Africell Sierra Leone Reaffirms Relationship with OPIC

August 6, 2019

By John Konte – 6^th August 2019

Africell Holding Limited (“Africell”) on Tuesday 6^th August, 2019 reaffirmed its $100 million financing agreement with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (“OPIC”), the U.S. government agency that finances and supports investment by American businesses in emerging markets.

At a specially convened meeting held at the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone and in the presence of H.E. Maria E. Brewer, U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Africell confirmed that the financing will be used to expand the availability, reach and quality of communications and associated value-added services across Africell’s operations in The Gambia, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.

As part of the U.S. Government’s commitment, H.E. Maria Brewer highlighted the longstanding support of the USA to Sierra Leone across different sectors. She pointed out that: “the solid partnerships between the U.S. Embassy and the private sector, exemplified by this agreement with Africell, will lead to stronger relationships and fruitful development.”

Mr. Ziad Dalloul, Founder and Chairman of Africell stated: “Africell is at the forefront of the evolving landscape of African communications, data and technology enabled services and together with OPIC and our other stakeholders we are continuously investing in new solutions which drive development and improve our customers’ experience. We are the leading telecommunications and data operator in Sierra Leone and we intend to sustain and enrich this leadership position with the support of the OPIC funding”.

About Africell

Africell was established in 2001 and is one of the fastest-growing mobile telecommunications operators in Africa with a focus and skillset tailored for operations in frontier markets. Africell has established itself as the market’s leading operator in The Gambia and in Sierra Leone and is rapidly growing operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Today, Africell’s total number of active subscribers is approximately 14 million.

About OPIC

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a self-sustaining U.S. Government agency that helps American businesses invest in emerging markets. Established in 1971, OPIC provides businesses with the tools to manage the risks associated with foreign direct investment, fosters economic development in emerging market countries, and advances U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities. OPIC helps American businesses gain footholds in new markets, catalysis new revenues and contributes to jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC fulfils its mission by providing businesses with financing, political risk insurance, advocacy and by partnering with private equity investment fund managers.

OPIC services are available to new and expanding businesses planning to invest in more than 160 countries worldwide. Because OPIC charges market-based fees for its products, it operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to taxpayers. All OPIC projects must adhere to best international practices and cannot cause job loss in the United States.

Sierra Leone Must Wake Up From Slumber

August 6, 2019

By Mohamed Fadlu Bah – 6^th August 2019

In contemporary Sierra Leone, development in health, import and export, education and technology industrialization deforestation are all challenges.

Sierra Leone is amongst the countries with the fastest growing incidences of malaria, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis coupled with other diseases like typhoid, lassa fever and many other diseases that have ravaged different communities in the country.

Reeling from the scars of war, political instability, suffered from problems of refugees; internal and externally displaced people and had also witnessed corruption, tribalism, sectionalism and political oppression, the country depends heavily on the importation of food and her population lives below the minimum recommended diet by the World Health Organization. Thousands of its citizens cannot afford the normal 3 course meal a day. The absence of farming at a large scale to provide food for the nation has added to its woes. If the country is to grow and the economy boosted, robust action should be taken to improve on agriculture to increase yield and provide enough food that can be exported to fetch much needed foreign exchange. There is also the need to attract investors who could invest in mining and process the raw materials in the country rather than take them out.

With the low level of industrialization, Sierra Leone remains an importer of primary commodities and an exporter of its natural resources which are then processed and sold back to the country at exorbitant prices.

It is only now that the country is giving priority to education by bringing the free quality education. Our education is backward in that we now have students coming from the university without being able to write and speak simple English Language. Our school system is nothing to write home about as most students and teachers/lecturers are deeply engaged in corruption.

And with a low level of industrialization, Africa remains an importer of primary commodities.

