ACC Amended 2019 Act Receives Presidential Assent

December 6, 2019

AAA — His Excellency the President, Julius Maada Bio & Anti-Corruption Boss Ben Kelfala

By Amin Kef Sesay

His Excellency the President, Julius Maada Bio on the 3rd December, 2019, appended his signature on the ACC Amended 2019 Bill that was proposed by the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. The Bill has now become law.
The new progressive and very strong anti-corruption law increases the minimum punishment for major corruption offences to a minimum of five (5) years or a fine of not less than Le50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Leones); strengthens protection of those who assist the Commission – witnesses, informants and whistle blowers; allows the Commission to either prosecute corrupt public officers or recover from them all monies they misappropriate plus a minimum of 10% interest and a mandatory exclusion from holding public office for not less than 3 years; allows the Commission to proceed with trial of accused persons and convict them in absentia; shifts the evidential burden for offences involving offering or receiving an advantage (bribery); and allows the Commission to appeal against sentences that are deemed lenient or disproportionate to the offence charged.

Furthermore, The Anti-Corruption (Amendment Act), 2019, widens the scope of corruption with respect to Offering and Soliciting an Advantage to include accepting, obtaining or receiving an advantage; reduces to three (3) months the hitherto year-long requirement for Public Officers to file asset declaration upon leaving office; Reduces the pool of categories of public officers who are required to declare their assets which will now be limited to Persons in elective offices, Persons appointed by the President, Public officers in grade 7 and above, and Public officers below grade 7 who –(i) handle or control public cash or goods, (ii) make official decisions or recommendations relating to the granting or denial of licenses in regulatory sectors, (iii) conduct research or prepare analytic reports for higher level officials who make critical decisions on financial, economic or regulatory policies, (iv) are in regulatory agencies responsible for regulatory compliance, monitoring and inspection; and further empowers the Commissioner to specify categories of Public Officers outside the foregoing who are required to declare their assets for various reasons and as may be expedient.

Additionally, the Anti-Corruption (Amendment Act), 2019 provides for administrative sanctions for Public Officers who fail to submit their Asset Declaration Forms as and within the time prescribed by the Act including withholding their salaries, suspension from public service after 3 months and removal from public service after 6 months (the last two do not apply to offices for which removal from office is prescribed by the Constitution; but their salaries can be withheld); provides clear redress for public officers who knowingly record false, inaccurate or misleading information; changes the interval for declaring assets from annually to bi-annually to give room for analysis and proper tracking; dispenses with need for Commissioners of Oath to attest Asset declaration forms and replaces it with Penal Affirmation either electronically or personally; and creates room for the digitization of the declaration process and regime.

Finally, The Anti-Corruption (Amendment Act), 2019 vests in the Office of the Commissioner power to direct that contracts may not be proceeded with where the Commissioner, in concurrence with the Chief Executive of the National Public Procurement Authority, has reason to believe that a contract is not in the national interest (having corrupt elements which are clearly defined in the Act). It also adds severe consequences for a public officer who proceeds to sign the contract having received the Commissioner’s notification including imprisonment and a hefty fine after summary trial. It also creates a clear power for the Commission to investigate examination malpractices with punishment including 5 years imprisonments for culprits who engage in, aid, abet, counsel or procure it; etc.

The Commission thanked the President for courageously promulgating and enacting these far-reaching and very progressive reforms that will certainly revolutionize the national campaign against corruption in the country, consolidate and expand the gains made so far by making corruption a high risk and low return venture, and making corruption control legal and regulatory framework more robust.

The Commissions assures that it remains committed to introducing legal, policy and regulatory reforms that suit the corruption culture and environment to make the difference required in Sierra Leone’s long battle against historically endemic corruption.

In another development, the ACC has completed investigation on Ambassador Osman Yansaneh , Secretary General of the All People’s Congress (APC) and Sierra Leone’s former High Commissioner to Ghana, who was also serving as Ambassador to Burkina Faso, and Togo, between 19th November, 2007, and 11th August, 2015.

He was accused of deliberately abandoning his duty station whilst he was still designated as Ambassador and High Commissioner, and was mostly in Sierra Leone, but continued receiving salary and other emoluments.

