March 6, 2017 By Sahr  Morris jnr

President of Sierra Leone National Ruby Association Jeremiah Moshopeh Pratt has confirmed Sierra Leone’s participation at the inaugural Kwesé Sports Victoria Falls Sevens tournament in Zimbabwe

The tournament, which is expected to attract nine nations; host Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Sierra Leone Lesotho, Uganda, Nigeria, Botswana, Kenya, and Ghana , will run from March 18 to 19.

However, the tournament host, Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) are still waiting on the confirmation of Kenya, Uganda as well as Nigeria and Ghana.

According to Pratt, even though they have confirmed their participation with the ZRU, they were still in need of financial support to ensure their participation in the March 18 to 19 tournaments.

Already, the ZRU has settled for Victoria Falls Primary School as the venue for the tournament and the Elephant Hills Driving Range has been  earmarked as the future home of the tournament.

Sierra Leone National Rugby Association only gained recognition from the country’s National Sport Council and the Ministry of Sports in October, 2016 and are also an affiliate member of Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR).

March 6, 2017 By Sahr  Morris jnr

 Zambia’s former African Footballer of the Year, Kalusha Bwalya, has withdrawn from the race for a place on the Fifa Council – less than two weeks before the elections for African representatives.

Bwalya was voted Africa’s top footballer in 1988 and then become president of Zambia’s FA before he was unseated in last year’s elections.

He said he was pulling out to concentrate on winning re-election to the African governing body’s executive committee.

Elections for African places on the new-look Fifa Council will be held at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Congress in Addis Ababa on 16 March, at the same time as the Caf executive committee vote.

Bwalya was initially standing for places on both bodies but told reporters: “I have decided to withdraw from the race, to concentrate on retaining my ex-co position.”

Bwalya was one of three candidates for the place on the Fifa Council reserved for a representative from Africa’s Anglophone countries.

His withdrawal leaves a straight fight between Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi and Leodegar Tenga of Tanzania.

Africa has seven places on the Fifa Council, which has been renamed and expanded since Gianni Infantino came to power one year ago.

One place is automatically reserved for the Caf president and another for a female representative.

The other five places will be decided in Ethiopia on 16 March.

CREDIT: BBC

13-year-old girl, four others receive Le50m each

March 9, 2017 By Hassan Gbassay Koroma

Thirteen years old Isata Williams of the International Secondary School in Freetown, and four others on Tuesday, 7^th March, 2017 received  cheques of fifty million Leones each after they emerged as the final winners of the Airtel ‘Bomba +++ 70 days promotion.

It could be recalled that in November, 2016, Airtel telecommunications company in Sierra Leone unveiled the promotion code named: ‘Bomba Millionaire +++’ with the huge sum of two billion Leones with some 2,300 customers expected to win cash and other valuable items.

Speaking at a well-attended ceremony at their head office at Hill Station to mark the end of the promotion, the Chief Finance Officer, Gaelle Kerlan, expressed happiness for the fact that there was lady among the five winners from across the country.

The ceremony attracted winners of the promotion and their relatives, Airtel staff and other dignitaries from both Freetown and the provinces.

Also speaking, was the Revenue & Market Planning Manager, Abibatu Junisa, who noted that the ‘Bomba promotion started just after the Ebola scourge because Airtel was finding ways of giving back to the people.

She said before reaching the final stage of the promotion, one thousand three hundred and twenty (1320) had won one million Leones each during the seventy days promotion.

She further called on the winners to take the good massage to others that Airtel promotion was reality and asked them to make good use of the money to transform their lives and that of their families.

Hassan Kamara, one of the winners, said he was grateful to Airtel and that before now, he was a school dropout because his parents were late.

He narrated that he used to sell cold water in the streets of Freetown for his elder brother until the night he received a call from Airtel that he had won fifty million Leones.

He promised  to make sure that he use the money wisely.

The five final winners of the promotion including Isata Williams, Hassan Kamara, Sorie Kamara, Cherrinor Bah and Sulaiman Kandeh, from the four regions of the country expressed happiness and promised to use the money wisely.

March 10, 2017

The final report of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), which is currently awaiting cabinet approval and subsequent white paper, recommended among other things, a revamp and stronger provision on corruption to be captured in the revised constitution of Sierra Leone.

“Taking into account the overwhelming concerns expressed, the CRC concluded that revamped and stronger provisions on corruption, including a detailed chapter on leadership and integrity, should be added to the revised Constitution. The leadership and integrity provisions should give clear guidance as to responsibilities of leadership, conduct of State officers, financial probity of State officers, restrictions on activities of State officers, and citizenship, to satisfy the public demand for transparency and effectiveness in tackling corruption at all levels,” the report recommended.

The report states that due to it limited scope, Section 6(5) of the 1991 Constitution, which provides that, “The State shall take all steps to eradicate all corrupt practices and the abuse of power” be amended.