NaCSA Sierra Leone Gets 20M Euro to Change Lives

August 6, 2019

By John Marrah – 6^th August 2019

On Friday 2^nd August 2019, at Charlotte Street in Freetown, the NACSA Commissioner, Abubakarr Kokofele stated that his institution is working on a project to help communities develop their lives.

He added that the project is set to construct community markets, roads, health centers, water wells etc. through the Ministry of Development and that NACSA is also working with local authorities like the district councils in various communities across the country.

“We want to make chiefdom headquarter towns attractive so that people don’t move from place to place for developmental activities. We will also engage market women and establish micro credit so as to ease financial stress” he said

He added that the Islamic Development Bank is strongly supporting this project and different stakeholders and ministries are going to be engaged so as to ease the burden.

The Deputy Commissioner, Isata Max Kyne, stated that NACSA strongly depends on stakeholders for continuous development in the country and that they are very grateful so far for their support, adding that this project is also co-founded by the government of Sierra Leone. She furthered that this timely engagement meeting was called to get all the different stakeholders to put all hands on deck for a better Sierra Leone.

“We have benefited so much over the years through collaborations, we also call on you all as critical stakeholders for action implementation in different locations in the country so that we will avoid duplications and more coordination” she said.

She said that the GPC 1 and 2 attracted so much donor funds and that the GPC 1 which was implemented from 2006 to 2014 attracted donor funds of 11 million euro in addition to government counterpart funding, and the GPC 2 which was from 2014 to 2018 attracted donor funds of 12.3 million euro and also with government counterpart funding. She added that this GPC 3 will start in 2019 and roll on to 2023 and that has attracted donor funding of 20 million euro plus, and the agreement was signed in January by the finance minister and the German government. She ended by saying that the whole essence of the GPC program is to maintain peace so that communities will be at peace with basic facilities in different communities.

The Programs Manager GPC Project, Salifu Mansaray said that they have worked with Falaba and communities closer to Falaba to construct roads to connect communities and they did it in connection with the community stakeholders. He added that the roads were roughly estimated for 11 billion Leones.

“We are also working on the employment scheme for youths in these different communities both during the construction and after the construction in Falaba and its different communities. Also NACSA has presented the budget and the maps showing the different communities to the bank and we are waiting for their immediate response after which the project will kick off in January 2020” he said.

He ended that Koinadugu to Sansangbala will also be included and other different communities so as to ease economic relationship among the different communities around that end and they are happy that all other stakeholders have signed to the necessary documents.

Traveling Ban Placed on Ministers, Deputies Etc. in Sierra Leone

August 6, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay – 6^th August 2019

Ministers, Deputy Ministers and other Government officials will no longer be able to travel out of the country without first seeking presidential permission.

This is according to a memo from the presidency, dated August 1 and directed to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), said all Ministers, Ministers of State and other Government officials are only allowed to travel for occasions relating to Statutory engagements.

The statement signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Julius Sandi, said in any event an official is required to travel for Statutory engagement they must get the approval of the president.

“Participation at Statutory meetings must be cleared with his Excellency the President on the submission of a concurrence for the use of public funds,” the statement reads in part.

Although it didn’t provide any explanation for the decision, the statement will be highly welcomed by many Sierra Leoneans disgruntled with the state of affairs under the administration led by a president who campaigned to cut down on spending.

It is widely believed that many officials are in the habit of traveling to pocket more per diem allowances.

But there are many other Sierra Leoneans who are not likely to be moved by this, given that the president has been accused of being the most widely travelled Sierra Leonean president.

President Julius Maada Bio, as opposition leader, criticized his predecessor for his frequent travels, which he promised to cut down on. But former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s supporters say the new president has travelled to more places in less than two years than the number of travels Koroma made in the entirety of his first term of five years.

NP-Sierra Leone: 100% Supportive of Local Content Policy

August 6, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay – 6th August 2019

When we talk of steady, effective implementation of Local Content Policy, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NP-SL) stands tall as it is truly the only 100% indigenous company that employs 100% Sierra Leoneans as workers. This is one of the factors which have made the company a success story.

