By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
In a significant stride towards addressing climate change and environmental preservation, Orange Sierra Leone (OSL), the leading telecommunications company in the country, has partnered with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. This partnership was prominently showcased during the celebration of Environment Day on May 27, 2024.
The event, hosted at the Orange SL Headquarters on Hill Station in Freetown, was part of a week-long celebration running until May 31 under the theme: “The Earth is All we Have, Let’s go Green.”
In a stirring address during Environmental Week, Orange CEO Sekou Amadou Bah emphasized the critical importance of global cooperation in tackling environmental challenges. “Environmental Day is a chance for people around the world to come together and renew our commitment to protecting our planet,” he stated.
Highlighting the severe environmental issues we face, Sekou Bah underscored the urgency of addressing climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. These, he noted, are immense global problems requiring concerted action.
Reflecting on Orange’s efforts over the past three years, he detailed the company’s strides in reducing its environmental impact. “We are cutting down on our carbon emissions by switching to renewable energy sources and utilizing clean energy solutions,” he said.
The CEO reiterated Orange’s ambitious target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040, a goal supported by a comprehensive environmental plan. This plan, developed in collaboration with the Chief Climate Officer, outlines specific goals and commitments aimed at reaching this milestone.
“Achieving these ambitious commitments will take all of us working together,” Sekou Bah urged. He called on everyone to get involved through volunteering for environmental projects, advocating for sustainable practices within their departments, or simply being more conscious of their carbon footprints.
“At Orange Sierra Leone, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate what’s possible when a company and its employees unite for the greater good,” Orange CEO said. “I firmly believe that each of us has the ability to make a real difference to protect the environment.”
Concluding his speech, CEO Bah encouraged all to celebrate Environmental Day by recommitting to this vital cause. “The future of our planet is in our hands. We have only one Earth! Let’s go green,” he proclaimed.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, expressed gratitude to Orange SL for its support to strides made by the Government . He referenced the 2017 natural disaster, attributing it to detrimental human activities such as farming and deforestation around critical areas like the Guma Dam. Jiwoh Abdulai, warned that continued environmental neglect could lead to severe consequences such as a water shortage in Freetown within a decade.
Edward Sesay, Orange SL’s Wholesale and Roaming Director, spoke on the adverse effects of air pollution, identifying common sources like household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires. He also highlighted indoor pollution sources, such as tobacco smoke and mosquito coils, which pose significant health risks.
In her closing remarks, Mabel Mason, the Public Relations Officer for Orange SL, thanked all attendees and encouraged Sierra Leoneans to actively participate in environmental protection efforts.
The collaboration between Orange SL and the Ministry of Environment underscores a shared vision for a greener and more sustainable future for Sierra Leone.
