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NCRA Extends Closing Date for Confirmation & Registration

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) in a Press Release dated 14th May 2021 pointed out that it wishes to inform the general public that the Confirmation and Registration of personal details of citizens and non-citizens that commenced in the Western Area on the 6th May 2021 is in progress.

It continued that though the exercise is scheduled to end on the 15th May, 2021 in the Western Area to be followed by other Regions, the turn-out of the public is overwhelming thus dictating the demand to accommodate them beyond the scheduled date.

The NCRA furthered that consequently, it being desirous to leave no one behind, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, has decided to extend the exercise by seven (7) more days i.e., from the 16th through the 22nd May, 2021 for the Western Region covering Urban and Rural Districts.

According to the registration institution the general public is encouraged to make use of the extended period to present themselves at the designated Centres to either confirm their personal information held with the Authority or Register if they have not yet done so.

“In the meantime, Confirmation and Registration exercise that should commence in the North on the 22nd May, 2021 including details of schedules for the other Regions will be announced shortly,” it continued.

The Authority stated that it wishes to encourage the public i.e., children whether school going or not, adults, young, old etc to make use of the opportunity in order to confirm their personal information or register if they have not done so.

NCRA intimated that the Centres will be opened from 08:00am through 6:00pm daily with roaming teams organized to support static Centres.

“The Authority will continue to count on the cooperation of the public including stakeholders to support the successful conduct of the Confirmation and Registration exercise,” the NCRA Press Release ends.

 

WHO & Govt. Commences Administering of Johnson & Johnson to Prevent Spread of Ebola

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Sierra Leone have begun administering Johnson and Johnson’s Ebola vaccine regimen, Zabdeno® (Ad26.ZEBOV) and Mvabea® (MVA-BN-Filo), as part of a WHO early access clinical programme aimed at preventing further spread of Ebola in West Africa.

To prevent the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa, Johnson & Johnson is donating vaccines for a WHO early access clinical programme.

Up to 200,000 regimens of the Ebola vaccine developed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson in collaboration with Bavarian Nordic A/S will be donated to WHO for the purposes of the early access clinical program.

Additionally, Zabdeno and Mvabea have received prequalification from the WHO. Prequalification aims to ensure that diagnostics, medicines, vaccines and immunisation-related equipment and devices for high burden diseases meet global standards of quality, safety and efficacy. The prequalification process consists of a transparent, scientifically sound assessment, which includes dossier review, consistency testing or performance evaluation and site visits to manufacturers. Having prequalification will help accelerate the registration of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine regimen in countries where Ebola is a persistent public health threat and facilitate broader access to people at risk of exposure to this virus.

The new Ebola outbreak was officially declared by health authorities in Guinea in February 2021, after the West African country experienced its first cases of disease since the end of the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak. Preliminary data obtained through genetic sequencing suggests that the new outbreak was caused by the same virus strain responsible for the last outbreak and was likely reintroduced by a survivor. The continuation of the outbreak, which has caused at least 23 cases and 12 deaths, and the persistence of Ebola virus in human and animal hosts underscores the importance of proactive vaccination efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus and to be prepared for potential new outbreaks in the future.

Administration of the Johnson & Johnson Ebola vaccine regimen in West Africa will be directed by the WHO and national governments in accordance with the protocol for the early access clinical programme. The goal of the initiative is to establish a protective geographic barrier against the spread of Ebola beyond Guinea, beginning in the neighbouring nation of Sierra Leone. The programme administered its first doses of the Ebola vaccine regimen in Sierra Leone’s Kambia District and is expected to expand to additional countries in the region as local preparations are completed.

The programme plans to administer the vaccine regimen to up to 200,000 individuals beginning with health workers, other frontline workers and others at increased risk of exposure to the Ebola virus (adults and adolescents 14 years and above on a case-by-case basis or depending on national regulations). Pregnant women and HIV-positive adults who are otherwise healthy are also permitted to enrol in the programme.