It reiterates that Section 6(5) should be amended to read as follows: “The State shall take all steps to eradicate all corrupt practices and the abuse of power. All organs of Government, authorities and public officers shall not- (a) act in any way that is inconsistent with this Constitution or their office; and (b) expose themselves to any situation involving the risk of a conflict between their official responsibilities and private interests.”

“The issue of corruption and corrupt practices, although being tackled, is still a cause of major concern in Sierra Leone. It is recognised that the revised Constitution should strengthen the single reference to it in the 1991 Constitution which was described as being too scanty and weak,” the report stated.

The report referenced the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report in 2004, which welcomed the steps taken by the government of Sierra Leone to address corruption especially by the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission in 2000.

 “The CRC was conscious of the findings of the TRC that corruption had played a significant role in contributing to the Civil War:-The Commission found that the central cause of the war was endemic greed, corruption and nepotism that deprived the nation of its dignity and reduced most people into a state of poverty,” stated the report.

It further highlighted the TRC recommendations under the headings “Promoting Good Governance” and “Combating Corruption” thus calling on all of those involved in the public sector to usher in a new culture of ethics and service and to fight the scourge of corruption which saps the life-force of Sierra Leone.

“Years of lapses in governance and unrestrained corruption produced the deplorable conditions that set the scene for bitter civil war in Sierra Leone. There is no option but to address bad governance and corruption head on. It would not be an overstatement to say that the survival of the nation depends on the success of society in confronting these issues,” the report cited TRC recommendation.

The CRC final report further cited the position paper of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) ,which recommended that eradication of corruption needed to be addressed in the reviewed constitution and that reduction of inefficiency, mismanagement and waste of public funds and assets should be recognised and addressed in the Constitution alongside the reference to eradication of corruption in Chapter II.

It also cited the Kono district Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (CPPS), which observed that in fighting corruption, good governance efforts rely on principles such as accountability, transparency and effective participation to shape anti-corruption measures.

“The CPSS statement continues: “until and unless the good/best practices in good governance are implemented without fear or favour we would ever remain far from sustainable development,” stated the report.

It again stated that the Revolutionary United Front Party (RUFP) in its position paper also called for the corruption provisions to be strengthened.

The CRC noted that during the nationwide consultations, people called for stronger measures and mechanisms to be introduced in the revised Constitution and other legislation to tackle corruption and corrupt practices at all levels, including public officials, parliamentarians, judiciary and the executive.

Gov’t, P’ment urged to enact Gender Equality Bill

March 10, 2017 By Ibrahim Tarawallie

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRC-SL) has urged the government and the house of parliament to, without any further delay, enact the Gender Equality Bill into law.

Sierra Leone on Wednesday (March 8, 2017) joined other countries around the world to observe this year’s International Women’s Day on the theme: “Sustaining the increase of inclusive participation of women to enhance Socio-Economic Gender Parity by 2030.”

Even though the country has come a long way in advancing women’s empowerment over the decades, the commission in a press release said sustaining the gains made would only be possible with the renewed commitment of all and sundry.

“Advancing women’s human rights and economic empowerment in all spheres of life particularly in the workplace is important for achieving gender equality and  gender parity in realising women’s human rights and sustainable development,” the release stated.

The commission is of the view that when women are empowered, inequalities are eliminated in the workplaces, communities and homes, there would be improvement in healthcare, inclusive participation in education and decision making.

According to the country’s national human rights body, efforts must therefore be made at the national and institutional levels to realise gender equality for women as that would be a vital strategy for economic and social development which would bring about sustainable development and the reduction of poverty among women.

The release continued: “Gone are the days when women were expected to solely manage the domestic affairs of the home and raise children.  Today, we see a good many educated women managing offices, in positions of decision making and running their own businesses.”

While commending the government for the remarkable contribution towards women’s empowerment, the HRC-SL also urged the government to enact laws and policies that would help to achieve gender parity at all levels in the workplace and in decision making.

The commission reiterated its commitment to continue advocating for the advancement of women’s human rights, equality and parity in order for them to attain their potentials and contribute meaningfully in all spheres of life, particularly in the workplace and encourage women and women’s groups not to relent in their commitment and quest for ensuring that Sierra Leone attains gender parity by 2030.

March 10, 2017

The Sierra Leone Legal Aid Board has in a public notice announced the commencement of provisional accreditation of legal aid service providers in the country.

The exercise will end on the 31 May 2017 and those who fail to register within the deadline would have committed an offence under the Legal Aid Act 2012.

 The Act provides that an organisation which provides legal aid without being accredited commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding thirty million Leones or an imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.

Explaining the benefits of being accredited with the Board, the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles said the certificate will be used to recognise credible legal aid service providers, which is needed by both government and donors in dealing with or providing support to them.

According to Ms. Carlton-Hanciles, accreditation will bring much needed transparency and openness in the operations of legal aid service providers.

“It will give an idea of the number of service providers, areas of the country they operate and target beneficiaries. It will also ensure accountability in the sense that people will know the amount of support and funds provided to the service providers and the impact this is having on beneficiaries.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles added that the exercise will help service providers to coordinate their interventions and that it would prevent wastage and duplication of interventions.

