First Gentleman Hails First Lady’s “Hand Off Our Girls” Campaign

December 16, 2019

By Theresa Kef Sesay

At the National Stadium on Friday 13 December 2019 His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio commended Her Excellency the First Lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, for her determined public advocacy and activism in protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls in the country through her “Hands off our Girls” campaign.

Delivering the keynote address during the Western Area sensitisation event at the National Stadium, President Bio thanked the First Lady for her tenacity, dedication, and commitment to changing the outcomes and for standing up for the girl child. He also thanked development and other partners who had collectively supported the national campaign.

“As a nation, we cannot achieve our goal of sustainable and inclusive human capital development if we exclude women or forever hamper the chances of over half of our population. There is a huge economic, health and social cost when families and the nation deprive girls of access to opportunity.

“The First Lady’s national campaign has been a coordinated pushback at the motives, attitudes, and justifications for discriminating against our girls and women. We will continue to invest in persistent civic education in order to change the old ways of thinking about this clear and present danger to our women and girls. It demonstrates our political commitment at the highest level,” he said.

President Bio also noted that his Government had worked very hard to address the deficits and silences in law and policy and to enforce existing laws and policies without fear or favour. He mentioned that Parliament recently passed a tougher Sexual Offences Act 2019 and they had implemented institutional and policy changes in the judiciary, Police, and among sector ministries to address rape, sexual and gender-based violence, child rights, and access to safe-spaces.

In her statement, the First Lady thanked the President for providing her with the space to champion a national campaign of that nature, saying that that was indicative of his commitment to protecting the wellbeing of women and girls in the country. She commended the Government for the free quality education programme, adding that it would provide a platform for development in the country.

She also called on parents and guardians to provide the required leadership that would enable children to become productive citizens in society. She said early marriage and teenage pregnancy were detrimental to the growth of girls for which she frowned at parents and guardians who had encouraged such practices.

Gender Specialist from the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, UNFPA, Betty Alpha, congratulated the First Lady on the successful launch of the “Hands off our Girls’’ across the country, adding that that was a sign of her determination to empower women and girls. She said they were fully in support of the initiative and assured of their continued support to its implementation.

Mayor of Makeni City, Sunkarie Kabba-Kamara, commended the First Lady for introducing the initiative. She said it was well-received by her people. The mayor also thanked the President for introducing the free quality education programme, noting that that was an investment into the future of Sierra Leone and assured that they would work to support the Government in its successful implementation.

Chairman Council of Paramount Chiefs, Sheku Sonsiama Fasuluku, said that they fully supported the initiative and commended the First Lady for such a laudable venture. He encouraged his colleague Paramount Chiefs to take the message to their subjects at the various chiefdom levels.

By Sending IB3 SMS to short code 2713 via Africell… NP-SL May Emerge a Proud 2019 AWOL Award Winner

December 16, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

As voting is seriously in progress for this year’s National Achievements Awards to be staged by the All Walks of Life (AWOL) organisation expectations are running high. One of the leading entities that have been nominated for this covetous award is the renowned National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd) for being a leading indigenous company. On the 29^th December 2019 the Bintumani International Centre will be the centre of attraction as awards will be dished out to personalities and institutions whom members of the public voted for as worthy of being recognized.

From all what we have gathered so far it seems as if NP is the much talked about nominee in the category of ‘best indigenous’ that many are predicting will emerge victorious. According to what was also learnt people are voting for the company by sending IB3 SMS to short code 2713 via Africell. Trying to find out the plausible reason why this widespread public perception what came out glaringly is that NP-SL is a very vibrant petroleum company that is operating in this country, churning qualitative service delivery it is not possible not to mention the name of the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited.

Many see the company as one that is growing doggedly from strength to strength ensuring that it is vibrant, alive and kicking. Surprisingly, for many it is no mean accomplishment more so when cognisance is taken of the fact that it is a one hundred percent indigenously-owned company that has stood the test of time, weathering various stormy challenges within a competitive business landscape.

It came out that anothing for which NP has been widely hailed is for its no-nonsense stance on raising high the bar of maximizing customer care. As a matter of fact, customer care forms a cardinal core of the company and it is sustainably maintaining it because as far as NP Management is concerned it matters greatly to them. That is why the company operates an open door policy, encouraging serious customers to dialogue and negotiate business terms with them so that at the end of the day they will reach an agreeable position on a win-win platform. Through this caring and prudent managerial competence, the company continues to grow by leaps and bounds as evident in its routine opening of new filling stations across the country with one in the Koinadugu District recently.

Furthermore, some stated how the NP Management encourages private and public entities to enter into business arrangements that are practically viable. This entrepreneurial move continues to re-position the company to become more formidable and successful.

Little wonder why NP-SL has been able to open branches in four West African countries, namely Guinea, Liberia, The Gambia and Ivory Coast where the company is exceptionally and competitively doing well just as it is doing here. It ensures that in all those places, local indigenes are employed creating the feel of ownership of NP by the citizenry in those countries. This shrewd business strategy epitomizes how the company is deepening the Local Content Policy which places premium on ensuring that indigenous personnel talents and skills are utilized.

What this simply means is that instead of allowing so-called foreign expatriates to take monies out of the country, such monies can definitely remain within the country thereby positively impacting on the economies of the host countries. It also helps in reducing poverty among the populace as citizens are offered the opportunity to be gainfully employed and capacitated.

To make the purchase of their petroleum products easily and timely possible the company in recent past introduced the use of NP Smart Cards which could be used to buy various products as long as they contain the requisite amounts of money to effect such purchases.

“Since it was introduced, I find it convenient to use it just like using my bank ATM card because it is not always that I have cash on me,” Karim Koroma, a lawyer frankly intimated this medium, adding that it has never failed him.

