Rokel Bank Awarded by Influential UK Finance & Business Magazine for “Best Bank Governance in 2019”

January 29, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Rokel Commercial Bank has scooped the “Best Bank Governance” award from the highly credible and prestigious UK based Capital Finance International (CFI.co) – a print journal news and online resource reporting on business, economics and finance.

The Magazine generally covers critical financial and economic issues around the world and has increasingly covered African markets in recent times.

Rokel Commercial Bank was among a group of over 100 global corporate giants including Walmart, Barclays, The Washington Post, ABA, the Commonwealth Bank etc that were selected and recognized by the influential international business magazine through a very competitive process including nominations by the magazines global audience as well as in-depth research carried out by a team of experts from various countries around the globe.

The citation from the winter edition of the magazine reads in part; “….RCB welcomed a new Managing Director in 2017, DR Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, who wasted no time in aligning bank policy with a strategic vision to move the institution forward…………RCB ranks among the top three Sierra Leone banks in terms of total assets and plans to leverage its comprehensive suite of digital and mobile banking services to capture more of the country’s massive unbanked population. The CFI.co judging panel presents the Rokel Commercial Bank with the 2019 award for Best Bank Governance ….”

The CFI magazine also dedicated a full page article explaining how the Rokel Commercial Bank had risen from the ashes to capture an enviable position in the country’s financial sector.

The Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr Ekundayo Gilpin whilst receiving the award last week dedicated it to the Government and People of Sierra Leone and paid special tribute to the Management, Board and Staff of the bank for what he described as “their drive, passion and tenacity to embrace and implement forward looking policies that have positively impacted every aspect of the Bank’s operations.”

HRCSL Releases Summary Report on Bonthe Incident & Proffer Recommendations

January 27, 2020

By Esther Wright

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone during media monitoring noted that the Paramount Chief Melrose Foster Gberie of Kpanda-Kemo Chiefdom Bonthe District and her sister, were allegedly attacked by some unidentified members of the Poro Society during their initiation ceremony on Sunday 11th January. It was further alleged that the said sister was raped.

The institution then undertook a fact finding visit to Motuo village and Mattru Jong town in the Bonthe District on the 21st and 22nd January 2020.

The HRCSL on 21st January also visited the Aberdeen Women’s Center in Freetown where the sister was transferred for medical treatment.

The HRCSL engaged Paramount Chief Melrose Gberie, the LUC and other officers at Mattru Jong Police Station, the Councilor of Ward 320, medical personnel at UBC Hospital Mattru Jong and the victim (sister) at Aberdeen Women’s Center. Other engagements were held in Freetown with the Ministry of Local Government, the Sierra Leone Police and the Council of Paramount Chiefs.

After those undertakings the institution made the following findings : That there is an existing “Guidelines for the Organisation of Secret Societies in Sierra Leone” circulated by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development dated 13th December 2019 which requires authorization from the Paramount Chief/District Officer in order for secret society activities, including those of Poro society, to be undertaken.

It also discovered that on the 11th January 2020, the said Guidelines were flouted by members of the Poro society, who conducted initiation without the relevant authorization.

The organization noted that the movement of non-members of the Poro society in the township was restricted without prior notice while the initiation was ongoing.

That the residence of Chief Gberie was surrounded and attacked by a large crowd of men who were members of the Poro Society whilst reigning insults and threatening remarks against her.

HRCSL again found out that the door and windows of the Chief’s house were damaged as a result of this incident.

Chief Gberie confirmed that she was not physically assaulted but that she spent 7 hours under siege. She alleged that Fourteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand Leones, five pregnant goats, one plastic chair and her Necklace (which is the symbol of her authority as Paramount Chief) and several personal effects were looted.

That a Police Officer from Mattru Jong was deployed at the Chief’s residence following the incident.

It also learnt that the Chief’s sister was abducted that same night by approximately 15 men and on the following day (12th January 2020) was rescued by the Mattru Jong Police at an abandoned building in an unconscious state. She was taken to the UBC Hospital Mattru Jong, Bonthe District and later transferred to the Aberdeen Women’s Clinic in Freetown.

That Medical personnel at the UBC Hospital Mattru Jong and the Aberdeen Women’s Centre confirmed the Chief’s sister was physically and sexually assaulted.

The Police confirmed that no arrest was made on the day of the incident due to the limited number of police personnel on the ground as they would have been overpowered by the Poro members. However, an arrest has now been made since HRCSL’s visit.

