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Six Accused Persons Pleaded Guilty to Various Offences in Bonthe District

Resident High Court Judge in Moyamba District, Honourable Justice Abubakarr Sannoh

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On the 15th June 2021 six accused persons pleaded guilty to various offences levied against them before the Resident High Court Judge in Moyamba District, Honourable Justice Abubakarr Sannoh, who’s currently presiding over the High Court Criminal Sessions in Mattru Jong, Bonthe District.

The cases range from conspiracy, wounding, sexual penetration, larceny and arson among others.

45-year-old Musa Lahai pleaded guilty on one count indictment of sexually penetrating a 16-year-old pupil.

According to the particulars of offence, the accused on the 4th January 2021, in Bonthe District, Southern Sierra Leone, engaged in an act of sexual penetration with the victim.

After his (accused) guilty plea, Hon. Justice Sannoh withdrew the file for record and sentencing on the 18th June 2021.

Accused Abdul Rahman Senesie also pleaded guilty for the offence of House Breaking and Larceny. Immediately after the plea in mitigation, his file was withdrawn for record and sentencing on the 18th June 2021.

Accused persons Abdulai Ndomboi, Ishaka Magona, Tommy Smith alias White Boy, Sheku Amara and Adu John all pleaded guilty to the offence of sexual penetration with their files withdrawn for record and sentencing.

Meanwhile, presiding Judge Hon. Justice Sannoh discharged 38-year-old Albert Margai of the offence of Shop Breaking and Larceny after the complainant decided to discontinue the matter.

The cases are being prosecuted by State Counsel, Tejan Conteh, while all accused persons are being defended by Lawyers Mohamed Korie and Jack John Harris from Legal Aid Board.

The Bonthe District High Court Criminal Sessions continue throughout this week with 22 cases in total, with sexual penetration taking the lead.

Parliamentarians Unanimously Ratify Financing & Trade Agreements

By Theresa Kef Sesay

Various financial and trade agreements, which are aimed at developing and improving the socio-economic state of Sierra Leone, were unanimously approved by Members of Parliament of  on the 15th June 2021.

The following agreements were ratified by Parliament:

  1. Amendment to the Financing Agreement Between the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Republic of Sierra Leone in respect of the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project.
  2. Letter of Agreement- Transition Support Facility (TFS) Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining through Climate Smart Actions Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the African Development Fund.
  3. Supplemental Agreement to the Loan Agreement signed on 12/05/1433H (04/04/2012G) Between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) Concerning the Construction of Pendembu-Kailahun Road Project in the amount of US$10,000,000
  4. Financing Agreement on the Freetown Wash and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Islamic Development Bank Comprising the following :

(a) Agency Agreement (Instalment Financing) Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Islamic Development Bank-Freetown Wash and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project in an amount of US$40.0 Million and

(b) Framework Agreement (Instalment Sale Financing) Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Islamic  Development Bank – Freetown Wash and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project in an amount of US$40.0 Million and,

  1. Loan Agreement-Mattru Jong Road Project – Lot 1:  Kpetema-Mattru Jong Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) in an amount of US$25,000,000

Presenting the motion, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Patricia Laverley underscored the importance of the various agreements. She highlighted the various components of the projects including productivity and job creation for women and physically challenged persons, and support to artisanal mining. The Deputy Minister also spoke about road construction and other forms of infrastructural development to enhance the transportation of goods and services, as well as provision of safe drinking water to Freetown and its environs.

The Chairman Finance Committee, Hon. Francis Amara Kaisamba said the benefits of the agreements were very relevant, especially for women, the disabled, transport facilitation and improvement of the mining sector. He called on colleague MPs to speedily ratify the agreements which he described as “non-controversial”.

Hon. Josephine Makieu expressed happiness over the agreements and went on to relate the projects to President Bio’s New Direction Manifesto. She highlighted the benefits of the agreements in light of promoting international trade between Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries including ease of transportation.

Hon. Lahai Marrah, Chairman Water Resources said the Freetown Wash and Aquatic agreement was a very good agreement. He informed that, water supply is in high demand and needs to be addressed urgently. The MP used the opportunity to vehemently request for the immediate intervention of relevant authorities to curb the illegal encroachment of Guma Valley Water Company’s water catchment areas and the need for unbundling the water sector, in order to improve on the provision of water supply in Freetown and its environs.