“Even though we do not have the resources including human to services all those who qualify for legal aid, accreditation of service providers will ensure we impact as many people as we possibly can,”

The Legal Aid providers are required to pick up Accreditation Forms from the Legal Aid Board office close to them and forms will be processed, approved and certificate issued in any of the Legal Aid Board offices around the country.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said on the expiration of the May 31 deadline, donors would be required to provide support or funds to those who must have been accredited and recognised by the Board.

Witness says deceased was found dead in his bedroom

March 10, 2017 By Hawa Amara

First prosecution witness in the ongoing murder matter involving four accused persons alleged to have murdered former Chief of Defense Staff, Abdul Barrie, yesterday informed the court that the deceased was found in his bedroom lying dead in a pool of blood.

While testifying before the Freetown Magistrates’ Court No.1, presided over by Magistrate Dr. Abou Bhakarr Binneh-Kamara, the witness told the court that on December 22nd, 2016, at around 11:12 pm he and one Mohamed, Rose, Williams Bah, and Mr. Collier were at the sitting room watching a movie, while the deceased was in his bedroom.

The witness explained that sudden a power outage forced all of them to go into their various bedrooms.

“I then instructed Mohamed to close the main door. At 2am, I was informed by Mohamed that thieves had broken into the house. I then put on the solar light and found out that my phone was missing and the palour door was widely opened. I went to the deceased’s room and called him out loud but he didn’t respond. I also went down to the other apartment and informed one Mr. Kabba,” he said

 He said both of them went into the house, and as they approached the steps leading to the deceased’s bedroom, they saw a blood stain which urged them to break the door.

 He said they met the deceased lying on the ground dead.

The witness further testified that he was later invited to the Criminal Investigations Department to make a statement.

Ibrahim Kalokoh aka Kate/Fayai , Festus Mansaray , Alhaji Steven Bangura, and Alpha Umaru were arraigned on four counts of conspiracy, robbery with aggravation and murder contrary to laws of the Sierra Leone.

The charged sheet stated that the accused persons on diverse dates between 1st and 22nd December, 2016, at Bai Bureh  Road, conspired with unknown persons to commit a crime to wit robbery with aggravation.

The charge sheet also stated that the accused persons on 22nd December, 2016, at Umuels Drive, Devil Hole, in the Waterloo Judicial district, being armed with short gun, robbed the deceased, Retired Lieutenant General Samuel Omar Williams of two iphone6, valued Le14, 700, 000, one Black Sierratel mobile Phone valued Le200,000, one Samsung Galaxy edge valued Le11, 025,000, one silver MAC Book PRO Apple Laptop computer valued Le8, 820,000, one sunny blue-black computer valued Le5, 880, 000, one silver colour portfolio valued Le200,000, and other properties all to the total value of Le56, 355,000, properties of the deceased.

The particulars of offence stated that the accused persons on the aforementioned date at Umuels Drive, Devil Hole, in the Waterloo Judicial district, murdered the deceased.

The matter will come up again on 6th April, 2017 for further hearing.

March 10, 2017 By Regina Pratt

Lead Anti-Corruption Commission prosecutor, Lawyer Calvin T. Mantsebo, has stated in his opening address on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, that the evidence before the court was that the sum of Le1,349,530 billion intended for charitable work was misappropriated from Plan International account  through the actions of the 8 accused persons.

He was addressing Justice Komba Kamanda in the case between the State versus Akunna Daniel Shorunkeh-Sawyer and seven others.

He said the State would establish that there was a plan and an agreement among the accused persons to misappropriate the said funds, and that the State would also establish that the modus operandi was fairly simple.

Lawyer Mantsebo further said the accused persons were employed by Plan International and that Akunna Daniel Shorokeh-Sawyer made direct bank transfers from Plan International bank account to their local partner organisations.

“The same accused persons who were employed by Plan International thereafter instructs the heads of those local organisations to withdraw the monies that had been transferred from Plan account to their own accounts,” he said.

He said the State would also lead evidence to establish that the 1^st accused, Akunna Daniel Shorunkeh-Sawyer and 4^th accused, Patrick Abubakarr Mahoi, were found to be in possession of unexplained wealth beyond their sources of income.

Led in evidence by lawyer Mantsebo, PW 14, Joseph Bockarie Noah, who is the senior investigating officer at the Anti-Corruption headquarters, said he recognised all accused persons in the dock.

The witnesses read the statement of the 3^rd accused, Yassin Turay, who stated that he was employed as a cleaner for some 14 years and later became an account assistant for 6 years, working directly with the 1^st accused as his immediate boss.

The accused denied the allegation of obtaining of about Le50 million.

The matter was adjourned to Monday, March 20, 2017

March 10, 2017

The Legal Aid Board’s Alternative Dispute Resolution on Tuesday, 7^th March, 2017 resolved a long standing dispute in respect of a property situated on Newcastle Street, Kissy, eastern Freetown.

The dispute was between one Mr. Solomon Samba Mansaray and his seventy-seven year old elder sister, Madam Marian Kamara, who was in the country on holiday from the United States of America.