HRCSL’s efforts to contact other traditional leaders, including members of the Poro society, proved futile. According to the police, they were all on the run following the incident of 11th January.

With regards Human Rights Abuses the organization noted the following :

Restriction on the Right to Freedom of Movement contrary to Section 18 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone , inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 20 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone and invasion of privacy contrary to Section 22(1) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone

The HRCSL came up with these recommendations after engagements with some of the relevant stakeholders: The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development should work with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders to popularise the “Guidelines for the Organisation of secret Societies in Sierra Leone” in a bid to avoid a recurrence in other communities.

That the Council of Paramount Chiefs should consistently engage heads of secret societies on how they should conduct themselves without hindrance to the enjoyment of rights of non-members of their secret societies.

The Sierra Leone Police should expedite the ongoing investigation into the incident and increase security in the Motuo village.

That the Ministry of Social Welfare should facilitate the rehabilitation of the Chief Gberie’s sister as stipulated by Section 39(i) of the Sexual Offences Act 2012 as amended by the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2019.

NGC Says More Answers Needed on Chinese Rice

January 27, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During the 3^rd Press Conference held on January 23, 2020 by the opposition National Grand Coalition (NGC) party discussions bordered around the thoughts and opinions of its leadership, the 2018 Auditor General’s report into the government’s management of the country’s finances and other economic matters affecting the people of Sierra Leone.

The press briefing was led by the party’s chairman – Dr Dennis Bright. This is the statement released by the party after the briefing:

Last month, December 2019, the Auditor General presented to the Sierra Leone Parliament her report on the Accounts of Sierra Leone for the financial year ended 31st December, 2018.

This is an annual event in which, by the authority of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, the Auditor General informs the people of this country, through their representatives in Parliament, about how Government is collecting and spending their money. There are a number of reasons why this last audit report is special:

Firstly, it is the very first audit of the current SLPP Government and therefore should give the public an idea of how well the Government is managing the finances of the country (or not).

Second, when they took over power, this Government came out with very strong allegations of “egregious” corruption and financial mismanagement by the previous APC regime and promised to take decisive action to stop corruption and stop the leakages in the system. True to their word, Commissions of Enquiry were set up and the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) has been put on steroids with more and more authority to fight corruption.

Third, in reaction to the cries and complaints of Sierra Leoneans about the hardship that is gradually engulfing the population currently, Government has been using several media to reassure the nation that things will get better soon; that it is managing the country prudently and that we will soon begin to see the rewards for our patience.

However, bad signs relating to finance started appearing in the final sessions of Parliament last year. The Minister of Finance presented his 2020 budget to Parliament. In this budget, among other things, the Minister attempted to persuade Parliament to accept a proposal for the President, the Vice President and the Speaker to enjoy an open-ended non-accountable imprest whenever they travelled.

If this was passed, then these three personalities would have been free to travel as much as they want, spend as much of the country’s money as they want and give account to no one. Due to the public outcry this caused and resistance from some members of Parliament the President did not sign the Bill and ordered that that part be reviewed.

Thankfully, Parliament removed the free spending aspect from the bill before it was enacted. We feel that our President would have spared himself and the country all the embarrassment that this matter caused if, before the Bill reached Parliamentary stage, His Excellency had objected to it at Cabinet level.

Another bad sign was also when Parliament discovered that the Ministry of Finance had spent an amount of 13 billion Leones outside its budget without first requesting the authority to do so from Parliament as the Constitution of Sierra Leone demands. This may have been the very first time in the recent history of our democracy that an overspending of this size has been done by the Ministry of Finance, a Ministry that ought to know better.

These things, unfortunately, should have prepared us for the shock and disappointment brought by the 2018 audit results.

After the usual polite and courteous opening remarks about some “improvement in the controls over the assessment, collection and reporting of government revenue” the Auditor General reports that although revenue increased by 43% (due mainly to the introduction of the Single Treasury Account) the current Government spent in 2018 7% more than the previous APC Government spent in 2017.

