Home Blog Page 923

Tourism Minister Opens MMCET Tourism and Hospitality Curriculum Review Workshop

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Dr. Memunatu Pratt, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, on the 16th April, 2021, during a significant ceremony, opened or commissioned the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) Tourism and Hospitality Review workshop at their Brookfields campus in Freetown.

Giving the overview of the review, the Vice Principal and Director of Studies, Dr. Mohamed A. Jalloh said the review process is not happening by chance but a deliberate move to bring quality back to the educational system at MMCET. He stated that it started when the Principal, Dr. Phillip J. Kanu took over the leadership of the institution and asked for the services of a consultant to do a needs assessment of the college, which led to the initiation of a four year development plan. The transformative plan anchored on transforming the teaching and learning environment of the institution, quality assurance and also transforming the institution into a university status, which he said have all been achieved.

Officially launching the workshop, Minister Pratt pointed out that President Bio has prioritized Human Capital Development as a key flagship programme and that the nation’s most substantial asset is its human resources which are largely made up of young people who must be properly developed to be an asset for economic growth and development. And it is on that premise that the administration of MMCET has embarked on the review of the Tourism and Hospitality curriculum that would be used to provide the required training that would increase the human resource capacity of the Tourism and Hospitality industry in the country, she added.

She mentioned that recent training needs assessment survey conducted by the Ministry and the National Tourist Board statistics clearly shows that 62% of the courses offered are mostly certificate, 28 % diploma and only 10% are tourism related degrees offered by institution, which in effect caters for lower level manpower in the tourism industry.

Minister Pratt believes that the success and competitiveness of the industry depends on the competence and quality of its human resource capacity, therefore, the workforce requires suitable expertise in order to provide the appropriate services for the industry, hence her Ministry has prioritized the link between training programmes and business development goals that aligns with the aim of providing employees with information, skills development and comprehensive understanding of the overall growth of the sector, while maintaining that the relevance of the sector requires a curriculum fit for international best practice.

David Patrick Cole Poises to Turn Western Area Green if elected SLPP Regional Chairman

By Amin Kef Sesay

The astute and dynamic engineer, David Patrick Cole, a humble candidate, who intends to vie for the position of Western Area Regional Chairman of the Sierra Leone people’s Party (SLPP), has vowed to win the whole of the Western Area for the SLPP in the next Presidential and Parliamentary elections (2023) if he is elected Chairman of the Western Area Region – SLPP.

His supporters are calling on delegates of the SLPP to vote for him, as he is a new kid on the block who can deliver the goods if given the opportunity.

But who really is Engineer Patrick David Cole?

Patrick David Cole is a born Freetonian with humble beginnings at Leicester Village in the Mountain Rural District, with his father, Mr. Cole, and mother, Mrs. Victoria Cole.

He attended a public primary school in Gloucester, and later proceeded to the Albert Academy (AA) in Freetown. He later moved to Fourah Bay College, emerging with a First Class degree in Civil Engineering, and later gained his Masters Degree respectively. Ing Patrick David Cole is a Professional Civil Engineer with several professional and international Certificates.

Ing Patrick David Cole is a household name within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), with a proven track record geared towards being the fittest for the position of Western Area Regional Chairman. He has the political and technocratic experience to mobilize support bases of both young and old to raise the profile of the SLPP party within the Western Area.

He has innate potentials, coupled with available human resource capacities, to put the Western Area under the control of the SLPP Party.

This, he has demonstrated in his proven ability of empowering ordinary people to become champions of their communities, instead of hand-out victims of circumstances.

Ing Patrick David Cole is very much strategic in his approach to national politics, and he is very passionate about unifying and consolidating the Western Area supporters with a solid foundation for the Sierra Leone People’s Party to regain former and build new support bases within that axis.

He joined the Sierra Leone People’s  Party (SLPP) in 1997  and has served in different capacities with over 22 years’ experience in National Politics to positively influence support for the SLPP Party within the Western Area.

Ing Patrick David Cole contested in the Parliamentary Elections in 2007 within Consistency 092 and did remarkably well, though he narrowly lost the elections.

