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SiLNoRF Discusses & Validates Document on Family Decade of Farming

By Fatmata Jengbe

On the 24th November 2020, Frank Webber, of the Sierra Leone Network on the Right to Food (SiLNoRF) engaged 45 farmers drawn from various communities in the Western Area Rural District during which he informed them that the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly declared the International Year of Family Farming in 2014 because farmers are very important as they produce 80% of the food consumed in the world but lamented that farmers are poor in Sierra Leone.

He made the disclosure during a workshop organized by SiLNoRF at the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) Hall, Waterloo outside Freetown to discuss and validate the document on the Family Decade of Farming revealing that African countries met in Uganda requesting the UN to recognize and honor farmers by giving them ten years for which the UN General Assembly met and endorsed that 2019-2028 should be observed as the Decade of Family Farming.

Webber further urged participants to make salient contributions to be included in the Global Action Plan on Family Farming, especially in relation to food security intimating that SiLNoF approached the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to support the regional consultations that have taken place in Makeni, Port Loko, Freetown and Kabala underscoring that Sierra Leone can feed itself but that the country is not serious reiterating that the huge resources allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture are not reaching the intended beneficiaries.

He gave as example the $90 million with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for five years but that the people are not getting the required services underscoring that even the Food Security Policy has not been approved and called for a review of the draft Food Security Policy intimating that after the regional consultations, the policy would be validated and launched.

Webber continued by encouraging participants to make their voices heard in the document reminding them that the national plan would feed into the global plan. He also urged them to make their inputs stating that farmers also need markets to sell their fresh produce to make farming sustainable and appealed to them to take farming seriously and not to depend on Government.

The Western Area District Agriculture Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Jane Fea Kabba-Sei reiterated the need to include farmers in the process because they have passion for farming and for their voices to be heard, also highlighting the need for transformation and observed that there are gaps in the policy that must be corrected reiterating that if farmers miss it now they would suffer for the next ten years affirming that change comes from them.

Other topics discussed were the conditions required to achieve the right to adequate food, food safety and consumer protection, climate change, ecosystem, aquaculture, animal husbandry, forestry and crops.

Participants were divided into seven groups to work on the seven pillars of the policy.

Highlights of the interactive session were the group work presentations and the question and answer session.

Sahr Samuel Issah to Stage Salone Traditional Praise and Cultural Festival

Praise Minister Sahr Samuel Issah

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of Sierra Leone’s finest traditional artists, Praise Minister Sahr Samuel Issah popularly known as the Praise Messiah is poised to stage the country’s first ever traditional praise and cultural festival Vol.1: “Praising God in Our Local Languages” which will be followed with the release of his hit songs.

The first ever traditional praise and cultural festival Vol.1 is nothing but a real traditional praise moment which will include praising God in all local languages in the country which many have said will surely promote the country’s traditional heritage and give it a new uplift.

Praise Minister Sahr Samuel Issah who is a gospel musician that believes in live band ministrations started his music career since childhood and because of his perseverance in the music industry, he released his first album in 2013 titled: “Wan Tem Wol” followed by “Africa Must Praise God” in 2017. Those albums were great successes for him as they served as breakthroughs for him in the music industry.

After he released these albums, which also paved the way for him as it was loved by many Sierra Leoneans in and out of the country he has been working tirelessly towards building his music career. The songs went viral and up till now his song are still been played by different Radio and TV stations across the country and beyond.

He has been working tremendously to promote the talents of young Sierra Leonean Artists and has contributed towards the growth of the music industry in the country.

Praise Minister Sahr Samuel Issah disclosed to this medium that this event is going to be the country’s best traditional praise and cultural festival and that his team is currently going through intensive training to ensure that they give the very best to the people of this country.

He added that since childhood he loved to sing in local languages and that such has motivated him to embark on a festival with the aim of promoting the country’s cultural heritage.

He said the event is scheduled to take place on 6th December, 2020 at Murray Town Deen School Hall Aberdeen Road New Market.

He called on Sierra Leoneans to support the said event as tickets are now available for sale and interested persons should contact +23277669393. Ticket prices Le 100,000 Ordinary, VIP single Le200,000, VIP Double Le350,000, Table for 3 is Le 500,000 and Table for 6 is Le 1,000,000.