The Zabdeno and Mvabea vaccine regimen also has European Commission Marketing authorisation for the active immunization for the prevention of Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Zaire ebolavirus species in individuals aged one year and above.

On Pray Day… Caritas Freetown Ends Provision of Hot Meal at Susan’s Bay

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Indeed it was a  somber and an emotionally touching moment for the fire victims of Susan’s Bay Community, who have been benefitting from the hot meal that was provided for them in the aftermath of the disaster, when news break out that there will no longer be any hot meal beyond Pray Day which was the 13th May, 2021.

That announcement left victims in a sorrowful state when Caritas Freetown informed them that the Hot Meal service, which it started on the 24th March 2021, will come to an end.

Victims were in tears as they bade goodbye to the Hot Meal that was provided for them within the last two months. Despite singing, dancing and showering of praises on Caritas Freetown, victims were still in disbelief as the end of the hot meal closed down on Pray Day, marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The fire incident that hit Susan’s Bay left dozens of community members homeless including women and children.

“We will no longer drink tea in the morning and eat the very best of cooked food daily now that Caritas Freetown is ending the daily feeding. This is painful especially for our children who have now been used to rich tea,” one of the female victims bemoaned.

She noted that the food provided daily was the best thing that was happening to them after the fire incident.

“Caritas Freetown is ending the hot meal today leaving us to fend for ourselves once again even though we have not fully recovered from the trauma that befell us. My entire house got gutted down during the fire incident and I don’t even have a pot that will aid me cook for my family,” she said with tears rolling down her cheeks.

The devastating fire that engulfed the Susan’s Bay Community on the 24th March 2021 is still fresh in the minds of victims who now struggle on a daily basis to feed for themselves and have safe places to sleep.

With the aim of keeping the victims hopes alive, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Rev. Father Peter Konteh encouraged them and the community people to be hopeful and believe in what they do.

He called on them to be resilient and to also continue to work hard.

Father Konteh read the message sent by the CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation noting that true suffering in the world arises from starvation, poverty and the lack of resources.

The letter states that upon learning of the fire incident that took place at Susan’s Bay, Tzu Chi was greatly concern and the reason for the hot meal that was introduced for victims.

He said Tzu Chi is grateful to have long term partners working together for the people of Sierra Leone.

“Immediately the fire incident took place, Partnering with Humanity began cooking hot meals daily and distributing used clothes, sanitary kits and other necessities for babies. As our hot meal service comes to an end, we hope our two-month food package and cooking utensils can help you on the journey to recover,” the letter stated.

Father Konteh noted that as the hot meal ends victims will be getting some other sorts of support that will help them as they continue to rebuild their lives.

“We will be giving you cooking pots, pans and garri that will aid your cooking while we end the hot meal today. These items will aid you to cook for yourself but we are not going away,” he assured them.

He informed them that Caritas Freetown is still here and will continue to give support in whatever form as and when necessary.

Father Konteh also told the people that Pope Francis on the day of Ramadan extended his regards to Muslims across the world as they celebrate Eid-ul-Ahda.

Caritas Freetown Programme Manager, Ishmael Alfred Charles, speaking earlier, explained the importance of religious tolerance which, he said, is widely practiced in Sierra Leone.

He encouraged the community residents to always stay peaceful as that is what religion is all about.

Charles noted that the work of Caritas and it partners, Partnering With Humanity is to serve people especially those in difficult situations like the fire victims at Susan’s Bay.

“The fire incident was not your making and we were also not preparing for it. But this is what we have been called to do. We serve humanity through the cultivation of love,” he said with passion.

The Buddhist Tzu Chi that is supporting Caritas Freetown includes Healey International Foundation and LANYI Foundation all, he said, are passionate about service to humanity.

“We exist because of you and the reason for this gesture,” Charles said.

The brief programme held just after Ramadan prayers at the Susan’s Bay Field showed victims showering praises on Caritas Freetown amidst tears falling from their eyes. Just after the brief talk Caritas Freetown went into action dishing out food to victims.

