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Pres. Bio Symbolically Appends his Signature Marking End of the Death Penalty

By Amin Kef Sesay

President Julius Maada Bio on the 8th October, 2021 at State House did a symbolic signing into law of the abolition of the death penalty and consoled those who have lived with the pain of losing a loved one to judicial execution.

“But the real heroes of today are citizens who for sixty years have cowered in real fear for their inalienable and inviolable right to life. Today, we have again made history. As a nation, we have today exorcised horrors of a cruel past,” he said.

The President recalled when he first proposed abolishing the death penalty in its entirety for all capital crimes there were widespread skepticism, cynicism, and outright hostility.

He added that while some people had cautioned him, warning that it was unwise to let go of the ultimate cudgel that had kept political opponents in line, others wondered whether that was really what he wanted to do.

“Those who did not wish to be seen as hard dissenters made counter proposals that we could keep the death penalty for some crimes. My position was a hard and firm, NO, to the death penalty in all its forms and for all crimes. The State has absolutely no obligation to undertake judicial killings of its own citizens in order to instill law and order or for political gain.

“The all-too-familiar phrase of ‘hanging persons by the neck until they die’ or ‘tying persons at a stake and gunning them down’ is cruel, inhumane, and degrading. We are a civilized nation. We should not; we shall not; and we will never again execute any person in this sovereign republic.

“With the abolition of the death penalty in Sierra Leone, we today assert our belief in the sanctity of life, affirm every citizen’s constitutional right to life, and commit ourselves to a future of great optimism, social justice, and respect for all persons,” he said.

Representing the diplomatic community in the country at the event, British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Lisa Chesney MBE, expressed delight at the opportunity to be part of what she called a historic occasion, adding that the UK was privileged to have supported the Government’s ambitious and courageous steps to abolish the death penalty in the country.

“At a time when democratic processes and the rule of law are under pressure in every part of the globe, under your leadership, your Government has made a bold and powerful statement both here at home, and to the international community – that Sierra Leone advocates a rules-based international system, founded on the principle of universal and inalienable rights for all citizens,” she said.

Chief Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards noted that Sierra Leone would be joining over 144 countries that had abolished the law and practice of the death penalty, explaining further that the death penalty or capital punishment is the execution of an offender or accused person to death after conviction by a competent court of law of a criminal offence.

“Death Penalty found its way into Sierra Leone Laws courtesy of certain statutes viz Murder under the Offences Against The Persons Act 1861, Robbery with Aggravation under Section 23 of the Larceny Act, 1916, Mutiny under the Sierra Leone Military Forces Act, 1961 and the Law of Treason under the Treason and State Offences Act, 1963,” he recalled.

Acting Minister of Justice, Umaru Napoleon Koroma Esq, said in fulfillment of one of President Julius Maada Bio’s manifesto promises to abolish the death penalty, Parliament unanimously abolished it by passing the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act on Friday 23 July 2021.

“Prior to the passing of the said Act, the 1991 Constitution provided for the use of the death penalty for aggravated robbery, murder, treason, and mutiny. Capital punishment has now been replaced with life imprisonment or a minimum 30-year jail term for crimes such as murder or mutiny,” he concluded.

During 1st Anniversary Celebration… Mercury Donates Le100 Million to Dr. Kadie A. Sesay Girls School

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In fulfillment of a promise he made almost one year ago, the Managing Director of Mercury International, Martin E. Michael, on the 8th October 2021 donated the sum of One Hundred Million Leones (Le100, 000,000) to the Dr. Kadie A. Sesay Girls Secondary School, in Port Loko District, for the maintenance of the school building and to cover the administrative cost of the school respectively.

He made the donation during the 1st Anniversary Celebration of the school which was held at the school compound.

Welcoming delegation, the Regent Chief of Bekehloko Chiefdom, Port Loko District, Foday S. Kanu, applauded Mercury International for the construction of the Dr. Kadie A. Sesay Girls Secondary School, which he said, is contributing towards rolling out the Government Human Capital Development initiative. On behalf his chiefdom, he assured all of their continuous support towards the development of the school.