The ACC said it initiated investigations into allegations of Abuse of Office, and Misappropriation of Public Funds, both contrary to Sections 42 and 36(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008, respectively.

The investigations, among other things, revealed the following:
• That Ambassador Yansaneh was appointed High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana on the 19th November 2007 and recalled on 11th August 2015;
• That he was appointed Secretary General of the All People’s Congress (APC) in August 2013 while still in his post as ambassador;
• Ambassador Yansaneh insists that his absence from post was at the behest of the Former President who wanted him to be in Sierra Leone for various reasons;
• That he finally returned to Sierra Leone in January 2016 following the repatriation;
• That during his tenure as Ambassador to Ghana, Ambassador Yansaneh was absent from his duty post for a total of 708 (seven hundred and eight days);
• That during this period he was receiving full salaries, and the Head of Chancery, Mrs. Remoe-Doherty, was receiving full acting allowance for serving as Charge d’Affaire of the Embassy when Ambassador Yansaneh was away;
• That the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation did not have any policy guidelines on the conduct of officers on foreign missions with regards absenteeism; and
• That Ambassador Yansaneh received salary for the month of January 2016, after his end of mission in January 2016, as evidenced by the LCP, dated 31st January 2016, and did not receive any other salary after this period.
The investigations further exposed risky practices in the management of Public Funds; an absence of a systematic and appropriate monitoring of attendance; and the lack of functional standards in Sierra Leone’s foreign embassies and high commissions. Consequently, we believe many foreign state employees have been taking advantage of the lack of policy guidelines militating against bad practices, including, but not limited to, staying away from their post for onerous periods, and continue receiving salaries; while other staff normal salaries receive hefty acting allowances in their places, leading government to serious unnecessary financial loss.

The Commission concluded that though the actions of Ambassador Yansaneh were clearly preposterous and a bad example for public service, the necessary evidential threshold required to proceed with prosecution was not attained.

To Mitigate Local Conflicts WFP, UNDP & GoSL Launch $3 M Project

December 6, 2019

By Francess Wright

In a positive move, the Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President, Mrs. Francess Alhgalie on the 3^rd December 2019 officially launched the World Food Program (WFP), United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Government of Sierra Leone pilot project to mitigate localized resource-based conflicts and increase community resilience in Pujehun and Moyamba Districts. The ceremony took place at the conference room of the Vice President’s Office on Tower Hill in Freetown.

The aim of the project is to mitigate local conflicts between communities, government and private companies by building the capacities of institutions and dialogue platforms that promote peaceful relations as well as the inclusion of women and youths.

Mrs. Francess Alhgalie commended the UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund for supporting the country since the end of the civil war and informed that the project has supported the justice sector, the police, the Political Parties Registration Commission and the Human Rights Commission among others all aimed at strengthening peace and cohesion in the country.

She continued that large-scale acquisition of land for mining and agriculture is a topical issue and assured that the project would address some of these lapses like the lack of inclusive dialogue, weak policies, accountability and transparency for sustainable peace intimating that the Office of the Vice President was tasked to address post-election issues and reiterated that the project would mitigate conflicts as well as strengthen existing regulations.

The total budget of the project is $3,000,000 (WFP$1,664,000, UNDP $1,336,000) for two years and the contribution will be used through the following interventions: support will be provided to affected communities to strengthen agriculture and alternative livelihood sources including agricultural asset creation activities that empower women and youths with inputs and skills, and gender transformative technical and vocational training to enable local women and youths to benefit from company employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the project will build the capacity of local institutions, provide support to the government of Sierra Leone to strengthen policy frameworks, coordination and reporting on the Sierra Leone Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (SLEITI) and the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forestry (VGGT) for enhanced community and businesses partnerships.

Also, the professionalism and integrity of the security sector will be enhanced through trainings in conflict mediation, human rights and sexual and gender-based violence in addition to strengthening police and community partnerships.

The capacity of targeted private sector company staff in human rights and gender approaches and livelihood programming will be enhanced.

This will be achieved by strengthening the existing regulatory framework on land acquisition and operationalizing this through the strengthening of national, district, chiefdom and community-level mediation and dialogue infrastructure.

