News in Perspective

Veteran Politician - Dr. John Karefa-Smart Passes away

Veteran Politician and octogenarian - Dr. John Karefa-Smart, sadly passed away last night at 8.25pm. He died in the presence of close family members including his wife, at the Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen, Freetown. Prior to setting off for Sierra Leone just few weeks ago, where he met his death, he lived in the USA when he was diagnosed to be terminally ill.

Dr. John Karefa-Smart was born 1915 in Rotifunk, Sierra Leone. He was a three-time Minister, acting Prime Minister and Presidential contender. Dr. Karefa-Smart effectively used his positions to foster the good image of Sierra Leone and Africa.

He was a renowned politician, a nationalist, and internationally celebrated medical doctor. He was an accomplished educator, pioneer, human rights activist, author, co-author, a missionary, distinguished gentleman and a loving father and husband.

He was an academic with a B.A., Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone (1936), B.S., Otterbein College, Westerville, OH (1940), M.D., C.M., McGill University, Montreal, Canada (1944), Diploma in Tropical Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada (1945), M.P.H., Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (1948).

Dr. John Karefa-Smart was also an international medical practitioner licensed in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Liberia, USA, Canada, Bahamas and China. Dr. Karefa-Smart’s career spanned over 120 countries for over 65 years.

He was the only African inducted into the Hall of Excellence by the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, alongside Corretta Scott King, wife of civil rights leader; Martin Luther King Jr. Also, among the inductees were William D. White of the New York Giants, retired CBS President; Dr. Frank N. Stanton, and Timothy P. Smucker of the Smucker food company, U. S. Ambassador David P. Rawson and congressman David L. Hobson from Ohio.

May his soul rest in peace.

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BREAKING NEWS: President Koroma’s Shake-Up of Sierra Leone’s Establishment Continues

"Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone - Major General Alfred Claude Nelson Williams has been Relieved of His Duties, Sparking Widespread Speculation of a Major Cabinet Reshuffle in September"

PRESS RELEASE:

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

24 AUGUST 2010

CHANGES IN THE HIERARCHY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE ARMED FORCES (RSLAF)

The general public is hereby informed that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 168 (1) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991 (Act 6 of 1991), and upon the advice of the Defence Council, it has pleased His Excellency the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces to make the following appointments in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF):

1. Brigadier Robert Yirra Koroma – appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and promoted to the rank of Major General (replacing Major General Alfred Claude Nelson Williams who proceeds on terminal leave)

2. Brigadier Samuel Omar Williams – appointed Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (replacing Brigadier Robert Yirra Koroma, formerly Deputy CDS)

3. Brigadier Mohamed Alie Sesay – appointed Commander Joint Force (formerly Assistant CDS, Support and Logistics, now replacing Brigadier S.O. Williams, formerly Commander Joint Forces)

State House

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RED LETTER DAY FOR SIERRA LEONE:

“Britain Could Cut Aid Payments to Corrupt Regimes” – Says Britain’s Daily Telegraph

As President Koroma prepares to fly out his entire government - all of his ministers to New York in September to meet and chat with Sierra Leoneans living in the USA - to promote his 'open government initiative', anger is bound to spread amongst many poor Sierra Leoneans who can barely afford to buy a square meal a day, let alone afford the ticket to America to visit their relatives.

The news of President Koroma and his entire ministries embarking on "this wasteful trip to the USA to meet their loyal Party supporters" as some critics have described it, is reported in the government backed Cocorioko on-line News (22 August 2010).

Critics are outraged that this announcement by the government of Sierra Leone, at a time austere measures are being taken by governments all over the world, in order to curb government spending and manage their budget deficits, could be seen by international aid donors as profligacy.

The British coalition government is contributing over £80 Million funding in support of Sierra Leone's budget, which helps to pay for education, health, law and order, provision of clean water, public sector reforms, and economic growth. The British coalition government is facing tremendous pressure from tax payers to slash the international aid budget, especially to regimes deemed to be corrupt.

This latest story reported in the British Daily Telegraph, ought to be seen as a wake up call by the government of Sierra Leone, to ensure that good governance is urgently prioritised. The President should rethink his decision. This planned ministerial trip to the USA is just one in a series of misplaced priorities.

Damien McElroy, Daily Telegraph - Foreign Affairs Correspondent Reports:
9:00PM BST 22 Aug 2010

Britain is prepared to review and cut off aid payments to poor countries with mining wealth that is being diverted by corrupt leaderships, according to the Development Secretary.

Andrew Mitchell, whose £7.3 billion budget has been ring-fenced by the Coalition government, said good government in recipient countries with mineral wealth was vital to the integrity of the aid budget.

“Achieving transparency in the exploitation of mineral resources is one of the most fundamental aspects of development,” he said.

“If our taxpayers are supporting poverty reduction strategies in countries with significant resources interests that are not being used in the people’s interest that will bring our use of taxpayers’ money into massive disrepute.”

The Department for International Development (DFID) has particular concerns over Sierra Leone, where Britain has been closely involved in nation building since a military intervention in 2000.

The government of President Ernest Koroma has been accused of corruption in recent mining deals. “I’m watching particularly carefully how Sierra Leone intends to exploit its mineral [resources]. It is an important issue that requires openness and transparency and if not I am prepared to act.”

As the only major department with an expanding budget, DFID is braced for its activities to come under intense scrutiny over the Coalition lifespan.

The severity of defence cuts has put Mr Mitchell under pressure to devote more funds to conflict zones. A recent leaked email that proposed axing 80 large-scale spending commitments was seized on by charities as evidence that the direction of spending would radically change.

Mr Mitchell rejects the charge that development goals would be downgraded but added that foreign aid has a crucial role in shaping Britain’s national security.

“DFID is at the centre of national security. Is Britain’s security best defended by a tank on the ground or training policemen in Afghanistan, or a warship off the Horn of Africa or 100,000 schoolchildren getting a modern education?” he said.

“Tackling the problem of instability upstream is about tackling the symptoms of a problem not the outcomes.”

The 54-year-old last week visited Pakistan, which is about to become the biggest recipient of foreign aid.

He said: “The timing of the decision to increase aid just before the floods grants us an opportunity to address Pakistan’s problems to help ensure we won’t have to cope with grave consequences.”

That foreign aid improves conditions at home is the kind of argument that Labour rarely had to mount even as it tripled foreign aid in 13 years in power. But Mr Mitchell knows that the department will have to go further to bear the strains of additional scrutiny.

All 90 national aid programmes have been put under review and Mr Mitchell has pressed ahead with a plan to establish an independent watchdog to evaluate programmes.

“As we cope with the appalling economic crisis the Coalition has inherited, we are going to have to justify our spending 24/7 so British people are proud of our role around the world,” he said.

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BREAKING NEWS:

INSPECTOR GENERAL OF SIERRA LEONE POLICE – BRIMA ACHA IS RELIEVED OF HIS DUTY - STATE HOUSE ANNOUNCED LAST NIGHT

It is not yet clear whether the Inspector General has been sacked or had tendered his resignation.

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE:

The general public is hereby informed that in accordance with the provisions of Section 157 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Sierra Leone 1991 (Act no.6 of 1991), it has pleased His Excellency The President to announce the following appointments in the Sierra Leone Police Force, subject to the approval of Parliament:

1. Mr. Francis Alieu Munu – Inspector General of Police

2. Mr Richard Moigbe - Deputy Inspector -General Of Police

State House
20 August 2010

The Sierra Leone Telegraph will bring you an in-depth analysis of this story shortly.

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‘King ore’ - Sierra Leone’s Black Gold - Poised to Fuel the Country’s Economic Growth

Sierra Leone’s iron ore mining sector may soon be contributing at least $250 Million revenue towards the government’s annual income, if the current and future global market demand for steel products, which is largely driven by sustained economic growth in China and the Far East, continues.

International aid to Sierra Leone stands at more than $300 Million a year. Hence the excitement at the prospect of resuscitating the country's iron ore mining sector. Both the diamond and gold mining sectors have seen a decline in fortunes, as uncertainties in the global market persist.

The London - based mining company - African Minerals Plc has signed a 25 years lease agreement with the government of Sierra Leone, in Freetown. The company currently employs 2,500 people in the north of the country and is expected to double its employment capacity by the end of 2013.