Leader of C4C, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina said the agreements were not controversial, especially those relating to agriculture and improvement of artisanal mining in the country. He used the occasion to call on the Minister to bring an Artisanal Mining Act to Parliament for ratification.

Opposition Whip, Hon. Hassan Sesay also said the agreements were not controversial, but called on the State to drive the economy on self-financing as against donations or loans. He expressed hope for a better artisanal mining policy that will help the people. He also spoke about the benefits of the agreement on road construction, in light of continuity in governance, signifying the Kailahun Road as an example.

Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo said, the agreements were relevant, but called on the Ministry of Finance to monitor the MDAs on the utilization of funds made under these agreements in light of their capabilities for the effective utilization and realization of development programmes. He concluded saying that the agreements were not controversial.

Concluding, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma recalled that the Kailahun Road Loan Project was tabled in Parliament by John O. Benjamin, former Minister of Finance under the administration of late President Kabbah and commended the APC for continuing the same project. The Leader emphasized the importance of good road connectivity, relative to transportation of agricultural wares to the markets and the movements of people.

He informed that the agreement on Freetown Wash and Aquatic, prioritizes capacity building, job creation, infrastructural improvement, and the safety of facilities belonging to GUMA Valley Water Company.

The Leader spoke about the importance of fiscal discipline and noted that the Support to Artisanal mining is to improve the economic livelihood of the people. He called on Members of Parliament to approve the agreements for the benefits of Sierra Leone.

In another development, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 15th June 2021 debated and approved with unanimity the agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and ODHAY Multi Industries (SL) Limited (OMI).

Organized by MTCA & NTB…   Marketing & Regional Workshop Ends in Makeni

By Esther Wright

A three-day Marketing and Branding regional workshop with Journey and ACORN Consultants was organized the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and the National Tourist Board (NTB) at the MADAM Skills Upgrading Centre in Makeni, Northern Region.

The Regional Marketing and Branding Workshop which is supported by the World Bank Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) started in Kenema in the Eastern Region, proceeded to Bo in the Southern Region and ended in Makeni in the Northern Region. The workshops aimed at putting together an international marketing and branding strategy to promote Sierra Leone and help lure visitors to the country.

Talking to participants about the essence of the workshop, the Planning and Product Development Manager of the National Tourist Board, Umaru Woody said Sierra Leone has plenty to offer in terms of attractions, cultural heritage and the hospitality of its people. He explained that they are in the North to identify what they have as a region that will be packaged and sold to tourists, thus bringing people to Sierra Leone.

The Classification and Quality Control Manager in charge of all tourism establishments at the National Tourist Board, Ibrahim S. Turay told the participants that the consultants are here to build the story of the Northern Region hence their contribution is very important. He continued that in terms of marketing Sierra Leone, the potential of every region must be captured in order to add value to the process.

During the sessions, participants highlighted Bintumani Mountains, Wara Wara hills, Camel Hill, the Outamba Kilimi National Park, Wusum and Mena Hills, their industrial mining, Kangari hills, the Bai Bureh grave site, Tassoh Island, their traditional heritage  as the top attractions in the Northern region.

In order to develop these attractions, participants agreed that there should be awareness raising, accessibility to tourist site, quality service delivery, electricity, infrastructural development and rules and regulations must be implemented, adding that social media handles (Whatsapp, facebook, twitter, Instagram), television discussions, newspapers, tourist exhibition, cultural festivals, website and school heritage clubs must be utilized in telling Sierra Leoneans about their area.

In his concluding remarks, the Lead Consultant, Mike Fabricius applauded the participants in all the three regions for their contributions and assured them that they will use the information gathered to develop a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy with a clear plan of action that will promote Sierra Leone’s image internationally.

No Better Time Than Now For Bio To Seal Unity and National Cohesion

His Excellency, the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay

Leone Stars resounding victory in Conakry on Tuesday and the equally remarkable spontaneous turnout of Sierra Leoneans from all nooks and crannies – regardless of tribe, region, religion or political party – to celebrate clearly showed one thing – that what binds us as Sierra Leoneans is stronger than what divides us. Thus, there is no better time than now for President Bio to capitalize on this unique moment of oneness to seal the bond of unity and national cohesion.

Concluding his thank-you tour of Makeni in November 2018, President Bio pledged his Government’s commitment to national unity and cohesion. President Bio told the mammoth crowds that thronged the streets of Makeni city and converged at the Wusum Field that his Government had been busy with inclusive development projects that are devoid of political or tribal considerations.