The Principal of Dr. Kadie A. Sesay Girls Secondary School, Marion Malia Jiba, expressed gratitude to Mercury International for serving as funding agency for the construction of the Dr. Kadie A. Sesay Girls Secondary School in Port Loko District.

She said that when the school was commissioned on 8th October, 2020 the enrollment was 48 pupils but said currently the school is boosting of having 120 pupils, adding that the school also had 11 teachers but said currently the school has 12 teachers of which 2 are degree holders while the 10 are certificate holders.

Marion Malia Jiba said that the school made provision for the accommodation of JSS pupils and by next year they shall be having the first set of SS pupils but said there is no classroom at the moment to accommodate those first set of SS pupils.

Giving a historical background of the School, the Resident Minister North-West, Haja Isata Abdulai-Kamara, described the North West Region as one of the newest of all the regions in the
country with few or no girls’ schools at all and that there was a great need for the establishment of a girl’s school particularly in the Port Loko City which is the head quarter town of the North West Region. She continued that they were very happy that Mercury International came to their aid as the funding agency for the construction of the said school.

The Minister stated that after the construction of the school, it was named Dr. Kadie A. Sesay Girls Secondary School saying some may tend to ask as to why the school was given the name Dr. Kadie A Sesay.

Haja Isata Abdulai-Kamara explained how Dr. Kadie A. Sesay was a child of a trader from Rombeh in the Loko Massama Chiefdom, Port Loko District but worked herself very well to become the first Port Loko woman to hold a PHD and has contributed immensely in the field of education, governance and to the development of Sierra Leone.

Dilating on some of the challenges faced by the school she highlighted inadequate funds to run the school as it is a new one with 120 students only. She said the subsidy base of the school is very weak and that the school has a cleaner and security personnel to protect the solar panels from being stolen by thieves but disclosed that they are finding it very difficult to pay the salaries.

She revealed that the mission of the school is to develop responsible female elites who will competently change the environment to greater conformity with moral ideals thus the school motto is: “Fear our Power” take it to the Limit.

The Minister iterated that the ultimate mission of the school borders around creating conscientious and forward-thinking students maintaining how the occasion gives them
an opportunity to take stock of their achievements and to re-dedicate them to face the new challenges that lie ahead.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director of Mercury International, Martin E. Michael, commended the Resident Minister North-West, Haja Isata Abdulai-Kamara for her effort towards the development of the school.

He said that since the commencement of the construction of the school to its completion he has made numerous visits to the school, adding that the 8th October, 2021 marked one year since Mercury International handed over the school to the Government of Sierra Leone as part of their support towards the Government’s Free Quality Education Initiative.

The Managing Director further informed the gathering that on behalf of Mercury International he is donating 50 million Leones for the maintenance of the school and donating another 50 million Leones on behalf of himself for the running of the administrative cost of the school.

Martin E. Michael added they are also giving away 3000 exercise books which he told the audience was donated to them by Print Point Sierra Leone Limited as well as handmade bags donated by staff of Mercury International.

He inspired the pupils to take their studies serious underscoring how education is the key to success.  “Education is a process of learning that one goes through in order to become somebody in society,” he stated  and encouraged them to take the opportunities they have been offered in order to achieve their dreams.

Climaxing the event was the inauguration of the first batch of School Prefects by the Managing Director of Mercury International, Martin E. Michael and other stakeholders present at the ceremony followed by the officially handing over of the 3000 exercise books to the Principal of the school.

MCC Team Discusses Compact Development with various Sierra Leonean Stakeholders

By Esther Wright

Officials of the U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) have successfully concluded a working visit to Sierra Leone the 8th October 2021 which was geared towards discussing the development of a potential compact agreement between MCC and the Sierra Leone Government – a significant investment to support economic growth in Sierra Leone.

While the MCC team was in Freetown, they met with local leaders from civil society organizations, the private sector, Government officials, representatives from all parties, and other development partners.  The meetings were part of MCC’s compact development process conducted in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone.

“We were thrilled to be able to travel to Port Loko, Bombali, and Koinadugu districts. We were able to talk with various stakeholders from all parts of society to ensure the compact is a benefit to all Sierra Leoneans, said Tina Yu, Country Director for the Sierra Leone Compact Team at MCC.  “We look forward to continuing these conversations as compact development progresses.”