Special Jollof rice was cooked on Pray Day for the people at Susan’s Bay marking the end of Hot Meal for the fire victims.

Xi Jinping & Pres. Bio Dialogue Over Phone on Bi-Lateral Relationship

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is on record that the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and China has been very rewarding, benefitting both countries. On May 7, 2021, President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with President Julius Maada Bio.

Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Sierra Leone.

He said over the half century, no matter how the international situation changes, the two countries have always supported each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns, and have always stood firmly together at critical moments in the face of such major infectious diseases as Ebola and COVID-19.

The Chinese President said the two sides have always maintained a high level of political mutual trust and are good brothers and good friends.

He highlighted how Chinese medical teams, expert teams, anti-pandemic supplies and vaccines have played a positive role in Sierra Leone’s pandemic prevention and control.

“China is willing to strengthen cooperation with and provide support and assistance for Sierra Leone in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he assured President Bio.

Xi Jinping stressed that this year is important to the two countries, two parties and bilateral relations.

“The two sides join hands to hold 50th-anniversary celebrations, carry forward their traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote common development,” he said adding that  China will continue to provide as much support and assistance as its capacity allows for Sierra Leone’s national economic development.

Xi Jinping highlighted that as the world is undergoing transformations rarely seen in a century, the two sides should strengthen unity and cooperation, firmly support each other, and jointly safeguard international equity and justice as well as the common interests of developing countries.

“China is willing to work with Sierra Leone to strengthen coordination within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC,” he further assured.

President Julius Maada Bio, on his part,  said, “I extend warm congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Sierra Leone. China, in the spirit of putting people first, has made remarkable achievements in getting rid of poverty and fighting the COVID-19 epidemic, which has not only made itself stronger, but also made important contributions to world peace, security and economic growth.”

He thanked China for its concrete and practical assistance for Sierra Leone’s economic and social development and fight against the pandemic.

The President said China is a true and trustworthy good friend of Sierra Leone and the African people.

“Sierra Leone firmly upholds the one-China policy and firmly supports China in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” he said.

He assured that Sierra Leone stands ready to work with China to deepen the friendship between the two countries, strengthen cooperation in such areas as education, health and food security, and advance cooperation within the framework of the FOCAC.

Corruption is Risky & Unfashionable Under My Watch -President Bio Tells CNN

Sierra Leone president Julius Maada Bio attends a press conference after a meeting with Ivorian President on May 4, 2018 at the presidentaial palace in Abidjan. / AFP PHOTO / Sia KAMBOU

By Amin Kef Sesay

In an interview granted by President Julius Maada Bio to the widely viewed TV Station, the Cable News Network (CNN), anchor of that Station, Zain Asher, started by asking the President how he is performing against his campaign promise to root out corruption in the country. She added that before he was elected as President he promised of stamping out corruption and when he became President he instituted an investigation of his predecessor’s administration.

Zain Asher said fast forward, three years in governance, what does Sierra Leoneans think of how he has handled corruption in the country.

In his response, President Bio stated that corruption, prior to his administration, was endemic in the country, furthering how it was fashionable and a way of life. He disclosed that what he has done is to make corruption very risky, to make it not fashionable anymore as seen in the work and achievements of the Anti-Corruption Commission.

He highlighted that his Government has been able to retrieve a lot of money from those who acquired monies illegally.

President Bio commended his Government that when they took power they were rated for the control of corruption within the region of 47% but stated that currently they are rated at 80%, adding that in the past three years his Government has made tremendous progress in combating graft.

When the CNN anchor put it to him that the former Chief Minister and even the First Lady were accused of misusing public funds and what had been done to hold them accountable, the President said it is easy to make allegations against any member of his family or an official of his Government related to corruption. He, however, emphatically stated that in the midst of all those allegations it is very significant to produce overwhelming evidences which, according to him, had not been the case.