He added that his responsibility as President is to take tangible and sustainable developments across the country. He urged the jubilant crowds not to accept or promote hate and division and called for everyone to embrace one another for the good of all.

“Today, I am President for all Sierra Leoneans and not one tribe or region. We must stop all forms of tribal and divisive messages to allow the development process to succeed…”

However, despite the President’s appeal for unity and national cohesion, political parties continue to stoke tensions along ethnic and regional lines to gain voter support.

Disunity among Sierra Leoneans is no more a hidden secret. After the 2018 elections, political interactions between the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) – found expression in threats to the country’s peace and security. Social media aggravated this as a platform for disseminating hate speech and messages of violence.

Civil Society activist, Andrew Lavalie, noted: “The regional and ethnic voting pattern in subsequent elections undermines our national cohesion.”

He lamented, “It is unfortunate that ethnicity plays a salient role in our national politics both as a source for political organization and a basis for support.”

The results of the 2007, 2012 and 2018 elections, he pointed out, clearly depict a pattern of ethnic and regional allegiance.

Instead of seeking solutions to these tensions, party leaders continue to preach divisive messages to their supporters, conditioning them to work against the national Government’s agenda.

In his address to Parliament on 10 May 2018, President Bio noted:

“In the last ten years, the building blocks of national cohesion and the feeling of belonging of all citizens have gravely crumbled. The recent governance strategy has been characterized by tribalism, divisiveness, exclusion and the weakening and subversion of State governing institutions.

Mr. Speaker, to promote unity and national cohesion, my Government will (i) launch a Presidential Initiative that will be heralded by a national conference on peacebuilding, diversity management and rebuilding of national cohesion…”

In that light, a three-day National Dialogue Forum, dubbed ‘Bintumani-III’, took place at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown in May 2019, which brought together Sierra Leoneans to generate consensus on strategies and a roadmap for the establishment of a National Peace Infrastructure.

In his opening speech, President Bio expressed his Government’s commitment to the process. He said “My Government thus believes that the time has come to host Bintumani-III with the view to eventually establish a Commission tasked with turning the vision of a truly peaceful and unified Sierra Leone into reality”. Notably, though, APC did not attend or participate.

The Bintumani-III Conference was to be inclusive and provide the opportunity for citizens and stakeholders to voice their frustration about the failure of Governments to fulfil the recommendations of the 2004 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report.

The Dialogue Forum was also to provide the nation an avenue to express our fears about the current peace, security, governance, political and human rights challenges in the country.

It was also to provide the space for diverse views and opinions about how we can create a roadmap for the establishment of our own Peace Commission and suggest ways for the implementation of the TRC Report recommendations.

Kids Radio Network Commemorates Day of African Child

By Edward Vamboi

As June 16th is recognized as the Day of the African Child to reflect on the killing of over eight thousand children in South Africa, who lost their lives in order to gain Freedom, the Kids Radio Network, an independent media platform that helps in propagating and advocating for the rights and liberty of children in Sierra Leone, commemorated the day with its global theme, ”Implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children”.

The commemoration took place at the Kids Radio Network Office on Circular Road in Freetown.

According to the Proprietor and Board Chairman of Kids Radio Network, Andrew Koroma, the day is set aside since the African Child Rights Act was enacted and ratified by the African Union by sending it to different countries to be domesticated. He said there have been several agendas to mark the day, the next shifted to 2040.

Andrew Koroma revealed how they have been tasked with the challenge and commitment to always stay nurture children maintaining that the agenda shifted to 2040 will not warrant them to relax.

He underscored that the commemoration is a way to remind the generation of their obligation to children especially to symbolize Sarafina in the South African scenario where children fought for their liberty.

He said they are also observing the celebration in order for children to become aware of their rights, how they are to be treated in society and to become true assets in society instead of becoming liabilities.

Eva Bernadette Thomas, the Marketing Manager at Kids Radio Network, disclosed that the news medium is recognized as the first children media platform that had been advocating for the rights of children in Sierra Leone since 2003. She stated that they thought it fit to bring children together in order to recognize the massive destruction of innocent lives.

She added that they organized the celebration to allow children to feel free in order to express their emotions on radio as they all the time focus their attention on the Sexual Offenses Act and teach them about the Child Rights Act also disclosing how they have invited the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to discuss more about the implications of corruption.