Sia Matturi has this to say, “I have been using NP Gas for a considerable period of time now and I find it suitable for cooking as it is quick and dependable. I am no longer exposed to the hazards of using charcoal or wood and I will advise my fellow women to try NP Gas and you will never regret doing so.”

NP Gas can be bought in different size cylinders and could be accessed in all NP filling stations across the country as well as at their agents all going for affordable prices.

A development expert argued that Sierra Leone’s economy needs revamping and our development trajectory must be put on the right course in order to improve standards of living. In order to achieve that, there must be a private-public partnership to make available the much-needed resources to implement various development projects. Government must have the financial wherewithal to be at a vantage position to roll out development projects and one possible way is through revenue mobilization involving taxation.

NP-SL is one business entity that is paying huge taxes to the National Revenue Authority; being classed among the Largest Tax Payer bracket and from what was learnt it is doing so in a timely manner. Many have said that if there is one outstanding and successful entity that Sierra Leoneans must indeed be proud of, for quality service delivery and sustainable growth, then definitely the lot will fall on the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited as it truly deserves a pat on the back.

It is only a matter of days to come in order to see whether the prediction of NP bagging the 2019 AWOL Award will turn out to become true. But for now let the voting intensify.

President Bio’s Call for Media & Govt. Cooperation; but…

December 16, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

Addressing a cross section of the country’s media practitioners past Friday in Freetown, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio called on the media to join with the Government to take the country to a high level.

The call is good, given the role of the Press in promoting democracy, the rule of law, good governance and human rights as fundamental constructs of any peaceful, progressive society.

Yet, besides expunging Part 5 of the 1965 Public Order Act that criminalizes free speech, there are other more subtle instruments of repression of press freedom in the country.

The past Government Minister of Information promised SLAJ to buy a press for the print media whose message goes far and wide. It never materialized. Today the biggest threat to the print media’s continued survival as a means of information is the high cost of printing materials.

Like education, no nation can survive and thrive without information. If the Government wants to help the media in general to survive, the first thing to do is to remove all taxes on information related materials including equipment used by radio and TV stations as well as exemption from paying tax as the Government’s contribution to creating a well-informed population.

Another thing restricting journalists and the media from correctly informing the public is the reluctance of public officials generally to entertain journalists and their questions about things the people need to know; this in spite of the so-called Freedom of Information Act.

In a nutshell, there are legal, political and economic factors that encourage the media to bow down-tow to the powers that be that should investigate in order to survive which greatly compromises the independence and objectivity of the media.

Any form of repression of free media is a strong indication that other political rights and civil liberties are in danger when even populist democratically elected leaders seek to secure and build on their gains by taming the press. Some even go as far as tightening the screws on dissenting voices, as any breach in their media dominance threatens to expose official wrongdoing or debunk official narratives.

Mass illiteracy and poverty also funnily contribute to limitation of the press’s ability to inform, as large segments of the population cannot access unbiased news and information. This is not because journalists are being thrown in jail, as might occur in authoritarian settings. Instead, the media have fallen prey to more nuanced efforts to throttle their independence. Common methods include government-backed ownership changes, regulatory and financial pressure, and public denunciations of honest journalists.

Governments also offer proactive support to friendly outlets through measures such as lucrative State contracts, lavish adverts, favorable regulatory decisions, and preferential access to state information. The goal is to make the Press serve those in power rather than the public.

These are the subtle forms of press repression that continue to exist in Sierra Leone, hampering the effectiveness of the Press as a true medium of information, communication, public debate and as a powerful agent of socio-political change.

Seawright Mining, U.S. Ambassador Handover Cold Room to Gorama Mende

December 13, 2019

By Joenal Sesay

The U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Maria E. Brewer has joined Seawright Mining Company to commission a modern cold room facility constructed and donated by the Company for the people of Gorama Mende.

The commissioning took place on Wednesday 11^th December 2019 at the Mondema Community, Gorama Mende, Kenema District East of Sierra Leone.

In her key note address, Ambassador Brewer expressed happiness for being part of the commissioning of the facility and described it as part of the Company’s Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the community.

She pointed out that the cold room is just one of the projects in Seawright Mining operational areas as the first cold room in Kono created more opportunity for local businesses to grow adding that the newly constructed cold room in Kenema will having a fishpond.

She emphasised that if every international investor in Sierra Leone made exhibis similar commitment to the local communities, sustainable economic development will be a reality.

“One of the primary goals of the U.S Embassy is to work together for sustainable development. We want to increase our commercial relationship and create attractive climate for international investors. This will promote employment,” she noted.

She concluded that they are looking forward to the success of the cold room and all other projects being undertaken by Seawright Mining.

Paramount Chief of Gorama Mende, Haja Mariama Kanja expressed that she is the happiest person in Sierra Leone as what she promised her people is yielding fruits.

She thanked the company for keeping to their promise and for transforming her chiefdom with modern facility.

Chief Executive Officer of Seawright Mining Company, Dr. Alfred Seawright expressed joy to be with the people and maintained that all what is happening in Gorama Mende is made possible by the effort of the Paramount Chief, Haja Mariama Kanja.

He stated that he is doing what he promised her for the community.

Dr. Seawright explained some of the work the company has done in that community such as construction of schools, pure drinking water wells, training of teachers and school feeding program among others.

He also reminded his audience that the company is on exploration stage and they have not made any money since they started operations.

He emphasised that the Company don’t talk politics, neither entertains any form of corruption, they work as a team because they don’t build by talking but by action as Sierra Leoneans are managing the affairs of the company.

He disclosed that the community will get fishpond to ease their stress of importing fish and promises to construct the first secondary school in the chiefdom.

Chairman Kenema District Council, Mohamed A. Sesay described Seawright Mining as a credible partner for sustainable development they have been looking for.

He thanked the company for a wonderful job done.

He stated that such development is not only meant for their district but for Sierra Leone as a whole.

He encouraged the community elders to employ effective people in order to ensure that the project benefit the chiefdom not individuals.