Main Opposition MP Commends Finance Ministry’s Prudent Financial Management Vis-à-Vis COVID-19

Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, Member of Parliament Constituency 30

By Theresa Kef Sesay

Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, Member of Parliament representing Constituency 30 in the Bombali District has heaped praises on the Ministry of Finance for managing the country’s economy despite the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting the world’s economy.

He manifested that on the 24th November 2020 in the Well of Parliament while making his submission in the ongoing Government Budget and Statement of Economic and Financial Policies debate.

“I agree with the Minister of Finance that the outbreak of the Corona Virus is posing a serious challenge to the country’s economy. It is a global phenomenon. The Finance Minister and his team have done a little bit of a good job,” he said and reminded Sierra Leoneans that the Coronavirus is not yet over.

“This administration very much believes in institutions like the International Monetary Fund(IMF) and World Bank, noting that for Sierra Leone to be participating in the global financial system is very important and the Government has done very well in that area,” the MP stated.

He however expressed frustration over the 6 percent budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that it is far from the 10 percent according to the Maputo Declaration for African Countries and stressed the need for Government to invest in Agriculture.

He regarded the lack of transshipment and monitoring as factors affecting the Fisheries sector and stressed the importance of fisheries in the country.

“As a proactive Government, we took necessary steps to respond to the pandemic even before Sierra Leone recorded its COVID-19 index case on 30th March 2020). These steps culminated into the COVID-19 Health Preparedness and Response Plan, which focused on SAVING LIVES and the Quick Action Economic Response Programme (QAERP), which focused on SAVING LIVELIHOOD,” according to paragraph two of the FY 2021 Budget Speech delivered by the Minister of Finance Mr. Jacob Jusu Saffa.

MPs Conclude Three Days Discussion of 2021 National Budget

Remove term: Parliament of Sierra Leone Parliament of Sierra Leone

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On the 25th November 2020 Parliament concluded debate on the Bill entitled: “The Appropriation Act, 2021” with the  theme: “Economic Recovery for Job Creation and Human Capital Development” which was delivered by the Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa in the Chamber of Parliament on Friday 13th November 2020.

The Bill seeks to authorize expenditure from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the services of Sierra Leone for the year 2021 and other related matters with a sum total of Le9.2 Trillion aimed at entering into force on the 1st January 2021.

Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Leader of NGC, in his contribution, commended the Ministry of Finance for compiling the budget for consideration and subsequent approval by Parliament.

Speaking on capacity building, he said the Research Unit and the Parliamentary Budget Office should be strengthened in order to provide effective and efficient materials to MPs to debate from an informed position.

The NGC leader questioned more spending as indicated in the budget amid the devastating impacts of COVID-19 among the economies in the world. “I have not seen fiscal prudence in the budget,” he noted.

He also commended the Government for improving the status of the Paramount Chiefs and advocated for additional budgetary allocations to issues relating to women and children.

Hon. Dr.  Umpha S. Gbassay decried the Government for not providing budgetary allocations for persons with disability. He underscored that there is no budgetary head specifically for disability.

The MP said “the problem of persons with disability should be the problem of all”. He called on the Government to concentrate on people with mental health by allocating more resources to salvage their plight.

Hon. Peter Musa Moigua said the budget would serve as an engine for economic growth and commended the Ministry of Finance for presenting a well-prepared budget to Parliament for consideration. Responding, he said the budget made provision for persons with disability.

Contributing, Hon. John Charles Conteh questioned the establishment of the Office of Chief Minister and the huge budgetary allocations made to it. He also accused the Government of contracting huge loans from development partners.

Hon. Moses B. Jorkie, Chairman of the Health Committee in Parliament applauded the Government for the strides taken so far to develop the nation and spoke on the need for the training of more pathologists in the country. He said “the country has one specialist in that field” and heaped enormous praises on Government for the recruitment of more nurses to strengthen the health sector.

Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, Chairman of the Local Government Committee in Parliament decried the huge reduction of budgetary allocations to the Councils that are the hub for development in the country. He also referred to Government’s low performance as per indicators in the Country Policy of Institutional Assessment (CPIA) rating for the year 2020 for Sierra Leone.

Hon. Prof. PC Kangbai Joe Macavoray thanked President Bio’s administration for supporting and strengthening chieftaincy administration in the country.

Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, Leader of C4C said foreign direct investment would go a long way to improving the socio-economic development of the country. He also said that everyone should take responsibility for the poor performance in the recently released WASSCE 2020 results.

He called on Parliament to investigate the mining sector given its downward contributions to GDP from 24 percent to 1.7 percent by inviting officials from the Ministry of Mines and the National Minerals Agency to provide explanations. He praised President Bio’s administration for boosting local authorities with vehicles and motorbikes. He commended the ACC for the fight against corruption and international partners for supporting the budget.

Hon. Mohamed Festus Lansana, Chairman of the Committee on Technical and Higher Education commended the Ministry of Finance for allocating more funds to enhancing tertiary education. He also said that next year, the grants-in-aid would be discontinued and replaced with the students’ loan scheme to be introduced and implemented by Government.

Hon. Lahai Marah described the budget as “a sincere budget” given the failure by the Ministry of Finance in certain areas. He also called for the Ministry of Finance and other MDAs to be investigated for violating the constitution by using funds that were not approved by Parliament; adding that “the budget is incomplete”.

In rounding the debate, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Chernor R.M Bah commended the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Patricia Laverley for availing herself to Parliament   in respect of championing  Government’s plans  as indicated in the budget; adding a lot have been said on issues relating to governance. Speaking on the proposed expansion of the airport terminal in Lungi, Leader of the Opposition said that “the challenges associated with the airport does not require a new terminal but access”, adding “the current terminal is being under-utilized”.

On agriculture, he called on Government to enhance value addition to our agricultural products, saying “let us make our farming products more attractive”.

Relating to the education sector, he said as an opposition they are totally against the 6334 system of education and called on Government to see the need to revert to the 6344 system of education in order to avoid massive failure in public examinations such as WASSCE. He also called on the Government to address the issues affecting students of Limkokwing University in the best interest of the country and called on the Finance Minister to undertake a massive investigation of personnel recruited by MDAs that is affecting the wage bill. He also said “the budget on paper is a good one” and promised to support for its realization.

Concluding the debate, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma was pleased with MPs who spoke on local revenue mobilization by local councils in the country. He stated that Government could only realize implementation of its policies and programmes through effective domestic revenue generation. He praised the Ministry of Finance for achieving 112 indicators out of 159 commitments including the implementation and rolling out “of the quick action economic recovery programme”; and also appreciated the work done on the macro-economic and budgetary performances in the 2020 and the medium term economic outlook.

He emphasized that there is fiscal imbalance in the budget citing a downward trend in the export of minerals and other related products and blamed it mainly on COVID-19. Calling for sanity in the wage bill and motivation for workers, he praised the Government for maintaining fiscal discipline given the reason for donor confidence in the Government. He also said that the budget actually takes care of the vulnerable groups by allocating Le81.1Billion to NaCSA for the implementation of various social protection projects and Government is going to provide Le9.7 Billion as counterpart funding to these projects.

Making clarifications, the Leader said that over Le3 Billion was disbursed by Government as school subsides to schools in Kono District; adding that the only way to make the budget pro-poor is by proper implementation. He thanked his colleague MPs, officials of the Ministry of Finance, the Hon. Speaker and Staff of Parliament, the President and the media for supporting the budget process.

During the three consecutive days of debating the national budget in light of commendations and criticisms, MPs were focused on economic recovery, macro-economic and budgetary performance, mobilization of internal and external resources, medium-term economic outlook, public expenditure management measures, public debt management policy, economic diversification, and budgetary allocations to MDAs.

The 2021 National Budget has now been committed to the Committee of Supply to effectively scrutinize budgetary heads and estimates to ascertain value for money on sectorial basis; and present their findings or recommendations to the plenary in respect of increasing or decreasing budgetary allocations due to funds received and expended in light of the policies and programmes of the Government.

In another development, Solomon Jamiru Esq., Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs with special assignment as Spokesperson of NaCOVERC briefed MPs on the status of COVID-19 in the country.

He said the outbreak is not yet over and called on MPs and other stakeholders in the country to hold on and fight together to save the country. He said the theme of this month is: “Parliamentarians on Health Behavior Change”. Briefing MPs on the status report of COVID-19, he said that the coronavirus is in a downward trend and praised all and sundry in the fight to beat back COVID-19. He emphasized on the use of face masks and the regular washing of hands, which he described as “the best and safest ways to prevent one from catching or spreading coronavirus.