“We have a system that a whistle blower has to produce evidence,” he maintained adding that without producing the evidence such means the whistle blower is also corrupt when he has nothing to do with raising a false alarm.

The President continued that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is free to go and investigate and where there is evidence of wrong doing as far as public funds are concerned action could be taken.

Asked by Zain Asher if it is proven that the former Chief Minister and the First Lady have actually misused public funds how will they be held accountable, he answered that there is a prescription for whatever happens, saying if that is the case, that corruption actually took place when proven in a court of law or by a Commission of Inquiry then those found guilty will be asked to pay back furthering how there are different forms of punishment for anyone found guilty.

Quizzed on his recent appointment of the Minister of Finance, who according to Zain, was accused of perpetrating long standing corruption and what message does that send to Sierra Leoneans, President Bio said again she (the CNN anchor) has used the word “accused” maintaining that the new Finance Minister, Denis Vandy, went through a lengthy legal process to prove that he was guilty stating how it however turned out that he was not.

“So as I said it is easy for anybody to lay claims that the other person is corrupt but as a law abiding country we go at extreme lengths to make sure that when such claims or allegations are made those accused are investigated and brought before the court of law and the necessary actions instituted or meted out,” he responded.

President Bio reiterated that it is important that an accused person goes through a very competent legal process of investigation to prove that he/she is guilty or not guilty.

Census Order 2021 Becomes Law by Effluxion of Time

By Theresa Kef Sesay

The Speaker of Parliament on the 11th May 2021 presented a Certificate of Maturity on the Census Order 2021 to President Julius Maada Bio, a day after it effectively became law by effluxion of time.

The Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Paran Umar Tarawallie, recalled that on 19 April, 2021 the country’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice laid on the table of the Well a document entitled: “The Census Order 2021, The Census Act No.14 of 2002, Statutory Instrument No.4 of 2021.”

He said the document had now gone through the maturity stage of 21 days and on 10 May it matured into law, disclosing that the certificate was a testament of the Census Order of 2021 that had now matured into law.

Presenting the certificate to President Bio, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Bundu, said he was honoured, on behalf of Parliament, to present the statutory instrument of the census order 2021, adding that by presenting the document they would have answered questions and other speculations regarding the legality or otherwise of the census.

In his statement, the President thanked the Speaker and other Members of Parliament, on behalf of his Government, for following the process and requirement of the statutory instruments, adding that as a law-abiding nation they were obliged to follow the rules of the land.

NP-SL Ltd is Hugely Boosting the Country’s Economy

By Amin Kef Sesay

Sierra Leone’s premier petroleum marketing company, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), will hopefully commission another new Filling Station at Taima over this weekend which will definitely make it possible for residents in that part of the country to easily gain easy access to the different petroleum products that the company offers for sale. These include petrol, diesel, gas, lubricants of which Castrol Oil stands outstanding among others.

The Shareholders and Management are very determined to take the company to various parts of the country in order to offer qualitative services from which many could benefit immensely.

Being a dependable business entity that has over the years demonstrated shrewdness and efficiency in the importation and marketing of various petroleum products among which we have diesel, petrol, gas, lubricants like Castrol Oil as well as other products, NP-SL Ltd has become a household name and many have reposed confidence in it for its timeliness and orderliness.

It is against such a backdrop that, on a frequent basis, certain savvy business individuals do not hesitate to partner or collaborate with NP-SL Ltd to open up Filling Stations in different parts of the country, places where hitherto it was extremely difficult to access those petroleum products. Such collaborations are bordered on mutual trust and the objective of not only maximizing profits but to meaningfully contribute to overall national development.

When cognisance is taken of the fact that the opening of new Filling Stations provides employment opportunities for the jobless then one comes to the realization that NP-SL Ltd is indeed making a meaningful contribution in the reduction of unemployment.

Looking at it from the perspective that youth unemployment is a real social malaise that most times leads to high crime rates then the fantastic moves made by the company in the area of creating job opportunities are indeed worthy to be celebrated. To take it a little bit further, creating job opportunities is another way of reducing poverty in the country.