The WFP Country Director in Sierra Leone, Mr. Housainou Tall disclosed that the community-driven project was developed in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President and affirmed that it is linked to government’s National Development Plan involving women and youths’ livelihood support based on a vulnerability criteria, access to land and would promote peace and harmony among communities.

He furthered that the design of the project is evidence-based, prioritizes gender, infrastructure, community-based resilience and building on the experience from UNDP and WFP asserting that tangible progress has been made in Pujehun with real experience on the ground and quoted the 2015 baseline survey as stating that the district is food insecure that would improve by the end of the project in four chiefdoms in two districts.

Similar statements were made by the UNDP Resident Coordinator, Sunil Segall and the UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Samuel Doe all of whom underscored the importance of the project as part of the United Nations Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Project for Sierra Leone.

Highlight of the event was the PowerPoint presentation of the overview of the project by the WFP Country Director, Mr. Housainou Tall- the lead implementing agency for the project.

To Vote by Using 2713 Short Code to SMS via Africell… Your Choice could Bag a Prestigious AWOL Award

December 6, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

In 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 as 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

23. 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 deem deserve the prestigious AWOL Awards.

NP-SL Rated High for Excellent Customer Care Platforms

December 6, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is one of the most successful business ventures that this country could presently be very proud of more especially when cognisance is taken of the fact that it is a company that is truly indigenous in the sense that it was established years back by 35 committed and determined Sierra Leoneans who, at that time, strongly hold the conviction that through hard work their investments will become an enterprising business entity. Indeed, their dream turned out to become a tangible reality as today the company is solidly forging ahead leaps and bounds with well-structured branches in the West African sub-region that are vibrantly functioning.

The success story of NP-SL Ltd ,as it had been hinted, did not materialize magically but rather the selflessness of its original founders coupled with sound managerial steering have both driven the company to reach the height it has now attained to the admiration of many near and far. NP-SL Ltd epitomizes hard work, a clearer vision, mission and making use of best ideas or initiatives in order to ensure things happen positively. Indisputably, NP-SL Ltd has been blessed with seasoned managers who, through the pragmatic injection of sound policies, took the company from its humble beginning to become a giant within the country’s business landscape.

Interestingly enough, Management of the company, past and present, did not rest on their oars after policy formulation but ensure (d) that the full implementation of those policies were and are properly implemented in order to derive the dividends aspired for. This is where the putting of premium on maximizing customer care fit in as it was not only prioritized by the company but the entity has always ensured that it is implemented to the letter. It is in this regard that the company had been striving very hard to import qualitative petroleum products which are good for vehicles, machines, generators and a host of others purposes.

To further deal with its numerous customers in a very transparent manner modern calibrated pumping machines were installed at the company’s Filling Stations displaying the quantity of fuel required as well as the price. These sophisticated modern machines have been instilling confidence in customers that they are doing business with a very open company devoid of playing games that will cheat them in order to amass as much profits. When customers have such an optimal satisfaction coupled with being treated courteously by the company’s employees then it is obvious that they will stay glued.

In order to be on top of situation, the company thought it very prudent to factor the concerns and suggestions of members of the public into its decision-making processes and such have effectively guided NP-SL Ltd to make the right choices that have helped it in its development.

Going further to give maximum convenience NP-SL Ltd introduced the use of NP Smart Card which is a latest technological gadget or device that customers can use, through financially topping up, to procure the aspired quantity of petroleum products on any working day thus making it possible to get fuel in a quick way without going through the hassle of having to wait in long queues. With this latest device one is assured of having one’s fuel on Smart Card.

Many have attested that they find using NP Gas very convenient saying it is environmentally friendly, quick and could be refilled with gas that could be bought from the company. Manufactured in various cylinders this modern cooking device could be secured at the various NP Filling stations across the country and they are going at affordable prices that can fit the pockets of many households and institutions. Those who are using it recommended it as a very useful household gadget underscoring that there will be no regrets procuring one.

In the area of enhancing the Local Content Policy it is hard to come across a company like NP-SL Ltd that is effectively doing so. This could be justified by pointing out that the company has made it a hard and fast rule that as long as there are competent Sierra Leoneans capable of performing certain tasks then they should be given priority in terms of employment opportunities instead of bringing on board foreigners who at the end of the day move out of the country with large amounts of money creating economic dislocations.