In signing the agreement, Africans Minerals Plc has paid a license fee of $1 Million, with an outstanding sum of $50 Million due to government in September 2010, in lieu of royalty and taxes.

The company is expected to produce an annual output of 6 million tons of ore by the end of 2013, scaling up to an estimated output of 45 million tons a year, thereafter.

“This agreement is for 25 years, and can be reviewed after 15 years – with a life span of 65 years if all goes well” says Mining Minister - Alpha Kanu.

But, whilst critics of the agreement are least worried about the prospect of smuggling ore across the country’s porous borders, it is the government’s fiduciary capacity and accountability that many say may prevent the people of Sierra Leone benefitting from the Millions of Dollars that ‘King Ore’ is expected to bring.

The delighted Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources - Alhaji Alpha Kanu says “God has provided for Sierra Leone a second chance with the discovery of Iron Ore which is not easily smuggled like diamonds and gold.”

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A New National Pilot Scheme Offering Free Legal Aid Opens – But will it be accessible to ALL?

Seeking justice, legal redress or trying to assert one’s right in Sierra Leone is not cheap. Whilst those who can afford to pay for legal representation can expect their case to be brought before the courts and be heard in a reasonable time, for the majority - justice is usually denied due to lack of finance and unnecessary ‘red tape’.

But this may well change, if the newly launched national legal aid pilot scheme is allowed to function properly, with adequate resources and freedom from political interference. Funded by the British Government’s Department for International Development (DFID), the Justice Sector Development Programme will be responsible for managing the Scheme.

It is not clear how many people will benefit annually from the Scheme, but observers say that the Scheme is likely to be overwhelmed within weeks of being launched as there are many thousands of poor people who are waiting to seek justice.

The government’s recently launched free health care programme for children under five, lactating mothers and pregnant women is a good example of how a scheme set up to provide ‘universal access’ without any form of ‘means testing’ or rationalisation can be problematic in its delivery.

The government says that the free access to legal aid scheme will soon be rolled out across the country, once the National Legal Aid Bill has been approved by Parliament, following its presentation by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

“The Government is focused on establishing an independent, sustainable, affordable, credible and accessible national legal aid scheme for Sierra Leonean citizens who cannot afford to pay for the services of a lawyer” says the Justice Sector Development Programme (JSDP) representative in Freetown.

The Pilot National Legal Aid Scheme is not entirely new. According to the JSDP, the scheme which has been running in the country’s capital – Freetown, since the beginning of 2010 “has provided free legal representation or advice and assistance in over 900 matters in the courts, prison, remand home and police stations of Freetown, utilizing the services of lawyers and paralegals.”

There is little doubt as to the need for a free legal aid scheme in Sierra Leone, but the focus has to be on the sustainability of funding once donor support ceases; rethinking of the current policy of universal access; some form of means testing; and most importantly – equality of access irrespective of tribe, gender, or any other social classification.

The JSDP must be vigilant to ensure that there is no discrimination, nepotism, tribalism, graft and abuse of office by staff managing and delivering this much needed Scheme. There must be in place a robust performance monitoring system to ensure fairness and equality of access.

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Newspaper Editors in Serious Violation of Section 25 of the Independent Media Commission’s Code of Practice on the Publication of Hateful and Dangerous Articles

PRESS RELEASE: INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION

3rd Floor, Kissy House, 54 Siaka Stevens Street
Freetown
221840/221835
076-632-373/076-724-854

6th August 2010

The Independent Media Commission called an Emergency Board Meeting today, Friday 6th August 2010 at which Editors of the Torchlight Newspaper and the Unity Newspaper were summoned to discuss (a) the publication of the Torchlight Newspaper Vol. 2 No.236 of Wednesday 4th August 2010 captioned: ‘They are all Mendes’ and the publication in the Unity Newspaper Vol. 3 No.11 of Friday 6th August, 2010 captioned ‘Limba/Loko Government Eliminates Temnes’ respectively.

The Board asked the two Editors to explain the rationale for publishing such hateful and dangerous articles which have the tendency of creating tribal sentiments and ultimately wrecking the fabric of our hard won peace.

Mr. Alhassan Spear Kamara, Ag. Editor of the Torchlight Newspaper explained that a University Professor who begs for anonymity gave an interview to him stating that the inordinate thirst for power by the SLPP is almost entirely driven by a tribalistic tendency wherein one tribe, and only that tribe, thinks it and it alone, should rule over the rest of Sierra Leone.

He said that at that party’s press briefing everyone present had to be, a Mende and that only a Mende will emerge as a flag bearer of the party.

Mr. B. W. Bockarie told the Board that his article was a reply to the Torchlight publication which he said that Limba/Loko government eliminates Temne adding that the Torchlight article tended to disintegrate the party.

The Board after listening to the two editors told them that it was very concerned about such publications at this point in time especially when elections were fast approaching.

The two editors have violated Section 25 on page 15 of the IMC Media Code of Practice which states that ‘the press must avoid prejudicial or pejorative reference to a person’s colour, ethnicity, sex or individual lifestyle or to any physical or mental illness or disability’.

The Board also reminded the two editors of the policy objectives of the Commission as spelt out in the Media Code of practice. Some of which are:

1. The print media shall carry out its functions in such a way to reflect the ethnicity of development efforts, to protect basic interests of society and to promote the exchange of ideas and information through accurate and balanced reporting as well as informal and objective comments.

2. The Board strictly warned the two editors that they should desist from such journalism and that if they venture to publish such articles again their papers will be automatically suspended.

The two Editors realising their mistakes apologised to the commission and sincerely promised not to publish any article of such nature in future.

J.P.K. Lamin
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
For and on behalf of the Acting Chairman and Commissioners

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"As they approach their 36th month in office, the ruling APC should be preparing an account of their stewardship to the people of Sierra Leone" – Says Dr. Sama Banya

Author: Dr. Sama Banya ('Puawui')

As they approach their 36th month in office, the ruling APC should be preparing an account of their stewardship to the people of Sierra Leone who are waiting to read the catalogue of achievement since the declared policy of turning the country around in 36 months. On their assumption of office, I cautioned them that the rhetoric of opposition was a quite different matter from the reality of running a government.

(Photo: Dr. Sama Banya).

It certainly is not the end of term report but we are judging them ruling a government by their own declared undertakings. It is important to make this demand because the results have not matched their words.

The prices of basic commodities remain outside the reach of the average citizen; the exchange rate still hovers around 4,000 US dollars. We have had nothing but dismal examination results beginning with the record bad performance of 2008.

No new infrastructures have been put in place so far apart from the completion or continuation of major SLPP projects. As for attitudinal change which has received so much publicity and funding, the question asked is “Where are the changes?” There has been no end to political violence and intimidation.

The party interferes in such areas as student’s elections to ensure that a pro APC government is put in place in every tertiary institution. Paramount chieftaincy elections did not escape the intervention of party stalwarts.

Regionalism and nepotism have been intensified, the latest example being the restructured office of the Diasporas in the Presidency; the names of the new leaders in there speak for themselves. As for rebranding the image of the country Forbes latest disclosure about Sierra Leone being the worst place to live speaks volumes.

The party has made several attempts to break the opposition party’s strong hold on the south and east. It introduced violence and brutality in the Pujehun by-elections having poured millions into the exercise all of which ended disastrously for them. Charles Margai’s defection from the SLPP and his PMDC buttressed their position in the runoff elections in the south.

The reward for that has been bare-faced poaching of disaffected PMDC members. Benjamin Davies was sacked as PMDC nominated minister of lands which caused him to resign from his party to join the APC. He was immediately rewarded with the plump job of Ports Manager.

During the travails of the APC in opposition, a very senior stalwart wanted to defect to the ruling SLPP, but former President Tejan-Kabbah was able to prevail on him to change his mind and remain in his party in order to enhance the democratic process. Not so the APC in power. As stated above, when Tombo Bangura and other staunch PMDC members resigned from their party, the APC wasted no time in poaching them.

They forgot the tremendous boost they had received from the PMDC in the runoff Presidential elections and today several hundred former PMDC stalwarts and members are now in the APC, leaving the former politically weak and unstable.