Senior Mines Compliance Officer, Christiana Samba said what the company has done is to complement the effort of the government. Through the cold room she added more job will be created.

Personal Secretary to the Paramount Chief, Ibrahim Koroma on behalf of PC Haja Mariama Kanja assured the company that the sustainability of the project comes first noting that they will put mechanisms in place to make sure it works.

He disclosed that Gorama Mende has 45,000 inhabitants and they have enjoy construction of community Barrays, schools, school feeding program from the Company which he described as one that served as trunk card for the company.

The cold room is equipped with modern facilities including generator, fish among others. Seawright Mining also donated text books and solar light equipment to schools in the community.

Brac Accused of Counter-productive Microfinance Conditions

December 13, 2019

By Theresa Vamboi

New findings from a latest research conducted have disclosed that the world’s largest NGO has been forced to conduct an internal review of a money-lending scheme it runs for the poor in Sierra Leone after some borrowers amassed significant debts and were reported to police when they couldn’t repay loans.

An investigation into a microfinance programme run by Brac found that the NGO’s staffs were failing to fully explain the conditions of the loan to borrowers, or ensure they could afford the high interest rates associated with such loans.

Brac, an NGO that provides financial services for people living in poverty, has 5.6 million borrowers globally, almost 90% of whom are women. As of May 2019, Brac Sierra Leone had a $5m (£3.9m) portfolio and 46,500 borrowers.

Brac states on its website that its interest rates in Sierra Leone are competitive. However, at 30% they are higher than the 22% average charged by other microfinance institutions in the country, according to the Sierra Leone Association of Microfinance Institutions. The organisation requires repayment to start a week after a small loan is given. Small loans make up 85% of Brac’s portfolio. Brac Sierra Leone’s pre-tax profits for 2017, the most recent year for which figures are available, were almost $700,000.

During the research 30 women were spoken to and they include those who had taken out microfinance loans, nearly a dozen borrowed from Brac Sierra Leone. The women borrowing from Brac said they did not fully understand the repayment schedule and quickly began missing payments, meaning their debts spiralled. Some claim they were either visited by police, or held at a police station, after missing payments. Several said they had had to pay a bribe of about $5 to the police to stop the harassment.

Bridget Dougherty, the Microfinance Programme Head for Brac International, said the organisation had completed an internal investigation into these claims, and had “addressed this issue adequately with the staff in Sierra Leone”.

Dougherty said: “We do not disclose internal investigation reports for external research purposes. We have staff training, audit and monitoring mechanisms in place throughout our operations to minimise the risk of such incidents. We have no further comment to add on this matter.”

Sia Mansaray borrowed about $75 from Brac. For years she had struggled to feed her five children on the $2 a day she makes breaking rocks at the quarry on the edge of Koidu, a city in eastern Sierra Leone. Her husband went to find work in the capital, Freetown, and never came back.

A Brac loan officer visited Mansaray at work and assessed her financial situation. She was told she was eligible for a small loan. With an interest rate of 30%, she faced weekly repayments of $4 for six months. With a weekly income of just $14 and school fees, food and rent to pay, Mansaray soon began missing payments.

She took out another loan from Lapo, a Nigeria-based microfinance organisation that receives money from the African Development Bank, in an unsuccessful attempt to pay off her Brac debts, and then another loan from a local organisation to try to consolidate the first two. She ended up defaulting on all three loans and wound up with debts totalling $273.

When she couldn’t pay back her loans, both Brac and Lapo reported her to the police, she said. “These organisations know we’re poor,” said Mansaray. “So how are we supposed to pay it back so quickly? The loan is too small, the interest is too high.”

Her children now miss classes when she can’t afford the cost of transport or lunch. When they’re not in school, they help their mother break rocks at the quarry.

Microfinance, regarded by some as a silver bullet for ending poverty, has come under increased scrutiny. No longer the panacea it promised to be, it has left behind a trail of debt among the world’s poorest people, while creating huge profits for organisations.

“The product they’re offered is not substantially helping their lives,” said Bruce Martinez, who works with Kiva, a microfinance funder that has partnered with Brac in Sierra Leone. “It does feel like a payday loan, it doesn’t feel like it is working.”

Brac Sierra Leone defended the high interest rates and short repayment windows. Saidul Haque, a microfinance programme manager, said these conditions were needed because of the “risky” nature of lending to poor women.

Archibald Shodeke, the Head of the Sierra Leone Association of Microfinance Institutions, said interest rates across Sierra Leone are high because of the country’s rocky financial situation and rising annual inflation rate. He said that without a robust credit reference system in Sierra Leone, it is difficult to assess borrowers’ risk, or their ability to repay on time.

Haque denied that the organisation contacts the police. “Our focus is on creating a platform of financial inclusion,” he said.

But several Brac credit officers, who asked to remain anonymous, said it was common for them to go to the police after one month of non-repayment. “The police step in to realise the loan,” said one. “They will arrest the individual for the moment, take her to the police station, and one of her relatives will come and sign saying that they’ll pay back.”

A spokesman for Lapo said its loans were predicated upon the market situation, type of loan and exchange rates, as well other business considerations. It added: “Our interest rates are pro-poor and one of the most competitive in the market, amongst other players.

“Our loans to the women are not ‘payday loans’, rather we offered them loans for trade and small businesses to help them improve their lives to [be] repaid within a period of time.”

The spokesman said the organisation makes “a concerted effort” to profile the women before these loans are given.

Sorie Bangura, a Lapo manager in Makeni, a town in northern Sierra Leone, confirmed that the organisation was “working with the police”. Bangura added that police can only “harass” the women, not lock them up. Brima Kamara, a police spokesperson, said police will only intervene in microfinance disputes to “help people mediate”.

Kiva has suspended its relationship with Brac Sierra Leone due to concerns raised during a separate internal audit process. “We will not be re-activating financing until all of the concerns that have been raised are investigated and addressed,” said Kathy Guis, senior director of partner investments at Kiva.