Eva Thomas encouraged talented children to join Kids Radio Network to spread the message about sexual offenses and also the Child Rights Act which, she said, will be of great assistance to them in the future.

Tenneh Kargbo, a Child Broadcaster, Producer and Advocate for Kids Radio Network disclosed that they are indeed happy to commemorate the unforgettable incident that occurred in South Africa adding that the day is not a day to celebrate but a day to reflect on children who lost their lives to gain black freedom.

She explained that Kids Radio Network every year goes out on the streets to interact with children and give them their own support to remember the memorable day. Tenneh continued that because of the COVID pandemic they decided to observe social distancing as well as the other related protocols.

Tenneh Kargbo disclosed that through Kids Radio children from all walks of life will gain a lot because of the educative messages they are putting out relating to their rights maintaining that the beneficiaries will also teach other children out there to become aware of their rights and responsibilities in society on how they can be helpful to their different communities.

 

UBA Donates Novels to St. Edwards School & BIS

By Foday Moriba Conteh

To commemorate the Day of the Africa Child in the country, the United Bank of Africa (UBA) on Wednesday 16th June 2021 donated books, in the form novels, to the St. Edwards Secondary School at Kingtom and the British International School and Montessori Education on Hill Cut Road respectively.

Speaking to the pupils at the British International School and Montessori Education, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA, Usman Isiaka, highlighted that as a Bank they are very happy to commemorate the Day of the Africa Child with pupils in different schools.

He said in commemorating the day with the pupils they thought it fit to donate books in the form of novels to various schools in Freetown through their Read Africa Initiative, which he described as a move in the right direction to revamp the culture of reading among pupils in the country.

The Managing Director added that the donation is a reflection to demonstrate UBA’s commitment towards enhancing the quality of education for the African child, stating that the move by the bank will help the pupils to develop the culture of reading which he said is very important towards the development of the African child furthering that giving the African Child quality education will help contribute tremendously towards the socio-economic development of Africa.

He added that the UBA is celebrating the day with other African countries where UBA is operating to show their support for the education of the African child.

The Managing Director intimated that the UBA Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the Bank that focuses in the areas of Education, Environment, Economic empowerment and social projects, adding that they are using the Foundation to donate the books to schools across the country.

He encouraged the pupils to make good use of the given opportunity in order to imbibe the culture of reading.

Receiving the novels, the Principal of the British International School and Montessori Education, Jenny Condron, expressed appreciation to the United Bank of Africa (UBA) for the kind gesture which she said they were not expecting.

She assured the Managing Director of UBA that the donated books will be used for their intended purpose in order for pupils to develop the culture of reading.

RCB Banker & Eight EDSA Staff Indicted by ACC for Siphoning Le 6,507, 305, 311.48

By Amin Kef Sesay 

In a Press Release dated the 16th June 2021 the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stated that it  has, on 15th June, 2021, filed an indictment against Mohamed Sheku Turay, a Banker at the Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), and of No. 2 Alcock Street, Off Macauley Street, Freetown; Alimamy Sesay, Reconciliation Officer, Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), of No. 2 Sesay Drive, IMATT, Freetown; Noah Winnenah, the Marketing Officer, EDSA, of 1 Mends Street, Freetown; Abioseh  Ola Barnes, Accountant, EDSA, of No. 39 Jerusalem Avenue, Metchem, Goderich, Freetown, Musa Momoh Lahai, Head of Commercial, North, EDSA, of No. 4 Matankoh Street, Makeni, Hawa Y. Kamara, Revenue Reconciliation Officer EDSA, of No. 166 Bai Bureh Road, Portee, Freetown, Mary Bangura (Mrs. Ngegbai), Revenue Assistant EDSA, of No. 26 Black Hall Road, Freetown, Rugiatu Kalokoh, Revenue Assistant, EDSA, of No. 36J Red Pump, Tengbeh Town, Freetown, and Walton  Nathaniel  Beckley, Former Nutrition Officer of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), of No. 2 Madingo Town, Off Congo Cross, Freetown, on Eight (8) Counts of corruption offences including; Misappropriation of Public Revenue, contrary to Section 36(1), Conspiracy to Commit a Corruption Offence, contrary to Section 128(1)(a), and Failure to Comply with Applicable Procedures relating to the Management of Public Revenue, contrary to Section 48(2)(b), of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12, of 2008, as amended by the Anti-Corruption Act No.9 of 2019, respectively.