Brutality and coercion having failed in Pujehun, the leadership, no doubt on the advice of Musa Tarawalli the resident minister south the party have now turned their attention on Bo and Kenema. From what one has read in some newspapers, the present action is nothing short of outright bribery.

What baffles ordinary people is this; if the APC has been so successful in their three years in office, “achieving what the SLPP failed to achieve in 11 years why, O why are they running after former SLPP stalwarts and former MPs with money. Why would they not leave it to those members to decide for themselves, based on the government’s declared achievements?”

As an act of desperation, the APC has now resorted to political poaching and bribery to swell their numbers in the south and east. We have a lot of confidence in our members who certainly know what they are doing.

Author: Dr. Sama Banya (Puawui) - Freetown, Sierra Leone

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"Africa has no shortage of ideas, innovations or entrepreneurial drive" – Says Secretary of State - Hillary Clinton

Washington — Stephen Kaufman - Staff Writer, US State Dept.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the President’s Forum for Young African Leaders serves as the start of an engagement between the Obama administration and young Africans who are making a change in their countries, with the goal of creating conditions for Africa to fulfil its potential as a continent of innovation and creativity.

(Photo: Sierra Leone’s Francis Sowa, Frances Marke, Khoumba A. Kanawa and Donald Kalokoh meet in the gallery section of the Museum of African Art).

The secretary spoke at the State Department August 3 to an audience of more than 100 entrepreneurs, civil society activists, artists and other young leaders who have come to Washington from sub-Saharan Africa for the August 3–5 forum.

She described Africa as “a continent brimming with potential,” with 60 percent of its population under the age of 25 and connected and empowered through technology.

“Africa has no shortage of ideas, innovations or entrepreneurial drive,” she said. “We want this conference to be a start where we work with you to help you create the conditions in which your ideas can be translated into real-life solutions for Africa and beyond.”

Those attending the conference had educational and other opportunities and used them well, she said, starting businesses and nongovernmental organizations, and working with youth and the underprivileged in their countries.

“Many of you would have the option to go nearly anywhere in the world to pursue your dreams. But you’re here because you care about the future of your families, your communities, your countries. And I urge you to stay with it. Change is not easy,” she said.

The participants were invited to Washington to meet with Clinton, President Obama and other officials because the United States is “trying to empower you,” she told them.

“We are looking for leaders who know that empowering citizens is something that is in everyone’s best interests. In the world in which we live in today, top-down hierarchical power is not sustainable,” even if it persists for a long time, Clinton said.

“There are just too many ways people are going to get too much information, and technology is going to blow the doors down on governments,” she said.

It will ultimately be up to Africa’s young leaders to sustain and deepen the progress Africa has made in recent years, through improved and more widely available education, health care, economic openness and stability, and the right to express opinions, she said.

“We believe that you have the talents, the determination and the ability to bring these dreams to fruition,” Clinton said, and Americans “stand ready to be your partners.”

At the same time, the U.S. relationship with Africa “is not a one-way street,” she said.

“We expect to benefit. We expect to learn. We expect to look to you for models and ideas of what we can do better ourselves,” she said. Many of the participants welcomed the chance to meet with U.S. officials, especially their town hall discussion with President Obama at the White House.

But they also welcomed the opportunity the forum has given them to interact with each other and find common cause. Dianah Mukundwa of Rwanda told America.gov she was especially motivated to come to Washington “to meet with young African leaders that we’re going to work with in years to come and to network with them and to gain different experiences and testimonies from different leaders who are actually of my age.”

Similarly, Sierra Leone’s Amienatta Khoumba Kanawa said the idea of “bringing Africans together to see how they can work towards one agenda in improving the continent” interested her the most.
“There are like-minded people in other countries doing what I’m trying to do,” said Modesta Lilian Mahiga of Tanzania. “We’re building a coalition across national borders. There is great opportunity in this, and I think we can start moving as a bloc. We’ll get so much further.”

Mahiga is already planning her next steps when she returns home. Recognition from President Obama will earn her and the other two Tanzanian delegates a certain amount of acknowledgment and respect from authorities back home, she said.

“The three delegates from Tanzania will hold a symposium when we get back. We will speak to the young people and tell them, ‘We can’t wait. There is something we need to do now.’

“We will agitate for reforms at the top, and we will inform the youth at the bottom,” she said.

By Stephen Kaufman - Staff Writer, US State Dept.

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Will the proposed restructuring and rationalization of the National Revenue Authority yield greater efficiencies and bring an end to corruption?

The government of Sierra Leone has decided to restructure the National Revenue Authority (NRA), thereby merging together both Income Tax Department and the Goods and Services Tax Unit (GSTU) to form a new department known as the Domestic Taxes Department (DTD). This announcement was made by the Acting Commissioner-General of NRA - Ms. Haja Kallah-Kamara, at a sensitization workshop held in Freetown yesterday, 29 July 2010.

Once the restructuring is completed later this year, the NRA will comprise of only two Departments – the Customs and Excise Department (CED) and the Domestic Taxes Department (DTD). The restructuring of the NRA is being done as part of the Modernisation Programme funded by DFID.

Speaking at the workshop, Ms. Kallah-Kamara said that “the Department for Domestic Taxes will be one more success story of the Agenda for Change of President Koroma. It will integrate different tax bodies, encourage specialization, and significantly increase revenues. It would help our country to become less dependent on foreign donors.”

With a budget deficit this year of more than One Trillion Leones, President Koroma could make do with every single Cent collected by the NRA. But recent and current allegations of corruption at the NRA have left many in the country to cast doubt about efforts to modernise and restructure the Agency.

The most highly profiled case of corruption involving the former Commissioner – General, who is currently under suspension subject to court proceedings that are yet to be brought by the Anti-Corruption Commission. Other senior officials at the NRA have been convicted of corruption.

Also, there are accusations of nepotism and tribalism regarding the hiring and firing of staff. The country’s main opposition party – the SLPP, has accused the government of selective sacking of employees considered to be supporters of the party.

Recent unconfirmed media reports have questioned the unauthorized signing of cheques, which would have seen the theft of millions of dollars from the NRA bank account by unscrupulous officials.

But despite the charges of poor governance and maladministration, in the first quarter of this year alone, the NRA collected over Le30 Billion in revenue.

The Acting Commissioner of the Income Tax Department - Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, told delegates at the workshop that the new Domestic Taxes Department ‘will end the relatively fragmented Tax Administration system that is currently in place.”

It is expected that a seamless system of dealing with all tax matters will be created once the restructuring and rationalization is completed. But it is not clear whether there would be any job losses as a result of the changes.

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National Power Authority workers demanding a 40% salary increase – can the company afford it?

Sierra Leone’s utility companies have come under increasing and fierce criticisms from customers across the length and breath of the country, as the standards of supply and distribution of electricity and water suffers. Few customers are satisfied with the service they get and the level of productivity being achieved by the utility suppliers.

Customer complaints prompted by intermittent and prolonged electricity outage is causing outrage in the country’s capital, as the Bumbuna hydro-powered electricity facility shuts down once again, due to what the government regards as technical difficulties. The continuous supply of electricity has not been seen in the capital for months now, and customers have in desperation resort to using their mobile generators known locally as 'Kabbah Tiger'.

But some observers say the continuous shut down of Bumbuna is due to lack of finance in carrying out major repairs and technical improvements to the turbines and generators. Hence, electricity supply in the country has declined from an intermittent level of 25 megawatts to less than 10 megawatts, as the fuel powered stations located in the east and west of the country respectively are now providing power for essential services and government facilities.

Amidst this constant headache faced by electricity customers, workers are demanding a 40% salary increase. The National Power Authority struggles to balance its accounts, as poor revenue collection continues to test the viability of this state run company. Low productivity and poor staff morale presents a major problem for management.

Reports say that the Board of Directors of the company had approved the salary increase, which was to come into effect this month, but both the Energy Minister and the National Commission for Privatization (NCP) objected to the salary increase.

It is not yet certain whether this refusal to honour the commitment by management would lead to strike action. But what is almost certain is that the issue of low pay will almost certainly be used by corrupt employees as a justification for ‘illegal electricity connections to properties, the theft of company property, and bribery.