In addition, NP-SL by giving preference to employing Sierra Leoneans is a clear indication that it adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy. Utilizing local talents make it possible for indigenes to acquire useful knowledge and skills through training courses that could be applicable in other places.

Furthermore, it has been discovered that the synergy that runs through management, staff and board members of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NP-SL) company is the reason why the company is contributing greatly to improving the lives of its workers and their dependents and also contributing to the company’s growth and the socio-economic development of the country at large.

The National Petroleum- Sierra Leone (NP-SL) is on record for having a capable and competent managerial team of Sierra Leoneans at the helm of affairs, which from time to time comes up with good initiatives, always ensuring that those initiatives are effusively, effectively implemented to create value for money.

It is also on record that the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited, apart from it being lauded for being one of Sierra Leone’s biggest tax payers, is also being lauded for its invaluable contributions towards building the country’s economy.

As a petroleum business entity, NP is proud of having filling stations in various parts of the country apart from it being vibrantly functioning in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

This 100% indigenously-owned company has so far offered various jobs to residents in the afore-mentioned countries, thereby reducing poverty to a considerable level.

Since it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who bought shares from the Government years back, the company has grown from leaps and bounds; weathering storms that would have run it down. But the resolve of its shareholders and Management to succeed has been the center-piece that has propelled NP to a higher level, equal to none in the sub-region.

Asking those who really know NP, the feedback you get indicate that around its commitment to customer care, NP strongly believes that it must prioritized the offer of total satisfaction.

The selfless commitment of the shareholders have made it possible for the company to empower many Sierra Leoneans and at the same time put it at a vantage position to continue to open more filling stations across the country.

NP has maintained a good business relationship with its numerous customers’ right across the sub-region where it exists and most consumers have confessed that they are realizing optimum satisfaction in dealing with NP.

The company deals with individuals and various sectors of society, always ensuring that its various petroleum products are available and are sold at affordable prices. This keen symbiotic relationship with its customers has been paying huge dividends, always resulting in a win-win situation, making NP very endearing to all and sundry.

The regulatory institution of the different petroleum companies in the country, the Petroleum Directorate, has also lauded NP in recent time for its efficient service delivery in its areas of operation.

The company is also known for offering Sierra Leoneans affordable NP Gas Cookers of various sizes, which are safe and very friendly to use. NP Gas cookers could be purchased at all their filling stations across the country and the very gas is also sold to replenish those that have been used.

The company’s result-oriented managerial team will definitely and sustainably continue to put NP at the top.

NP-SL Ltd. is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.

It can therefore be justifiably asserted that the National Petroleum Limited is the country’s reliable fuel provider as it always ensures that its stockpile is always at an appreciable level.

NP has received numerous awards; the latest being: “Best Company of the Year” that was received on 6^th July 2019 during the National Business Award 2018/2019 held at the prestigious Bintumani Hotel.

Various tests to determine quality and standard indicate that consumers of National Petroleum-SL products say they have never had cause to grumble about the products.

It should be noted that customer care is one key element to the success of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NP-SL).

Another most important feature of NP-SL is its smart cards which customers can use to make transactions very easily and conveniently.

The public’s recognition of the invaluable contributions of NP, both to its numerous customers across the country and to national development, has seen it bag meritorious awards from different national and international organizations.

The company always ensures that petroleum products are always available, thereby preventing shortage that could create shocks in many quarters. The level of confidence which overseas business partners have reposed in the company has made it possible for it to enter into payment agreements thereby keeping the demand and supply chain open and running.

In addition, the company sells the best cooking gas that is available in hundreds of outlets across the country, thereby contributing to creating cleaner environments, thus aiding the work of EPA.

In this digital age, moving away from the traditional way of transacting business has now become the norm.