The duo, who had not been on speaking terms, were reconciled and both promised to work together in the interest of peace.

In that regard, Madam Marian Kamara agreed to cancel a U$ 400 debt owed by Mr. Mansaray.

The decade long conflict was resolved after Mr. Mansaray decided to report the matter to the Board in Freetown, when he received information that Madam Marian Kamara was planning to sell the property.

The owner of the property, who is the sister of both parties, had died over a decade ago without leaving a will.

The documents for the property including the conveyance were left with Mr. Mansaray, who he later handed them over to her sister for safekeeping. However, her refusal to return the documents to Mr. Mansaray led to tensions and mistrust between the two.

But, Madam Marian Kamara denied planning to sell the property, saying that she understood the property belongs to the family and that any decision to sell it has to be made by the family.

The ADR got both parties to understand the laws relating to inheritance and got them to agree that the property belongs to the family of the deceased, and that no single member can lay exclusive claim to it.

‘We have lots to be hopeful as a country’

March 10, 2017 By Ibrahim Tarawallie  

MoneyGram in collaboration with the Ghanaian Professionals in Sierra Leone (GHAPSIL) on Monday (March 6, 2017) hosted a dinner at the Sierra Light House, Aberdeen in commemoration of Ghana’s 60^th Independency anniversary.

The event brought together members of GHAPSIL, agents of the MoneyGram service and Ghanaians across the country to celebrate their country’s silver jubilee.

Head of Chancery and Acting Ghanaian High Commissioner in Sierra Leone, Ernest Yaw Amporful, told the gathering that as they look forward into a brighter future, they have lots to be hopeful of as a country.

He expressed fervent hope that under the distinguish leadership of the current president; Nana Akufor Addo, the ground would be fertile in order to be able to accomplish what they wanted.

According to him, the occasion in Ghana was marked  with a match past  which was graced by school children and the security, and that fourteen (14) Heads of States were in attendance to celebrate with them.

“We are grateful for that. For us as a country, we have a lot to be hopeful for. Even as we look forward into the future, we hope that under the distinguish leadership of our current president, the ground will be fertile to be able to accomplish what we hope for,” he said.

With regards bilateral relations with Sierra Leone, Mr. Amporful stated that relationship between the two countries dated back to colonial times in the field of education and other technical cooperation.

“Ghanaians were coming here to study and so our relations have been a very good one. Even today, we went to commission a school we renovated at Wilberforce. This shows the kind of relationship that exists between the two countries and we hope that it will get much better in years to come,” he assured.

He reckoned that their collaboration with MoneyGram was to look at ways to get Ghanaians residing in Sierra Leone to relate with home by sending money to family and loved ones.

While expressing hope that the collaboration would help in solving some of the challenges faced by Ghanaians in sending money back home, the acting High Commissioner thanked them for bringing Ghanaians together to celebrate the silver jubilee of their independence anniversary.

Also speaking was the President of GHAPSIL, Mark Kwaku Mintah, who commended MoneyGram for the collaboration and noted they were in the country to change lives.

He said the establishment of GHAPSIL was not only to unify Ghanaians in the country but to look after their civic and social responsibility back home as well.

“I am excited about the partnership with MoneyGram. Let say that at 60, we as Ghanaians no longer need to make excuses. We have to reap what we sow,” he said, while urging Ghanaians who were yet to be part of GHAPSIL to join.

Managing Director of Premier Media Consultancy, Dr. Julius Spencer, spoke about a promotion by MoneyGram, which, he said was currently ongoing and designed for Ghanaians as they go about celebrating their 60^th Independence anniversary.

He explained that Ghanaians stand the chance of winning six (6) brand new Suzuki cars and other fabulous consolation prizes if they received money from their families and loved ones abroad.

“When a transaction is done in one of the banks operating the services, a scratch card is given and for every scratch card, there is a prize. MoneyGram is an international money transfer service and it is safe, reliable and no risk using the service,” he said.

‘We want a woman as President of Sierra Leone’

March 10, 2017 By Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (De Monk)

The rebel war started in neighbouring Liberia and spilled into Sierra Leone. The Ebola Virus Disease outbreak entered into Sierra Leone after hitting Liberia. Yes, these are unfortunate incidents but it makes sense to predict that since Liberia has a woman as their President Sierra Leone is ready or may not be too far away from a woman presidency.

This is the reasoning of Kadie Jumu Peters, Chairperson of the Board of local Non-Governmental Organisation, SEND Sierra Leone, while giving the keynote address at a ceremony marking International Women’s Day 2017 at the Pendembu Community Center, Upper Bambara Chiefdom, Kailahun District, Eastern Sierra Leone.

The ceremony was organized by the community based organisation Kailahun Women in Governance Network (KWiGN) with funding from Christian Aid through SEND Sierra Leone.

“We should be clamouring for a female President by now,” said Kadie. “Women have done a lot for Sierra Leone, and even President Ernest Bai Koroma has appointed women in many leadership positions because he believes in their abilities and they have excelled in those offices.”