MCC’s Board of Directors selected Sierra Leone as eligible to develop a compact in December 2020.  The Government of Sierra Leone and MCC have subsequently worked together to identify and assess challenges to Sierra Leone’s economic growth and are now designing meaningful projects that will benefit Sierra Leone.  Consultations and broad input from key stakeholders across Sierra Leone are critical to project design and to the success of this partnership.

The new compact follows the successful completion of a $44.4 million threshold program between MCC and the Government of Sierra Leone that concluded in March 2021.  The threshold program built a foundation of policy reform, sector coordination, and operational management to improve the water and electricity services in and around Freetown.

MCC is an international development agency of the U.S. Government, working to reduce global poverty through economic growth.  Created in 2004, MCC provides time-limited grants and assistance to countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, fighting corruption, and respecting democratic rights.

NP-SL: Poised to Take Customer Care to an Higher Level

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has successfully commemorated Happy Customer  Service Week, which was from the 4th to 8th October 2021 during which period an introspective  move was taken to look at how far the company  has come in elevating  customer care in order to inform decisions that could largely benefit   its numerous and esteemed customer. In addition, NP-SL Ltd used the opportunity to display the various petroleum products its imports and markets. The company also provided tips on road safety and urged private and commercial drivers to drive cautiously in order to avoid fatal accidents.

There is not a single iota of doubt that the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is a premier oil marketing company that has been doing extremely well in the areas of importing and marketing various petroleum products in the country, notably petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which the most outstanding is Castrol oil.

Without contesting the undiluted fact, this 100% indigenous company has left its footprint on the sands of time as it continues to bag wide commendations for its timeliness in always ensuring that qualitative petroleum products are imported into the country, distributed country wide to its sales points or Filling Stations across the country in order for its esteemed customers to easily gain access to them.

The company has never renege in doing so save only certain situations where, as a result of unforeseen contingencies, most often beyond its control, there has been some delay. However, in such circumstances measures are quickly rolled out to address them and restore normalcy in the supply chain.

It must be noted that for any petroleum marketing company to maintain such a solid and unshakable posture could only be attributed to prudent business management initiatives. Indeed, it could be said with all amount of certainty that the selflessness and dogged determination on the part of the 35 Sierra Leoneans who established the company have greatly influenced most of the policies that were adopted, effectively implemented which saw the transformation of a small business enterprise to a towering entity.

One of those laid down policies is that which places premium on enhancing or maximizing customer care to create a situation where its customers are always made to feel good and satisfied. The company’s Shareholders and Management are also conscious of the fact that by taking customer care to a higher pedestal such could serve as a leeway to attract other individuals to come on board its customer platform.

Indeed, it is in that light that a conscious move was made to make the company’s Filling Stations very attractive and welcoming. Built in state of the art fashion, painted with yellow and green paints, these sales points are very spacious to accommodate fleet of vehicles, are very eye catchy and in some of them there are shopping marts where customers could purchase basic items and even relax to socialize. As of now social gathering in those marts has been put on hold as social distancing has been recommended as one of the preventive measures put in place to avoid the spread of the deadly virus.

To promote transparency and win the trust of its numerous customers as well as match up with international standards, it was decided on the part of the company to invest so much in procuring and installing calibrated pumping machines. These have the capacity to pump the exact quantity of fuel in vehicles and containers to the utmost satisfaction of buyers. “I always feel gratified whenever I do purchase petrol at NP Filling Station because I am always satisfied that I am getting my money’s worth,” a banker divulged to this medium adding that the Managers of the company are doing a fantastic job ,referencing the orderliness of how business transactions are taking place.

One very striking feature which NP-SL has so far exhibited, to the admiration of many, is its strict adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Development Economists have recommended that one viable route to be used to boost a country’s economy is to make effective use of indigenous resources, both material and human, as long as they are available. Enhancing local content has its attendant merits one of which is creating employment opportunities and ensuring that monies paid workers are not remitted overseas.

The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited is one of the few companies in this country that has successfully implemented its internal policy of giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. This is indeed very impressive and is helping in major ways to reduce poverty.