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UK Minister for International Development on Visit to Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is one of the largest recipients of British overseas financial aid, which this year alone is estimated to exceed £150 Million. Although the new British coalition government has ring fenced overseas aid budget against cuts in public spending, there are calls for tighter controls, accountability and transparency in the utilisation and management of donor funds by African countries.

Just a few weeks leading to the British general elections, MPs from across the political divide were embroiled in a controversial debate in the wells of the British Parliament, amid accusations of British aid unaccounted for in Sierra Leone. But the Department for International along with the government of Sierra Leone strongly denied the accusations.

The Tory led coalition government is keen to introduce a new framework for the management and delivery of British overseas aid so as to improve value for money, transparency and accountability. The UK minister for International Development - Stephen O’Brien MP, is visiting Sierra Leone today Friday 30th July, 2010, to gain first hand experience of the work of DFID on the ground in Sierra Leone and to see the impact that British support is having on the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

Mr. O’Brien will be meeting with key ministers of state in the Koroma government. In particular he will be discussing efforts in improving the country’s crippling economy with the Minister of Finance - Dr Samura Kamara, the Minister of Trade & Industry - David Carew, the Minister of Mineral Resources - Alpha Kanu, and senior government officials.

Stephen O’Brien will also visit development projects around the country supported by DFID to see the progress being made. In particular, he will see the impact that the Free Health Care initiative, which has been heavily funded by the British, is having in reducing childhood and maternal mortality.

Mr O’Brien will meet with a range of Sierra Leonean women to better understand the issues they face on a daily basis, and hear how they are playing a key role in the country’s development.

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"MILESTONES IN THE HISTORY OF SIERRA LEONE: 500 BC – 1902 AD"

A New Book Written in Celebration of 50 years of Sierra Leone’s Independence

By Arnold Awoonor Gordon

As Sierra Leoneans prepare to celebrate 50 grand years of independence from British colonial rule, it is but fitting that we must also reflect on those key moments in history that shaped our nation. This booklet has been written as a contribution to those exciting discussions and learning that would no doubt take place in the coming months, as we approach 27 April 2011.

Throughout the history of West Africa, Sierra Leone stood out as a beacon and standard bearer of the development of what has happened to other countries such as the Gambia, Ghana (Gold Coast) and Nigeria - the Four Guineas - as Elspeth Huxley referred to them in the title of the book she wrote about her journey through West Africa.

Sierra Leone was founded as a ‘Province of Freedom in Africa’ not only for slaves that were recaptured at sea from slave ships after slavery was abolished by the British, but for freed slaves from Britain, Canada and the West Indies.

With the freed slaves came the Christian missionaries, led initially by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) who not only brought Christianity, but most importantly, education to this haven of freedom.

And through education, Sierra Leone became the ‘Athens of West Africa’, spreading Christian education to other parts of West Africa. Fourah Bay College was founded by the CMS in 1827 as an institution of learning and training of teachers, priests and other educators, who then went to work in countries along the coast.

Until after the Second World War, Fourah Bay College was the only institution of higher learning in West Africa, and many Nigerians, Ghanaians and Gambians came to study and train there. Trade and government also flowed from Sierra Leone to the other countries along the coast, and at one time Sierra Leoneans could be found heading the civil service in Nigeria, Ghana and the Gambia.

Sierra Leone’s merchant chartered ships traded between the United Kingdom and West Africa; and was one of the first West African countries to send Africans in the professions, such as doctors, lawyers, engineers and teachers for training in Britain. The link between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom is still as strong today as it was then.

So, I hope you will enjoy reading and perhaps learn something new about how Sierra Leone was founded and shaped by men and women of several countries, who contributed to the development of the country we love as Sierra Leone.

The booklet, costing only £8 or $15, POST FREE or the equivalent in Leones, can be purchased from 35 Cobden Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 5HW, United Kingdom. Orders can also be placed by sending emailing to: freetownborbor@hotmail.com; or by telephone - 00-44-1634 - 400697.

Payment can be made by cheque, bank transfer, postal or money order or PayPal, if you have a PayPal account.

Please note that part of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the Sierra Leone Sickle Cell Disease Society, 25 Thomas Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

For further information please contact:

Mr. Arnold Awoonor Gordon
35 Cobden Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 5HW, United Kingdom
freetownborbor@hotmail.com
Telephone: 00-44-1634 - 400697

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Public Notice:
________________________________________

The Secretariat of the ACP Group of States has a vacancy for the post of Chief Legal Counsel (Grade P5).

1. Applications for this post should be sent to:

ACP Secretariat, 451 Avenue Georges Henri, 1200 Brussels - Belgium; or e-mail to: info@acp.int and must reach the Secretariat not later than 19 October 2010.

2. Applications must be accompanied by a complete curriculum vitae, copies of diplomas, certificates and any other document testifying to the competence and professional experience of the candidates.
Candidates must be nationals of Member States of the ACP Group.

It is to be noted that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

MAIN DUTIES:

Under the authority of the Secretary-General, the Chief Legal Counsel shall be responsible for:

1. Follow up all legal matters arising from the application of the Georgetown Agreement and the annexed instruments;
2. Follow up all legal matters pertaining to the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement and the annexed instruments;
3. Provide legal assistance and advice to the organs of the ACP Group including the ACP Secretariat;
4. Coordinate the work of the Legal Unit;
5. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

REQUISITE QUALIFICATIONS:

1. University degree in International Law, or equivalent;
2. At least seven years of relevant experience in the field of international agreements and negotiations;
3. Good command of English or French or Portuguese and a working knowledge of one of the other two languages;
4. Must be computer literate.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE:

In conformity with Article 12 of the Staff Regulations, staff members of the Professional and General Services categories are appointed by the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Recruitment Advisory Committee chaired by the Assistant Secretary-General, Head of the Department of Administration, Finance and Human Resources.

REMUNERATIONS:

Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, the ACP Secretariat offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

In the framework of their functions, members of staff are governed by the Staff Regulations of the Secretariat (ACP/41/017/03 Rev.6) and by any other decision that may be adopted by the competent ACP authorities regarding employment.

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is hopeful about his work in Sierra Leone - Says the Sun Newspaper

FIVE years ago people around the world fought to help Make Poverty History across Africa, with the Live 8 concerts a focal point for the campaign. Now, as the football World Cup in South Africa finishes, millions are looking to see what changes have been achieved and how much further there is to go.

Here, former PM Tony Blair, who pledged then to double aid to the most needy, reveals the changes seen by one of Africa's poorest nations. In 2005, Britain led the way in ensuring that future generations across the whole of Africa would benefit from the aid and debt relief.

Commitments were made at the Gleneagles G8 summit that year to one day make poverty history.
Five years on, the money that has been delivered has saved millions of people who otherwise would have perished.

But aid on its own is not enough

To get rid of poverty for ever, countries across Africa need to build up their economies, and governments need to build up their capability so that they can stand on their own two feet and eliminate poverty.

In the past, one of the countries that has suffered from some of the worst health outcomes in the world is Sierra Leone. It is a nation where a tragic past has left deep poverty. But it is a country that, for me, symbolises the direction of travel of Africa more broadly.

For the first time in the country's history, Sierra Leone is now offering completely free healthcare to its pregnant mothers, breastfeeding mothers and all children under five - all as a result of British aid.

As Prime Minister, my first major interaction with Sierra Leone was when it was going through a tragic civil war. Britain stepped in and helped the government there to end it. We can all feel immense pride for the action of our brave Armed Forces.

Today, with the country's President Koroma now in charge, Sierra Leone is looking toward a brighter and more prosperous future, and I am proud to be working with him and playing my part.

Alongside the advice I give, I have a team of expert advisers who work at the very centre of government - it's called the Africa Governance Initiative, a charity that works with some of Africa's most talented and visionary leaders to make government better.

Proud

They are a mixture of incredibly talented people who have worked in our civil service here in Britain as well as for some of the world's most successful businesses. They use their expertise to help Sierra Leone deliver on its priorities whether in health, electricity or agriculture, working with the dedicated Sierra Leoneans seeking to make their country a better place.