MPs from both sides of the political aisle commended the Deputy Minister and his Team for a job well done in an effort to combat the coronavirus and promised to support him and his team in adherence to the preventive protocols of COVID-19.

Tourism Ministry Commends Residents for Preserving Gola Rainforest National Park

By Amin Kef Sesay

From the 20th to the 22nd November 2020 the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, her Deputy, William I. K. Robinson, the Acting British High Commissioner, Alistair White, the Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh,  the General Manager National Tourists Board (NTB), Fatmata A. Kroma and Sierra Leone Conservation Society President ,Charles Showers and team paid a three-day working visit to the Gola Rainforest National Park in Kenema District.

Historically, the National Park was discovered in 1926 by seven great Gola Paramount Chiefs and their subjects who were residing around such chiefdoms as Koya, Tunkia, Gaura, Makpele, Nomo, Barrie, and Malema.
The visit, according to the Ministry, was intended to explore, expand and strengthen the good working relationship between the Ministry, NTB officials and the Rainforest Park’s staff.

Addressing the people of Lalehun Village, Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt expressed gratitude to the Gola people who have always been in charge of protecting the National Park since 1926 to date.

She informed the people that the rationale for the visit was to see all historic places such as the Ancient site of the Gola Founders, Piearthartise Colony-1 site and View Point site.

“We are also here to assess the status of the various Eco-lodges built in Lalehun, Belebu, Sileti and other villages within the Gola Rainforest Vicinity,” she intimated adding that the assessment would be followed by stakeholders’ engagement to look at the situation and see what needs to be done to improve one of Mano River Union’s most precious tourism assets.

Dr. Pratt assured the locals that the Government is still thinking of them and has plans to improve the road network and other facilities of the different Eco-lodges.

According to her such will market the Park, making it accessible to visitors. She furthered that her Ministry wants to diversify the Tourism sector, making it more attractive for tourists, more economy-driven, with jobs provided for the locals, promote their culture, and above all ensure its sustainability.

The Minister expressed appreciation to the Acting British High Commissioner and his delegates for joining her on the assessment visit to the memorable Park.

At the Rainforest’s Regional office the Minister informed the Rainforest’s administrative wing that her team purposely called at the office to inspect and assess its various departments, operations, challenges, successes made, and to map out strategies on how the Ministry and the National Tourist Board could provide technical advice and support where necessary for it to conform to expected standards.

Brima B. Damba, the Community Development Officer for the Gola Rainforest in Belebu, said the Village is one of the major tourist destinations, but over the years they have been faced with enormous obstacles which have affected them to an extent that it could even take them a year or two without having any tourist.

He mentioned key challenges of poor road network, insufficient facilities to augment the Eco-Lodges, no electricity facilities among others.

Damba pleaded with the Ministry to come to their rescue by providing all logistical support needed to keep the Eco-lodges running, rehabilitate the road heading to their village, help promote their cultural heritage, provide an alternative means for their livelihoods; since,  as he said, they have been restricted from tampering with the Gola Rainforests.

William I. K. Robinson, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, told the people of Lalehun, Belebu, and Sileti that all their concerns raised in connection with the challenges facing the Gola Rainforest have been noted adding that the Ministry will work closely with other line Ministries, Departments and Agencies to address the felt needs that will make their community more accessible to potential and genuine tourists, who may want to invest hugely in the said sector.

The Acting British High Commissioner, Alistair White, in his statement, commended the community people for honouring all restrictions set by the Government to protect and conserve the Gola Rainforest National Park. He assured them of extending their concerns and immediate needs to the British High Commissioner for further consideration and actions.

President of Conservation Society Sierra Leone , Charles Showers, and a Tourist Guide of the Park, Mohamed Lumeh, led the visiting team to other attraction sites of the Park.

Other stakeholders including the Director of Tourism Mr. Mohamed Jalloh, and Head of NTB Ms. Fatmata A. Kroma, made meaningful contributions towards the purpose of the tour.

Ex-President Ernest Koroma Faces ACC for the Second Time

Former President Ernest Bai Koroma

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Press Release issued by the Anti-Corruption Commission it was glaringly pointed out that the Commission has on Wednesday 25th November, 2020, continued its interview of former President Ernest Bai Koroma in addition to the first phase of the interview which took place on Monday 23rd November, 2020.