Mrs. Victoria Cole, mother of Ing Patrick Cole, served the Sierra Leone Peoples’ Party (SLPP) as Constituency 092 Chairlady from 1996 to 2008. During her tenure of service, she contributed immensely towards the elections in 1997, 2002, and 2007 subsequently. However Ing Patrick Cole also helped to establish the SLPP foot prints in the Western Mountain District and spent personal resources to promote a strong foundation for the SLPP.

He has helped to create employment for over 200 youths, as the MD of CL Group LTD, in a bid to advance the job creation vision of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction.

Ing Patrick Cole has been working assiduously to train young people within the Western Area Region in-readiness for employment.

He has worked as a Consultant for Plan International Sierra Leone, UNFPA, and several other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies. He has worked and implemented several projects.

Ing Patrick Cole has attained high national & international accolades in project development and project management.

In his capacity as Young Generation Leader in Constituency 092 at the time, he promoted the interests of young people in the Western Mountain District.

As MD of CL GROUP LTD, he designed and constructed the Kerry Town Ebola Treatment Center, designed the King Harman Road and Rokupa Government Hospital and the Kenema School of Midwifery.

Ing Patrick Cole is by no doubt the right man for the position of Western Area Regional Chairman.

He is an extrovert whose brilliance can be beneficial to all residents of Freetown and beyond.

Ing Patrick Cole is extremely energetic, outspoken and has the capability of coordinating people in the Western Area, under difficult and challenging circumstances, to produce quality results during opposition and in governance.

He is a God-fearing man, and above all, loves all people, regardless of their various regional, political and religious proclivities.

Patrick is calling on all regional delegates within the Western Area to vote diligently or wisely for him in the upcoming Regional Executive Elections as the Western Area Regional Chairman.

During RCBank DMD Wedding…   Pres. Bio Highly Extols Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 10th April, 2021 at the Bintumani Conference Center in Aberdeen, Freetown during the wedding ceremony of the Deputy Managing Director of the Rokel Commercial Bank, Emmanuel Sahr Borbor, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone was in full attendance as he proudly walked the beautiful bride down the aisle to give her hand in marriage to a very eager and anxious looking Bridegroom.

The ceremony was very colourful with all the pomp and pageantry one would expect from the carefully planned occasion. It was a beautiful ceremony and graced by elites from around the country.

It was during the reception ceremony that the President was called upon to make a statement to address the Bride and Groom. Being a man of few words, he wasted no time in admonishing the couple and wishing them a happy married life together.

At this juncture, the President decided to break away from tradition and turn his focus on the Managing Director, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin of the Rokel Commercial Bank.

His Excellency commended Dr. Gilpin for turning the fortunes of the Bank around from what had become a failing institution to now a profit making bank in such a short space of time. He acknowledged that the Bank was on the brink of collapse until it was rescued a few years ago by the current MD, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin.

He went on to address him personally referring to him by his first name with his gaze firmly fixed on him, as he thanked him and spoke of how very appreciative he was of the work he had done and continues to do unabatedly. He emphasized on his robustness in helping fulfil his dream and promise to the Nation “for mek Salone beteh”.

He ended by stating how proud he was for the Teamwork the two men had exhibited and expressed hope that they would continue to work together to take the Bank to even greater heights.

He also stated that other institutions would follow in their footsteps to make this country great again. Few people ever hear these incredibly genuine words, “I appreciate you”. Therefore coming from the first gentleman of the country at such an august event was indeed a testament to the hard work, zest, passion and commitment shown by Dr. Gilpin since he assumed office, which his able and supportive Deputy MD draws inspiration from.

“We wish him success, God’s guidance and direction and implore him to continue to press on and not be distracted by naysayers as your work speaks for itself,” a cross section of the employees of the bank wished the MD good luck and extended heartiest congratulations to the newly wed as well as joining His Excellency, the President, in wishing them a very happy married life together.

Census Order 2021 laid by Attorney General in Parliament

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 19th April 2021, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Anthony Brewah, laid on the Table of the House, the Statutory Instrument regarding “The Census Order 2021, The Census Act 2002 (Act No. 14 of 2002), Statutory Instrument No. 4 of 2021” in spite of the initial impasse over the presidential emergency summoning of Parliament by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at the Bintumani Conference Center.