Besides, the same old irregularities that previous audits uncovered during the APC years were the same types recurring under the current SLPP dispensation. Due to these irregularities which occurred in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Public Enterprises (PEs) such as water, energy and telecommunications agencies (but excluding Embassies and other diplomatic missions) and Local Councils (LC), the 2018 Audit report informs that Sierra Leone has lost cash amounting to a total of Le 140.9 billion Leones distributed as follows:

MDAs 56,176,233,168
PEs 66,298,388,310
LCs 18,520,280,090

The Auditor General’s report of Government’s 2017 accounts does not give such a clear breakdown of losses for MDAs, PEs and LCs in that year but indicates that in 2017 the cash losses at the MDAs was Le 37 billion. Comparing the MDA losses alone for both years therefore the increase becomes clear if we convert the numbers into dollars as at the exchange rate at the time.

YEAR DOLLAR RATE CASH LOSSES CASH LOSSES

(MDAs) Le MDAs) $

2017 7543 37,000,000,000 4.9m

2018 8550 56,100,000,000 6.6m

Total Increase in cash losses 1.7m

We have only considered losses at the MDAs which have increased between 2017 and 2018 by 1.7 million dollars. This is considerably high and disappointing since this Government had sworn to block the leakages in the system. The Government may have changed but the system that is causing the suffering of citizens has not changed.

It appears as if the leakages are not only continuing but are increasing in volume. We are talking about deep-rooted, entrenched and institutional leakages that have endured and gathered strength through many Governments. There is like a template of irregularities that successive governments have been following:

irregularities in payment of salaries,
irregularities in payment for travels, DSAs & other allowances,
unsupported payments & other funds not accounted for,
unexplained expenditures, payment without approval & expenditure returns not submitted,
imprest not retired,
fuel not accounted for,
revenue not banked and other revenue related issues,
statutory deductions not paid to the relevant authorities,
stores and fixed assets irregularities.

Additionally, there is a recurrence of blatant disregard for procurement procedures. In 2018, this is what these irregularities cost us in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies:

TYPE OF IRREGULARITY AMOUNT OF LOSSES

Payment of salaries 4,384,950,940
Payment for travels, DSAs & other Allowances 1,528,298,810
Unsupported payments & other funds not accounted for 18,708,699,304
Unexplained expenditures, payments without approval & expenditure returns not submitted 22,267,935,226
Imprest not retired 1,113,548,001
Fuel not accounted for 2,704,734,000
Revenue not banked and other revenue related issues 2,414,447,492
Statutory deductions not paid to the relevant authorities 2,946,619,395
Stores and fixed assets irregularities 107,000,00

TOTAL 56,176,233,168

It is indeed alarming that within a system that has been here since 1961 and in spite of all the auditors’ recommendations made every year on what to do to correct anomalies in the use of public funds, successive Governments are still making unexplained expenditures, unsupported payments, not retiring imprest and not accounting for fuel.

It is our view that irregularities for such basic things are not mistakes but are done deliberately to confuse and escape. When expenditure is reported without any supporting documents given there is no way one can tell if this is just pure negligence or incompetence or how much money was actually stolen. The whole idea of spending and not showing proof of how public money was used is a clever way of hiding away unlawful expenditure.

The only way to fight against this is to take decisive action not only against those directly responsible for these losses but also their managers and supervisors. However, officials know that after the Audit reports there will be some noise for a few weeks, nobody will be penalized and business will continue as usual.

The Auditor General has indicated what she considers to be the root causes of poor audit outcomes. She mentions “Slow response by authorities to Auditor’s recommendations on internal controls…”, “lack of consequences for poor performance and transgressions in general governance…,” “weaknesses in performance management, which include a lack of credible and effective performance management systems across MDAs” and “Lack of adequate monitoring.”

In the 2017 report, she lamented that the Auditor General’s “observations and recommendations are still not being given the level of attention they deserve. Parliament, citizens and international donors have a right to know about the utilization of resources”. In the 2018 report, she states that “Follow-up on audit recommendations is crucial if value is to be added on the activities of government”.

We observe that the ACC has opened investigations into the 2018 audit results already. It is also incumbent upon the office of the Chief Minister and the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament to work seriously not only on tracking the implementation of the Auditor’s recommendations but also on establishing a robust monitoring system that works.

If this Government is serious to put an end to corruption they will institute thorough non-partisan investigations to determine those who bear responsibility for these irregularities and penalize them. Now that we are seeing Ministers indicted it will be more reassuring for Government to show that there are no special ones that cannot be touched.

This brings us to the ongoing Chinese rice saga.

First of all, it is the duty of Government to come up with policies, strategies and programmes to feed its people. For us to be in a position where the government of China should be sending rice to the Government of Sierra Leone to feed our children is a big shame indeed. But what has been happening to this donated rice is doubly shameful; at least two Ministers have been indicted so far for stealing rice meant for the children. We believe that there are many more top personalities involved.