Categorically, NP-SL Ltd deserves all the accolades of a buoyant indigenous company many are proud of for its invaluable contributions to the country’s socio-economic development and significantly reducing poverty.

Angels to Angels Sierra Leone bags NaCDA Award 2019

December 6, 2019

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In their quest to promote the development of children in Sierra Leone Angels to Angels Sierra Leone (A2A) a US based non-profit organization initiated by a group of visionary women with the aim of improving educational opportunity for girls in Sierra Leone, has on Sunday 1^st December, 2019 bagged an award from one of the leading child advocacy organizations in the country, Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone (KAN-SL). The organization was awarded the National Child Development Prestigious Award 2019 for their relentless efforts and excellent services to the children of Sierra Leone.

The NaCDA Award is an initiative of KAN and it was designed to appreciate, recognize and celebrate individuals and institutions who are immensely contributing to the development of children in Sierra Leone and also seek to inspire other individuals and institutions to follow the footsteps of the award recipients.

Speaking to this medium in an interview, National Coordinator Angels to Angels Sierra Leone, Saidu Sankoh expressed appreciation to Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone for recognizing their efforts in the quest of empowering and supporting the less privileged children of Sierra Leone.

He disclosed that few months ago the organization celebrated its 10 year anniversary in the cause of giving excellent services to the children of Sierra Leone, adding that the celebration was climaxed with the donation of school items worth millions of Leones to 100 pupils across the country in 46 different schools in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Tombo and Makeni. The said items include text and exercise books, uniforms, bags of rice etc.

He reaffirmed their commitment to the development of children in the country stating how Angels to Angels is striving to help break the cycle of poverty through education that provides opportunities for a better future for girls. Sankoh stated that they seek to empower girls by providing them with educational scholarships saying they have been doing so for the past years.

Saidu Sankoh disclosed that the award is heartily dedicated to the cause of giving excellent services to the children of Sierra Leone.

He further dedicated the award to the Founder of Angels 2 Angels Sierra Leone, Fatu Quinie Sesay and the United State of America Board members namely: Dr. Kathy Forlenza and her daughters Kate and Stefanie, Mrs. Stephanie Pangia and her daughter Sarah and Michaela for their support towards the organization maintaining that it was because of their tremendous contributions which is why the organization was recognized in this year’s NaCDA Award 2019.

“Through the support from our Founder Fatu Quinie Sesay and the United State of America Board members we will remain humble and committed to the cause of giving excellent services to the children of Sierra Leone in our beloved nation,” he proudly stated.

Denis Jusu Nominated as AWOL 2019 ‘Farmer of the Year’

December 6, 2019

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As he continues to Promote the Development of Agriculture and Sorghum Cultivation in the country, Chief Executive Officer of JAMJAY Agricultural, Construction, Estate & Logistics Company Ltd, and Chairman Sorghum Farmers Association, Denis Jusu, has been nominated among several other individuals for this year’s AWOL National Achievement Award as Best Farmer of the Year at an event to be held on Sunday 29th December 2019 at the Bintumani International Conference Center in Freetown with the theme: “Education is the Key to National Cohesion and Development” under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

It is not surprising that Denis Jusu was nominated as he has immensely contributed in many ways to the improvement of the agriculture sector in Sierra Leone and for being the major supplier of sorghum to the Brewery with over 25,000 farm families countrywide.

The AWOL Award ceremony is an initiative designed to appreciate, recognize and celebrate individuals and institutions that are contributing to the development of Sierra Leone and also seek to inspire other individuals and institutions to follow the footsteps of the award recipients.

Prior to his nomination Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, HEINEKEN International and the European Cooperative for Rural Development (EUCORD) on Friday 29th November 2019 awarded Denis Jusu as Chief-Honourable Sorghum Deliverer & Local Content Champion during their pre-harvest training for farmers which was blended with an awards ceremony to recognize the efforts of individual farmers that have demonstrated dogged commitment to growing the sorghum ingredient.

Denis Jusu also on the 18th May 2019 pioneered the launching of the biggest farm in Sierra Leone on 1200 hectares of land for agricultural purpose and mainly the cultivation of sorghum at Malompoh village at Yoni Chiefdom in the Tonkolili District.