The Speaker and Clerk of Parliament were protected by the Police to enhance the proceedings of Parliament to go on unhindered.

Earlier, following objections raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Chernor R.M Bah regarding the emergency sitting, citing Standing Order 4(3) and no consultations prior to calling a sitting of Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Abass Chernor Bundu ruled against him signifying Section 86 (1) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone regarding same; adding the ground norm takes precedence over the provisions in the Standing Orders of Parliament.

Pursuant to Section 170 Subsections (1&7a, b & c) of the said Constitution of Sierra Leone, Statutory Instruments do form part of the laws of Sierra Leone, after a period expiring 21 Days except being annulled by 2/3rds of votes cast against it by 98 MPs out of a total of 146.

Amidst the protracted brouhaha, the presidential proclamation for the emergency sitting of Parliament was read by the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Paran Umar Tarawally pursuant to Section 86 (1) of the said Constitution and the Statutory Instrument on the Census Order 2021 was laid by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Anthony Brewah.

The Statutory Instrument relating to the Census Order has been published in the gazette and also laid on the Table of Parliament by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice on Monday 19th April 2021 at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown.

In Upcoming Emergency National Delegates Conference…   NAC & Other APC Executive Members Banned  from Voting 

By Foday Moriba Conteh

High Court Judge, Justice Adrian J. Fisher, presiding over the case between Alfred Peter Conteh (Plaintiff) and the Chairman and Leader of the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) party and others, has on the 19th April 2021, ordered the 3rd Defendant (APC party) to hold an emergency National Delegates Conference for the purpose of adopting its amended draft constitution.

This follows an application filed by the Defendants seeking among other things, the Court to strike out the Notice of Motion on the grounds of irregularity and that the originating process did not comply with Order 5(3) of the High Court Rules 2007 and Order 8 (4) of the High Court Rules 2007.

The 2nd Defendant had also prayed that the Court grants a stay of proceedings of the substantive action, pending the hearing and determination of the application and to set aside the interim injunction on the grounds that the plaintiff lacks the capacity to institute such an action.

He canvassed the Court to dismiss the substantive action instituted by the plaintiff on the grounds of lack of capacity to institute such an action.

The plaintiff on the other hand, had argued that the current national Secretary General, Assistant National Secretary General, National Organising Secretary, Assistant National Organising Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, Assistant National Publicity Secretary, and the National Treasurer of the APC party are illegitimate, on the grounds that they were not duly elected, as required by Article 6 (14) (1) (i) of the party’s 1995 Constitution.

He went on to claim that the four regional Chairmen of the APC party, 16 Districts Chairmen, 132 Constituency Chairmen are illegitimate and were not duly elected pursuant to the 1995 party Constitution.

In his ruling, the High Court Judge ruled that the injunction slammed on all political activities within the party dated 26th day of February 2021 continues in force.

He further ordered that, “the following office holders are restrained from taking part as delegates in the emergency national delegates convention: all members of the National Advisory Committee, the National Secretary General, the Assistant National Secretary General, the National Organising Secretary, the Assistant National Organising Secretary, the National Publicity Secretary, the Assistant National Publicity Secretary, the National Treasurer, the five Regional Chairmen, the 16 Districts Chairmen, the 132 Constituency Chairmen.’’

He added that all other members of the National delegates conference not named above are eligible to take part in the emergency national delegates conference as delegates.

Justice Fisher ordered the party to ensure that the elections of twenty delegates for the Women’s Congress, twenty delegates for the Youth League and five delegates by each constituency are conducted not later than 25th June 2021 from the date of the order.

EU Deputy Head of Delegation Addresses National Technical Committee for Organized Crime

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a statement by the Deputy Head of Delegation, European Union, Jamila El Assaidi during the launch of the National Technical Committee for the Organized Crime: West African Response to Trafficking (OCWAR-T) Project in Sierra Leone which was held at  the New Brookfield’s Hotel in Freetown on the  19th April 2021.

she expressed her  delight to join them for the launch and first meeting of the National Technical Committee of the “Organized Crime West African Response to Trafficking” Project in Sierra Leone.