And this is going to be a litmus test for the Anti-Corruption Commission. We are watching closely to see how the ACC is handling this case. We know that when donations of this magnitude are made by a foreign Government there are certain institutions that are definitely in the know or involved somehow. These are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, State House, and in this case the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Education.

Now that we see that some of the rice found their way into the hands of Resident Ministers, Ministers’ associates and Members of Parliament, we demand that the public be informed about the following:

a) What was the distribution plan used for the disposal of the 50,000 bags of rice?
b) Was it a decision of the Government to reserve some quantity of the children’s rice for politicians?
c) If the rice was supposed to be distributed by NGOs, how did Ministers and Members of Parliament manage to get their hands on it?
d) Are the Ministers named so far (in the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, and the Resident Ministry, North West) the only top Government personalities that touched the children’s rice? Or is there a selective approach that protects some sacred cows?

We cannot wait to hear the answers that the ACC or the Ministry of Information will be giving to these questions. We in the NGC are convinced that there is more to this Chinese rice story than we have been told. With all this going on it will be important for the ACC to find out and inform the nation also on how the text books and other free school materials were distributed and by whom.

We are hoping that Government will not treat this matter in the same carefree way in which Audit recommendations have been treated in the past. The Government promised Free Quality education for our children not free-for-all chap-chap for the top guns. The ACC must be thorough in their investigations and there should be no sacred cows. Joseph Ben Keifala has been working hard but in this case it is his integrity and reputation that are on the line.

More importantly, the Chinese Children’s rice raises a lot of questions about Government’s flagship program. How is it faring? What are the chances of this program succeeding if even Ministers and top Civil servants who are supposed to be supervising its implementation are freely helping themselves to the things that are meant for the children?

Sadly, this rice episode brings back memories of the cobweb of fraud and dark mysterious dealings that enveloped the Ebola funds during the APC regime; except that at least now some attempt is being made to investigate. But it is almost as if every Government now has their thieving emblem: APC Ebola or SLPP Chinese rice. So we are asking the question: after the rice, what next? Text books? School furniture?

The Auditor General was on national radio a couple of days ago saying that they could find no signs of delivery of school supplies intended for distribution to schools under the Free Quality Education program. And by the way, where are the school buses that were also meant for the children?

The people of Sierra Leone need to be informed! Government is spending so much money on a strategic communications outfit, basically a team of propagandists that step in every time there is a very serious issue in the country to defend the Government with the same boring tunes such as “This is what we inherited” or their latest hit entitled: “It’s a process.”

We demand that Government comes out with the whole truth this time and without any delay because the people of Sierra Leone have the right to know it. Already, because this is a small country far too many people have seen, heard and understood things; they are just waiting to see what this Government will do. On this issue of Chinese children’s rice, the ACC, the Justice system and by extension the Government are on trial in the people’s court.

Finally, we want to do two things: first, to thank the Auditor General for the selfless, fearless, honest and professional way she has been doing her work never mind who is in power. In a country where we are still struggling to recognize the fact that women, if given the opportunity, can play a critical role in governance, we are so heartened by the exceptional character and demonstrated abilities of Lara Taylor-Pearce. May God guide her and give her the strength, will and space to continue to work for her people.

Secondly we wish to refer to His Excellency the President’s New Year’s Message in which he stated: “We continue to open up civic spaces and we encourage our citizens to speak up and make our democracy stronger and better.” We are assuming of course that this encouragement is extended also to political parties in opposition.

In this regard we expect the main opposition parties especially the APC and C4C to be doing what the NGC is doing right now, that is, critically examining the performance of Government and using all the platforms that they have, especially their strength in Parliament, to hold the Government accountable.

We at the NGC know that as an opposition party we can only gain strength by constantly speaking up for the common man, and not by fighting among ourselves. Opposition parties have a duty to defend the bread and butter interests and concerns of the people not tear themselves apart in political wars that will only benefit themselves. We therefore promise that we will continue to keep to our promise of seeking only the good of our people and of putting, after God/Allah, OUR COUNTRY FIRST.

And it is on that note that we the members of the NGC would like to wish our growing numbers of supporters, well-wishers and the entire nation a blessed New Year full of hope and the mercies of God/Allah.