MMCET Sierra Leone Plants 1,000 Trees to Protect Goderich Campus

August 4, 2019

The Acting Vice Principal, Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh, with the nurseries at the planting site

By Brima Sannoh – 4^th August 2019

The Acting Vice Principal of the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET), polytechnic (MMCET), Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh, staff and students, in collaboration with the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL) on Friday 1^st August 2019 planted over 200 fruit trees like mangoes and plum around the Goderich campus. This is in addition to the 800 trees earlier planted totalling 1,000.

Among others, Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh, who is also Director of Studies, enlightened that the college’s administration had put modalities in place to plant new trees to replace the old ones that have been cut down and advanced reasons why they were cut down, one of which is the huge amounts spent to repair the buildings as a result of the damage caused by the extension of the roots underground affecting the foundations of the buildings, pavements, gutters and the branches that fall on the buildings.

Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh continued that the college has planted over 1,000 trees with plans to plant another 10,000 or even more highlighting the dangers of climate change which he underlined is real affirming that quality education is government’s flagship program, the reason the college administration installed CCTV cameras on campus in addition to establishing the Police Post to ensure that students do not spy or engage in other examination malpractices as well as to provide adequate security for especially the female hostels and the entire campus.

Earlier, Mr. Bockarie Sillah, a lecturer in the English Language Department, who welcomed all to the ceremony, revealed that the college started planting trees last year and would continue to do so and recalled last week when the administration decided to cut down some trees due to the fact that their roots were affecting the foundations of some of the buildings while the branches damaged them costing the administration millions to repair reiterating that some of the trees were cut down for the CCTV camera to have a clear view.

The Communication and Education Officer of the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone, Mariama Kamara revealed that the event is a national issue and advised all to take care of the trees.

The President of the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), Charles Showers recalled last year when they partnered with the college and some pupils to plant trees on the college’s campus and admonished all to monitor and take care of the trees stressing that the trees must not be left unattended.

According to Mr. Showers, with the trees, the college would serve as a research centre and study area for students, encouraged all to tender the plants informing that he is very passionate about the environment, that human beings give out carbon dioxide while trees inhale oxygen reiterating that human beings cannot do without trees and underscored the advantages of trees including serving as windbreakers, fruits, formation of rain in addition to playing a great role in the lives of human beings.

The President of the MMCET Students Union, Mr. Anthony During observed that trees beautify the environment, provide shade, cool breeze and a conducive learning environment, commended CSSL for the initiative and appealed to all to replicate tree planting in their respective communities to protect the environment.

The program was chaired by the college’s Estate Officer, Mr. Paul Samba, who apologized for the unavoidable absence of the Acting Principal, Dr. Philip John Kanu, while the Senior Warden of Students, Mrs. Batilo Sandy, who rendered the vote of thanks, reiterated that the relevance of trees cannot be overstated.

The highpoint of the event was the planting of the trees by the Acting Vice Principal, staff and students of the college and officials of CSSL.

NPPA Sierra Leone Trains 125 MDAs On Procurement

August 4, 2019

By Alim Jalloh – 4 August 2019

The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) is the statutory institution primary charged with the responsibility of regulating all public procurement processes undertaken by public institutions in the country.

In a view to empower and capacitate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as Local Councils across the country, in order ensure that Procurement Officers and Procurement Authorities are well positioned to effectively, efficiently and transparently undertake or conduct procurement activities the Authority decided to conduct training sessions.

According to the indefatigable and optimistic-forward looking Chief Executive Officer of NPPA, Ibrahim Brima Swarray, the training sessions are targeting beneficiaries in all in the regions in the country starting with those in Freetown.

He disclosed that the training started on Monday 29 July 2019 and will be cascaded subsequently in the provinces.

CEO Swarray underscored that the NPPA does not only play its traditional role of regulating procurement process but also serves as adviser to Government in providing guidance as to whether or not certain procurement plans or requests must be endorsed, honoured or not.