According to her, the European Union is a major player in global efforts to prevent and combat the uncontrolled accumulation and proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW).

“To be precise, the EU was among the first global actors to recognize the negative impact of uncontrolled arms proliferation on security and development in many regions of the world she revealed adding that efforts to address small arms proliferation has indeed been key to the EU’s foreign policy objectives since the 1990s’ and remains at the core of our partnership for peace, security and governance both with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

She stated that as part of those efforts, the EU provides funding to various initiatives to counter illicit trade of SALW and supports the implementation of multilateral instruments such as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

The Deputy Head of Delegation pointed out that  in West Africa, the threat from organized crime – be it trafficking of small arms, drugs or human beings – is substantial, challenging peace, progress towards rule of law and ultimately compromising economic and human development.

She revealed that in October last year, ECOWAS, the European Union and the Government of Germany entered in a dynamic partnership to step up the fight against organized crime in West Africa.

“Together they launched 3 transnational projects to support ECOWAS Member States in their efforts to counter criminal activities: OCWAR-C to tackle cybersecurity and cybercrime, OCWAR-M to address money laundering and terrorist financing and OCWAR-T to combat organized crime and trafficking,” she continued adding that one of the strategic objectives of the OCWAR project – which is coordinated by GIZ – was to step up efforts to control the illicit flow of arms and increase national capacity to do so.

“In this context, the OCWAR-T Project is a continuation of the ECOWAS/EU Small Arms Project currently implemented in Sierra Leone by the UNDP in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms (NATCOM),” she said.

In addressing precisely Col (Rtd) Saa Sinah, Jamila El Assaidi stated that the European Union has followed with interest the progress achieved under the project so far, not least the seizure and destruction of small arms by rural communities in the border districts of Falaba and Kailahun in October last year.

“I wish to laud the Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms (SLeNCSA) and UNDP as well as all parties involved – the Office of National Security (ONS), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and local leaders – for the results achieved under the ‘Weapons for Development’ Initiative,” she added stating that in light of Sierra Leone’s long and porous borders, preventing arms from being smuggled into or out of the country is a particular challenge stressing how that is especially the case with movements of small numbers of arms.

“In this context, I am aware that mobility has hindered the Commission’s capacity to monitor the country’s border areas,” she stated pointing out that it is their hope this new phase they are launching  will allow the Commission to further enhance and consolidate its capacities in view of effective border management and tracking of weapon movements.

She maintained that in particular, it is their hope that the programme will succeed in supporting the National Commission to establish a sound framework for weapon marking and registering.

Addressing members of the National Technical Committee, she said for the first time to discuss the OCWAR-T national action plan, let them remember that they can only fight organized crime if they work closely together.

The “ECOWAS/EU Small Arms Project”, she continued, has shown that for the management and oversight of conventional arms transfers to be effective, there is the need to strengthen not just the National Commissions, but also the capacity of and partnership with a wide range of different actors.

“We therefore encourage you to work closely with law enforcement agencies and civil society in fighting the broader array of organized crime networks but also to establish a close collaboration with your regional counterparts, here included the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA), the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) and Interpol,” she implored.

She said notably the weapon marking and registering system established under the National Commissions in the ECOWAS region shall complement and reinforce the existing Interpol “Illicit Arms Records and Tracing Management System”.

“As we look at the future, we further encourage the technical committee members and implementing partners to enhance collaboration with the Police and security forces, to strengthen safeguards against corruption and ensure adequate communication,” she said expressing hope that by the end of the programme they will have contributed seizing at least 1000 illegal weapons in each ECOWAS country.

She concluded by applauding the commitment of national authorities, ECOWAS and their implementing partners GIZ and UNDP.

NP-SL Ltd Takes the Lead in High Grade Petroleum Marketing

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is currently a very reliable source of drawing inspiration by indigenes that have big dreams of coming together to establish a company which they may want to see grow exponentially into becoming a towering business entity. Without any gainsaying, there are many useful lessons that aspiring entrepreneurs could learn from NP-SL which would definitely serve as a roadmap to navigate through the business landscape in order to crystallize their dreams into reality.