If today NP Gas is going at the pace of the Concord, in terms of sales, then this is simply because it has been discovered that it is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly for cooking purposes. Besides, it can be refilled without going through the hassle of having to find gas elsewhere as the company markets gas alongside petrol, diesel and other lubricants. They are manufactured in different cylinder sizes and are easily accessible.

“NP Gas is my kitchen partner and I am finding it very cooperative. It is easy to handle and for me it poses no danger. I am therefore recommending it and for anyone to secure it there will be no regrets,” Mariatu Sesay a resident, living in Makeni recommended.

What is much talked about today, well not in social circles as social distancing is now the norm, is NP Smart Card. As the name suggests the card is so smart to such an extent that as long as it is loaded with money it can be slotted in the calibrated pumping machine and after demanding the amount of petrol or diesel requested for, it churns out the exact amount plus displaying the price. It is trending, secured and convenient to use.

“NP Smart Card works well and since I have been using it I always procure fuel for my car and generator in record time. Using it, there are many benefits one can derive,” a Civil Servant, Mohamed Jusu, underscored.

The company does not joke with rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility fully aware that it is incumbent on it as a business entity to give back to society. This is all the more reason why it has been complementing the Government’s development interventions. The Shareholders and Management have always stood by the side of Sierra Leoneans in thick and thin always endeavouring to give succour and deepen development. The good things it had done are so many to catalogue and time plus space could not permit one to narrate all of them. However, the recent one should not go unnoticed and it has to do with availing the Government one Billion Leones to help scale up the fight against the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

“This shows that the company is a responsible business entity,” an official of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency commended.

The company stands tall for having vibrant branches operating in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where they are operating efficiently, offering jobs and paying taxes to Governments. NP-SL is indeed a force to reckon with and is poised to further make its presence felt and expand its operations.

As FHAP Boosted… Pastor Mambu Proves Feeding Ourselves Is Achievable 

By Mary Kabay

The  Chief Executive Officer of the Faith Healing Agricultural Project, who also  doubles as General Overseer of Faith Healing Bible Church, Pastor Francis A.M. Mambu, has commissioned and dedicated a newly acquired combined harvester, on the  8th October 2021, at Yainkassa Village in the Makarie Chiefdom, Bombali district, about hundred kilometers North-East of Sierra Leone.

Addressing journalists and community residents of  Makarie Chiefdom, Pastor  Francis A. M. Mambu, stated that he does not see the need for Government to be spending millions of Leones to import rice, underscoring how if only ,we are serious as a nation, we are doubling agricultural productivity, then  it will not be difficult to become self sufficient as far as food is concerned.

He disclosed that at the farm  they keep increasing rice yields each year by raising farm productivity and boosting growth which culminated into harvesting close to one thousand-hectare of rice this year with the aid of newly acquired combined harvester.

According to him, the Faith Healing Agricultural Project Farm is one of Sierra Leone’s largest local farm projects located in Yainkassa village in the Makarie Chiefdom, Bombali district.

The farm, he continued, produces fresh farm eggs of over 100 cartoons weekly in its poultry and organic parboiled rice which is packaged in 25kg and 50kg bags. The Man of God lamented that they  have been struggling reach targeted rice yields highlighting how such could be difficult to attain because  they are farming and harvesting manually leading to low productivity and delay in meeting the demands of the market.

Pastor Francis A.M. Mambu lamented that the project was unsuccessful in meeting its targeted 1,200-hectares rice yield this year owing to the challenge of having a combined harvester or tractor.

He added that over the years, the farm project, which started in 2008, using only hand tools, a practice that entails poor productivity, has been supporting over four-hundred and fifty local women comprising six (6) farmer-groups from six villages including Royeama, Maronko, Royanka, Woreh-Yeama, Yainkassa and Gbom-Samba, “beyond seedlings and tools”.

Pastor Mambu said he is poised to fully take the pulpit to the farm by extending the project to all districts across the country with the aim of attaining food sufficiency. He said this year in Bonthe district two hundred and forty six (246) acres of rice farm has already been harvested and stored in the grain store in addition to fifteen (15) acres of cassava and five (5) acres of corn. He said in Tonkolili district they are set to harvest eighteen (18) acres of rice; in Moyamba district sixteen (16) acres of rice; Kailahun district two (2) acres of cocoa & cocoa yam; and groundnuts in Port Loko district.