One way in which the Government derives revenue is through internal mobilization of funds and one channel is via the imposition of various forms of tax. Business entities are bound by law to pay taxes to the National Revenue Authority (NRA). Filling Stations fall within that bracket and by extension they are large tax payers. Those taxes paid are in return utilized by Government to provide basic amenities for the populace and fund other development projects.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time as a company which does not compromise customer care and it is in that regard, long time ago, the company bagged the prestigious accolade of being 1st for Customer Care.

Management of the company is of the firm conviction that giving utmost satisfaction to its numerous customers right across the country is very imperative. The company has in all its Filling Stations calibrated pumping machines which pump the exact amount of fuel requested for and display the price at the same time.

It is on record that the company markets cookers which are known as NP Gas, manufactured in different cylinder sizes. They are environmentally friendly, easy to refill with gas that can be secured at the company’s Filling Stations where NP Gas could also be accessed.

To simplify transactions, the company introduced the NP Smart Card which could be used to purchase fuel without using physical cash. As long as the NP Smart Card has credit in it such could be used to buy fuel at certain Filling Stations. It is a quick, safe and a secured way of conducting transactions which many have lauded the company for.

NP-SL Ltd is one company that long ago made it a laid down policy of predominantly employing indigenes everywhere it is operating. This policy is in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy which the company continues to uphold.

Note that the company is also operating in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

It can be safely concluded that indeed NP-SL Ltd’s expansionist drive is largely driven by competent and efficient Management initiatives. One thing which is indisputably incontestable is the fact that the company is making steady progress within the media landscape of the country.

Why Sierra Leone Does Not Benefit From Her Rich Stock Of Mineral Resources…

Musa Timothy Kabba-Minister , Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources

By Amin Kef Sesay

The standoff between the Government of Sierra Leone and Sierra Leone Mining Company has ended with an out of court settlement between the two parties. The Government announced that out of a little over 700,000 tons of mined high-grade iron ore that belongs to SL Mining, the company has agreed to share $20 million of the profit with the Government.

The paradox of Africa in general and Sierra Leone in particular is that the mineral and natural resource wealth and the pervasive poverty of its people remain a deep feature of the continent’s economic landscape.

Mining’s continuing contribution as a supplier of strategic minerals to industrialized countries, the lack of focus of policy on those minerals that play that role, the inadequate returns to the continent and the enclave nature of mining industries have, since colonial times, remained central features of our country’s mining landscape.

For example, if one goes to the mining communities of Lunsar, Ferengbeya, Yengema, Tongo Field, Mokanji, Mobimbi, to name but a few mining communities, one does not see any sign of infrastructural and social welfare facilities that benefit the people. All what one sees are ravaged environments.

This implies that the State that should create the political and legal security of the country’s mineral and natural resources has never done its work well resulting in what is known as ‘resource curse’.

As such, the African Mining Vision (AMV) seeks to shift mineral policy beyond a focus on extracting minerals and sharing revenue.

It relates such policy to the demand for structural transformation of Africa’s economies premised on the abundance and significance of its minerals, proposes an industrialization strategy anchored on minerals and  other  natural resources as critical for achieving  the Sustainable Development Goals, eradicating poverty and securing sustainable growth and development on the continent.

The AMV insists that mineral operations need not—and should not—be activities of an enclave. It acknowledges the governance challenges that overcome Africa’s minerals to contribute to sustainable development.