The company was founded decades ago by thirty-five Sierra Leoneans who were erstwhile employees of the British Petroleum Company which decided to fold up and sell its shares to the Government of Sierra Leone. Based on technical advice, the Government also decided to sell its shares and the 35 former workers bought those shares to set up what became known as the National Petroleum-SL Ltd. It must be highlighted at this juncture that the company is a private-owned business entity and the Government has no hands in it, does not decide how it is operated and grappling with challenges.

One of the underlying factors that have been noted for the meteoric rise of the company could be attributed to the selflessness of its shareholders. These ambitious Sierra Leoneans were so dedicated to the cause of catapulting their “baby” to higher height to such an extent that they put all their best initiatives into play that culminated into the company becoming a formidable force to reckon with.

These fine business initiatives were well implemented to the letter which led to the realization of fruitful dividends. Selflessness, in this context, could mean putting aside ego, working with a collective sense of purpose, brushing aside deceit, greed and ready to give as well as take. This could be the first Lesson.

The next lesson borders around enhancing customer care with the avowed objective of giving optimum satisfaction. The Shareholders and various Management teams harnessed this so well to an extent that they have succeeded in broadening their customer base. As far as they are concerned it is the interests of customers which are paramount and therefore everything must be done to ensure that those interests are given due consideration whenever decisions are taken to push the company forward.

It is in this regard that the shareholders decided to go in for modern calibrated pumping machines which are capable of churning out the right quantity of fuel that a buyer puts in for as well as displaying the price. These machines make fuel transactions become very transparent, thereby giving customers satisfaction and confidence that they are deriving their monies worth.

Within that realm, the Shareholders also thought it prudent to introduce NP Smart Card which is now in vogue. This Smart Card can be used to purchase fuel, petrol and diesel, with ease avoiding the hassle of having to be rushing to the banks to re intermittently withdrawing monies for the purpose of purchasing fuel. The card could be credited with a certain amount of money and whenever transaction transpires the amount utilized is debited. Its greatest advantage is that it avails the holder of the Smart Card the opportunity to programme or budget him or herself to purchase fuel on a periodic basis.

NP Gas is now going like hot cakes on the market. It is a cooker which has been proven to be very effective in terms of performance. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes it has been attested to be environmentally friendly in terms of less gaseous emissions that could pose health risks. NP Gas can be secured at all the leading Filing Stations of the company and its authorized dealers.

With all these attractive offers, there is a lesson that enhancing customer care, is very key to the growth of any business enterprise. Aspiring entrepreneurs could learn from this.

What also has been identified as a good business initiative which the company has mastered so effectively has to do with promoting the country’s Local Content Policy. The intent of this policy is geared towards ensuring that we make proper use of our local resources, human as well as material, in the production chain.  It is against such a backdrop that the company limits employment opportunities to qualified Sierra Leoneans instead of bringing over expatriates to perform tasks that could be better done by indigenes. Knowing that they are employed by an indigenous company such gives the employees the sense of ownership and the extra motivation to give their best to the company.

Another Lesson: Make use of local resources which could be cost effective instead of spending much to use expatriates just for the sake of showing off. Besides, monies, in the forms of salaries and end of service benefits are retained and not taken out of the country. It gives any company operating with such a policy a nationalistic flavour.

To give back to society, in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility, brings with it respectability and integrity. It is very important to be in a position to always assist residents in communities where a business entity operates or to the country as a whole.

NP-SL Ltd has been very consistent in that regard as it manifested when the company donated One Billion Leones to the Government of Sierra Leone as a complementary move to assist the latter in its strides to combat COVID-19. Apart from this, the company has been supporting various humanitarian causes as long as such assistances will cascade to impact meaningfully on the less privileged in society.

From all what have been said so far, it could be seen that NP-SL Ltd has valuable lessons which aspiring entrepreneurs could imbibe and infuse in their activities if fruitful dividends must be realized. Indeed, NP-SL Ltd is really a source of inspiration and a reservoir of good business initiatives.