The charges concern misappropriation of public revenue totalling Six Billion, Five Hundred and Seven Million, Three Hundred and Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Eleven Leones, and Forty-Eight Cents (Le 6,507, 305, 311.48), in regard payments by Cheques for post-paid electricity use made to EDSA by various high consuming institutions which they used the banking system to divert and convert to their own use through personal accounts, and Conspiracy to commit the various corruption offences arising therefrom.

Moreover, Alimamy Sesay, Noah Winnenah , Abioseh  Ola Barnes, Musa Momoh  Lahai, Hawa Y. Kamara, Mary Bangura (Mrs. Ngegbai), and Rugiatu Kalokoh , are also charged with wilful failure to comply with the applicable laws, procedures and guidelines relating to the management of public revenue as stipulated in Section 11(3)&(4) of the Government Budgeting and Accountability Act No.3 of 2005. All seven (7) of them, being staff of EDSA, face jointly Two (2) counts of failure to comply with the applicable laws, procedures and guidelines relating to the management of public revenue.

Mohamed Sheku Turay, a Banker at the Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), on the other hand, between 1st July, 2018 and 31st January, 2021, wilfully failed to comply with the applicable laws, procedures and guidelines of the Rokel Commercial Bank (SL) Ltd, in relation to the management of public revenue paid to EDSA for the supply of electricity. He faces separately, one (1) count of Failure to Comply with Applicable Procedures relating to the management of public revenue, contrary to Section 48(2)(b),of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12, of 2008 as amended by the Anti-Corruption Act No.9 of 2019. He was also the principal person through whom Six Billion Leones (Le 6, 000,000,000.00) was diverted and misappropriated.

The Commission further stated that it wishes to reassure the general public of its determination to address public sector corruption especially in revenue generating institutions, and all other levels of corruption throughout Sierra Leone.

Heartily Congratulating Leone Stars…   Pres. Bio Reaffirms Government’s Committment to Promote Football

By Foday Moriba Conteh

After emerging victorious in the crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Conakry, Guinea by defeating Benin 1-0, the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio congratulated our darling Leone Stars on the 16th June 2021   further urging the nation, from his balcony at State House, to draw inspiration from the win in order to think big.

Leone Stars were welcomed at the National Stadium by the President himself, a large number of Government officials and Sierra Leoneans from across the country after the team joined a float parade that started from the far East End to the West End of Freetown.

Introducing the players to the jubilant crowd at the stadium, Head of Corporate Affairs at the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Mohammed Benson Bawoh, stated that the journey that led to the country’s qualifying for AFCON after 25 years started on the 13 November 2019, adding that they were all happy to see the country celebrate such an achievement.

Team Captain, Umaru Zengalay Bangura, assured the President and the people that they would make the country proud at the AFCON games which are scheduled for early 2022 in Cameroon.

He said notwithstanding the challenges they had they were determined to bring victory for the country. He also asked for the nation’s continued support ahead of the AFCON games.

Head Coach, John Keister, thanked the President, his Government, the players and all Sierra Leoneans for their support to the team. He stated that the team was part of the country’s development, adding that they were, therefore, keen to give the country a name that would be good for all.

President for the Football Association, Thomas Daddy Brima, described President Bio as a great man, adding that because of his love for sports he made several commitments for football and that was why they were all gathered at the stadium to celebrate. He thanked the players and described them as heroes for fighting a good fight for the country.

Addressing the jubilant crowd, President Julius Maada Bio said 24 years ago they took the country to AFCON in South Africa and that they are taking the country to AFCON in Cameroon again after 24 years. He added that because he made a promise to the people of Sierra Leone that he would revive football, he had to make all necessary commitments to inspire the players to do their best.

He thanked the players for transforming his words into action, noting that he had no doubt in them that they would do more because he believed in them.

The President furthered that he was happy to be present at the welcome event and thanked everyone who worked toward the success of the match.

“We will continue to strive for higher height, no more small dreams. When I promise, I deliver. I promised that I will take Leone Stars again to the continental stage. This did not come to me as a surprise at all. I believe the boys and I have inspired them enough in the same way I have always wanted to inspire this nation.

“We are a football-loving nation, and I am incredibly happy about this. Just as we trust and believe in ourselves, even out of the football field we can also take this nation to the international level,” he said in a short video released after the match.