Kadie said women leaders have a lot of patience in doing things and they have empathy for people, although sometimes they have to be stronger to prove that they match up with the strength of men.

“Globally women leaders have proven to be less corrupt, if not corrupt at all, and diligent in their duties. Take the household for example; they know every sector in the home and are very good in allocating resources and they manage the home well,” she said.

The former Director of Advocacy at Save the Children Sierra Leone and former Policy and Program Manager at Christian Aid Sierra Leone, challenged women to make the forthcoming 2018 elections to be an election for women, and promised that she would try in her own small way to lift women candidates up.

“We have to challenge ourselves as women, by asking ourselves: what have we done for our homes, our communities, our districts and our country? Women should support their fellow women for political office. This is the only sure way we can have women in the right places to influence policies that will ensure equal opportunities and equal access to the resources of the State for women and girls,” said Kadie.

She urged women to take advantage of the many opportunities available locally and internationally and close that space. Additionally, she encouraged women to utilize all the legislations and international treaties that favour them.

Kadie Jumu Peters was standing on solid ground when she made her bold call for a woman presidency in Sierra Leone. Kailahun District has the highest female representation in politics in the country. In the 2007 national elections Kailahun District elected seven women as Councillors; in 2012 the number rose to 12 and two Members of Parliament. In 2018 the women of Kailahun are aspiring to make it rhyme with 18 Councilors and eight MPs. And they already have a numeric slogan for this: ‘18-8-2018’.

But it seems Kadie has just challenged them to raise the bar higher.

Yet only one distinguished woman in the country has set her eyes on the presidency by declaring her intention to be the flag-bearer of her party, the All People’s Congress Party. Her name is Zainab Hawa Bangura.

Few people in salone knows about int’l women’s day

 March 10, 2017 By Regina Pratt

International Women’s Day (8 March) is a day set aside by the United Nation to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women, present, past and future, and this day has been observed since the early 90’s.

This day is celebrated in Sierra Leone and other countries in the world with the theme for 2017 as “Sustaining the increase in inclusive participation of women to enchance chances of socio-economic gender parity by 2030”.

A survey done by Concord Times suggested that many women knew little or nothing about the said day which do not get much publicity, as most of them want their women folks to be empowered and all forms of violence against women are stopped.

Gento machine operator, Joyce Moseray said she joined the company in 2013 after graduating from Njala university as a data processor. A job which she appreciated as at the that time she was in need of job to empower herself.

She stated that it was high time women moved from the backyard to the front and contributes to decision making in the society.

She said education should not be a barrier for women’s empowerment and that she was proud of her job.

Mrs. Moseray further explained that when she went to seek employment at Gento, the director was happy for her boldness and encourage her a lot. She said what surprised her was that one of the senior staff at the company didn’t want her to be an operator.

 “Women should be proud of doing the work of a man. Before now women were not allowed to do the job that men do and in the past especially in our rural settings where they believe that it is a taboo to challenge decisions that should be taken by a man but women are now aware that they should come to the front”, she said.

The Operator further said that some people do not like seeing women operating machines these days on the notion that they would be there to born children, and take care of the home.

 “Men should encourage the women so that they could continue giving their voices out. I am calling on the government to empower women. Our sisters in the street should be empowered so that they could live a decent life and stop going behind men. That is why most of them do suffer violent attacks from their male counterparts”, she said.

She urged those young girls roaming the streets to refrain from such and do something that would make them live independently.

The One Pole Sisters Keeper is an organization being run by women who are single parents and deals in fishing to earn their living and take care of their children.

The organization has been in existence for over 30 years and they do their businesses along the Lumley beach has been operating for over 60 years according to the chairlady, madam sally cole who said that her father was one of the fishermen who name is still, remembered that he was one of the pioneers that established that selling point which is in operation and has helped many women to empower themselves in taking care of their families.

She informed me that she was working in one of the hotels as a house keeper, but left to continue thei work that her parents were doing just to empower herself in taking care of her children, stating that despite my education I did not sit and wait for helpers.

She also said that their organisation had never attended any functions regarding the International Womens day but she had been advising young girls to learn something that could empower them.

Madam Cole said that from the proceed she gets while selling her fish, she used to take care of her children and that the other members also do the same to take care of their family and that they leave by going out to get more fish for their customers.

She said being a woman is not a curse, but to be empowered is a blessing that their male counterparts will also admire them, stating that women should not seat and wait for your husband, but do something that would inspire other women.

Madam Cole call on the government and the international community to help in assisting the suffering women in our country, adding that the way women are being disgraced is not good for the country and that the government recognized us as we were told that we should leave this site.

She further said that violence against woman is on the increase and we are appealing to the government to great care in protecting women, and those women who die while giving birth calling on the medical officers to protect the lives of women especially if that woman cannot afford the fees and also that government should look into the educational sector for the girl child.

She thank the organisers of the International Womens day that the voices of women be heard.