In response to allegations raised by the Guardian, Kiva sent a member of staff to investigate. Guis said Brac had conducted training around collection practices, which she thinks “will help them ensure that their policies are implemented uniformly throughout their branch network”. None of the women interviewed for this article had taken Kiva-supported Brac loans.

Kiva also ended its relationship with Lapo in 2012, after a New York Times exposé about the large profits it was making.

Abibatu Kamara, one of Mansaray’s closest friends, with whom she took out a group loan, said the police showed up at her house six months after she had defaulted on a loan. She said Brac treated her aggressively. “Brac is the worst. They won’t compromise. They’ll put you in a cell,” she said. “There are no benefits with microcredit. But I need to eat. My children need to eat. So, what am I supposed to do? I have to take it.”

Pres. Bio Honoured at University of Liberia

December 13, 2019

bio — President Bio said graduates of the state-owned university should have in mind that their triumph is intended to help rebuild their country from its pre-war status

By Alim Jalloh

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio was on Monday 11^th December, 2019 honoured in Monrovia, Liberia. He was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in International Relations at the 100th convocation ceremony of the University of Liberia in Monrovia.

The centennial ceremony that attracted over 3,600 graduands, was held at the Samuel Kanyon Sports Complex, Paynesville. President Bio was recognised and awarded the degree because for his strives in developing Sierra Leone and for being the champion of human capital development in not only the Mano River Union countries but also in the sub-region.

In the citation for the award of the Honorary Degree, Dr. Emmet A. Denis, 13th President of the University of Liberia and President emeritus, said that President Bio had prioritised human capital development, coupled with free quality education, food security, value chain and above all, his dream of Africa becoming a part of the United Nations Security Council.

“Your Excellency, in recognition of your substantive contributions and outstanding achievements, coupled with your invaluable service to Sierra Leone over the years as a patriot, the Board of Trustee of the University of Liberia, upon recommendation from the Faculty of Senate, and the President of the University of Liberia, has therewith approved the conferral on you, Julius Maada Wonie Bio, the degree of Doctor of International Relations Honoris Causa,” he declared.

Whilst addressing the congregation of 2019 and his colleague graduates, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio thanked the President of Libera, George Manneh Weah and the authority of the University of Liberia for what he described as a great privilege for being recognised and honoured in the 2019 convocation ceremony.

“Through 100 convocations and through 157 years of history, this great University has produced politicians, diplomats, jurists and attorneys, soldiers and policemen and women, environmentalists, human rights activists, entrepreneurs, accountants, engineers, trade unionists, journalists, inventors, physicians, and biomedical researchers. You have inherited a great legacy. You are a continuation of the great history of the second oldest institution of higher learning in West Africa. Congratulations,” he said.

He also noted that Liberia and Sierra Leone shared a common, unbreakable and continuous demographic, historical, cultural, and academic heritage. He added that the two countries have always had close relations, forged even closer economic and other ties through the founding of the Mano River Union and are founding members of ECOWAS.

“We have heightened cooperation between our two nations and we are now connecting physical infrastructure through a major highway and the CLSG power line. The Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement opens up more possibilities of trade,” he stated.

The President admonished the graduates to respond to the challenges of nation-building, saying that their generation must develop strong democratic and governance institutions that would provide access to quality healthcare, food security, construction of new roads, elimination of corruption from public life, build hospitals, supply potable water to all Liberians and to reduce maternal and child mortality and to stop all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

First Anniversary Celebration of Tongo Global Connections to be Launched

December 13, 2019

By Amadu Daramy in Maryland USA

Information accessed by this medium revealed that the Tongo Global Connections (TGC) will be launched on the 11^th and 12^th January 2020; being the first anniversary celebrations in Tongo Fields, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District with the launch of the Ibrahim Orbrey Jalloh Watta Wolo’s (meaning Do not cry in the Fullah Language) First Album and Cultural Festival.

Some founding members of TGC in America and Europe are the Chairman, Abdulai Jalloh, fondly known as Abra Jay, Assistant Secretary-General, Abdulai Kobozin Kabbah and Financial Secretary; Ishata Cole will be among the dignitaries who will attend the event. Various dignitaries, executive members of TGC and stakeholders attended the event and delivered statements.

TGC has renovated the Roman Catholic Primary School in Tongo that was reopened on 29^th November 2019 that has brought love and united among elders in the community in addition to opening of its secretariat in Freetown and branch in Tongo.

The Freetown Secretariat is headed by renowned gynaecologist, Dr. James Samba as President and Mrs. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board as the Vice President.

Due to her commitment and dedication to duty in addition to being a philanthropist, TGC Europe and America has unanimously appointed Mrs. Fanta Kabba-Conteh based in Virginia, USA, Queen of TGC. Mrs. Fanta Kabba-Conteh donated three solar panels and accessories to the community through TGC that would soon be installed and launched.

In the wake of celebrating IAC Day 2019… Anti-Corruption Court Has New Lease of Life

December 13, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 9 December 2019 the Anti-Corruption Court was commissioned by the Lord Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards. Prior to its commissioning, the Anti-Corruption Court has been refurbished and equipped through judicial funds and support from the Department for International Development (DFID) for the purpose of trying cases that are charged to court by the Anti-Corruption Commission following investigations.

It could be recalled that earlier this year, the Chief Justice created the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court by Statutory Instrument and five (5) Judges and Justices of the Superior Courts of Judicature had been designated to sit specifically on ACC cases.

The commissioning of the Anti-corruption Court on 9th December, 2019, completes the process of establishing the Special Court for Corruption that had been promised the people of Sierra Leone by His Excellency the President, Brig. (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio at the State Opening of Parliament; which commitment was re-echoed by the Commissioner of the ACC who set to action, in partnership with the Judiciary and the DFID, to ensure it is delivered for the People of Sierra Leone. The court will immediately commence hearing cases charged by the Commission to ensure speedy and expeditious trial and conclusion of anti-corruption cases.