Orange Foundation Donates Le85 M Worth of Food Items to Sierra Leone Autistic Society

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their continuous support to vulnerable people in the country, especially those living with disabilities, the Orange Foundation Sierra Leone has on Monday 19th April, 2021, donated assorted food items worth 85 Million of Leones to the Sierra Leone Autistic Society for onward support to children living with Autism in their school. The event took place at the Sierra Leone Autistic Society Care Center at Babadorie Hill, Lumley in Freetown.

The donated items included: 70 (50kg) bags of rice, 70 cartoons of tin tomato, 67 gallon of cooking oil, 70 bags of onions, 70 bags of sugar, and 70 bags of medicated soap. These items are to be distributed to children with Autism at the Sierra Leone Autistic Society Care Center.

Welcoming the Orange Foundation team, Chairman of the Sierra Leone Autistic Society Board, Gibrilla Jalloh intimated that the Sierra Leone Autistic Society is pleased to welcome them to their care center.

He further extended appreciation to the Foundation for thinking of them and making such a huge donation to them as a society further assuring that the Sierra Leone Autistic Society will ensure that the donated items are handed over to the targeted beneficiaries, which are children living with Autism.

Manager of Orange Foundation, Desmond Spaine applauded the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Autistic Society, Mary Penntimity,  for the initiative to care for children living with Autism, adding that such a move by the society is indeed a laudable one  for which they should be commended.

He admonished the parents and guardians to consider these children as very important kids in society regardless of their current situation.

He maintained that the Orange Foundation as a responsible entity thought it fit to make the aforementioned donation on behalf of Management stating how they did so out of the strong conviction that such could be helpful especially at this decisive moment.

Handing over the food items to the Sierra Leone Autistic Society, the Director of Orange Foundation -Sierra Leone, Jestina Betts, said Orange Foundation is very happy to hand over the assorted food items to the Sierra Leone Autistic Society to support children living with Autism, adding that as a company they want to be touching their lives and ensure they continue to support them during difficult periods.

The Director stated that the donation is evident of the fact that they do not take their Corporate Social Responsible lightly, saying such is pivotal to their business as a Telecoms Company. She further revealed that they have been supporting different vulnerable groups in the country.

She disclosed that when she took over as Director of the Foundation she heightened the passion to do something especially with regards addressing issues relating to children in the country saying children living with Autism need more attention, furthering that when growing up she came across children living with Autism and she has always wanted to help them revealing how they are very proud to say the said donation is a fulfillment of the Foundation’s commitment to support  the less privileged  groups in the country.

The Director noted that they are very committed to see that they render their support to them in order to include them in their digital inclusion, furthering that although these children have disabilities they should not be discriminated against but rather should be considered as very important children in society.

Receiving the donated items, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Autistic Society, Mary Pentimity, expressed appreciation to Orange Foundation for the kind gesture which she described as the biggest donation they have so far received as a Society.

Mary Penntimity noted that her organization has been providing support for autistic children, young people and their families in Sierra Leone since inception, adding that they started with few children but now runs or operates various play schemes or games, have youth groups and support groups, furthering that their activities include providing vital community support and reducing the profound and dangerous isolation of autistic children furthering that they have also succeeded in establishing a school for those children.

She noted that with the support from the Orange Foundation it will surely contribute tremendously towards supporting these children living with Autism and their families.

The Executive Director also assured that the items will be given to the children as beneficiaries of the donation and their families saying such will surely help in this decisive moment in the country.

She ended by calling on all to stop the discrimination against children living with Autism but rather help in creating the enabling environment for them as children to grow with confidence and a sense of being loved.

Mabinty Kamara, a parent of one of the beneficiaries expressed her gratitude to the Orange Foundation for donating the assorted food items to the Sierra Leone Autistic Society in order to support their children living with Autism in the country.

She noted that such a gesture will not only help them greatly but is a very timely intervention as such will help to sustain the livelihoods of these children and their families.

The parent assured all that they will use the donated food items in order to support their families.