“This venture requires maximum support which I need from all well meaning organizations, all and sundry,” Pastor Mambu enjoined

Expressing his willingness to change lives beyond preaching the Word of God, the ‘Preacher-farmer’ has not only been providing the various farmer-groups with ploughing help and seed rice, but also with seed money for micro-finance savings, though he pays for their labour on the farm.

This medium understood that last year Pastor Mambu launched a rice milling centre for the community and light up four communities with thirty-five million (Le35million) worth solar lights and also promised to construct a Junior Secondary School.

Pastor Mambu thanked the Chiefs and residents of the six (6) villages and farmer groups and encouraged them to see themselves as stewards of the Faith Healing Agricultural Development Farm.

Representative of the Chief of Yainkassa – Abdul F. Kabia, representative of the Head of the women’s groups, Mary S. Kargbo and Youth leader, Santigie Koroma, thanked the Pastor for not only providing them jobs and light but making life better for them and their families.

They called on the central Government, Local and International Non-Governmental Organizations and well-wishers to support the Servant of God to crystallize his dream into  reality.

Chief Executive Officer of the Faith Healing Agricultural Project, who also doubles as General Overseer of Faith Healing Bible Church, Pastor Francis A.M. Mambu

Africell & Samsung (SATINA) Sign MoU that Offers Free Data to Subscribers

By Fatmata Jengbe

One of Sierra Leone’s leading mobile service providers, Africell-SL, has on the 8th October 2021, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the authorized dealer of Samsung Smartphones in the country, SATINA, during a snap but very impressive and auspicious occasion that took place at the Africell-American Corner on Bathurst Street in Freetown. The program was moderated by Abdul Aziz Kamara of Africell.

In his welcome address, the Head of Section, Product and Services at Africell-SL, Joseph Gbandia, informed the audience among which were members of the Fourth Estate, that Africell is about to make a remarkable imprint in history . He informed that the company will always offer its customers the best out of the best adding how the company will continue on the journey, which according to him started between 2004 and 2005,  to deliver qualitative services to its numerous and esteemed subscribers all over the country. He furthered how the company is poised to ensure that the services it provides are of high quality and not only very meaningful to the end users but as well affordable.

Gbandia intimated that the milestone partnership that they will later on enter into with the authorized dealer of Samsung Smartphones will be of immense benefits to their subscribers. He explained that the partnership borders on whenever an Africell subscriber purchases a Samsung Smartphone from SATINA, the authorized dealer of those phones in the country, the individual stands to benefit from three to six months free data depending on the type of phone bought.

The Sales and Marketing Manager of Samsung in Sierra Leone, Ibrahim Jalloh, noted that for them it is indeed quite a pleasure to sign an MoU with one of the effective telecommunications companies in the country. He said it is something big and enjoined members of the public to make good use of the opportunity.

In his statement, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Africell, Joe Abass Bangura dilated on the power of data. He pointed out that in contemporary societies mobile phones are no longer used exclusively to make call underscoring how Smartphones have now replaced computers in the sense that they are used to perform functions which hitherto could only be done by the use of a computer. He said in this kind of situation mobile data bundles become an issue.

The Head of Corporate Affairs noted that it is the issue relating to data that the partnership will address and see how subscribers can benefit from accessing free data. Joe Abass Bangura stated that whenever an individual buys a Smartphone from SATINA he or she will get up to three to six months free data from Africell depending under which category the phone falls.  He said the free data ranges from 1 gigabyte to 3 gigabytes adding that SATINA has its sales outlets on 17 Siaka Stevens Street, 77 Wilberforce Street etc.

Joe Abass Bangura continued that when the Smartphone has been secured from SATINA, the buyer should swap his or her sim card and activate to 2288 to access the free data. He also disclosed that there is a bonus that goes with this new development in the sense that if an individual wants a unique number he or she can ask the agent and subject to availability it will be granted. He also called on all to grab the opportunity and enjoy the benefits.

The highpoint of the occasion was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Africell-SL and SATINA. The Sole Agent of Samsung Smartphones in the country, Umar Jalloh, who was also present during the occasion signed on behalf of SATINA and Joe Abass Bangura signed on behalf of Africell-SL.