The new court is specifically designed with modern technology and is equipped with ultra-modern transcribing, recording, audio-visual and other supporting technology and resources to ensure and aid the work of the court. It has its own sub-registry, filing and case management processes, and is managed by a carefully recruited and vetted new staffing to ensure insulated but fair processing of cases with integrity of the court and its outcomes maintained.

With the commissioning of the court following the successful enactment of the Anti-corruption Amendment Act, 2019; the proper foundations have been laid for a more robust consolidation of the gains in the fight against corruption and ensures a more efficient control of corruption by the Commission and all stakeholders in the fight against corruption.

The Commission thanked His Excellency the President; the Learned Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and her team; the Chief Justice and the entire Judiciary; the two consultants who put a lot of effort in realizing this goal – Bakhethisi K.T Mlalazi (Baki) and Madam Aminata Kandeh; and all other stakeholders who in diverse ways contributed to this effort and continue to support the conscientious fight against corruption.

In another development, the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), has on Monday 9th December, 2019, joined other anti-corruption agencies in the world, to commemorate the International Anti-Corruption (IAC) Day 2019. The International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually, on 9 December, since the passage of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on 31 October 2003, to raise public awareness about the ills of corruption and what Governments can do to combat the scourge.

In commemorating this year’s IAC Day, the ACC, in partnership with CARL, staged a grand symposium at the Miatta Conference Centre, Youyi Building, in Freetown. The event brought together a body of experts in the anti-corruption space, Government officials, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, civil society organisations, the media, students and ordinary Sierra Leoneans; under the distinguished Grand Chief Patronage of His Excellency the Right Hon. Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh, with the theme “United Against Corruption to Ensure Quality Education”. The symposium created a platform for a national conversation around the standard of the country’s educational system which many Sierra Leoneans view as being near collapse.

Delivering the Keynote address on the theme “Reinforcing the Anti-Corruption War in the Education Sector: Connecting the nexus between accountability regimes and ensuring quality education in Sierra Leone”, the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh started off by thanking the ACC for choosing him to give the keynote address on a topic that is dear to him as an individual, but also relevant to the government’s New Direction Agenda, which has education at the heart of their priorities.

The Vice President said that education is the measuring instrument of the rise and fall of a State. He said that, once prided as the best you could get in black Africa, our educational system, prior to the advent of the New Direction administration, was in a state of decadence. “Academic malpractice has become a routine exercise for schools across the country. It is sad and unacceptable”, he said. He furthered that what is prevailing in the country currently is a product of history, as educational institutions over the past decade were starved of the required resources to survive; and became centres of contestations.

In order to reverse this trend, the Vice President stated that his administration has allocated the highest portion of the country’s budget to the educational sector. “Out of every ten (10) Sierra Leonean kid, eight (8) are now rushing to school because it is free”, he said.
The Vice President noted that, for the country to reclaim its past educational glory, requires three main approaches: process, structural and societal. He ended by reminding all that, state-centered approaches have their limits, but the inclusion of societal approach (including parents, civil society and media) is the only way out of the current malaise.

In his address, the Commissioner of the ACC Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. stated that the celebration of the day was an opportunity for the country to come together and reflect on what has happened in the fight against corruption over the past one year; and to strategize on how to attack the scourge going forward. He further stated that the selection of the theme for this year -United Against Corruption for Quality Education- by the ACC was deliberate, as corruption in the form of rampant examination malpractices is an existential threat to the future of the country; noting that desperate measures should be adopted to reverse the ugly trend.

Giving a brief report on the status of the fight against corruption, the ACC Boss stated that, more than ever before, the country is now firmly positioned to effectively control corruption. “The message is going; there is a united cloud building against corruption. Sierra Leone just passed the strongest anti-corruption law -The 2019 Anti-Corruption Amendment Act – in Africa; which is going to be the blueprint in the fight against corruption across Africa. To complete the cyclone that is building against corruption, the Chief Justice will today be commissioning a space at the Law Court Building dedicated to host the Special Division in the High Court to deal with corruption cases.” The ACC Commissioner further elucidated that the President has shown tremendous Presidential will by assenting to the new Amendment Act, amongst other support to the ACC.

Commissioner Kaifala ended by admonishing the public that he and his team at the ACC are prepared to lead the national crusade against corruption for the good of the country. He however stated that, as soldiers sent to the battle field to confront the monster of corruption, his team at the ACC will always need the unwavering support of the people of this country in this difficult war. *”When we look back, we want to see the people standing behind us; especially when the going gets tough; when we take courageous and uncommon actions. Instead of asking “why did we do it”, we want the people to say “this is why they (ACC) did it”, because corruption has held the destiny of our country to ransom for a very long time.

The Executive Director of the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, Ibrahim Tommy, stated that all forms of corruption are bad; but grand corruption in the form of state capture hurts the country the most. He called on his colleagues in the civil society world to unite against the common enemy of corruption.

The British High Commissioner Simon Mustard, and the Nigerian High Commissioner Dr. Habiss Ibrahim Ugbada; both offered statements of commendation to the Government of Sierra Leone and the ACC for the tremendous progress made in the fight against corruption; and assured support on behalf of their nations.

A panel of experts comprising Lara Taylor Pearce (Auditor General), Dr. Brain Conton (Director Leone Preparatory School), Joe Pemagbi (County Director OSIWA), Ndeye Fatu Koroma (Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Unit), thoroughly dissected the theme of the event, in a panel discussion moderated by Justice Miatta Maria Samba, Justice of the Court of Appeal.

A performance by the Freetown players; and a resounding poetry presentation on corruption by teen sensation, Vicky de Poet; and a performance by Michael Faada George formed part of the event.