As 16 Respond to the Call of God…   Zion Praise Tabernacle Ordains Pastors, Evangelists, Ministers & Deaconesses

By Amin Kef Sesay

The End-Time Harvesters Evangelistic Ministries, popularly known as Zion Praise Tabernacle, situated at Bottom Mango, back of Limkokwing College, Hill Station, Freetown on Sunday 18th April, 2020, officially ordained 16 members into various positions as Pastors, Evangelists, Ministers & Deaconesses during an auspicious ordination ceremony which was held at the Church Auditorium.

In an exclusive interview, the General Overseer of Zion Praise Tabernacle, Pastor James Bangura, expressed appreciation to God Almighty for making the ordination ceremony a reality, adding that there are some people whom God deems fit to serve in the positions as Pastors, Evangelists, Ministers & Deaconesses in the House of God disclosing that as a church they are presenting them to the congregation underscoring how it is mainly for that purpose that they are holding  such an official ordination service.

The General Overseer described the ordination ceremony as a big  and very important event for them as a church adding that the ordination of Pastors, Evangelists, Ministers & Deaconess is in adherence to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which calls for the expansion of the church and instilling in believers the conviction that the Great Commission is an expansion of the Creation Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” and that in order for them to fulfill that aspect there is a need for appointed people to serve in specific positions in order for them to go out and popularize the gospel of  Jesus Christ.

Pastor James Bangura further revealed that the End-Time Harvesters Evangelistic Ministries, aka Zion Praise Tabernacle, is a Christian denomination that was established on the 17th June 2013, starting as a small group in a small building, but with commitment and support from the general membership, they were able to recently put up a massive 4,000 Seater Church Auditorium building.

He admonished those who will be ordained to use their different offices towards the expansion of the kingdom which, according to him, is a mandate given unto them.

In his exhortation, Rev. Moses Jude Koroma congratulated and welcomed the members who will be ordained, adding that the offices they will be occupying are actually not ones they will at times be very convenient with.

He noted that according to Philippians 1: 29 , “for to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake”, adding that the inconveniences, influence and affluence will come but they should be ready to face some sufferings.

Rev. Moses Jude Koroma maintained that the ordination ceremony which is held by the church is in line with Matthew 9:38 which say “Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest”.

He revealed that the Holy Ghost is the power house of all the wonders in the Bible, encouraging them to depend on the Holy Ghost for wonders and power in their journey furthering that what they need to go for most is the Holy Ghost which he said will help them to overcome temptations and difficulties.

One of the members that were ordinated, Evangelist Steven Ferewa Kamara, expressed appreciation to the General Overseer of Zion Praise Tabernacle, Pastor James Bangura for his leadership qualities and for making him whom he is today, for which he said he will be always grateful.

He noted that one of his passions in his life is to participate in the work of expanding the Kingdom of God and for him to be ordained as an evangelist is a dream come true in his life.

Evangelist Steven Ferewa Kamara stated that he is aware that it is a big office that he has occupied in the House of God stating that by the grace of God Almighty and through the guidance of the General Overseer of the Ministry he will ensure that he fulfills his mandate as an Evangelist.

The 16 individuals who went through the Ordination Ceremony were: Evang. Steven Ferewa Kamara, Evang. Isaac Salifu Bangura Pst. Michael M. Brima, Pst. Grace N. Turay, Pst. Esther Kortu, Pst. Daniel Sesay, Pst. Dalton Sesay, Min. Mohamed Kallon, Min. Francis Conteh, Min. (Mrs) Madiana Gogra, Min. (Mrs) Mary Kai Sandy, Min. Sahr Tengbeh, Min. (Mrs) Favor Sesay, Dns. (Mrs) Esther Kallon, Dns. Haja Fatmata Jeigula and Dns. Yembay Sesay.

The General Overseer of Zion Praise Tabernacle, Pastor James Bangura

Audit Service Sierra Leone Clarifies Inclusion of Backlog Audits

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Release issued by Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) dated 19th April, 2021 the institution made certain clarifications on the issue of backlog audits in the Auditor-General’s Annual Reports.

The ASSL stated that various misconceptions and misinformation have surrounded the aforementioned  issue in the recent past, chief among them which are the following: The backlog audits form the basis of the audit opinion, the audits are done on an adhoc basis, backlog audits were only introduced into the Auditor-General’s Annual Report in 2020, and that was for the Auditor-General’s 2019 Annual Report, that it is wrong to report on backlog audits as every audit must be limited to one financial year.