“This is very strategic because it is assumed that 70% of Government’s revenue generated from taxes and donor support are primarily spent on procurement of goods, services and works. It therefore makes sense that the Government should be properly informed before action is taken in order to get value for money,” he highlighted, adding that for effective advice to transpire there must be dependable and reliable data which is why they decided to embark on getting reliable statistical data on procurement.

He noted that through data that is meticulously collected they could be able to determine the top 10 public institutions, contractors, suppliers that have done exceptionally well in terms of procurement within a specified period of time as well as those items that Government spends the highest amount of money on.

He said in the past Government used to spend up 6 to 7 million Leones only on papers, billions to purchase computers which, according to him, should not be the case. Making reference to himself, he said, he is currently using the computer that his predecessor was using highlighting that as long as a gadget is working there is no reason for it be changed for a new one on a quarterly basis terming such as wastage.

The charismatic NPPA Boss anchored that if we want to see more of Direct Foreign Investment then it is necessary for data to be uploaded regularly which, with the click of a mouse, will give indications of the country’s budget and other relevant information saying such will create the pathway for more investors to flow in.

The Director of Capacity Building at NPPA, Mr. Allieu M. Moigboi, intimated that procurement reporting through Standard Procurement Forms (SPFs) is a must for all procurement practitioners. “Recent monitoring proved that a good number of procurement officers are not grounded in the applicability of and utilization of the SPFs,” he revealed adding that to achieve EU benchmark indicators the Authority, in collaboration with the Procurement Directorate in the Ministry of Finance, thought it fit to organize series of training sessions for procurement practitioners in the various MDAs and Local Councils on procurement planning and other related issues.

Dilating on the rationale of the training session, Mr. Moigboi said the Authority would want to ensure that the expenditures on the procurement of goods, works and services by governing entities must be properly planned and implemented.

“Besides, the Government would want to know the total procurement expenditure on the various categories of procurement yearly including the methods of procurement,” he posited.

The Director of Capacity Building further stated that they are training 2 participants from 125 institutions in Freetown totalling 250 beneficiaries. The Training in Freetown ended on Friday 2^ndAugust 2019.

The next points for the training sessions will be Bo, then Makeni and Kenema where they will target all Local Councils and MDAs. He said the facilitators of the training sessions are from NPPA and the Ministry of Finance. He said invitations have been sent out to all MDAs and Local Councils.

Throwing light on the difference between Procurement Officers and Procurement Committees, he said the former deals with technical evaluation and the latter either accepts or disapproves requests or recommendations forwarded by the former.

Sounding the views of some Heads of MDAs and Local Councils they expressed appreciation for the good initiative taken by NPPA maintaining that it is a step in the right direction.

Lamin Bangura, Procurement Officer at the Sierra Leone Library Board expressed his thanks to the NPPA and stating that this is the most advanced training he has undertaken.

Mr. Labour, Procurement Officer from Sierra Leone Safety Authority (SLSRA) revealed that the training has exposed them to new procurement software that will help them on their daily procurement activities in their various MDAs.

CTO Conference Ends Successfully: Commonwealth Impressed With NATCOM Sierra Leone

August 4, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay – 4^th August 2019

Sierra Leone hosted this year’s Commonwealth ICT Forum at the Bintumani Hotel from the 31^st July to 2^nd August 2019 with the theme: “Broadband for Inclusive Digital Transformation”.

The event brought together Government functionaries, participants from various Commonwealth countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, telecommunications service providers to deliberate on pertinent issues relating to rural connectivity, analogue to digital, enhancing local innovation, emerging technologies, 5G deployment, youth and ICTs, digital economy as well as OTTS.

Playing host to all the participants, the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) ensured that all the necessary modalities were put in place for the successful outcome of the conference.

The Director General of NATCOM, Maxwell Massaquoi intimated this medium that through various consultations and the sheer fact that this country, over the years, has been treating the telecoms sector with utmost seriousness coupled with the fact that it has been adhering to certain international instruments that were adopted, such reposed high confidence in the international ICT body to choose Sierra Leone for this year’s conference. He said for now telecommunications issues have taken centre stage in most international fora also maintaining that we really need to know the latest initiatives and emerging innovations, trends and how to make effective use of as well as deal with them.