The ACC underscored that the interview was in relation to investigations into allegations of corruption, whilst the former Head of State was governing this country from 2007 to 2018.

“The 2nd day of interview which was conducted at one of the Commission’s secured ‘Safe Houses’ commenced at 11:00am and was concluded at 4:30pm,” the Release disclosed adding that should there be need for further interview(s), the same will be communicated to Ex-President Koroma and his Legal Team we highlighting that the Commission expect them to accordingly avail themselves as agreed.

The Commission reassured the general public of its relentless resolve to fight all levels of corruption and effectively control it in Sierra Leone.

Related to the aforementioned on the 25th November, 2020 the All Peoples Congress (APC) informed its members and supporters that their Chairman and Leader, former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, has continued to be cooperative in his engagements with Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) adding that they are satisfied that the interview was as expected, conducted in an amicable, respectful and dignified manner.

The APC expressed profound thanks and appreciation to the former President’s legal team, their members, supporters and well- wishers for their steadfastness during what they called difficult times.

The APC maintained that they continue to urge all their members and supporters to remain calm and to be patient assuring that they will continue to keep them abreast with developments.

In a tweet the former President stated that the second interview has been completed and he will be heading back up to Makeni to continue to enjoy his retirement with his family & his farming.

He enjoined supporters of the party to continue to work collectively in unity for sustainable peace in the Sierra Leone.

On his part the ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala in a Tweet stated how the ACC concluded 2nd Day of questioning Ex-President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma on allegations of Money Laundering and other predicate Corruption offences.

He said after 5 hours, they could not exhaust the issues meaning that another date will be communicated for completion of interviews and the disclosure of the next steps to be taken.

NP-SL’s Dominance on the Petroleum Landscape is Unparalleled

By Amin Kef Sesay

One of the dominant companies that have been making steady progress, growing by leaps and bounds within the business landscape of this country is indisputably the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd). It is widely acknowledged that the company has dominated the petroleum trade in the country based on its proactive stance with regards the importation and marketing of high grade petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which one of the best is the widely used Castrol oil.

Being an indigenous company that cherish its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which it has effectively rolled out over the years to such an extent that it has earned the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

The company has also sustained an open door policy in the sense that it encourages customers to express their concerns as well as recommendations which the Management takes into consideration whenever major decisions are taken, geared towards the development of the company. It has been ascertained that whenever customers have the feeling that their inputs are well respected such does not only bring them closer but also gives them the satisfaction that they are indeed relevant and highly regarded. This is exactly what NP-SL Ltd does and that has been paying good dividends. As far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned their customers do matter.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively  to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company make use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured and suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious company that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and is an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is a truly a success story!

Erica & Kiddwaya to Grace Housemates Salone Eviction Party

By Amin Kef Sesay 

Housemates Salone Season 2 is taking different dimensions with an objective to bring out the best in entertainment as well as provide the general populace with the right interactive platform to hob-nob and relax.

It is against this backdrop that the organizers of the Reality TV Show have decided, as one among other planned activities, to stage an Eviction Party with Erica and Kiddwaya, former Nigerian Housemates in the just concluded Realty TV Big Brother Show, on the 29th November 2020 at the New AYV Media Empire Complex on Tower Hill in Freetown starting at 8:00pm. Tickets are currently out for sale at the following prices: VVIP-Le650, 000, Gold-Le350, 000. For reservation, you can call 088201020 or 077224422.

The Sunday party comes in the wake of the introduction of a new promotion that the organizers packaged to avail viewers the opportunity to win different prizes by predicting the evictees on a weekly basis. To win prizes one should: Dial: *5500# and choose Option 3 to enter the draw and win Le5,000,000 by predicting two right names and Le1,000,000 by predicting one right name.

From what ,so far , have been gathered  from the different fan zones, there are ongoing behind the scenes campaigns geared towards convincing the wider citizenry to cast their valued votes for Housemates considered to be their favourites . Theirs is not only limited to mounting campaigns but also raising funds in order to credit their mobile phones so that they can vote as many times as it is within their ambit.

It is the number of votes that the Housemates bag from members of the public which the judges will partly consider in arriving at any decision that will define or determine their fates, that is continued stay in the House or face eviction.