I'm incredibly proud that members of our team assisted President Koroma and the UK Department for International Development to take the steps that will make a huge difference not just to the lives of women and children, but to their families, friends and communities.

Until a few years ago, Sierra Leone's capital was almost literally in darkness, but the government can proudly say that they made the lights go on for the people of Freetown and connected them up to the national grid.

All remarkable accomplishments

Ever since my father, who taught in the capital Freetown as a young man, spoke of his love for the country and the warmth of its people, I've felt a strong connection with Sierra Leone.

I feel privileged to witness these achievements and work with the people of a faraway country I heard about as a young boy; to experience that warmth and generosity that my father spoke of many years ago. But we also see a determined people with an exceptional President leading them to a bright future.
It gives me hope for Sierra Leone and hope for a prosperous Africa in our lifetime.

Tony Blair - The Sun Newspaper; 15 July 2010

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Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission acts tough

The thwarting of legal action brought by Solicitors Jenkins-Johnston & Co., against the Minister of Lands, Country Planning & the Environment – Mr. Dennis Sandy, was most certainly beginning to smell of political interference of the highest magnitude by the Office of the Attorney General, who had taken not an unprecedented step to declare the case ‘nolle prosequi’. But it now appears the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) would have none of that political shenanigan.

The ACC has decided to act tough in a fight to assert its independence from State House political string pulling and to purge its ‘sacred cows’ protector image. Both Minister Sandy and two of his senior ministry officials were yesterday summoned into the ACC for questioning following allegations of corrupt practices, maladministration, abuse of office, and the use of office to offer undue advantage for personal benefit.

It is not clear whether the ACC had seized the minister’s passport and presented two sureties, as investigations continue. Critics are already and quite rightly beginning to compare the handling of this case with that of the former fisheries minister who was subjected to what was perceived as ‘heavy handedness’ by the ACC.

In a sternly written open letter to the Attorney General published in the Sierra Leone Telegraph yesterday, solicitor Jenkins-Johnston Wrote:

“On the 25th day of March 2010 a Criminal summons based on a Four (4) Count Charge was issued against DR. DENNIS SANDY [The Minister of Lands] and two (2) Others, for various offences committed by them between February and March 2010 against Mr. O.J. Cline-Cole and Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce [two (2) Private Citizens], including Malicious Damage, Trespass, Intimidation and Defamatory Libel, contrary to the Malicious Damage Act 1861, and The Public Order Act No.46 of 1965.”

“The Summons were duly served on all the Accused Persons, but when the matter came up for hearing before Magistrate Herbert Davies-Cole, DR. DENNIS SANDY did not appear in Court, even though there were affidavits of Service filed to show that all the Accused had been duly served.”

“The Court ordered that Notices be served on the Accused Persons and again Affidavits of Service were filed showing that all the Accused had been served. DR. DENNIS SANDY still did not turn up in Court after several adjournments, and instead, he went over the Radio and television and indicated quite clearly that he would not attend Court, and made insulting and disparaging remarks about the Complainants and their Solicitors. BENCH WARRANTS were issued for the Accused, and the matter was finally fixed for hearing on the 28th June 2010.”

“On Monday 28th June 2010, the matter was called up for hearing, and the Complainants appeared in the Court with their Counsel, while Dr. Dennis Sandy still did not appear in Court, although the other two (2) accused JOE TOMMY and MR. VANDI appeared in Court.”

“To the utter amazement, shock, consternation and dismay of all present, The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. O.V. Robbin-Mason, and Osman Kanu Esq. State Counsel, appeared in Court [apparently for no one because even the two (2) other accused had been asked out of the Court], and the DPP announced to the Court that he had taken over the prosecution of The Case, and that he had filed a Notice of Discontinuance of the matter, and that was the end of the Case. [What we popularly call NOLLE PROSEQUI] Counsel for the Complainants stood up to make a protest to the Court, but was told that the case had ended, and he was not allowed to speak. AND INDEED THAT WAS THE END OF THE MATTER!!!”

“In Conclusion, let me say that it is very sad that we continue to pay lip-service to all these lofty and high sounding precepts about equality before the Law, and no Sacred Cows, and justice for all no matter what, separation of powers etc. etc, but what we do in practice is just the opposite, and we should be ashamed of ourselves.”

The Anti-Corruption Commission has not yet issued a public statement regarding their investigations into the activities of the land minister and two of his senior officials, but legal observers are expecting the minister to be charged to court following the conclusion of their investigations.

The outcome of this case if judiciously managed by the ACC, whose Chief resigned abruptly just a few months ago, should surely begin to build confidence and allay public fears of political interference in its work.

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AWOKO Opinion Survey Points the way to 2012 General Elections?

The recent opinion survey - “MID-TERM REVIEW OF PRESIDENT KOROMA” conducted by AWOKO News in March this year (published 6 July 2010), gives a rather fascinating insight into the mindset and perceptions of a broad, though small, random sample of 840 electorates living in the country’s capital – Freetown, as to the performance of the Koroma led government’s first three years in power.

The main thrust of the survey findings seem to support the general view of most of the country’s media that ‘although the government has made progress in maintaining political stability and democratic freedoms, the economic well-being and prosperity of the people are far from being addressed. Average daily income has fallen; youth unemployment has worsened; crime levels have soared; GDP has fallen; level of international donor aid has increased; and large-scale foreign direct investment remains a promise. ”

Whilst concluding that less than 50 percent of those questioned perceive the efforts of the government to date as “very successful”, the survey shows that the majority – just slightly more than fifty-percent believe that the government is “somewhat successful” in achieving only 6 of the 57 targets that it set itself upon coming to power in 2007.

But the government will no doubt take some comfort from the fact that just over 50% of the survey participants credited the government for its performance in improving transportation and communications in and out of Sierra Leone; providing agricultural extension services; regulating the mineral resources industry; and improving agricultural productivity by providing necessary farm inputs – although only 49% agree that they have encouraged a shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.

With respect to health care, the survey participants were unable to assess and comment on the government’s new free health care programme for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five years old, as the survey was conducted prior to the launch of the programme. But nonetheless, less than half of all those questioned agreed that the government has done fairly well in tackling the country’s crippling health care provision.

What the result of this survey suggests – assuming that the sample was representative of the population of Freetown, is that the APC Party is doing ‘just about’ fairly well in tentatively holding on to those popular votes it won in Freetown, at the 2007 general elections.

It suggests also that the government has so far found it difficult to convince the majority of Freetownians that they are succeeding in delivering their ‘Agenda for Change’. What the government ought to take from this survey is that the margin of victory – just over 52% of votes won at the second round of polling in the 2007 elections, could be repeated if elections were to be called today – but only with another brotherly help from the PMDC Party.

But, should the current perceptions of the electorate in Freetown continue and extend across the country, the 2012 elections could see a rather different Party colour in State House, if the PMDC chose to return to the SLPP family.

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Big Cash Boost for President Koroma’s Farming Smallholder Commercialisation Programme

State House report of $50 Million funding from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme granted to the government of Sierra Leone, in support of efforts to develop smallholder farming Commercialisation industry is more than welcomed.

It is reported that the Farming Smallholder Commercialisation Programme “will support small-scale farmers to move from subsistence to commercial farming and to connect them to markets. In particular, the support will help farmers, through farmer-based organizations, to produce more, and also to process and market their products effectively.”

The funding will also help farmers in meeting the costs of seeds, fertilizers, rice mills, power tillers, stores and drying floors, as well as improving existing and constructing new infrastructures such as irrigation systems and feeder roads.

The Programme will be launched at the end of July 2010 in the eastern province of the country, giving farmers access to investment finance. It is reported by State House that a pilot programme had already started, but not much is known about successes to date, although plans are underway for a nationwide roll out.

State House is also reporting of other similar investment funding deals it has successfully negotiated, such as the Islamic Development Bank's approval of $15 Million, to expand the Mattru Oil Palm Plantations. This finance will help construct a palm oil processing plant in the area. The European Commission is also reported to have approved a 16 Million Euros funding package, which should support the production, processing and marketing of cocoa, coffee and cashew nuts in the country.