March 15, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr

Alhassan ‘Crespo’ Kamara helped fired BK Häcken to the semi-finals of the Svenska Cupen (Swedish Cup) by ending AIK hopes in a 3-0 win at the Bravida Arena on Sunday.

The Sierra Leonean international scored Häcken’s second goal of the night in the 88 minutes after Rasmus Lindgren gave them the lead. Brazilian Paulinho sealed the win for the home side as he took advantage of a penalty.

With a semi-final spot already assured, Kamara’s goal was his fourth in four matches as he continued his impressive form in the Svenska Cupen. BK Häcken will now face Ostersund on Saturday, March 18.

In England League One, Sierra Leone international, Amadu Bakayoko, enjoyed 63 minutes of action in his side; Walsall 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic,  while Leyton Orient’s  Joshua Koroma had full time spell in their 0-3 defeat to Grimsby Town.

Winger, Abdulia Bell-Baggie, was in Poole Town squad that suffered a 2-1 defeat to Welling United in the English National League North/ South, while his countryman and former Leone Stars captain, Ibrahim Obreh Kargbo, was limited to 60 minutes of display in Dulwich Hamlet 5-0 home win over Merstham .

Another Sierra Leonean, who was called to action over the weekend was midfielder; Alhassan Bangura, whose Nuneaton Town side suffered a 2-0 defeat to FC Halifax Town and Bangura was withdrawn in 59 minutes.

In Kazakhstan Premier League, John Kamara continued to retain his starting spot for Kaisar as they defeated Taraz 2-1. The Sierra Leonean midfielder was however, substituted in the 60th minutes by Saïdi Ntibazonkiza, whose introduction helped secured all three points for the home side.

Mustapha Dumbuya returned to the Partick Thistle starting squad in their 1-1 draw with Inverness CT, while in Portugal, midfielder, Rodney Strasser was an unused sub in Gil Vicente 2-1 away defeated to Sporting Braga II.

March 15, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr

Chairman for Sierra Leone Cricket Association (SLCA), Board of Directors, Beresford Bournes-Coker, has urged players of the national team to go the extra mile to improve their physical and technical ability ahead of the International Cricket Council (ICC)/ World Cricket League (WCL) Africa division One tournament.

Bournes-Coker’s  latest call came after the SLCA selection panel officially announced the final 14 man squad ahead of the April tournament.

He said: “You were selected based on performance standards. To ensure you have a good tour with the national team you have to go the extra mile to improve your physical ability and technical know-how in the area of bowling, batting and fielding.”

Prominent names amongst the 14 players are; captain Lansana Lamin, Bami Williams, Emmanuel Kamara and Mohamed Khan. Youngsters; George Edward Ngagba and John Bangura all got the nod.

Sierra Leone will start their campaign in the competition against Ghana on April 7th before taking on Zambia the following day.

The team will also face Nigeria on 11th April before taking on Botswana and Tanzania respectively.

The six nations; Botswana, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia tournament will be played under the 50 over format structure with the winner gaining promotion to the next stage of World Cricket.

The full list of selected players are: John Bangura – Opening batman, George Edward Ngagba – Opening batman and Spinner, Ibrahim Kamara – Opening batman and medium pace bowler, Yegbeh Jalloh – Opening batman and wicket keeper, Emmanuel Kamara – Opening batman, Lansana Lamin (Captain) – Middle order batman and fast pace bowler, Mohamed Khan – Middle order batman and spinner

Solomon Williams-Middle order batman and swing bowler, Ishmail Komba – Middle other batman and medium pace bowler Mohamed Mansaray-Middle order batman and wicket keeper, Bami Williams – Opening swing bowler, Julius Brewa – Opening batman and wicket keeper,  Abass Gbla – Middle order batman and swing bowler and Olu Compagnie-Coker – Middle order batman.

March 16, 2017 

The winner of the Pride of Australia Award, Ansumana Usman Koroma popularly known as AUK has called on all Sierra Leoneans within and outside the country to support and fully participate in both the voter registration slated for March 20 to April 19 2017 and the forthcoming nationwide civil registration slated for April 24 to June 11, 2017.

AUK who is a Political and Policy Analyst working in Australia said the mass registration of every citizen is a very important process in the development agenda of the country.

 He therefore appealed to all Sierra Leoneans to put politics aside and understand that the process would help government consolidate citizens’ data and enhance effective service delivery and improve monitoring of government programmes and policies.

He stressed that the national civil registration authority was created to promote a greater sense of nationalism and common identity.

Whilst thanking President Ernest Bai Koroma for being a true unifier and a developmentally oriented leader, AUK said he has embarked on awareness raising campaign to tell Sierra Leoneans about the importance of the process.

He further called on all Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to support the process and take the opportunity to register.

Ansumana Usman Koroma believes the registration would serve as a structure through which government would record vital events of its citizens and residents, thus describing the process as technologically sophisticated and consistent with recent demands.

Asked about his preparedness to support the process, AUK said he has started one-on-one sensitisation and that he would be in the country together with his family to register and continue his sensitisation process and ensure everyone is counted.