All the Housemates have their unique numbers which members of the public should use to vote by sending them via SMS to: 5500 or Dial *5500#.

For International voting an individual can call: +23299005500.

Members of the public should know that their votes do matter and as a result they must step up the pace at which they are voting for their favourite Housemates, The responsibility of popularizing the unique numbers of the Housemates with the objective of obtaining public votes squarely lie on the shoulders of the various Fan Clubs of the Housemates better known as “Teams”.

What is up for grabs, as put forward by the organizers of this Reality TV Show, is the mouth-watering sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) plus undertaking a round trip to Dubai.

The Reality TV Show is designed in such a way that for every day any of the Housemates stays in the House, he or she becomes automatically eligible to earn One Hundred Thousand Leones (Le100, 000).

By all estimation and regardless of any contrary view that has been expressed, which is naturally inevitable, the crystal fact remains that the ongoing Housemates Salone 2020 TV Reality Competition will go down the annals of this country’s entertainment industry as one of the biggest events that have been successfully staged in this country.
The competition is indeed truly thrilling and somehow funny, generating discussions in different quarters not particularly about how it is organized or is being rolled out but rather bordering on the performances and characters of the various Housemates presently in the House.

If some of the Housemates appear sexy by the kind of dresses they wear then that must not come as any big surprise simply because they are expected to display nudity. Again, if sometimes they talk harshly then it is because they are to intermittently use strong language and acting funnily is as a result of the expectation of being humorous. In a bid to manifest these elements that is what is really making the Reality TV Show that is shown on AYV Television Channel 34, very interesting to watch providing some form of relief for viewers and serving as a therapy to reduce stresses.

The remaining Housemates, save those who have been evicted,  are  currently interacting, learning new skills, taken through certain tutorials, learning how to solve conflicts, courting relationships, playing games and doing a host of other things.

Housemates Salone Season 2 is huge, historic which is why you should not miss the interesting episodes as they are truly entertaining, informative and educative.

Spurious Allegations Against Radio Democracy’s Asmaa James Deflated

Station Manager of Society for Radio Democracy (FM98.1), Asmaa James

By Amin Kef Sesay

The indefatigable Station Manager of Society for Radio Democracy (FM98.1), Asmaa James, has been the recent target of  spurious allegations bordering on impropriety and an unethical working relationship with colleague members of staff, allegations said to be made by a purported group of Civil Society Activists in the country.

The said allegations are contained in an article that is been circulated on The Organizer.net website/online newspaper and titled: “A Fake Sierra Leone Journalist Exposed by Civil Societies for Stealing Public FM Radio”.

The allegations made against the seasoned journalist are serious ranging from her monopolizing and personalizing the radio station it being a public entity, treating members of staff with contempt, depriving them of benefits like medical, not making them use the office vehicle for official assignments, holding five accounts in her name on behalf of Radio Democracy and a host of others.

As an objective news outlet, The Calabash became very much interested in the issue and so decided to delve deeper into it in terms of mounting an independent investigation to get at the bottom of what is really transpiring.

In the first place, when this medium thoroughly read the article it became very apparent that in the first place the author indicated that the allegations made against Asmaa James came from a group of Civil Society Organizations, which he or she initially failed to mention as a consortium.

As if the writer shot himself or herself on the leg, he or she then later named Andrew Lavalie of the Institute of Governance Reform (IRG), Edmond Abu of Native Consortium. Ibrahim Tommy of Centre for the Rule of Law and Accountability (CARL), Abdul Fatoma of CHADI, and the Head of  Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA ) as those who have called for clarification from Asmaa James in a Press Release and furthered that they are all corrupt Civil Society Activists.

However, the Institute of Governance Reform in a Press Statement dated 23rd November 2020 dissociated itself from what it refers to as a “malicious publication targeting Radio Democracy’s Asmaa James”. It stated that it would like the public to know that it enjoys a strong relationship with Radio Democracy since they were established six years ago.

It continued, “at no point has the Institute, singularly or in collaboration with the named organizations or any other organization for that matter written a letter or made any statements, questioning the Management of Radio Democracy”.

It will therefore dawn from the onset that the author has an ulterior motive to tarnish the hard earned won reputation of individuals who have been expressing critical views on national issues in an apolitical manner. As a matter of fact one could see from the rear that there is some form of political connotation in the accusation especially as the aforementioned Civil Society activists have been branded too often as sympathizers of the ruling SLPP.