In its current editorial, the Sierra Leone Telegraph emphasises the importance of developing a viable, large-scale agro-based processing and exporting sector, as the cornerstone of any strategy aimed at tackling youth unemployment.

This newly announced $50 Million funding from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme and other financing packages announced this week, should be a good start in leveraging the necessary ‘seed corn’ investment needed to tackle the country's chronic youth unemployment, if managed in a transparent and prudent manner.

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SLPP MONTHLY PRESS BRIEFING (No.3) – JUNE 2010

PRESS STATEMENT

Freetown – June 30, 2010: SLPP Chairman – MR. John Oponjo Benjamin

1. Re-introduction of District Officers

On Thursday June 24 2010, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Local Government made public the decision of Cabinet to re-introduce District Officers (DOs). The District Officers were delegated staff of the central government (Ministry of Local Government), part of the provincial administration and directly supervised by the Provincial Secretary.

With the dissolution of the Local Councils in 1972 by the All Peoples Congress, the DOs assumed more responsibilities including supervision of chiefs and government departments and at a point even served as District Returning Officers for the then Elections Office.

In 2004, following the introduction of Local Councils, the SLPP administration wisely decided to abolish the district offices and transfer some of their functions to newly created position of Chief Administrator (CA) in the Local Councils.

The raison d’être for the abolition of district offices was to avoid overlap of responsibilities between district council offices headed by Chairmen of Local Councils and district offices headed by District Officers and demonstrate Government’s commitment to decentralisation.

There is ample evidence of the effectiveness of the Local Councils in state administration, service delivery and rural development. Notwithstanding, the All Peoples Congress is now determined to re-introduce the District Officers. According to the Minister, the district offices shall, among other things, address complaints from the chiefdoms and supervise activities of Non-Governmental Organisations.

The SLPP holds the view that there are other mechanisms to put in place to ensure effective supervision of chiefdom institutions. This may require defining an institutional framework that takes into consideration what ever lacuna that might have been created by the abolition of the district offices.

Alternatively, Government can consider reviewing the Local Government Act (2004) and the Chieftaincy Act (2009) within the context of a robust decentralisation policy (which we still await). In particular, we can revisit the functions of the Local Councils and responsibilities of Chief Administrators to include addressing matters relating to chieftaincy institutions. Enhancing the capacity of provincial offices to be more effective is also an option.

Regarding the coordination of activities of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the local councils are best fit to perform this role. Any attempt to transfer that responsibility to another office will be chaotic and render district development coordination ineffective.

The SLPP is also concerned about the high cost of re-establishing district offices in terms of additional staff, logistics and recurrent expenses for functions that can be performed by already existing institutions.

Overall, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) views this decision as political and retrogressive and the first step by the All Peoples Congress to undermine and reverse the decentralisation of state administration. The responsibilities of district officers shall surely overlap with the chief administrators.
With the DOs accountable to the central government, there will be conflict between the district offices and the Local Councils. This arrangement will create chaos in district administration.

Finally, the SLPP holds the position that the APC is disturbed by the fact that they do not have absolute control of all districts despite the fact they are in charge of central government. The APC is particularly disturbed by the fact that as a ruling Party, they can only influence 10 out of 19 Councils.
We therefore call on all Members of Parliaments, Local Councils, Civil Society Organisations and the international community to advise Government to think otherwise.

2. The Goods and Services Tax Receipt Deal

The Sierra Leone People’s Party is most concerned and startled at recent publications in the local media which seem to suggest that US $ 9, 617,317 ( Nine Million, Six Hundred and Seventeen Thousand and Three Hundred and Seventeen United States Dollars) was spent on just the printing of GST receipt books.

To exacerbate an already depressing situation the said printing was allegedly not done in this country but in Ghana. Also baffling are recent revelations that sources in Ghana have indicated that the amount the Ghanaian Company that was contracted to do the job stated in their proposal was slightly less than US$ 3 million, way below the whopping sum of US$9,617,317.

The Sierra Leone People’s Party would like to raise the following concerns:

The transaction was not approved by the Board of the National Revenue Authority (NRA)
Some senior government officials including a Deputy Minister of Finance and officials of the NRA have been named in the fraud.
The transaction was a total breach of procurement rules and therefore an act of corruption
This amount is more than what was collected from GST in Quarter I (January-March 2010) and almost 25% of projected annual revenue from GST.
The illegal contract was grossly if not criminally overpriced.
The amount could have been utilised to modernise and upgrade our Government Printing Department to effectively and expeditiously do the work at a far lesser cost and with greater benefit to the economy and people of this country.
This transaction involving such huge amount cannot take place without knowledge and approval of the Minister of Finance and the Office of the President. The Deputy Minister named in the deal might be the front.

The SLPP would like to urge Government to make a statement leading to an in-depth inquiry into this serious allegation of misuse of tax payers’ monies by senior members of Government. The SLPP Party also calls for immediate action by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

If the ACC is currently under-resourced given the many cases with them, Government can consider the setting up of a time-bound independent and impartial investigative panel to expeditiously and thoroughly investigate this allegation and make recommendations for immediate action by the relevant law enforcement agencies where anyone is found wanting.

3. Government’s misinformation of the Sierra Leonean public and the world on the Statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Sierra Leone.

The Sierra Leone People’s Party views with dismay the recent incorrect and misleading statement issued and disseminated by the Press Office at State House. The said Press Statement inter alia alleged that the visiting United Nations Secretary-General to Sierra Leone, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon endorsed the unpopular inquest into the deaths of former Inspector General of Police, Bambay Kamara and 28 others in an answer to a question posed by one of our local journalists during his encounter with the local press.

Few days after the said release was circulated in the World Wide Web, the United Nations Secretariat in New York took great exception to the misleading and illusory quotation contained in that release from State House. This embarrassing situation in the world stage again compelled Government to retract and correct the records with a further Press Release issued and signed by the Secretary to the President dated June 21, 2010.

This latter Press Statement expressly states that the UN Scribe never made the statement contained in their earlier statement supporting an inquest into the said deaths. Rather ‘such a matter should be a decision of the Government of Sierra Leone and should be addressed in accordance with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and in the spirit of national reconciliation and peace building.’

Our party welcomes and endorses the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General while in Sierra Leone and we utterly condemn Government’s continued incessant misinformation of the public and constant use of false propaganda to propagate policies that are not in the interest of national cohesion and development.

On behalf of the people of Sierra Leone, the SLPP would like to publicly apologise to the United Nations for such a national disgrace. The SLPP also demand that the Government publicly apologise to the United Nations and the people of Sierra Leone for such a disgrace.

John Oponjo Benjamin
SLPP Chairman

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President Koroma appoints Chief of Staff as Presidential Affairs Ministry is abolished

On the 5 May 2009, the Editor of the Sierra Leone Telegraph wrote in an article – ‘Can President Koroma Succeed in Rebranding Sierra Leone’s Image Abroad?’:

“Reverend Kabs-Kanu’s expertise and conviction could be better employed by the President, in a more strategic role within the government. In particular, as Co-ordinator of all government ministries, to make certain that key policy decisions of President Koroma’s cabinet are communicated across all Departments.”

The published article mentioned, in support of this recommendation that “This will also ensure that government objectives are achieved and performance results monitored by Reverend Kabs-Kanu.”

Thus, it was a pleasant surprise to read the Statement from State House this week, announcing the formation of the Office of Chief of Staff responsible to the President, to take on that role. The President had decided not to appoint Kabs-Kanu, instead opted for an international career technocrat – Dr. Kaifala Marah, who has made his mark at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.

Dr Marah is on secondment from the Commonwealth Secretariat where he serves as Adviser in Public Expenditure Management. This appointment will most certainly bring invaluable expertise and tremendous experience in public sector governance, which is presently lacking within the administration.

Dr. Marah will be responsible for co-ordinating President Koroma’s effort in delivering his Agenda for Change, “by providing the necessary collaborative links and support for the Ministries, Departments and Agencies to meet their various targets.”

Success in discharging this all-embracing and important role would surely depend on the co-operation and support Dr. Marah gets from colleagues of other departments and ministries. That he gets this support, is the responsibility of the President.

In the meantime, the Rev. Kabs-Kanu continues to head President Koroma’s campaign to rebrand Sierra Leone’s image abroad.

