Indian business community represented by the Indian Mercantile Association, deepest condolences, and sympathies to the Government and the people of Sierra Leone for the loss of so many precious lives in the disastrous fire accident last Friday in Wellington.
“May the departed souls rest in perfect peace,” he prayed to state how their heart goes out for the affected families further praying to the Almighty to give strength to the affected families to bear the loss.
The High Commissioner said a number of people also got seriously injured in the accident on that day and are receiving treatment at various hospitals in the city. He revealed that six of them are being treated at the Choithram Hospital, free of cost.
Rakesh Arora additionally informed those present that Choithram Hospital also contributed medicines worth more than 30 million Leones which were urgently required for the treatment of the injured in other hospitals.
“We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he stated adding that they are present to share their loss, their pain.
The High Commissioner maintained that at this hour of grief, the Government of Sierra Leone through its agencies, especially NDMA, is trying to assist the affected families and arranging medical assistance highlighting how they would like to supplement those efforts,
He concluded by revealing that the Indian Mercantile Association members collectively would like to donate Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) as their humble contribution to the NDMA to be used for welfare measures for the affected families.
On his part, Dr. Kishore Shankerdas, Managing Director of Shankerdas and Sons, while expressing condolences suggested that it could be worthwhile if the NDMA really brings the requisite stakeholders on board to strategize on how to prevent future occurrences of disasters of such a magnitude as the PMB Wellington Fire disaster.
He continued that NDMA and its related partners should embark on a robust sensitization drive to raise awareness on what and not what to do to prevent such a disaster from occurring and how to prevent being a victim stating that a special curriculum on that should be developed for school-going pupils. He also maintained that the SLRSA must regularly ensure the roadworthiness of vehicles that ply our streets and roads.
The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of the cheque of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones by Dr. Kishore Shankerdas to the NDMA Director-General to be used for welfare measures for the affected families.
Receiving the cheque, the NDMA Director-General thanked, on behalf of the Government, the Indian Mercantile Association for what it described as a very timely gesture. He said he will convey the gesture to the requisite authorities and even the President praising the Indians for their usual prompt response to disasters even mentioning the Susan’s Bay Fire incident.
Responding to the suggestion made by Dr. Kishore Shankerdas he said the NDMA has been doing a lot in the area of sensitization adding that the big challenge has to do with the attitudes of some people.
Climaxing the occasion was the taking of a group photo of NDMA members of staff and members of the Indian Mercantile Association in Sierra Leone.
President Dr Julius Maada Bio on the 8th November 2021 joined hundreds of relatives and mourners to give a befitting and dignified burial to Sierra Leoneans who lost their lives in the tragic fire disaster of Friday 5 November at PMB Junction, Wellington.
Sheik Ibrahim Barrie and Bishop Arnold Temple, who led the ceremony in prayers at the burial site, noted that the deceased, RIP, were a great loss to the nation, adding that “although everyone born into this world must face the bitterness of death”, the country must pray for the souls of the deceased and for the healing of survivors in hospitals.
In his statement, President Bio said: “To those here who have lost their direct relations and to all mourners here and fellow citizens, this is a very sad event. We are here to pay respect to our brothers and sisters who lost their lives in a very tragic event. As the pastor said, death is inevitable. But it doesn’t have to be too sudden. It doesn’t have to be too gruesome”.
He added that the sad event was a huge loss to the families as it was also to the nation. He prayed that God would have mercy on the souls of the departed. The President emphasized that much as it was good that they had given a dignified burial to the dead, it was also better that they looked after those in the hospitals and prayed for them.
“We implore the medical team to give the injured enough comfort so that we don’t lose more people. As a country, we should always be united, especially in times of grief. This is not the time to blame people. This is a moment of reflection. I have said that we will investigate the disaster but also agree as a society what do we do to avert similar tragedies.
“What happened is preventable in a rule-based society. There should be law and order. We make laws to avoid catastrophes like these. This is a sad and solemn farewell event. Let me also use the occasion to thank all those who have helped with the situation and to announce that we have received support from WHO to effectively look after those in excruciating pains resulting from the burns,” he said.
Earlier, the Ministry of Social Welfare and National Disaster Management Agency worked very closely with the affected families to facilitate the burial ceremony. The government had arranged for buses to transport people from Wellington to the cemetery and back.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on the 9th November,2021 stated that Sierra Leone has made another remarkable increment on the country’s very high score in the ‘Control of Corruption’ Indicator in the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard, moving from 81 percent in 2020 to 83 percent in 2021, thereby adding a further 2 percentage points upwards.
It must be noted that this is the fourth consecutive year Sierra Leone is recording an outstanding score in the MCC ‘Control of Corruption’ Scorecard, beginning with 71 percent score in 2018, 79 percent in 2019, then 81 percent in 2020, and now 83 percent in 2021, coming from a failure position on the indicator in 2017 with 49 percent then. This year’s score means the country has made 34 percentage points upwards between 2017 and 2021.
The 2021 Scorecard shows that, Sierra Leone scored the highest percentage in the ‘Control of Corruption’ indicator than many other countries including; Nigeria, which scored Zero percent, Ghana 74 percent, Mali 63 percent, Ivory Coast 42 percent, Liberia 54 percent, Cameroon 42 percent, Guinea 52 percent, Kenya 56 percent, Uganda 46 percent, Zambia 69 percent, etc. Therefore, by this year’s Report, Sierra Leone is among the top ten performers in our income category; one of the best performers in Africa; and number one in the Mano River Union.
It could be recalled that in the 2020 MCC Report, Sierra Leone passed 13 of the 20 indicators, including the mandatory “Control of Corruption” indicator, which made Sierra Leone “Compact Eligible.”
The MCC is an initiative of the Government of the United States of America to provide aid to developing countries to fight widespread poverty through economic growth. The MCC scorecard consists of 20 indicators under three broad categories: “Economic Freedom,” “Ruling Justly,” and “Investing in People.” The “Control of Corruption” Indicator falls under the “Ruling Justly” category.
Similarly, Sierra Leone has also scored high in other global, regional, and domestic anti-corruption rankings within the past three years. Sierra Leone has moved 13 places upwards in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2020 and scored its highest score to be positioned at 117, from 130 in 2017. In the Global Corruption Barometer of 2019, Sierra Leone ranked 3rd out of 35 African Countries surveyed on “Government’s Effectiveness in the Fight against Corruption”.
According to the 2020 Afro Barometer Report, corruption prevalence in Sierra Leone declined from 70 percent in 2015 to 40 percent in 2020. Additionally, a National Perception Survey, conducted by the Public Financial Management Consortium led by the Center for Accountability and Rule of Law, published in 2020, revealed that 92 percent of the respondents were convinced the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone is on the right course.