Taking our investigation further we contacted some of the Board Members of Radio Democracy to elucidate on the matter.

One of them who is Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq. a seasoned lawyer and also a Civil Society activist intimated this medium that as far as he knows the members of staff of Radio Democracy are paid monthly, are covered by NASSIT which according to him it is what they are entitled to. He said the station has 45 members of staff further reiterating that they are paid every month with no backlog currently also affirming that  every one of them is having his or her NASSIT paid including taxes. Logically, they may be enjoying other benefits based on their outs, he averred.

In response to the allegation that the Station Manager, Asmaa James, has deliberately shown certain Board Members with Integrity the exit door, Saffa Abdulai pointed out that  as a matter of fact she is answerable to the Board as it was the Board that employed her going further to commend her  for doing a fantastic job.
With regards the handling or management of the Radio Station’s finances, the learned legal luminary stated that they are handled by an external financial agency called Freetong Nominees.

His response to that allegation was in sharp contradiction to what the author of the damning article postulated saying that Radio Democracy’s funds are in five accounts that are personally controlled by Asmaa James. “I am categorically informing you that cheques for the account are signed by one Board Member and the audit of the accounts is done every year,” he affirmed adding that the Station Manager runs the station with funds she receives from donors.

Touching on whether  political considerations have largely influenced Asmaa James’ work ethics, he said, everyone has access to Radio Democracy and reporters bring the news that are aired maintaining that has never been an instance when the Station Manager has stopped anyone from accessing the radio Station.
“There is no proof that she has used Radio Democracy to blackmail Government officials,” he underscored arguing that no one has complained and no one has levied the allegation to the Board.

The Board Member continued by stating that as Station Manager, Asmaa James takes daily decisions that affect people which some could wrongly interpret as hate, anchoring that Asmaa is very professional and the Board is pleased with her.

“She has also done what no else has done for the Station; build a solid structure (the office block), put Management in place, raised funds for the station and keep it going,” he commended.

Another Board Member, Christian Kamara, in his response pointed out that Stevens and Co is the auditor of the station. He made it categorically clear that the station is owned by Civil Society Organizations and has a Board. He said the utilization of funds generated goes towards payment of staff salaries and to take care of operational or running costs such as payment of electricity bills, water rates, stationaries, fuel and a host of other things. He also expressed profound satisfaction with the progress that the Radio Station is making under the steering of Asmaa James.

Radio Democracy was set up in 1997 to help restore democracy in Sierra Leone after the country’s democratically elected Government was overthrown by a group of military personnel. At that time, there was a massive local and international call for the reinstatement of the Government. The establishment of the radio was critical to sustaining efforts at reinstating democratic rule. Radio Democracy not only provided regular updates relating to on-going efforts to restore democracy but served as a major reporter of issues that counteracted the propaganda machinery of the military junta. It was essentially a medium through which pressure was brought to bear on the military to relinquish power, while at the same time giving hope to a largely crestfallen population.

Since 1997, Radio Democracy has never ceased to perform its role as a platform for civil society, upholding democracy, human rights, promoting good governance, and a platform for diverse voices from all spectrum of the Sierra Leonean population, stimulating an active citizenry in both national and community discussions.

Today the radio has gone far and wide, countrywide and international.

Its Station Manager commands great respect for her forthrightness and objectivity.

UBA Launches 5 Promotional Products

Managing Director of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Usman Isiaka

By Foday Moriba Conteh

United Bank for Africa (UBA) which has been rated as one of Sierra Leone’s leading financial institutions, offering unswerving and contemporary services to its numerous customers, has on Wednesday 25th November, 2020 launched 5 new liability products as part of their strides to enhance financial inclusion in the country. The launch took place at the Hub Hotel on Hill Station in Freetown.

The five liability products include: UBA Teens Account, UBA Dreams Account, UBA Extra, UBA Next Level and UBA Sharp Sharp.

In his address, Managing Director of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Usman Isiaka said that UBA, as a Pan Africa and global Bank with a Mission to be a role model for African businesses by creating superior value for all their stakeholders, abiding by the utmost professional and ethical standards and by building an enduring institution with a Vision to be the undisputed leading and dominant financial services institution in Africa, thought it fit to launch the five products for its numerous customers across the country.