Most of the participants whom this medium came in contact with during intervals said they were highly impressed with the way the conference has so far been conducted. “Sierra Leone is a beautiful country with a fine landscape and impressive beaches. The people are very friendly and hospitable which makes me feel good talking with those who are eager to know about my country. This country has gone a long way to make inroads within the telecommunications sector and NATCOM is doing extremely well in its regulatory functions,” the Acting Secretary General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Commission, Gisa Fuatai Purcell, underscored further expressing hope that what they were deliberating will be rolled out in the member countries.

The Deputy Minister of Communications from Ghana, Hon. Vincent Odotei Sowah posited that his country and Sierra Leone have been collaborating effectively to enhance Information, Communication and Technology. He praised NATCOM for its preparedness to always respond to invitations and its eagerness to catch up with new trends. “We must work concertedly to improve on ICT as it is the conduit for development as well as tools used by criminals to perpetrate heinous crimes,” he enjoined stating how he is impressed with the venue and manner in which the conference started and is going.

The participant from Nigeria, Mohamed Babajika, Director Policy Competition and Economic Analyst, Nigeria Communications Commission, confessed that he has been attending conferences elsewhere but said this one is exceptional as it was lively especially with the way it was directed and the side attractions to make all feel comfortable. He said he is looking forward to more partnership with this country to advance ICT in Africa.

Similar sentiments were expressed by other participants.

The Proactive Minister of Information and Communication of Sierra Leone, Hon. Mohamed Rado Swarray was commended by other Foreign Ministers for his leadership in hosting this year’s CTO conference.

In another development, the Deputy Director General of National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), Daniel B. Kaitibi, engaged some ICT delegates from all the Commonwealth ICT members on the topic: “Cyber Security and Capacity Building”.
Speaking to other members of the panel which included the National Cyber Security Advisor in the Ministry of Communications from Ghana Rd. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Sitigas Rokas Information Security Advisor and International Manger, NRD CS Lithuania, Dr. Martin Koyabe, Technical Support and Consultancy (TSC) Manager Commonwealth Telecommunication Organization Kaitibi revealed that the leadership of the Ministry of Information and Communications is so passionate about policy initiatives and implementation as well as the protection of data.

He said when he was recently appointed by President Julius Maada Bio to serve as Deputy Director General of NATCOM he and his boss ensured that they guided the Ministry of Information to develop a policy geared towards combating cyber-crime which the Minister in turn forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department of Sierra Leone for the finalisation of the drafting of a bill which will soon be sent to Cabinet for deliberation and later to the House of Parliament for approval for it to become Law.

He said as a country and Commission they are quite aware of the use of ICT especially the internet and underscored that for the past months, they have been working with internet and mobile operators to ensure that the latter embark on re-registration of SIM cards used by various subscribers across the country.

Mr. Kaitibi impressively captivated the other experts from the different Commonwealth countries when he disclosed that they are working closely with service providers to ensure that they develop a short code which will enhance their efforts in tracking down fraudsters who are in the habit of putting fake calls through to strangers and extorting monies from them doing so clandestinely with the primary motive to deprive them.

He said the short code will make it possible to get quick response during incidences when mobile fraud is being committed.

He further dilated on the various initiatives that are being rolled out to capacitate the staff of NATCOM saying it includes training sessions, workshops and short course out of the country. “With a well-trained staff we believe the Commission will perform effective and efficiently,” he stated.

Kaitibi was commended by the other panellists for the commendable strides the Commission has so far made in trying to combat cyber and sim box fraud.