Meanwhile, the Director of Media and External Relations of the National Electoral Commission(NEC),Albert Massaquoi has informed the public that a total of 3,306 centres will be established across the country for  both the Voter and Civil  registration  exercise.

Deputy ACC chief says cost of corruption equals 5% of global GDP

March 16, 2017 By Ibrahim Tarawallie

Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has noted that certain estimates have shown that the cost of corruption equals about 5% of the Gross domestic Product (GDP) globally, which is about $2.6trillion.

Shollay Davies was speaking yesterday at Santano House in Freetown during a debating competition organised by the ACC on relevant topics of the ‘Pay No Bribe’ Campaign for students in tertiary institutions.

Debaters from Fourah Bay College, Institute of Publication Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, Government Technical Institute and the Milton Margai College of Education, Science and Technology (MMCET) argued on topics ranging from; “Lecturers or Students: Who bear the greater responsibility in tackling bribery in Sierra Leone and the “PNB Campaign minimizes bribery in the Universities/Colleges”, among others.

At the end of a tense debate, Gbatundu N. Kutubu from FBC emerged as the winner after defeating Osman S. Swaray of MMCET in the final by 81 points to 68, receiving Le500, 000 from the ACC.

According to Mr. Davies, a World Bank report revealed that over $1trillion was being paid as bribe each year, and that a stalking revelation while browsing the internet, was that corruption was costing Africa about $50bilion a year through illicit financial frauds.

“This is no longer a question about ethics. The world cannot afford such wastage of resources. Empirical studies conducted by the World Bank consistently demonstrate that the poor pay the highest percentage of their income on bribes. It is a challenge for us,” he stated.

In Sierra Leone, the Deputy ACC Commissioner opined that corruption poses a threat and presents danger for the educational system in the country as a whole, because it has affected every facet of the system.

Earlier, Deputy Director of Public Education and Outreach Department, Patrick Sandi, said the concept of corruption would always provide an opportunity for discourse and debate.

He maintained that the ‘Pay No Bribe’ campaign is interested in getting views from several quarters, including the academia on the ways in dealing with bribery in service delivery institutions.

He explained that the debate, which involved Accounting Now Clubs in universities and colleges, was to enable students to participate in the campaign by sharing views and brainstorming as to how members of the public would be educated on the topics.

“Accountability Now Clubs are a replication of Integrity Clubs in secondary schools, targeting the young in the corruption fight,” he said.

March 16, 2017

Thousands of women and girls in Koindu, Kissi Teng Chiefdom, were in a jubilant mood when the Minister of Social Welfare Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, announced the lifting of ban on Sunday trading in Koindu International Market in order to provide women with the opportunity to engage in cross-border trading, as well as revamp the Koindu trading system.

She made the above pronouncement during her keynote address to mark post-dated celebrations of International Women’s Day and the reinstating of the Koindu International Market over the weekend.

In her statement, Dr. Blyden announced that subsequent to arrangements put in place by the Paramount Chief and traditional authorities of Kissi Teng Chiefdom,it has pleased the Government to lift the ban on Sunday Trading in Koindu “but only for those who had wares at the Koindu International Market structure built by Government since 2009.”

She added that prior to the Ebola crisis that necessitated a Government ban on Sunday trading, the once prosperous Koindu Town had Sundays as a day  for international trading, while other neighboring areas had Fridays and Saturdays as theirs.

She maintained that the continued retention of a blanket ban on trading in Koindu has rendered the entire township and Kissi Teng chiefdom a serious disadvantage to the extent of depressing socio economic growth.

“Women are the most affected by this inability to conduct their Sunday trading with international neighbors,” she said.

Blyden told the huge crowd that President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma was committed to empowering women and fostering business activities for rapid economic growth.

She assured her audience of the full cooperation of government to the further development of the Koindu International Market.

Dr. Blyden noted that after she was told about water crisis in the township, she quickly informed President Koroma who in turn noted that his plans for re-activating Koindu were so much that water crisis should not hinder those plans.

“When you were cleaning the market area, you told me about the problem you encountered with the modern constructed water-well, which was not functional. I conveyed that message to the President. Do you know what His Excellency told me? He said ‘Madam Minister you know the good things I have planned to do in Koindu, so will we as a government be tired of making sure the water system works? He then ordered me that I should repair the well in a week and solve the water problem,” Blyden recounted.

 “With the pressure from the President, the Water problem here at the international market site was solved within four days. That shows the zeal President Koroma has for revitalising Koindu and the entire Kissi area.”

She assured the people of Koindu that President Koroma and his government were determined to make sure that Koindu takes back its former glory, which had seen the customs post there being second only to Freetown ports in terms of revenue generation.

“Government will find the money to help you restore Koindu because when Koindu is restored, everyone makes money including the government through customs duties,” she said.

March 16, 2017 By Regina Pratt

 The Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers (SLIE) would embark on capacity training for young engineering graduates from the University of Sierra Leone (USL).

The training would be taking place at Computech on Pultney Street in Freetown.