A question and answer session climaxed the snap but impressive program.

 

Health Care For The Aged Commemorates International Day of Older Persons

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts in supporting the Aged in the country, the Health Care For The Aged, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, has on Friday 1st October, 2021 joined the world to commemorate this year’s International Day of Older Persons on the theme: “Digital Equity for all Ages” at an impactful event which included a football match among older persons, free pressure checkup and treatment, food distribution etc. held at the Attouga Mini Stadium in the East End of Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer for Healthcare For The Aged, Mohammed .S. Bah, disclosed that Health Care For The Aged is an organization that has been championing issues of the aged across the country and over the years their organization has been working towards the development of the Aged in the country, adding that through their activities like providing medication and cash to the Aged they have been able to reach the unreached older persons in various deprived communities in the country.

He noted that 3 % of the country’s population  constitutes the Aged but said these older persons are faced with so many challenges ranging from neglect, poverty etc. stating that his organization had been providing different types of medication to the Aged.

Mohammed .S. Bah stated that the International Day of Older Persons, is celebrated on October 1 each year to create awareness about mental and physical health issues affecting the elderly and the abuses they face in their daily lives of which they thought it fit to partner with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in order to create awareness about mental and physical health issues affecting older people.

He disclosed that “Digital Equity for All Ages” is the theme for this year’s International Day of Older Persons and that the theme stresses the need for the elderly to receive access to the digital world and help them become active participants to enrich their lives, adding that as an origination they will ensure that they domesticate the theme so it can reflect on the Aged in the country.

The CEO ended by saying that old people should not be considered as liabilities to society but rather should be given the care they deserve and they should be considered very important in society.

On his part, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security, Lansana Mohammed Bangura, commended the Healthcare For The Aged for their support to the older people across the country.

He reaffirmed Government’s commitment in ensuring that the Aged have conducive and improved living conditions, adding that the social safety net cash transfer for the aged is a department at the Labor Ministry that is charged with the responsibility to look into the affairs of the Aged and has been doing so over the years.

Lansana Mohammed Bangura maintained that during late President Kabba’s era, many Aged people benefited from cash transfer which the current Government is working on in order to roll it out again on a different magnitude.

He revealed that the Government of Sierra Leone is currently working on building houses across different regions for Aged people across the country, but funding remains a challenge.

One of the beneficiaries, Esther Mansaray, applauded Health Care for the Aged for celebrating this year’s International Day of Older Persons. She further pointed out some the good deeds that Health Care for the Aged had done for them which includes helping them with foodstuff, cash, and medication.

She noted that for far too long they have been neglected by society but said the Health Care for the Aged has demonstrated that there are still organizations that do care about older persons in the country.

She called on the Government to always support organizations like Health Care for the Aged that are ensuring that the Aged are supported across the country.

Kamakwie Marathon Unveils Its Eco-Tourism Jersey

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended meeting held on Sunday 3rd October, 20201 at the Model Secondary School Compound on Berry Street in Freetown, the Kamakwie Marathon Organization (KaMO) officially unveiled its Eco-Tourism Jersey ahead of 2021 Kamakwie Marathon to be hosted in Kamakwie City, Northern Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, the Director of Kamakwie Marathon Organization, Alimamy Beddous Bangura disclosed that the organization was formed in 2015 by indigenes of Kamakwie in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone, adding that the aim was to showcase the cultural attributes of the different tribes within Kamakwie through their annual December 24th marathon.

He explained that the organization has been holding their annual marathon event for the last five year but because of the COVID- 19 outbreak, the 2020 edition did not hold but said that this year they are in full gear to hold the 2021 Kamakwie Marathon which is slated to take place on the 24th December 2021 in Kamakwie City Northern Sierra Leone.

Alimamy Beddous Bangura maintained that this year’s event will not be limited to the Marathon activity but feature other activities like a Cultural Trade Fair and many more highlighting that during the Trade Fair residents will have the opportunity to showcase their Arts and Crafts etc.