To our colleagues of the Fourth Estate we commit ourselves to continue working with you with honesty and steadfastness for the good of our nation. Thank you and see you next month.

Pres. Bio Denounces Continual Rice Importation

January 27, 2020

By Fatmata Jengbe

The First Gentleman of the Republic of Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has said it is inimical to the country’s rapid economic development if we continue with the importation of rice. The President claims that as a nation we are spending huge sums of money just to import rice which happens to be the staple food. “Spending more than two hundred million dollars every on importation of rice is not reasonable especially when the country has fertile lands and a dependable climate,” he averred adding that we can grow more rice than what we consume.

He made that statement during a meeting with Sierra Leoneans in the United Kingdom on the fringes of the ongoing UK-Africa Summit in London. He said the country is not benefitting much from the status quo though blessed with the necessary resources which can be properly harnessed to reverse the situation. “We have been lazy, we have not been organized, the leadership, all of us who have been in leadership is to be blamed but there is a point to put an end to such,” Bio argued.

He went on to state that they will continue to invest in agriculture so that the country can be rice self-sufficient so that the sector can boost the country’s GDP. He also said the country should not only depend on the mining sector because it is not stable; pointing out an example of the cut down on iron ore prices in the market in 2013/14 but that investing in agriculture is a sure and sustainable way to maintain livelihoods. He called on Sierra Leoneans and investors to come and invest in the country; and encouraged those with dual citizenship to come while assuring them of reviewing the laws that disqualify them from aspiring for political positions so that they too can come to contribute to national development.

President Bio did not only campaign on the basis of human capital development and fighting corruption but he also made commitments in encouraging private sector development across all sectors including agriculture.

The country signed a project last year for the production of 12,500 acres of rice production by small-holder farmers in the riverine/grassland areas of Torma Bum aimed at increasing rice production in the country.

At UNIMAK… KKY Exposes APC & SLPP Perpetual Cycle of Revenge

January 27, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As usual the NGC Parliamentary Leader and MP for Constituency 062 Hon.Kandeh Yumkella held students of UNIMAK spellbound by his oratory skills when he participated in a panel discussion on 24 January 2020 held at the Fatima Campus of the University auditorium., He joined other panellists to debate the topic, ‘Enhancing Citizens Participation in Accountable and Inclusive Politics in Sierra Leone’.

Referring to the Kenyan experience which resulted in the creation of the National Cohesion and Integration Act 2008 and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Hon. Yumkella noted that no one tribe can hold more than thirty percent of positions in Government institutions. This, he continued, is in marked contrast to the experience in Sierra Leone under both APC and SLPP which see the opportunity of gaining political power as a means of perpetuating hegemony and discrimination along tribal and regional lines.

Hon Yumkella exposed the perpetual cycle of revenge and retribution under APC and SLPP. He highlighted the mass culling of diplomats within two months of APC winning the 2007 election, which was met with the same toxic response by the current SLPP Government when it assumed office in 2018. “The devastating impact that these actions on our governance and institutions,” he said, “result in weak and incompetent institutions, often staffed by political cronies, who do not know their left from their right.” He said that this was wrong and is against the Geneva Convention.

On presidential transitions arrangements, he further underscored that both Kenya and Ghana have transition arrangements enshrined in law, to prevent the cycle of revenge politics that Sierra Leone is reputed for. “In Ghana, it is the Presidential Transition Act, not the sitting President which defines the transition arrangements.” As a result, Ghana not only experiences a smooth handover of power but simultaneously develops and strengthens its public and political institutions. The date of elections is fixed in law and arrangements to terminate appointments and notice periods are also set out in law.

On student participation, he noted that they were behaving as though they are helpless. “In the last 15 years,” said Hon. Yumkella, “change has come through connective action, through people who were discontent with the political systems in their countries and the adverse economic and social consequences they suffer.”

The Arab Spring, he said, was led by youth and students using social media applications like WhatsApp and Facebook, who rallied their nations to remove dictators like Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia, Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen, Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria among others; the Occupy Wall Street Movement against economic inequality, Black Lives Matter, and the Anti-Austerity or 15-M Movement in Spain. All of these demonstrate citizen participation and mobilization through what political scientists now recognize as the “transition from Collective Action to Connective Action,” said Hon. Yumkella.