The Audit Service Sierra Leone in offering clarifications on the issues mentioned stated that the Auditor-General’s Annual Report is divided into two sections – Sections A and B.

It continues how Section A covers the audit of the General-Purpose Financial Statements (GPFS), produced by the Accountant General to cover the financial transactions of the Government for the most recently concluded financial year ending 31st December.

The GPFS, the Release maintained,  is submitted to the Auditor-General for audit on or before 31st March, three months following the end of the financial period.

According to the Audit Service Sierra Leone the GPFS is audited and an opinion is provided solely for the year ended 31st December of the year reported on.

“It must be noted that the opinion on the GPFS relates solely to the financial year ended 31st December of the one-year period being audited,” the institution underscored adding that a Management Letter (ML) is also issued on the GPFS audit where issues of non-compliance with existing procedures, laws and regulations are reported.

Section B, as disclosed by Audit Service Sierra Leone, covers audits of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

It reveals how throughout the course of the year, a mix of financial and compliance audits are carried out for MDAs who produce and submit financial statements, and compliance audits are done for all other MDAs who do not produce financial statements.

“For all such audits, MLs are produced,” it was stated elucidating that the MLs and that from the GPFS are reported in Section B.

The Release said prior to these MLs being reported in the Auditor-General’s annual reports, copies would have been sent to the MDAs after completion of the audit along with their audited financial statements where applicable.

It was pointed out that even though most MDAs have succeeded in having updated financial statements, that is, financial statements relating to the most recently completed financial year, there are still a few who have backlogs.

“Whenever these backlog financial statements are submitted  they have to be audited and the MLs can only be reported in the year in which the audit was completed,” it was maintained adding how that is one of the reasons why backlog audits are reported in the Auditor-General’s annual reports.

It continued that the second reason is the fact that the ASSL does not have all the resources it requires to undertake 100% audits of MDAs.

Audit Service Sierra Leone stated that they therefore select MDAs for audit using a risk-based approach, taking into consideration factors such as mandatory audits, significance of budgetary allocation, Government priorities, expected level of service delivery, public interest, amongst others.

It said that even though the ASSL has the mandate to outsource audits to external audit firms, they can only realistically do so for institutions subjected to payment of audit fees as stated in the PFM Act of 2016.

However, others like the Ministries and local authorities do not pay audit fees and can therefore only be audited by the ASSL.

According to ASSL the audits are carried out using the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs).

The Release revealed that the ASSL is reviewed regularly by a team of peers from other Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), and the African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions – English Speaking countries (AFROSAI-E) to ensure that it is complying with that requirement.

According to ASSL generally, audit principles are the same; be it in the public or private sector. The audit of public sectors however requires additional procedures which may not be found in private sector auditing.

As a result, it behoves SAIs to be reviewed by experts in the field of public sector auditing, and this competence can only be sourced from other SAIs; thus the justification for peer review.

The ASSL, it was highlighted, has a Training Division which ensures that staff are regularly updated with changing trends in public sector auditing.

It stated further that in addition, there is a Quality Assurance Committee which reviews files of audits undertaken both by the ASSL auditors and outsourced firms.

The ISSAIs are clear on the issue of backlog audits, it was stated, which is not just limited to Sierra Leone but is the same in many jurisdictions.

It continued that to mitigate the issue of backlog audits, the ASSL must be provided with adequate resources to carry out its work, and in addition, MDAs must adhere to the financial reporting deadline of 31st March, for the submission of their financial statements for the most recently concluded financial period.

The ASSL said it prioritises its limited resources to ensure that they achieve optimal work with the available resources.

“For Embassies the audits are carried out once every two or three years,” the ASSL intimated adding that for entities assessed as low-risk and those receiving very little amounts in terms of budgetary allocation, the audits are also carried out once every two or three years.

The ASSL concluded that it will continue to carry out its mandate of being the Guardian of Sierra Leone’s Economic Security.

1...922923924...1,368Page 923 of 1,368