AWOL Poised to Crown 2019 Outstanding Personalities & Institutions

December 13, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

Renowned for its selflessness and determination to transform lives positively as well as contribute magnanimously towards the enhancement of overall national development, the All Walks of Life (AWOL) organization is working assiduously behind the scenes to stage its annual event ceremony geared towards recognizing and appreciating the good works of individuals and institutions during 2019.

Awards to be dished out are slated for different categories. As of now the organization is in top gear to host its annual Awards Ceremony which many are eagerly looking forward to with expectations that their nominees will bag one of its prestigious awards , adding another feather to their caps for being honorably recognized for outstanding contributions to humanity and nation building. This is a day many are waiting for to be part of the crème de la crème of society in a relaxed social atmosphere that will be full of glitz, good music, food, exuding an ambience of life worth living.

Indeed, as usual, in the immediate wake of the event indisputably tongues will be left wagging as to whether indeed a particular personality or institution truly deserves to be awarded. But that is natural as we sometimes disagree to agree. But one thing that is really obvious is that AWOL prides itself on selflessness and integrity which is why its award programmes have always been characterized by fairness.

It is not AWOL that determines who should be a recipient of an award as a voting process is currently ongoing for people to vote their consciences for nominated personalities and institutions whom they truly believe should be recognized for their immense contributions to humanity and nation-building. You are at liberty to vote now by using 2713 short code to SMS via Africell for an individual or institution whom one believes must clinch the covetous 2019 award.

In just about three weeks from now, to be specific on the 29^th December 2019, all roads will be leading to the Bintumani International Conference Centre where at 7pm the highly regarded All Walks of Life (AWOL) will commence its programme of dishing out its annual prestigious 2019 awards to deserving personalities and institutions in various categories.

Already, the Technical and Organizing Committees of the All Walks of Life (AWOL) as both are working doggedly behind the scenes to put all the necessary arrangements together to stage a non-forgettable awards ceremony which will be laced with intriguing moments of fun, laughter, good music, food and drinks. It goes without saying that the after –awards nite feeling will for a long time definitely linger on the minds of many that will take them into a brand new 2020.

From all indications and judging from the nominations that have been done for the different categories it seems that this Awards Ceremony is going to be the Mother of all AWOL Awards Ceremonies but as some have already maintained that is yet to be determined. However, what for now is really certain is that AWOL has etched a name in history for doing BIG THINGS and this time round there will to be an exception nor is it going to be the last as we have been hinted.

In order to reiterate the message loud and clear the widely acclaimed National Achievements Awards (NAAs) will be dished out to deserving individuals and institutions on the 29^th December 2019 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre starting at 7pm with the theme “Education is the Key to National Cohesion and Development” under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

As it had been over the years it is planned to be an unforgettable ceremony that will be laced with pomp and pageantry bringing together under one roof the crème de la crème of society to socialize. It is going to be a nite of fun, jokes and laughter; a moment that will be lively when the spotlight will shine on individuals and institutions that have been recognized for their exemplary contributions to nation building and as such bestowed prestigious awards for their efforts.

Already, on the 22^nd November 2019, the launch of the National Achievement Awards was done at the Radisson Blu Hotel and it was graced by individuals from various walks of life including the Chief Minister who on that day described AWOL as an organization which has as its aim and objective to celebrate ‘change-makers’ whom he referred to as those people who are doing their utmost in their little corners to put Sierra Leone first and set bright examples for others to emulate.

During the occasion the President of AWOL, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr informed the audience that AWOL was formed 20 years ago to serve the country in a distinct fashion. He added that coming from an 11 year war, as young people, they decided to form a group with a distinct mission to recognize distinguished Sierra Leoneans, as well as to complement and serve as an auxiliary to government and this they have been doing successfully since the founding of AWOL.

Indisputably, AWOL’s National Achievement Awards have now become an important feature in the calendar of annual events in Sierra Leone. Come as it does towards the close of the year, most Sierra Leoneans see it as part of their Christmas and End of Year entertainment recipe. During the course of the year, AWOL keenly watched Sierra Leoneans in their various works of life as well as institutions with the avowed objective of recognizing them for their good works.

As a family, AWOL considers that approach as a trend as “it adds worth and meaning to our efforts, and brings fulfilment to our dreams; for over and above recognizing and awarding merit, effort, achievement, ability, devotion, commitment and scholarship, to deserving Sierra Leoneans.’

AWOL is also working in underprivileged communities through its various social, educational and humanitarian interventions.

Contrary to what some may want to believe, it should however be noted that AWOL is a non-political and non-profitable organization, which focuses on national development. AWOL’s philosophy is to be selfless, to serve, to give back to society and expect nothing in return as reward or profit.

AWOL is hinged on determination to complement government’s effort in nation building; regardless of which democratic government is in power.

It is on record that AWOL has stayed together as a group, worked together as a family, and pursued its goals and aspirations as patriotic Sierra Leoneans who care and love their country. As may be the case in other organizations, AWOL may have its own internal problems, for no group or organization exists without conflict; but AWOL has been able to resolve its differences amicably without any threat to the developmental aspirations of the organization as a whole.

One thing that makes AWOL very outstanding and which is part of its constitution is the fact that no individual member is bigger than the organization. AWOL is bigger than each one and their leaders are charged with the responsibility to always bring members together as a family, maintain and promote the traditions that have held AWOL together since the founding and current members became one family 18 years ago.

President of AWOL, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., maintains that over these eighteen years AWOL’s contributions to national development have been immense.

He says AWOL supports Sierra Leone’s development and transformative drives to build a new Sierra Leone which is the dream of every Sierra Leonean. AWOL shares in that dream of every Sierra Leonean to see our small but naturally blessed country develop into a paradise on earth:
AWOL further seeks to see a nation with improved social amenities for the enjoyment of young people and also to see a nation able to grow its own food and able not only to feed itself but its neighbours as well. The organization also wants to see a nation that is less dependent on donor funds for its survival and become a nation that idolizes her past, present and future leaders and heroes; and also to see functioning, responsible, pro-active and delivering State institutions.