On inter-generational equity, Yumkella challenged the students to “be vigilant” and ensure his generation does not bequeath bad policies and outcomes such as climate change to the next generation.” “Be fully engaged in fighting to change bad laws; end the political gimmicks which have a huge impact on your lives, mortgages your future, kill your hopes and aspirations.” He urged them to engage in the political process and to use their connective power to hold their leaders to account.

Citing citizen power, Hon. Yumkella reminded the UNIMAK audience about positive signs of the impact of connective power in Sierra Leone with the Finance Act, which President Bio, returned back to Parliament unsigned, following the public outcry about the provision in the bill, which would have given the President, Vice President and Speaker unlimited imprest on expenditure incurred during overseas trips.

“Imagine the impact on your studies, if you returned to campus and found out that all your professors have been retired without notice,” said Yumkella as he urged students to take charge of their future and reminded them that no one politician would be a miracle worker. In 2019, youth and students have again led pro-democracy protests in other parts of the world including in Hong Kong, Chile etc. He told the students that they were not helpless as people in more countries are using connective power than any time in history.

The panel discussion was organized by Westminster Foundation for Democracy in collaboration with the Open Government Partnership and the University of Makeni.

As Economic Dev. Minister Closes International Conference… North-West Region Benefits from MoPED Engagement

January 27, 2020

Minister of Economic Development and Planning Dr. Francis Kai-Kai & hosts of other members

By Edward Vamboi

Officially the Minister of Economic Development and Planning Dr. Francis Kai-Kai closed the 3-day International Conference on Financing Social Protection at the Radisson Blu Hotel on 23 January 2020. The conference brought together decision makers and professionals from the private sector, academia and government.

It was geared towards bringing to the fore the importance of investing in social protection and also learning from other countries with best practices on harmonized or single registry, targeting and payment mechanism.

Dr. Suleiman Braimoh, Country Representative, UNICEF highlighted the support of UNICEF together with the World Bank in the safety net program targeting at the extremely poor population; noting that since 2013, the program reached about 30,000 households in 9 districts of which 95 percent of the beneficiaries are women. He said UNICEF, as a leading global partner on social protection will continue to work with Government and partners to translate social protection goals into laws and policies, generate evidence on child poverty and vulnerability and the impact of social protection programs on children and communities.

The Minister of State, Office of the Vice-President, Mrs Frances Alghali noted that social protection covers the range of policies and programs needed to reduce the lifelong consequences of poverty and exclusion. She said UNICEF, World Bank and other partners have demonstrated leadership in fighting economic hardship and social exclusion.

The Commissioner of NaCSA, Abu Kokofele, who doubled as the host, applauded attendants for developing recommendations that will help strengthen social protection laws and policies in the country. Mr Kokofele said that going forward the Government will always remain steadfast in addressing components of social protection in Sierra Leone.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai recognized all the key players, especially dignitaries from other countries for coming to share valuable experiences in the area of social protection. He said the conference always had a historic touch in bringing together thinkers and policy makers to address inequalities through social protection policies and actions. He confirmed that social protection will be a key issue to be discussed in the cabinet retreat in the coming days.

Minister Kai-Kai emphasized that the Government of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is strongly committed to promoting community-based, demand-driven and sustainable social and economic activities leading to the alleviation of poverty.

“We have had different development plans, as a country that has over the years contributed to social protection programs. We will continue to operate as a viable and exemplary Government that will facilitate an efficient and effective pro-poor service delivery and good project governance, which ensures meaningful engagements and personalization of benefits of development by citizens especially vulnerable groups, as well as inspire the trust and confidence of other stakeholders in the country’s development endeavours,” Dr. Kai-Kai said.

Launching the three (3) documents, which include: (I) The Social Protection Policy, (II) The Social Transfer Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan and (III) The Fiscal Space Analysis and Business Case for Social Protection, Dr. Kai-Kai ended by recognizing the importance of the recommendations enshrined in the documents; stating its relevance to the socio-economic growth of the country.

In another development the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) on 24 January 2020 engaged key stakeholders together with representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and development partners to discuss the Zero Draft National Public Investment Management Policy (NPIMP) at the Port Loko District Council in Port Loko.

The consultation is aimed at reviewing the draft NPIMP, including streamlining the roles and responsibilities of key public investment actors, define the public investment cycle and design appraisal tools to guide and direct public investment decision making in Sierra Leone.

In his courtesy, the Deputy Development Secretary, MoPED, Umaru Conteh expressed his appreciation to participants for their participation; noting their efforts and commitments to ensuring Government addresses challenges that have over the years undermined efficiency in addressing the infrastructural challenges and gaps in the Public Investments sector.