He stated that as part of their preparation for the upcoming Kamakwie Marathon and Cultural Trade Fair event scheduled to commence on the 20th December, 2021 they will officially reveal that the organization in June this year met with the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt in order to seek partnership with the Ministry to showcase the cultural possessions and attractive sites within Kamakwie.

He maintained that during their deliberation the Minister commended the organization for its drive in showcasing what they have.

The Director further pointed out that she further assured them that they will visit Kamakwie in order to get first-hand knowledge about what they are doing and also partner with them in their upcoming December 24, 2021 Marathon event during which time they will interact with and engage the people of Kamakwie on what they have to showcase as far as tourism is concerned pointing out that one of the aims of the Ministry this year is to focus on domestic tourism which is community driven.

He ended by calling on all to support the Kamakwie Marathon Organization in their upcoming activities, adding that members of the public who want to buy the KaMO Eco-Tourism Jersey should contact them at 5 Point Street in Freetown or call +23299 462-968.

The event was climaxed with the official unveiling ceremony of the KaMO Eco-Tourism Jersey and it was done by the Chairman of SeDEP, Saidu Ishmail Kargbo, former Vice President of SeDEP, Laima A.K. Dumbuya and other members.

In his short statement, the former Vice President of SeDEP Laima A.K. Dumbuya applauded the Director of the Kamakwie Marathon Organization, Alimamy Beddous Bangura and his team for the tremendous work they have been doing in contributing to nation building.

He encouraged all to continue to throw their support behind the Kamakwie Marathon Organization of which he urged them to embrace unity among themselves which he said is very key towards the accomplishment of their activities.

Dr. Samura Kamara Expresses Frustration Over ACC’s Invitations

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a Press Statement issued by the All People’s Congress (APC) Party  2018 Presidential Flagbearer ,Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, he stated that  by a letter dated 30th June, 2021 written by the Anti Corruption Commission  Commissioner, he was invited to the Commission to “appear before the Commission on Thursday, 1st July, 2021” to “answer orally on oath or affirmation any question relevant to the investigation” relating the refurbishment/reconstruction of the Chancery building of the Sierra Leone Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Dr.Samura stated that the Public would recall that on 1st July, 2021, he did attend to the command of the ACC with a view to provide them with information he may be acquainted with relating to its investigations of the alleged mismanagement of public funds meant for the refurbishment of the Chancery building housing the Sierra Leone Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

He stated that he did attend and assisted the Commission with information that he was acquainted with which is limited to the conception stage of the refurbishment project.

The APC heavyweight said in particular, he informed the ACC that he was neither directly involved in the procurement of contractors or services nor the subsequent disbursement of funds relating to that project.

According to him, he presented a written statement to the Commission.

He furthered that a public statement was also made and popularized on Social Media following a Press Conference on the issue held by the ACC Commissioner on Wednesday, 1st September, 2021.

Dr.Samura said consistent with his prior commitment to the setting up of the ACC in 2001, and to fully support the institution in the execution of its mandate, ie the fight against corruption, he again, at the request of the ACC, attended its office on the 24th September 2021, relative to the same issue. That, he stated, was followed by the latest visit on the 5th October, 2021.

According to Dr Samura Kamara, it became apparent from his three interviews that the ACC remains far more interested in investigating the procurement process, which, he said, he never handled, than the alleged mismanagement of funds following a lead provided by the Africanist Press thereon.

He pointed out that given the focus and remit of its investigation, there is very little investigative value in his continued engagement with the ACC on the issue.

The former Presidential aspirant said he wants to inform his numerous supporters and the public at large that his interaction with ACC so far has been of mutual respect, cordial and friendly maintaining that the project under investigation remains his baby and it is of tremendous importance to Sierra Leone’s external posture.

“I therefore would want to urge the Government to endeavour to complete the project at the earliest possible time,” he enjoined.

Dr.Samura highlighted how he would urge the public to ignore reports that he was arrested and released on stiff bail conditions by the ACC, and further that the Scorpion Squad of the ACC conducted a search of his dwelling premises.  Those reports, he stated, are not only baseless and without foundation, but are calculated failed attempts to smear him for political gains.

He assured all Sierra Leoneans that having served his country in various public institutions both internally and externally for over 40 years without blemish, he remains firmly committed to maintain and defend this well-earned reputation and public trust going forward in his pursuit to the highest office of the land come 2023 under the banner of the mighty and development oriented All People’s Congress Party.