From all indications, it is going to be an unforgettable nite that will linger in the minds of many here and abroad.

Below is the list of nominees that could be voted for by sending a text message on Africell line to 2713:

AWOL NAAs 2019 CATEGORIES & NOMINEES

EDUCATION

1. TERTIARY INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR 2019
– IPAM
– Njala
– UNIMAK

2. SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Dele-Peddle International School
– Sierra Leone Grammar School
– Providence International High School

3. PRIMARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Gateway Preparatory Primary School
– International Primary School
– Modern Elementary School

4. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018- NPSE
– Menjor, Esther Sia (Leone Preparatory Prim. School)

5. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018 –BECE
– Hooke Johan Harmonette D. (Providence Int. Snr High, F/Town)
– Taqi Hafeez Othman (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)
– Jalloh Khadijatu (Annie Walsh Memorial Sch., F/Town)

6. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018 –WASSCE
– Saffia Kai (Hermann Gmeiner Int. Sch., F/Town)
– Turay Abdulai S. (Dele-Peddle Int. High, F/Town)

7. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –NPSE
– Russell Affuah (The International School Ltd., Prim)

8. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –BECE
– Manyeh Kaiwanday Nova (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)
– Koroma Umu B. (Modern High, F/Town)

9. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –WASSCE
– Gbakima Aiah (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)

SPORTS

10. SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2019
– Mohamed Buya Turay
– John Keister
– National Swimming Team

GOVERNANCE

11. MINISTRY OF THE YEAR 2019
– Ministry of Health and Sanitation
– Ministry of Tourism and Culture
– Ministry of Information and Communications

12. PARASTATAL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
– National Revenue Authority (NRA)
– Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL)

13. PARLIAMENTARIAN OF THE YEAR 2019
– Hon. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella
– Hon. Abdul Kargbo
– Hon. Ibrahim ‘Tawa’ Conteh

MEDIA

14. PRINT MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
– Awoko
– Sierra Eye Magazine
– Standard Times

15. RADIO MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
– Radio Democracy 98.1 FM
– SLBC Radio
– Kiss 104 FM

16. TELEVISION MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2018/2019
– AYV TV
– SLBC TV
– Star TV

17. MEDIA PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019 (FEMALE)
– Stella Bangura (AYV TV)
– Zainab Joaque (Awoko Newspaper)
– Khadija Bangura (98.1)

18. MEDIA PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019 (MALE)
– Amadu Lamrana Bah (AYV TV)
– Mohamed Asmieu Bah (SLBC TV)
– Kemo Cham (Politico Newspaper)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

19. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (MUSIC)
– Rozay Sokota
– Arkman
-Drizllik

20. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (MOVIE)
– Desmond Finnie
– Henrietta Mbawah
– Phebean Swill

21. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (COMEDY)
– Desmond Beinya
– Kindo Armani
– Richie Obama

22. ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (FINE ART)
– King Dus Art
– Alusine Conteh
– Cyril Oronto-Cole

FINANCE & BUSINESS

BANKING INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR 2019
– Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB)
– Ecobank SL
– Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB)

24. INDIGENOUS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2019
– Union Trust Bank (UTB)
– Gento Group
– NP-SL

MEDICINE

25. MEDICAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha
– Dr. Francis Lansana
– Dr. Aiah Lebbie

HUMANITARIAN

26. HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR 2019
– Sick Pikin Project
– Pikin Bizness
– Melqosh Mission

LAW

27. LEGAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Musa Mewa Esq
– Ibrahim Fayia Sawaneh Esq
– Joan Bull Esq.

THE FORCES

28. MILITARY OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Brig Gen Victor Samba
– Lt Col Roland Robin Gbondo
–

29. POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Mr Francis Musa Hazeley (Chief Supt of Police)
– Mrs Juliette Kumba Kondoh (Supt of Police)
– Mr Edward Tamba Keimbay (Asst Supt of Police)

30. FIRE FORCE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Sahr I. Aruna (Sub Officer)
– Abu Bakarr Fofanah (Sub Officer)
– Adebayo Williams (Sub officer)

31. CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Mohamed Santigie Turay (Director of Corrections)
– Rev Mrs. Josephine R.M. Findlay (Chief Supt of Corrections)
– Mr. Joseph Emmanuel Manley (Chief Supt of Corrections)

AGRICULTURE

32. FARMER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Kabia Farm
– Jam Jay Enterprise
– Madam Haja Sundu Marrah

CIVIL SOCIETY

33. CSO/CBO OF THE YEAR 2019
– Campaign for Good Governance
– CARL- SL
– CHIRDI- SL

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

34. HOSPITALITY HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
– The Place- Tokeh
– Radisson Blu
– Lagoonda

FASHION

35. FASHION DESIGNER 2019
– Madam Wokie
– Hudsons
– J & F Fashion

PETTY TRADING

36. PETTY TRADER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Isatu (Plasas Seller, Aberdeen Market)
– Abdulai Jalloh (Butcher, Krootown Road)
– Sarian Karimu (Shenge Market, Bo)

NATIONAL SERVICE

37. PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR 2019
– Lara Taylor-Pearce (ASSL)
– Francis Ben Keifala (ACC)
– Micheala Mackay (CAC)

COMMUNICATIONS

38. TELE-COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY OF THE YEAR
– Orange SL
– Africell SL
– SIERRATEL

Vote now for individuals and institutions you are convinced deserve the prestigious AWOL Awards.

For Best Indigenous Company 2019 AWOL Award… NP-SL: Send IB3 SMS to short code 2713 via Africell

December 13, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited has been nominated for this year’s All Walks of Life (AWOL) award as one of the best indigenous companies operating in Sierra Leone. The company successfully bagged the same award last year (2018) and because most believe it had and is still doing very well in terms of positively contributing towards the socio-economic development of the country and in helping to reduce poverty it has again been nominated for the 2019 AWOL award ceremony.