Mr. Conteh stated that the National Public Investment Management Policy (NPIMP) when developed intends to assist the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) in identifying, selecting, financing, implementing and evaluating public investments projects/programmes in all sectors.

Addressing participants, the Director of Public Investment Management Department, MoPED, Alpha Bangura reiterated the significance of the consultation process; emphasizing that the preliminary consultative process will set the stage for MDAs to meaningfully contribute in developing a National Public Investment Policy that will reflect a national perspective on public investments across all sectors.

“In 2013, the Public Investment Management Unit (PIMU) was set up at MoFED to facilitate coordination, synergies, efficiency and effectiveness of public investment that will advance government priorities, ensure value for public money and promote socio-economic development,” he said

Mr. Bangura noted that the process will further cultivate transparency and accountability, ensuring ownership of the document when developed. He stated that the policy when developed will comply with the structural bench marks of development partners.

Welcoming discussants, the Paramount Chief, Mambolo Chiefdom, Kambia District, PC Bai Shebora Lion gracefully welcomed participants and assured them of their fullest support to the process.

Making his statement, Host Chairman, Port Loko District Council, Ibrahim S. Bangura expressed his appreciation to the process and noted that the NPIMP was timely and covered a range of policies and projects needed to increase economic growth and development opportunities. He recognized the efforts of Government, noting some challenges within the region and requesting a new dimension in the implementation of projects in their localities.

In his presentation, the Consultant, Osman Kamara, who gave an overview of the zero draft policy, noted that the process will be participatory and include valuable inputs and contributions from all relevant stakeholders. Mr. Kamara said the policy intends to provide the enabling environment for improved public sector management and private sector participation in public investments to ensure increased opportunities for economic growth and development.

The developed Policy is expected to be a guide that interfaces with other Government policies to ensure a robust and integrated system in the processing and delivering of public projects.

Schulenburg Bags GCRSL Award

January 27, 2020

UN Executive Representative to Sierra Leone, Michael von der Schulenburg & President Maada Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay

Seasoned diplomat and former UN Executive Representative to Sierra Leone, Michael von der Schulenburg was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic at State House by President Julius Maada Bio on the 23 January 2020. The President bestowed the prestigious award on him for his exceptional contribution to sustainable peace and democracy in the country.

Mr Schulenburg’s appointment by the UN Secretary General in 2009 as Executive Representative for the organisation’s first fully Integrated Peace Building Office in Sierra Leone, UNIPSIL was linked to a plethora of accumulated and diversified range of professional experience; covering virtually all aspects of United Nations activities – from development assistance to humanitarian aid and managerial reforms, and from combating illicit drug trafficking to conflict resolution and political affairs.

While receiving the award at State House, Mr Schulenburg said that he is both honoured and excited to be a recipient of the prestigious award. He said that the recognition was the greatest honour he had received in life, especially coming from Sierra Leone, which was his last posting. He noted that the country was one of the few in the world which had been successful in its peacebuilding process.

“This is a great honour and a sign of confidence from a people and a Government and for which I and my family are proud. Sierra Leone is on the right track and I wish you all the best and successes for the future,” he said.

In his response, President Bio congratulated Mr Schulenburg on receiving the award, saying that it was no surprise that he deserves the honour for his contributions to the country. He said that the former UN diplomat came into the country at a critical period and was able to support the country’s democratic process for which Sierra Leoneans were grateful.

Born in Germany on October 16, 1948, Mr Schulenburg holds a master’s degree in economics from the Free University in Berlin and additional studies at the London School of Economics and the Ecole Nationale d’Administration in Paris.

Besides his work in Sierra Leone, his 30-year long and distinguished career with the United Nations was displayed in various challenging positions in different countries including Afghanistan, the Balkans, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Pakistan, the Sahel, Somalia and Syria. Mr Schulenburg was also Director with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Vienna.

CRS CEO Pledges Support to Pres. Bio’s Human Capital Development Drive

January 27, 2020

President and Chief Executive Officer Catholic Relief Services , Sean Callahan & President Dr Julius Maada Bio

By Sam Pratt

At State House on 23 January 2020 a delegation from the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Sean Callahan, met with His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio and commended his Government’s strides in human capital development.