The above disclosure was made by the president of the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers, Prof. Redwood-Sawyer, during the launch of the new capacity building program referred to as Africa Catalyst program, which was done in partnership with Global Research Fund UK and Royal Academic for Engineers.

Speaking about the background of the program, the President said  the lack of soft skills for most of the young engineering  graduates  prompted  government through the Ministry of Finance to partner with SLIE to execute the program , which according to him, was a pilot program that would capacitate young engineering  graduates on soft skills.

He said the program would subsequently be taken over by the government of Sierra Leone after the end of the pilot phase.

Speaking on the aims of the program, Prof. Redwood-Sawyer noted that the program would develop the Young Engineers’ Corp for current engineering graduates, who are in the job market and those looking to improve their employability within the working environment, noting that another primary aim was to enhance the curriculum in the University.

Vice President of the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers (SLIE), who also doubles as the Coordinator of the training program, Ing.Trudi Morgan, said  twenty graduates were selected for the training program after they went through the necessary assessment procedures.

“I was looking out for “T-shape Engineers” who could move faster in parallel with the world in terms of global modernisation,” she said, adding that the training program was meant to transform young graduate engineers into T-shape engineers, who should have deep knowledge in software skills in order to match up with the global trend of advancement.

On the format of the program, she stated that the training program encompasses one week basic computer skills and project management skills, two weeks soft skills training, six weeks internship with employers and one week CV writing, interview preparation and project closure.

 Minister of Energy, Amb. Henry Macauley, noted that the framework for Young Engineers’ Corp was to increase the work force in the area of engineering, stating that the Bumbuna power station has lots of young engineers, who have been trained to take over the operations of the said station.

 He disclosed that as SLIE had been their counterpart in improving the energy sector, he commended them for their remarkable effort in capacitating young engineering graduates in the country.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Zainab Buya –Kamara, reiterated that the training was all about capacitating young students to increase their passion for the profession.

She said the objective was to attract young engineers to pursue engineering courses and consider the profession as a career, adding that the end result would enable government to tap into the potentials of young engineering graduates in the country.

March 16, 2017 By Hassan Gbassay Koroma

With the aim of providing standard cocktail service to guests and customers, the African Ambassador of Fabbri products, Ross Snowdon, has provided week long training for Radison Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel Sierra Leone bar attendees.

Speaking to the presser at the Radison Blu Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown, Ambassador Snowdon, said Fabbri products are used worldwide and that they have partnered with Radison Blu Brand, with the aim of providing a standard cocktail services in all their hotels across the globe.

He said as Fabbri products Ambassador in Africa, his purpose in Sierra Leone was to train the bar attendees and that for the past days, he has been able to teach them on how to serve cocktail to guests at the hotel.

He said trainees were trained on how to mix drinks like  ‘baw baw blu mojito’ using white rum, Fabbri  mojito, Fabbri tropical blue, fresh limes and mint leaves, as well as  trained on how to mix cosmopolitan, Lumley margarita, ananas tonic, blu screwdriver, ginperol spritz and ginger fizz.

Also speaking, the Bar Manager at Radison Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Julius Kamara, said they were very grateful for the training, because it has helped them with new ideas of treating cocktail service.

He promised that they would do their best to ensure that they put into full practise what they learnt and would make sure that they satisfy their customers by providing them with the best cocktail services in the country.

Amidu Deen, one of the bar attendees that benefited from the training also thanked  Ambassador Snowdon  for providing such training, adding through the training, he learnt a lots and that they were now fully prepared to give full and best service to their gusts and customers.

March 16, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr

African football governing body, CAF has levied US$ 10,000 fine on the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) following the withdrawal of the country’s Confederations Cup representative, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).  

The Military guys were billed to host their Tunisian opponent, Club Africain on Sunday, March 19,  at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown for the return leg tie but decided to pull out after losing the first leg 9-1 at the Rades Olympic Stadium, last Sunday.

Meanwhile, RSLAF FC decision not to honour the second leg has given the Tunisians side the leeway to the round of 16, while their Sierra Leonean opponent could face a possible two-year ban for pulling out.

Already, the SLFA has confirmed receiving the continent’s football governing correspondence and according to their (SLFA) Director of Competition, Sorie Ibrahim Sesay, the CAF applied Article 10 of the tournament’s rules and regulations which states that: “Withdrawals declared before the start of the competition and until the 1/8th final round inclusive, shall entail a fine of 10,000 dollars in addition to losing the engagement fees.”

While Article 10.11 states: “Apart from the financial sanctions, every club withdrawing from the competition after the establishment of the fixtures will be forbidden from participating in all CAF inter-clubs competitions for two years following its withdrawal.”

Although the decision for RSLAF withdrawal is yet to be confirmed, it is said to be connected to lack of funds and the lack of belief of turning the 9-1 score-line.

Goals from Ghandri, Khelifa, Darragi, Meniaoui, Jaziri and Ibrahim Chenihi, who scored four goals practically, ended the tie as the defeat became the worst ever a Sierra Leonean club has suffered in a CAF clubs competition.