“Congratulations to Sierra Leone. We are a football-loving nation, and today, our boys have made history. My Government is committed to promoting football and other sports disciplines,” President Bio also wrote on Twitter.

“Your packages, that I promised you before the match, are all ready and they’re going to be given to you. I’m also challenging you again for the AFCON in Cameroon,” he urged.

Fuel Price May Likely Go Up Due to Combination of External Factors

By Amin Kef Sesay

In this country the marketing of petroleum products is mainly done by privately owned companies though there is a State regulatory institution which, from time to time, ensures that sanity prevails within the petroleum landscape. Government sometimes steps in to give subsidies in order to absorb the shocks that emanate from the changes in market forces which have tendencies of affecting the pump price so that the cascading effects will not be overbearing for the ordinary man on the street.

Research has shown that the country consumes in excess of 1.1 million litres of petroleum products per day but the country can only store 40% of what is used per day. This means that there is frequent replenishment which is done every two weeks. This kind of situation has made certain unscrupulous individuals seize the opportunity to hoard petroleum products or speculate against the availability of petroleum products.

It must be noted that Sierra Leone does not determine oil prices. The prices of petroleum products are determined by a combination of the international Oil reference price (PLATTS) and the foreign exchange rate.

In other words, the pump price of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, kerosene etc. in the country, is efficiently determined by a +/-5% trigger mechanism of the landed cost, that is the cost of landing the shipped petroleum products in the country and that is mostly driven by the combined effect of the International Oil Reference Price (Platts) and available as well as accessible Foreign Exchange.

However, the country’s pricing regime is well structured, transparent and reviewed monthly. From what  this medium gathered, pump prices of petroleum products  changed six (6) times since 2018 and out of those, it was reduced three (3) times during that period.

It is good to note that in spite of the hike in global prices, the Government of Sierra Leone has kept the pump price of petrol and diesel unchanged at Le8, 500 per litre which comparatively is far lower than per litre prices in the entire West African sub-region. In other words, the country’s fuel prices are the lowest in the sub-region. See the comparison:

Run-down of the prices of petroleum products on a comparative basis of former regional fuel price converted in Le/Litre as at 31st May, 2021 taking into consideration Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana and The Gambia are as follows: Petrol– Sierra Leone Le 8,500.00, Guinea: Le 9,450.00, Liberia: Le 7,879.33, Ivory Coast: Le 11,728.05, Ghana: Le 11,240.11, The Gambia Le 11,453.17.

For Diesel the comparison is as follows: Sierra Leone: Le 8,500.00, Guinea: Le 9,450.00, Liberia: Le 9, 192.49, Ivory Coast Le 11, 728.05, Ghana: Le 11, 172.45, The Gambia: Le10, 904.09.

In terms of Kerosene the comparison is as such: Sierra Leone: Le 8, 500.00, Guinea -, Liberia: Le13, 279.25, Ivory Coast Le10, 583.85, Ghana: Le9, 076.84, The Gambia: Le 8,573.04.

The Exchange Rate source is the Bank of Sierra Leone as at June, 3rd 2021.

This medium was further made to understand that between May and December 2020, although there were oil price increases all over the sub-region and in the world, the Government did not allow the high costs to be passed on to the poor consumers. At first Government suspended the automatic pricing adjustment mechanism since May 2020 to date.

Government intervened by injecting about Le66bn during that period and Le17.43bn in January 2021 to support the pump price stabilization. Again, since May 2020 to June 2021 Government has subsidised about Le132.11bn.

One thing that kept coming up throughout our investigation was that a significant portion of benefits from fuel subsidies are not received by the intended beneficiaries in Sierra Leone. Rather, these petroleum products are captured by smugglers and black marketers.

It was discovered that it is more profitable for smugglers to buy subsidized fuel domestically on the black market, and then smuggle it and sell at market rates in neighbouring countries thereby depleting our stocks faster leading to shortages and panic buying.

Against the backdrop of the rise in the price of crude oil on the world market as it is at this material time, the rate and manner in which the Government of Sierra Leone will continue to sustain leveraging subsidy on petroleum products could largely depend on how much Government will continue to mobilize additional revenue over a specific period of time. This is worthy of note when cognizance is taken of the fact that there are other areas that need urgent Government financing to foster overall national development.

However, what is for now certain is that conditions on the world market are not favorable in terms of seeing a downward trend in the prices of petroleum products and it is something that is bound to affect developing nations the most with Sierra Leone not being an exception.

 

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