CRS works with organisations around the world to help poor and vulnerable people overcome emergencies, earn a living through agriculture and access affordable health care. In Sierra Leone, they concentrate on four main sectors – education, health, urban resilience and agriculture-livelihoods.

Mr Callahan said that the elevation of the status of CRS would not only help them be part of the discussion and strategic planning but would also put them in a position of regular advocacy with international donors while uniting with the Government’s plan.

He also said that they were inspired by the school feeding programme, which they were pleased to support. He added that they were aware of the level of participation from the communities and noted that that was an opportunity to collaborate for the benefit of the people.

Country Representative of CRS, Paul Emes, thanked the President and his Government for supporting their programmes, in particular, the launch of the school feeding programme, the honour of the Order of the Rokel in recognition of their work in the country and the approval of the agreement of their legal status in the country.

On his part, President Bio congratulated the CRS for the attainment of a new status, saying that the country had fond memories of the good work they had done. He also mentioned that the programmes of CRS were in line with his Government’s flagship programme of Human Capital Development.

President Dr Julius Maada Bio & cross section of Catholic Relief Services members

Pres. Bio Declares 2020 as a Year of Delivery

January 27, 2020

By Brima Sannoh

At the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio on 24 January 2020 opened the third Cabinet Retreat where he enjoined Ministers and other public servants to focus on service delivery in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone.

With the theme: “Consolidating the Foundation for Service Delivery’’, the strategic objectives of the two-day retreat included the reviewing of the New Direction progress on the implementation of the eight priority areas from April 2018 – January 2020, to prioritising target setting for the delivery of results and outcomes.

Other objectives sought to ensure greater clarity in roles and responsibilities for Ministers, Deputy Ministers as well as administrative and professional heads of Ministries, to deepen understanding of the Medium Term National Development Plan and its linkages to Service Delivery, Performance Management and Monitoring and Evaluation.

In his opening statement, Chief Minister, Professor David John Francis, said that the two-day interactive session promised to build a high performing team spirit, for which he encouraged colleague ministers to make good use of the retreat. He also commended the President for his inspiring leadership to build a high performing and dedicated team to deliver results.

Delivering his keynote address, President Bio said that they were meeting to review twenty-one months of governance and to assess the impacts of what had been done and what needed to be done further to make sure that Sierra Leone was progressing. He said that despite being blessed with educated and talented people, the country had suffered for far too long because of a lack of leadership.

He also said that he had decided to engage with them because he wanted to clearly outline the political and governance expectations in the New Year, adding that 2020 was a year of service delivery. He encouraged ministers and other public servants to work together as a team and assured that he would continue to inspire everyone to work collectively and deliver for the good of the country.

“We are here to develop a smart plan that is outcome and result oriented. We have the responsibility to deliver this nation, so we have to work together to change the narrative of our country. We have a competent team that inspires both local and international confidence. So, I count on your total support and commitment to deliver to our people,” he said.

President Dr Julius Maada Bio and Cabinet members

Renowned Islamic Scholar, Mufti Menk, to Visit Salone in March

January 27, 2020

By Alhaji M. B. Jalloh

The Project Manager of a Freetown based –Islamic organization has intimated that Dr. Mufti Ismail Menk one of the world’s most renowned scholar is scheduled to visit Sierra Leone in the first week of March this year.

According to Alhaji Ibrahim Talleh Bah of The Foundation of Islamic Information SL Ltd (FOISIL), Mufti Menk will be making his second visit to Freetown on the invitation of their organization. The first one was also on the invitation of FOISIL in September 2017. And the date for the visit, Bah added, will be officially announced by FOISIL on Saturday, January 25, 2020.

“The leading global Islamic scholar will be giving a Public Lecture at the National Stadium in Freetown during his three days scheduled visit,” Bah disclosed.

Dr. Mufti Menk was born and raised in Zimbabwe. He studied Shariah in the prestigious Islamic University in Madinah and holds a Doctorate of Social Guidance from Aldersgate University.

His work, according to his official website, “has gained worldwide recognition and he has been named one of “The Top 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World” since 2010.”

“He has millions of followers across his social media platforms. His personable style and down to earth approach has made him one of the most sought after scholars in our time. He has endeared himself to people with his much loved lecture series, a Mufti Menk hallmark,” a close aide to him said.

Mufti travels the world spreading a simple but profound message: “Do good, help others while preparing for the Hereafter.”

He is active in the international arena and is a strong proponent of peace and justice, speaking up against all forms of terrorism.

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