Within the framework of the Africa Mining Vision, going forward, what the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency should work to concretize, enact and implement are:

  1. Transparent, equitable, optimal exploitation of mineral resources to underpin broad-based sustainable growth and socio­economic development
  2. A knowledge driven mining sector that  catalyzes  and contributes  to the broad-based growth and development  of the economy through:
  3. Downstream linkages into mineral beneficiation and manufacturing
  4. Upstream linkages into mining capital goods, consumables and services industries
  5. Side-stream linkages into infrastructure (power, logistics, communications  and water) and skills and technology development
  6. Mutually beneficial partnerships among the  State, the private sector, Civil Society, local communities and other stakeholders
  7. Comprehensive knowledge of the country’ mineral endowment
  8. A sustainable and well governed mineral  sector that  effectively  garners  and deploys  resource rents and that is safe, healthy, gender and ethnically inclusive, environmentally friendly, socially responsible and appreciated by surrounding communities
  9. A mining sector that is a key component of a diversified, vibrant and globally competitive industrialized economy
  10. A mining sector that helps to establish a competitive infrastructure platform through the maximization of its propulsive local and international economic linkages
  11. A mining sector that optimizes and husbands  the country’s  finite mineral resource endowments and that is diversified, incorporating both high value metals and lower value industrial minerals at both commercial and small-scale levels
  12. A mining sector that harnesses the potential of artisanal and small-scale mining to stimulate local/national entrepreneurship, improve livelihoods and advance integrated rural social and economic development
  13. A mining sector that is a major player in vibrant and competitive national, continental and international capital and commodity markets

The implications of the Africa Vision for developing comprehensive national mineral policies are:

  • Enhancing retained value by promoting linkages
  • Obtaining an adequate share of mineral revenue
  • Improving public participation and accountability
  • Pursuing an integrated view of rights of various stakeholders
  • Valuing environmental resources
  • Using mineral revenue efficiently
  • Promoting local development
  • Encouraging regional cooperation and harmonization
  • Strengthening institutions: building capacity and developing networks

 

Miksi Chocolate Nourishes Sierra Leoneans

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Miksi Chocolate drink, which is one of the products that is marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd, a food distribution company that operates as an agent for Promasidor, a leading supplier of quality food products in more than 30 African countries, including Sierra Leone, has been commended by many Sierra Leoneans as one of the best drinks that gives nourishment as attested by many who were observing the month of Ramadan.

Speaking to this medium, Musa Kamara a business man, commended Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd for marketing such a nutritious drink which he said is very rich in nutrients, adding that the drink which is 3 in 1, contains milk, sugar and chocolate .

“Since the start of the Ramadan I and my family have been using  Miksi
Chocolate Milk drink to break our fast which is very good and it has really nourished us,” he revealed.

He encouraged all to buy Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd products especially Miksi Chocolate drink stating that they will not regret as their products are of high quality.

During the month of Ramadan the company embarked on market activations by sampling fasting Muslims at the break of fast and prayers at a couple of mosques making available mixed Miksi Chocolate drink for them to enjoy, a campaign which was done at the Magazine Mosque, Shell Mosque, Up Gun Mosque and the Central Mosque.

This is seen as a laudable venture undertaken by the company as  it appreciates both actual and potential customers during the month of Ramadan.

In another development, the company on Friday 7th May, 2021 donated 100 cartoons of  Miksi Chocolate drink to the National Central Mosque also known as Gadhafi Mosque situated at Rokupa, in the East End of Freetown. This was to be distributed among a couple of Mosques throughout Freetown.

Presenting the 100 cartoons, on behalf of the company, the Country Manager of Premium Divine Trading Ltd, Kenneth Konuah, highlighted
that Premium Divine Trading, as a responsible company, thought it fit to embark on such a gesture by giving back to society in appreciation and show of love for the continuous business support and growth enjoyed among the Muslim community.

He added that they decided to come up with such an initiative with the strong belief that Sierra Leoneans deserve to enjoy nutritious food products.

Kenneth Konuah added that Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd also distributes and markets Cowbell, Onga, Miksi Chocolate and coffee drink, Xploza, Kremela and Yumvita , the latter being an infant cereal with milk also containing wheat, rice and maize.

He further disclosed that the package size of Miksi Chocolate is 40g and they are produced in Ghana by Promasidor Ghana Limited for export sales to some West African countries including Sierra Leone.