Many that this medium engaged to comment on the nomination of Denis Jusu opined that he deserves it based on his tremendous work he has been doing to promote the country’s local content policy. Some have even positively predicted that Denis Jusu will surely emerge victorious to bag the covetous award.

Orange-SL Pledges Le 100m to Premier League Board

December 6, 2019

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of Sierra Leone’s leading GSM mobile operators, Orange Sierra Leone, has on Wednesday 4^th December, 2019 pledged 100 million Leones to the Premier Ledge Board, a gesture geared towards supporting the 2019/2020 Sierra Leone Premier League Championship competition. This disclosure was made during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Orange-SL and the Premier League Board at the Orange Head Office on Hill Station in Freetown.

Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane, stated that her company is committed to support the PLB underscoring how football is very close to the hearts of Orange-SL subscribers not only here in Sierra Leone but in Africa and the world as a whole.

She maintained that as a leading GSM mobile operator in the country they have been rendering supports to different sectors in their own capacity in order to contribute to the overall development of the country.

The CEO assured the Premier League Board of their full support in order to enhance the smooth running of the football competition, noting that they will ensure they communicate widely to give the populace updates about the competition and the achievements of the Board. She ended by thanking them for the partnership furthering how they are looking forward to have a fruitful partnership with them.

Chairman of the Premier League Board, Allieu Vandi, applauded Orange-SL for giving their support to the Sierra Leone Premier League Championship competition adding that the Memorandum of Understanding will enhance the smooth running of the competition.

He said prior to the signing of the MOU they have been engaging Orange-SL stating that they are very grateful for the gesture pointing out that on behalf of the Premier League Board they are expressing their warmest appreciation to the telecommunications company for the offer saying they are the first company to throw their support behind the Premier League Board.

In disclosing the package encapsulated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), he revealed a 100 million Leones pledge by the company to the Premier League Board. He also added that Orange-SL will provide them with a media platform through which games will be aired live as Orange-SL is in partnership with major media houses in the country.

He also disclosed that Orange-SL is also working on a short code that will be out soon in order to give live SMS updates about the games, adding that Orange-SL has also consented that 70 percent of the revenue generated on the value added service will go to the Premier League Board.

Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane & Chairman of the Premier League Board, Allieu Vandi singing the MOU

Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane & Chairman of the Premier League Board, Allieu Vandi

Choithram Memorial Hospital & NATCO Donate 40 Million Leones to Constituency 115

December 6, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

As part of rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility and to enhance community development, Choithram Memorial Hospital limited and NATCO on Monday 2^nd December, 2019 donated 40 million Leones to residents of Constituency 115, in the East End of Freetown for the completion of the Koya Town Health Post Fencing and Electrification Project. Two cheques of twenty million Leones each were handed over to the current Honourable Member of Parliament representing that Constituency, Alpha Amadu Bah, on behalf of the community. The handing over of the cheques took place at the Choithram Office on Rawdon Street in Freetown.

Handing over the cheques, Head of Choithram & NATCO, Harish Agnani, disclosed that the gesture is part of the fulfilment of its corporate society responsibility towards community development, adding that this is not the first time they have been dishing out such a support.

He said prior to the donation, he received a letter from the Honourable Member of Parliament requesting the support of Choithram Memorial Hospital and NATCO towards the completion of the Koya Town Health Post Fencing and Electrification Project in Wellington, noting that as two responsible companies they wasted no time but responded to his request in order to promote the development of Koya Town in particular and the Wellington community as a whole.

The Honourable Member of Parliament expressed appreciation to Choithram and NATCO for their continuous support towards the development of the Constituency, noting that these two companies have been very supportive financially to better capacitate them to undertake the implementation of several developmental projects within his Constituency as requested by his constituents.

On behalf of his constituents, he applauded them for what he described as a timely gesture and assured the two companies of his support to them whenever the need arise.

President Bio Gives Hope on World AIDS Day

December 4, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

People living with HIV/AIDS have been hailed by President Julius Maada Bio for their courage and dedication to the fight against the global pandemic. Bio, as part of commemoration of World AIDS Day 2019, said those who were infected and receiving free treatment where the reason the prevalent rate of the virus has been stabilized.