Usman Isiaka noted that as a bank they are happy for the fact that they are launching products that are in sync with the Central Bank’s initiative of promoting financial inclusion, adding that among the five products there are two products which specially border on low Know Your Customer (KYC) account of which he said will make it easy and convenient for every individual to open an account especially for the low value and low risk customers who do not need to go through a very elaborate KYC documentation which, he said, definitely distinguishes UBA in the market in terms of their commitment to the development of the banking industry in the country’s economy.

Unveiling the products, Branch Manager, UBA Kissy Road Branch, Joseph David Kemoi, said they at UBA are very committed in promoting financial inclusion in the country saying it is against such a backdrop that they are very proud to launch the products.

He said with the UBA Teens Account, teens can get scholarships plus a cash rewards and other amazing benefits, adding that with this Account teens can get 13 months reward of 10% of their monthly savings (if Savings is maintained over 12 months without interruption) and also availed the opportunity to do their internship with the bank subject to vacancy.

Joseph David Kemoi revealed that the minimum opening balance for the Teens Account is Le 250,000 with a prevailing interest rate on savings account (payable monthly), adding that there will no interest payment for more than 3 withdrawals in the month and that Full KYC is allowed for parents/guardians with no limit cash deposit.

He said the age limit for the Teens account is 13-17 years with a transition at age 18 to UBA NextGen.

The second product which he revealed was UBA Dreams of which he said customers can enjoy high interest rates while having easy access to funds, adding that with this target savings account it helps customers plan and save towards a project to make it happen.

Joseph David Kemoi revealed that the minimum opening balance for UBA Dreams is Le 1,000,000 with a prevailing interest rate of 3, 4 & 5 percent depending on the deposited amount, and that monthly interest is forfeited after 3 withdrawals in the month and that Full KYC is required.

The third product was UBA Extra of which account holders qualify for quarterly draws to win Motor cycles, Tricycles – Kekes, Refrigerators, shopping vouchers and cash prizes etc. The minimum opening balance for UBA Extra is Le 500,000 with a prevailing interest rate on savings account (payable monthly) and that monthly interest is forfeited after 3 withdrawals in the month and that Full KYC is required.

Branch Manager of UBA Adelaide Street, Daphine Ray-Johnson, who also unveiled the products said that at UBA they care for their numerous customers across the country.

She disclosed that the UBA Sharp-Sharp Account, which is part of the 5 products, is a TIER 1 Low KYC savings account under the Bank of Sierra Leone guideline designed to encourage the un-banked and the under banked to have bank accounts in line with the Financial Inclusion strategic intent of the Central Bank, adding that this type of account is opened and operated on Low KYC basis with the following minimal documentation requirement, that is Completed Account Opening Forms, Internal Due Diligence Form, Two Passport photographs.

Daphine Ray-Johnson revealed that their targeted market are the Un-banked and the Under banked. i.e. Artisans, Students of tertiary institutions, Farmers, Traders, Fishermen Rural dwellers and communities where banking is still alien etc She furthered that the Minimum Initial Deposit of Le10,000 with a Le 30,000 operating balance with a daily and monthly withdrawal limit of Le500,000 and Le 2,500,000 respectively.

Daphine said with a maximum operating balance of Le 2,500,000 otherwise the account should be converted to Regular Savings Account.

She further unveiled the UBA Next Level Savings Account of which she said is a TIER 2 Low KYC Savings Account under the Bank of Sierra Leone guideline designed to encourage the un-banked and the under-banked to have bank accounts in line with the Financial Inclusion strategic intent of the Central Bank and that this account type however has higher transaction limits.

Daphine Ray-Johnson noted that this type of account is opened and operated on Low KYC basis with the following minimal documentation requirement:  Completed Account Opening Forms, Internal Due Diligence Form, Passport Photograph with a Letter of Reference attested by one of the following local authorities, Chief, Member of Parliament, Judge, Minister, Pastor/Imam etc.

She revealed that their targeted market are the Un-banked and the under banked. i.e. Artisans, Students of tertiary institutions, Farmers, Traders, Fishermen Rural dwellers and communities where banking is still alien etc, furthering that the Minimum Initial Deposit of Le30,000 with a Le 50,000 operating balance with a daily and monthly withdrawal limit of Le1,000,000 and Le 5,000,000 respectively.

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