The event will take place on the 29 December 2019 at the Bintumani International Centre in Freetown. To vote for the NP-SL send IB3 SMS to short code 2713 via Africell. Your vote could indeed make a big difference.

Indisputably, NP-SL is one of the most enterprising and outstanding business entities that have survived teething challenges along the way is undoubtedly the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) which put to rest expressed doubts of whether it will forge ahead, after its humble beginning. Such could be understandable in light of the fact that there are other ventures that started on a sound footing but stumbled and collapsed as a result of a multitude of bottlenecks encountered on the way.

Many may be tempted to ask how NP-SL Ltd sailed through where others folded up within the shortest possible time after coming into existence. Though this may appear to be a very difficult question to answer what really matters is that the company is vibrantly making steady headway.

Steadfastness in optimal service delivery has made the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd) one of the most outstanding and vibrant companies that is steadily operating, in thick and thin, in this country. Such largely emanates from the dogged determination on the part of 35 former employees of the then British Petroleum company, which decided to fold up its operations and sold shares, which these workers bought out of their end of service benefits and used as seed capital to commence the running of the now renowned NP-SL –Ltd.

Setting up the company was just one accomplished feat, but taking it from that level to where it is today, speaks volumes of the selflessness on the part of the shareholders, who were all Sierra Leoneans, to see their ‘baby’ grow and succeed up to an appreciable stage that they were yearning for. It is this selflessness on the part of the shareholders which eclipsed personal aggrandizement, misappropriation of funds and insincerity to such an extent that the resultant effect culminated into an overall success story.

At this material point in time the company has bagged a whole lot of recognition for its outstanding performances in the line of marketing qualitative petroleum products. It stands to be contested that NP-SL Ltd is the number one oil marketing company in this country, which is equal to none, as it continues to break new frontiers in its expansionist drive.

Whenever the name NP is called, what immediately comes to mind is 1st for Customer Care and this is not a mere masquerading in borrowed robes, but rather a true accomplishment of what the company fervently believes in and is striving towards actualizing. To the shareholders and Management of the company, providing utmost satisfaction in its service delivery to its esteemed as well as numerous customers is just as important as importing petroleum products into the country. Keen consideration is given to marketing high grade products that customers utilize for the effective performances of vehicles and other gadgets.

Besides, the company ensured that its pumping machines used in Filling Stations are modern and standardized in order to give customers their monies’ worth. These machines are very transparent, as it displays the number of litre pumped and the corresponding prices. Besides, customers concerns and suggestions are taken into consideration when policies are mapped out and Management decisions are arrived at, which makes it possible for various shades of opinions and inputs to be factored into how the company tailors its operations.

With the avowed aim of making their customers feel at home, NP-SL-Ltd has made the procurement of petroleum products very simple by introducing the use of NP Smart Card. NP Smart Card has unique embedded security features which cannot be easily faked by unscrupulous persons and the Card could be topped up to contain a considerable amount of money which a particular customer could use for purchasing purposes, with amounts deducted depending on the quantum of the products so far demanded. Indeed, it is a latest technological device and is becoming very trending.

For effective cooking purposes the company also has on offer for sale NP Gas, a device found in different cylinder shapes, that could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations as well as authorized dealers at affordable prices. Environmentally and medically certified as user friendly, NP Gas is presently going like hot cakes and there are energized workers in all the stations that readily offer tips or guidance as to how to optimally make use of this wonderful gadget. As a matter of fact a particular user can easily gain access to gas for refilling purpose.

A marked feature of the company has to do with its one hundred percent ‘Sierra Leoneanship’, having shareholders, Management and general staff who are all indigenes. Such a premium placed on making use of local talents and raw materials are parts of the core bedrock of the much talked about Local Content Policy.

Employing knowledgeable Sierra Leoneans to execute certain tasks has been a cardinal principle that has permeated the company’s existence throughout the periods it has been in active existence and such has been paying meaningful dividends. It also means offering various training opportunities to broaden the knowledge horizons of its members of staff for sound contributions to the company’s viability and buoyance.

Bent on maintaining that stance, the company has been helping in poverty reduction because by offering job opportunities, either directly or otherwise, it is putting monies in the pockets of individuals to take care of responsibilities. Monies are spent internally as opposed to a situation where the company should have concentrated on importing foreign expatriates to do tasks that indigenes could do better.

NP-SL Ltd has, over the years, in its drive to roll out the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility complementing Government’s efforts to enhance improved standards of living. It has offered institutional capacity supports to vibrant entities as was recently done to the National Fire Force by facilitating the construction of a state-of-the-art water facility at the Force’s Kissy Branch, from which water could be sourced to respond to any fire emergency within that part of the country and even beyond to the entire Greater Freetown. This is just a microcosm of the kind gestures that the company has dished out, all with the objective to make lives better.

To have branches in different parts of the country and going further to have presence within the West African sub-region tells of how the company is determined to grow. We now have NP in Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia and the vibrant functioning of all those branches is a true testimony of how successful its shareholders and Management want to see customers enjoying qualitative petroleum products. The company is providing job opportunities in those countries and at the same time paying taxes, which form components of generated revenues that are used by the respective Governments to undertake the implementation of various development programmes and projects.

NP-SL is moving on the right trajectory and deserves all the necessary support it requires to move from one height to another. The company is poised to continue creating meaningful impacts and consciously moving towards the direction of always setting the pace for others to follow.

Sierra Leone’s leading oil marketing company, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd) has been very steadfast in its service delivery of high standard petroleum products, which it imports since this country is not an oil producing nation. All we need to do at this point in time is to give the company all the necessary support needed to make it become stronger than it is at the moment.

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