We wish Dr. Marah God’s speed in his endeavours.

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Head of Civil Service Complained of “too much bureaucracy” in Sierra Leone’s Civil Service

The Head of the Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet - Mr. George Pessima is reported to have expressed dissatisfaction over the excessive use of bureaucracy in the civil service and the nonchalant attitude of some civil servants in Sierra Leone. What many would like to ask the Head of the Civil Service is why it has taken him so long to discover what most Sierra Leoneans already knew.

Excessive bureaucracy is nothing other than a cover for corrupt practices in the civil services, engendered by the culture of “oosai dem tie cow, nar dey ee go eat” – introduced by no other than former President Siaka Stevens.

In years gone by, Sierra Leoneans were very proud to have one of the most highly regarded Civil Service in the entire Sub-continent of Africa, employing some of the finest brains and dedicated citizens, willing to serve the public.

Those of course were the glory days when all aspects of civic life functioned as they ought, with order, discipline, good governance, the rule of law and a deep sense of patriotism. But the last thirty years have seen standards in public life generally eroded beyond recognition, with the civil service taking the greatest toll.

Speaking at his Tower Hill office in Freetown, on the theme “Re-engineering the civil service to be pro-actively supportive of the private sector”, Mr. Pessima is reported to have ‘condemned the cumbersome processes and procedures inherent in the service, the unfriendly attitude of frontline staff and the delays which characterize the issuing of permits and license to applicants.’

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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Presents its 2009 Annual Report to President Koroma

Following the sudden and shocking resignation of the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr. Abdul Tejan-Cole and the continuous procrastination in appointing a new Head, the Acting Commissioner – Mr. Morlai Buya-Kamara this week expressed his thanks to the Government “for the appreciable level of both financial and political commitment to the Commission’s work.”

Although the government continues to deny accusations of political interference and the systemic protection of so called ‘sacred cows’, however, many in the country remains unconvinced.

But Mr. Buya-Kamara in his presentation acknowledged that ‘the continuation of these support is very crucial and remains invaluable for any meaningful success in the fight against corruption in Sierra Leone.’
“We continue to rely on the unequivocal support of the public and private sector, the civil society and media as we believe this fight is the peoples fight” he stressed.

Some of the successes of the Commission in 2009 included:

Financial recoveries made and paid to the consolidated revenue amounting to over Le2.8 billion
Eleven court convictions
Conducted the maiden integrity award ceremony
Construction of Eastern Regional office in Kenema with funds provided by DFID
Construction work for the northern regional office in Makeni
Working in partnership with civil society monitoring group to monitor the implementation of Anti-Corruption Strategy action plans in the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA
Completion of extensive systems review work in various MDAs including Ministries of Local Government, Agriculture, Sierra Leone Police, Prisons etc. and a Code of Conduct for Local Councils.

Receiving the Report, President Koroma expressed thanks to the ACC. He said “We are happy that the ACC is up to the task. As a government, we believe strongly that fighting corruption should be a national issue that would take centre stage in our effort towards developing our country and building our democracy.”

The President observed that a lot more could be done if the ACC has more support. Although he assured the Commission that his government will provide the necessary support to allow the Commission to continue with the work it has been doing, he did not give an indication as to if and when a new Commissioner will be appointed to lead the fight against corruption.

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Stormy weather set to hit Sierra Leone this rainy season

The people of Sierra Leone are bracing themselves for what is expected to be the most stormy and wettest rainy season the country has seen for many years. Nine days ago, there were reports of widespread destruction of properties in the capital – Freetown, as heavy rains and winds gusting over 80 miles an hour battered the capital.

The country’s Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains, thunder and gusty storms to come this rainy season. But fans of the Bumbuna hydro-electricity dam welcome the news of plenty rain to come, as power output from Bumbuna declined from 25 MW to just 8 MW.

Scientists believe that the destruction of the country’s forests and clearing of large areas of land for human settlement is causing massive soil erosion and mudslides. Also, the prevalent use of poor house building material makes properties highly susceptible to heavy rains and storms.

So far the government does not seem to be acting proactively to stop the construction of houses in the capital’s green belt zones.

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Sierra Leone’s Freedom of Information Bill – So near yet so far!

After three long years in the making, it seems that the architects of the long awaited Freedom of Information Bill will soon present their draft for parliamentary approval.

On Wednesday 16 June 2010, the Cabinet discussed and approved the draft, which is now expected to be tabled before Parliament by the Minister of Information and Communication - Alhaji I. B. Kargbo, before the end of August 2010.

Prior to coming into office in 2007, President Koroma had made the passing of the Freedom of Information Bill a key manifesto pledge. But he is yet to deliver on this promise, despite pressure from the country’s civil society movement.

It is expected that the passing of the Bill would then give powers for the establishment of a Freedom of Information Commission, which will be headed by an independent Commissioner.

But observers are hoping that the running of the Commission will not be politicised nor controlled by the government, as experiences at the Anti-Corruption Commission would indicate.

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President Koroma’s Strategy to tackle Inflation under Threat as Fuel Subsidy is Lifted

The price of petrol in Sierra Leone has gone up from Le15, 000 to Le16, 500 per gallon, as the government decided to accede to the demands of the IMF, who as early as 2009 had made the wake up call for the President to lift the Le3, 000 subsidy on every gallon of petrol sold, so as to address the massive structural deficit and growing government borrowing.

The World Bank has this week signed an agreement with the government of Sierra Leone, to provide $45 Million supplementary financing, under the ‘Third Governance Reform and Growth Credit Facility’. The first tranche of $7 Million has been made to the government, which should help President Koroma implement his Poverty Reduction Strategy.

In November 2009, the World Bank issued $30 Million Credit to the government of Sierra Leone. According to the Ministry of Finance, budget support to Sierra Leone will reach $64.3 Million in 2010, while grant-in-aid is projected to increase from $51 Million in 2009 to $90 Million this year, as part of an agreed international donor support package of $300 Million.

But although the decision by the government of Sierra Leone to lift the fuel subsidy, after much procrastination, was a key condition of the new Reform and Growth Credit Facility agreed with the World Bank, the sudden hike in fuel prices has brought much anger across the country, as the cost of transportation rises. There was no official announcement by the government, warning of the imminent end to the fuel subsidy.

There are fears that this increase in fuel prices will exacerbate the country’s worsening inflationary trends.

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President Koroma Quite Rightly Disowns Press Secretary’s Misleading Statement on UN Chief’s Visit to Sierra Leone

Office of the President
State House
Tower Hill
Freetown
21st June, 2010

Government of Sierra Leone Press Release:

The Office of the President refers to the press report issued by its Press Secretariat dated 15th June 2010 and would like to clarify that the Secretary-General of the United Nations did not make any pronouncement in favour of the Government’s intention to institute an Inquest into the 1992 execution of the former Inspector-General of Police and 28 others.

At no time during his visit did the Secretary-General make any specific comments on this Inquest or on any other event that included one or the other of Sierra Leone’s many past atrocities and brutalities.

The Secretary-General expressed the opinion that any such matter should be a decision of the Government of Sierra Leone and should be addressed in accordance with the recommendations of Sierra Leone’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and in a spirit of national reconciliation and peace building. He also emphasized that if there was no justice, peace can only be temporary.

During his visit, the Secretary-General took the opportunity to congratulate the Government and the people of Sierra Leone for the tangible and exemplary progress they have made over the last eight years on their way towards peace, stability and economic progress.

He attributed this achievement to the exceptional resilience of Sierra Leoneans, the wisdom of their political leaders and the support of the international community.

However, the Secretary-General also underlined that the peace process in Sierra Leone is not yet irreversible and call on the Government, political parties, Sierra Leone’s vibrant civil society, its private sector leaders, its religious and traditional leaders and on its diverse media to work together to overcome the country’s remaining challenges and problems.

The Secretary-General’s visit to Sierra Leone from 14 to 15 June 2010 was a unique and memorable event and it has further strengthened the existing cordial relations with the United Nations and its agencies.