He revealed that they are the sole distributor of all the aforementioned products in the country.

Receiving the donation, the Manager of the National Central Mosque, Pa Alhaji M. Sesay, expressed appreciation to the Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd for the kind gesture which he described as good and very
timely.

He revealed that the 100 cartoons of Miksi Chocolate drink will be shared among six different mosques within in the East End of Freetown including Masjid Aqsa, Masjid Thaqwa, Masjid Thawba, Masjid Rahman and Masjid Etifak. He assured that the items will be distributed accordingly.

On his part, Head of Event at Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd, Foday Sesay, also disclosed that they have been selling and distributing products like Onga, Cowbell, Miksi, Xploza and Yumvita.

Furthering how they are doing a lot to promote the consumption of good food in the country, he added that the move by the company during the month of Ramadan clearly shows that the company cares about the wellbeing of Sierra Leoneans especially Muslims who were observing the fasting period.

He encouraged all to go in for the company’s products especially the Miksi Chocolate drink which he said is of high quality and when consumed will definitely nourish Sierra Leoneans.

Dr. Kaifala Marrah’s Appeal Case Adjourned to 26th May

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On the 12th May 202 the Court of Appeal presided over by Hon. Justice Michael P.H Mami (JA) gave directions to the Lawyers representing the former Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Kaifala Marrah and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to file and serve their written synopsis and appropriate Authorities on both parties and the Registrar within 28 days before the commencement of oral hearings on the matter.

The empanelled Justices comprised Hon. Justice M.P.H. Mami (JA), Hon. Justice Samuel Omodele Taylor (JA) and Hon. Justice Tonia Barnett (JA).

In a similar development, the Court of Appeal presided over by Hon. Justice Michael P.H Mami on the same date withdrew the files relating to the former Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, Madam Madina Rahman for ruling after given thirty (30) minutes each to counsel representing the Appellant and the State. They also gave ten minutes to the Appellant’s Lawyer, Ady Macaulay and the Lawyer representing the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Robert B. Kowa, for rebuttals and rejoinders.

The Commissions of Inquiry’s Person of Interest, Madam Madinah Rahman, appealed against the recommendations and findings of the Chairman and Sole Commissioner. Apart from the jurisdictional challenge made by her Lawyer, Ady Macaulay, he also argued that the Sole Commissioner lacks functional competence.

Amongst Lawyer Ady Macaulay’s five grounds of Appeal, he argued that the Appellant doesn’t bear the ultimate responsibility or could not be held accountable for the affairs and finances of the Ministry they headed. He went on to argue that the findings and recommendations relating to the Appellant made by the Hon. Justice Biobelle George-Will is against the weight of the evidence presented at the proceedings.

Lawyer Robert B. Kowa, arguing on behalf of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice stoutly denied and contested all grounds of appeal on the basis that the Chairman and Sole Commissioner has the competence and jurisdiction pursuant to Constitutional Instrument No. 64 of 2018 which gives them the residual power to issue Practice Direction pertinent to the Commission.

He further contended that the Commission has the functional competence by virtue of the instrument of appointment, adding that the fact and evidence before the Commission is concomitant with the findings and recommendations reached.

It could be recalled that the presiding Judge in consultation with the Hon. Justices, Hon. Samuel Omodele Taylor and Hon. Augustine K. Musa initially directed both parties to file and serve their written synopsis and appropriate Authorities. Having complied, time was allotted to them to argue the case before the Court.

Meanwhile, notices will be sent for judgment by the empanelled Justices.

In another matter, Osman Jalloh Esq representing Osman Badara Sesay, also filed several grounds of appeal on behalf of the Appellant. Lawyer R.B. Kowa on behalf of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice had also filed rebuttal.

The Hon. Justices, Hon. M.P.H Mami (JA) Hon Tonia Barnett (JA) and Hon. A.K.Musa (J) unanimously allotted time for each Counsel to argue their synopsis and rebuttals. The matter comes up on Wednesday 26th May, 2021.

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