“Because of your example, we have stabilized HIV prevalence rate, reduced new infection rate and increase the number of Sierra Leoneans on treatment,” the President said in a recorded message during the national event on Sunday, December 1, in Freetown, This year’s commemoration is the 31st edition since the world started remembering the day as part of efforts to raise awareness about its impacts and efforts to contain it.

The National AIDS Secretariat (NAS) organized the event, alongside its partners that include people living with the virus, UN agencies and other civil society groups campaigning for an AIDS free world. The event was held at the forecourt of the main ministerial building in Freetown – Youyi Building and it was preceded by a march past across the streets of the capital city.

Various speakers, from Government to UN to CSOs, all recommitted to the fight against the virus. In Sierra Leone, the President is the chairperson of the National AIDS Commission, under which the NAS falls.

In his keynote address, Bio said as an indication of his Government’s commitment to eradicate HIV, it had declared the disease a public health concern. He also promised, in line with his Government’s priority to provide access to quality and affordable healthcare for every citizen, investment in building a resilient health care system.

He went on to say that the Government would provide equitable and free HIV services to every Sierra Leone “in a stigma and discrimination free environment.”

This year’s World AIDS Day was commemorated on the theme: “Community Makes the Difference to End AIDS by 2030.” Latest Statistics from the NAS and UN agencies show that new infection rate of HIV continues to decline in the country. As of 2018, 4, 100 new cases were recorded, down from 4, 700 new cases in 2015.

Women & Girls to gain empowerment through Northern Region Women Network

December 4, 2019

Network Members pose with Sheik Abubakarr Conteh

By Theresa Vamboi

The Northern Region Women’s Network (NRWN) on Friday 29th November 2019 offered prayers of thanksgiving at the Masjid Hamdallah at Naimbana Street as part of the first anniversary celebrations. The Network, which comprises fifty professional women drawn from various fields in society, also held their annual general meeting on Saturday 30th November 2019 where they discussed the successes, challenges and the way forward of the network, especially their strategic plan for the coming years.

The Chairperson of the Network, Mrs. Hossinatu Kanu Koroma said the Network was formed with the specific objective of supporting women and girls in the north to enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development. Her network, she said, is a non-political and non-governmental organization that is supporting and facilitating the transformation of women and girls in four key thematic areas: providing quality education and vocational training for women and girls in the North, establishing mentorship; guidance and counseling programs that will empower girls for their future careers; embarking on an advocacy drive for the protection of legal instruments on gender; and fostering agricultural production that will provide job opportunities and economic growth for women in the North.

She spoke about a thirteen year old girl that was raped by her uncle whom the network supported to get justice in the court of law. The girl, Mrs. Kanu Koroma said she will continue to receive support from the network in areas like continuing her education after giving birth and her baby will be taken care of by one of their members.

Delivering her sermon during the Friday Jumah prayers, the Chief Imam of Hamdallah Mosque, Sheik Abubakarr Conteh spoke on the topic “Living a Purposeful Life”. He lauded the network members for coming together to support women and girls in the north and added that they are obeying the instructions of the Holy Quran in giving thanks to the Almighty Allah. “Women are very precious in the lives of men. They are our mothers and sisters working very hard to develop their colleagues in the north,” he prayed to the Almighty Allah to prevent them from trouble and disappointments.

The Almighty Allah, Sheik Conteh said, gives women the right to take an active part in the development of their homes, families and the nation by extension, and warned that men should stop suppressing women or they will be punished by the Almighty Allah. “Islam gives women the right to express their views and work for the survival of humanity. He called on the women to continue with promoting the affairs of women and girls in the north and they should discourage those challenges affecting the region. “Continue to be agents for a positive change in the region for the development of our nation,” the Chief Imam advised and further admonished them not to do things beyond their scope.

“You should endeavor to stand for the truth and be united and work together to achieve your goals,” the Chief Imam said. He furthered that the network members should not relent in educating girls to prepare them well for a brighter future. “Education is very important to Islam. Please teach girls to have good morals in society so that they stand in a better position to replace you in your various fields in the future,” Sheik Abubakarr Conteh stated ending up offering prayers for the women and admonishing them to always be thankful to the Almighty Allah further encouraging other women to emulate their good examples.

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