Sivo Media Sierra Leone to Release the Classic ‘BOSS’ Video by T.N.G

August 4, 2019

Christopher Mackie, popularly known as Chris Jazz, Mohamed Sesay, also known as Super Stylish, and Dalton Randolph Williams, popular on stage as Wazzy Carter

By Ibrahim Sorious Samura – 4^th August 2019

The search for quality video shoot in Sierra Leone is over. Sierra Leonean artists will no longer need to go to Ghana or Nigeria for professional video directors. Sivo Media has done the unthinkable in music video production in West Africa, with the yet to be released music video titled ‘BOSS’, done by Sierra Leone’s talented afro pop, rap and dancehall group T.N.G. Unbelievable! You can’t believe what your eyes would see on the screen. The ‘BOSS’ music video is a masterpiece of ultramodern HD cinematography.

This is Sierra Leone on it again, and this time with ‘The New Generation (T.N.G). Their delivery skills can outclass some of the best in the sub-region.

T.N.G is a music group signed under the Sivo Media in a multi-million Leones’ deal. The group consists of 3 young Sierra Leonean artists who have been around the music arena for some time. It was founded in 2013 by Christopher Mackie, popularly known as Chris Jazz, Mohamed Sesay, also known as Super Stylish, and Dalton Randolph Williams, popular on stage as Wazzy Carter. They recorded their first single at Sky Bet Music, which was titled ‘TEN THOUSAND’ (the original version), which was later remixed or duplicated by top Salone artists.

The group has done two joints titled, ‘Charging’ and ‘Go Higher’ with a top dancehall star Dallas Bantan from Higher Level Records. The group has just released a song titled ‘Borbor’ featuring Nega Don of LXG, and many other songs.

The CEO of Sivo Media, Tamba Yusuf Mbayo also known as Sivo, recently left Nigeria for Dubai, United Arab Emirates where he shot this awesome video for T.N.G. Sivo is one of the country’s best video producers who won the 2018 NEA award for Best Music Video/Video Director. While in Dubai, he acquired modern facilities for professional video production. There is always a ‘Wow Factor’ in all of Sivo’s production, but the latest video – ‘BOSS’ by T.N.G is an epic one.

The ‘BOSS’ video cost over $ 10,000 and will be released on Sunday 4^th August, 2019 on Sound City, Pocket TV, Hip TV and all TV stations in Sierra Leone. It will also be available on major blogs and YouTube. The song was produced by Ransom based in the United Kingdom.

Sivo Media is all about quality. It is where quality begets quality. Every scene he puts his lens on, it becomes a mega hit.

ACC Nails Three Customs Officers for Corruption in Sierra Leone

August 4, 2019

By Thaimu Thulla – 4^th August 2019

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on 1st August, 2019, indicted Akmed Karim, of No. 49 Matindi House, Brookfields, Freetown; Mary Banya, of No. 26 Parsonage Street, Kissy Freetown; and Momodu Allieu Sow, of 7 College Road, Freetown, all Customs Officers stationed at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, on two (2) counts each, of Soliciting an Advantage contrary to Section 28(2), and of Accepting an Advantage, contrary to Section 28 (2) of the Anti-Corruption Act No.12 of 2008.

According to the Particulars of Offence, Akmed Karim, and Mary Banya, between the 1^st December 2018 and 28^th February 2019, at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, solicited and accepted an Advantage to wit: two million, five hundred thousand Leones (Le 2,500,000.00) from Sigismond Tommy Mei to facilitate the clearing process of a container belonging to Juan Ruiz, a businessman.

The Particulars of Offence further states that, between the 1^st December 2018 and 28^th February 2019, at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, Momodu Allieu Sow Solicited and Accepted an Advantage to wit: three million Leones (Le 3,000,000.00) from Sigismond Tommy Mei to undervalue a boat belonging to Juan Ruiz, a businessman.

The three (3) indicted persons are expected to make their first appearance at the High Court of Sierra Leone Holden in Freetown on 12^th August, 2019.

1...935936937...1,045 Page 936 of 1,045