This medium was informed that while addressing his supporters who accompanied him to the ACC, and were close to the precinct of the Commission ,Dr.Samura Kamara stated that he will no longer honour the invitation of the ACC relating to the matter under question.

Basic Education Minister Summarily Outlines Sterling Achievements

By Amin Kef Sesay

The indefatigable Minister of Basic and Senior School Education (MBSSE), Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has stated that his Ministry has achieved 100 percent of what was promised in the Education Governance Pillar in the New Direction People’s Manifesto.

That disclosure was made on the 5th October 2021 during the Maiden Edition of the Presidential National Best Teachers Awards 2021 at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.

“Under the Education Governance pillar, there and 10 basic education goals starting with you reverting the 6-3-4-4 system to 6-3-3-4. Our planning dedication and coordination are so good locally and internationally and we have the largest multi-donor trust fund ever at USD 72million with 5 major development partners.  And as of last week, we are now eligible for up to $40m because of the work we have done,” he said.

The Minister said his team at the Ministry is currently developing the first locally-led Education Sector Plan, noting that the Ministry’s education management and information system is one across the entire continent that has data links for all schools from 2012-2021.

“Sir, you promised to improve the Inspectors of Schools, we have hired 160 new Inspectors of Schools giving them motorbikes and tablets and trained them. They have been thorough effective as promised. The School Management Committee that you promised is on course and thousands of them are presently undergoing training. All school board members and secretaries have been trained and each secondary school in this country has been given one tablet each.

Principals use those tablets to report, also all Government and Government-assisted primary schools will be given one tablet as well,” he said.

“Yes sir we have 100 percent of what we said we will do in the education governance pillar,” he reaffirmed.

He said under the education financing and management theme, the education sector budget has been increased to 22%, adding that there is a public-private partnership framework that will track all donor resources.

He said the National Programme on Civic Education has been launched, curriculum and learning materials have been developed from Class 1 to JSS 3 and the books are on the way at the moment, noting that his will solidify Civic Education which is already in the school time table and that will be completed by the end of this year.

“For the theme of increasing access to functional adult literacy education, we have established 202 centers across all chiefdoms and we’ve been working with organizations to including literacy program into a livelihood for women. We are well underway to achieving that 100 percent as well,” he said.

Dr. Sengeh said the Ministry will continue to develop early childhood education, starting the construction of hotels in three districts, and will support eleven bordering schools by the end of next year.

He said inclusive education is fully supported and the Ministry is buying five buses for pupils with special needs, noting that all districts have effective functional libraries save Falaba.

“We will establish the state of the arts high schools in all regions as promised,” he said.

“Mr. President, you also promised to make French a core subject in junior and senior secondary schools. I must confess that this will be difficult to achieve as we don’t have that many French teachers, but we will think outside the box. It will also be difficult to achieve a single shift in all schools because we have increased the enrollment by 30 percent, but we will try. We are building 510 classrooms over the next three years,” he said.

He said on improving the condition of teachers, the Teaching Service Commission is more functional than we can imagine, adding that while extending the retirement age of teachers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), French, Arabic, Agriculture new scheme is needed for teachers in remote areas.

“My team is developing a remote area or village teacher policy that will address this,” he said.

Giving an overview of the selection process that led to the winners of the Presidential National Teachers Awards, the  Chief Executive Officer for Teach For Salone, Madam Josephine Saidu said she was honored and delighted to have been a part of the selection process, saying that many stakeholders like members of Council of Principals, Members of Parliament, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, the Inter-religious Council and chiefdom stakeholders  made the process very transparent and credible.

The World Bank Country Manager, Abdu Muwonge, expressed gratitude and congratulated the Government for what he called the huge accomplishments in the education sector, adding that the achievement of the country in transforming education was being echoed everywhere around the world.

“It is important to note that as we gather here today to honour teachers, parents too have a role to play to keep the children in school. Teachers have played a critical role in this country,” he stated.

World Bank Country boss affirmed that the bank and other partners would continue to work together to improve the condition of service for the teachers and make the learning environment more comfortable for all actors.

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