Secretary to the President
State House
Freetown
21st June, 2010

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UN Chief Arrives in Freetown Today

The people of Sierra Leone have welcomed the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon upon his arrival in Freetown today 14 June 2010. The UN Chief will be meeting the government, leaders of the opposition parties, the international community and stakeholders in Sierra Leone to review the work of the UN Peace Building Mission headed by Mr. Michael Schulenberg.

It is reported that the UN Chief will have an audience with the country’s Press at State House on Tuesday, followed by the official launching of the new Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).

Although Mr. Ban Ki-Moon will discuss progress in consolidating the peace in Sierra Leone, however it is not certain whether he will discuss the government’s plan to institute a Commission of Inquiry into the alleged killing of 29 military and police personnel, and civilians who were in the custody of the former NPRC military regime.

But, Sierra Leone’s Information Minister – Mr. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo told Cotton Tree News that the UN Chief’s visit should help in changing the country’s image abroad. “We have made a lot of progress and reforms, which we are pleased to let him see” he told CTN today.

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President Koroma and Other State Functionaries to Open Up to the People

In 2008 plans were made by the Open Government Initiative for the President to take part in a live radio and television debate with his fellow citizens. On the appointed Saturday earmarked for what was billed as the first in the history of Sierra Leone, the programme was cancelled by the Open Government Initiative, the organisers of the event. No credible reason was given for the last minute cancellation.

Today, there is a statement from the Press Secretary of State House, announcing another ‘talk to the President’ discussion event taking place at State House, on Saturday 12th June. The programme is billed to have not only the President facing a group of 200 citizens from all walks of life and political persuasions, but also to be present at the event will be the Speaker of Parliament, and the Chief Justice.

Subjects to be discussed would range from the government’s free health care delivery programme, to education, electricity supply, food self-sufficiency, water supply, and good governance. But it seems that other key areas of government socio-economic policy such as inflation, poor housing and youth unemployment, are not included on the agenda.

Some observers say that they would rather have Ministers present, who would be able to give direct account to the people, on issues such as land transactions and registration, finance and economic development. But sceptics are unclear as to what will be achieved from this event, if at all it does go ahead.

Although this initiative should be welcomed, it must not however, serve as a replacement for the long awaited Freedom of Information Bill, which was promised by President Koroma upon taking up office.

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UN Forces will not assist Sierra Leone’s Security Forces in overseeing the 2012 General and Presidential Elections

Media reports of the UN’s decision not to provide security for Sierra Leone’s forthcoming elections must focus the minds of politicians of all parties. And the question that many Sierra Leoneans would be asking is, why should the UN be expected to provide troops to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully, when it is in the interest of all Sierra Leoneans to ensure a peaceful and violence free elections?

Apart from the need for Sierra Leone to start the process of weaning itself from what is seen as an almost total reliance on the international community, it is about time that the nation begins to demonstrate that it is more than capable of looking after its own affairs in a politically matured and responsible manner.

The United Nations' Representative in Sierra Leone - Michael Schulenberg gave this warning to reporters in Freetown last Friday. “We intend to make our presence in Sierra Leone less visible in order to demonstrate to the rest of the world that the country is now at peace” said Schulenberg.

Also, unlike previous elections when the UN through its Peace Building Fund had to provide financial assistance to political parties to help build their organisational capacities, this direct funding will not be available in 2012.

According to Michael Schulenberg “all we intend to do is to provide technical assistance to all registered political parties in the country.” He emphasised that “Sierra Leone belongs to Sierra Leoneans. All we are doing is help to stabilise your country. It is up to you Sierra Leoneans to make or break your own country. There is a limit to which we can support your country.”

This stark warning by the UN Chief in Sierra Leone should send a clear, strong and loud message to all political parties and security forces in the country to step up efforts in consolidating the peace and accelerate the pace of reconciliation.

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Sierra Leonean Youth Contract Workers Deported from Iraq – How Green are the Iraqi Pastures?

It is less than six months ago since a contingent of young able-bodied Sierra Leonean men and women left the shores of their motherland in search of greener pastures in war torn Iraq. And now there are reports of eighty-six of them being deported back to Freetown on what appears to be flimsy accusations ranging from exercising their right to taking strike action, to theft and pregnancy.

But reports received from the deportees say that the reason for their deportation is low pay and poor working conditions. The overseas employment co-ordinator - Ahmed Mansaray, told AFP that workers had staged a series of industrial strikes over their wages, despite agreeing on a wage of 250 US Dollars (175 Euros) a month before leaving Freetown for Iraq in December 2009.

"The workers were demanding an increase in their salaries from 250 US dollars to 900 US dollars. As far as the ministry is concerned, all terms and conditions signed for in the agreement were fulfilled," he said.

According to reports, about 10,000 Sierra Leoneans have been earmarked to be recruited by the British company - Sabre International to go and work in Baghdad, with more than 2,000 Sierra Leonean youths already working in that war torn country as construction workers, domestic servants, drivers, security guards and nurses.

This issue is far too important to be politicised, and calls for a serious national debate. Some critics are arguing that it is a moral travesty and political bankruptcy, for any government to send its young people into arms way in search of a better life, instead of creating job opportunities at home for them.

It is hard enough trying to deal with the psychological consequences and effects of Sierra Leone's ten year war on the youths. But to send them to another war zone, as a policy of addressing joblessness in Sierra Leone, smacks of sheer abdication of duty.

Those young people sent to Iraq are likely to return to Sierra Leone far more mentally scarred than when they left the shores of Freetown. Sending them to war torn Iraq to work is hardly psychotherapeutic.

One has to wonder how many of them would have been granted a clean bill of health by Dr. Nahim, prior to their departure for Iraq. This government's policy of 'clientellism' is not sustainable by any stretch of the imagination, and could stoke up problems for the long-term development of Sierra Leone itself.

The World Food Programme has recently launched a 'cash for work' programme to help unemployed Iraqis find work. Iraqis taking part in the programme will receive $15 a day. This is more than double the daily wage being earned by those young Sierra Leoneans working in Iraq.

WFP is also piloting a $700,000 'cash for work' programme in Freetown. This should be rolled-out, mainstreamed and expanded throughout Sierra Leone. It should be integrated as part of the government's 'Agenda for Change' if they are really serious about tackling youth unemployment.

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Ministers 'Grilled' in Parliament as Sierra Leone’s Economic Growth remains Weak

With inflation in Sierra Leone running at over 20% and unemployment hovering above 65% of the economically active population, it is no surprising that Members of the country’s Parliament last Friday, invited both the Minister of Finance and Economic Development - Samura Kamara and the Trade and Industry Minister - David Carew, for what can be described as a 'parliamentary grilling'.

When questioned by cross-party MPs about the “poor performance of the economy during the period under review”, the Minister of Finance argued that the country is not experiencing or suffering from economic instability as some people are being led to believe.

Dr. Samura noted that after a period of healthy growth, which took place up to mid - 2008, economic activity and export revenue started to fall by the end of that year, as the global economic downtown began to affect Sierra Leone, and production in the mining sector hit by technical and contractual difficulties.

The Minister told MPs that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, which was running at an average of 7% per annum during the period 2004 to 2007, fell to 5% in 2008 and 4% in 2009 respectively. The country’s economy is being driven by expansion in agricultural activities, investment in basic infrastructure, and growth in the construction and service industries.

He said that his government’s monetary policy throughout 2009 was aimed at combating rising inflation, the success of which according to the Minister saw a fall in inflation from 12.8% in December 2008 to single digits during the period January to August 2009.

Dr. Samura told MPs that rising inflation has been accounted for by rising costs of imported fuel and food prices. The Minister revealed to MPs that the country’s foreign exchange performance has improved as the international NGOs’ demand for foreign currency declines in line with their scaled-down operations.

The much improved global economic crisis has also contributed towards improving the country’s foreign exchange supply, said the Finance Minister.

The Finance Minster was pleased to inform MPs of the government’s efforts in improving fiscal performance by controlling spending and increasing the country’s revenue base. He said that government’s revenue rose from Le621 Billion in 2008 to Le724 Billion in 2009.

Minister of Trade & Industry - David Carew, told MPs that there has been an improvement in the exchange rate from Le 4,200 to Le 3,900, and that greater revenue is now being collected through the Goods and Services Tax.

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This is no Way to Prepare our University Student Leaders for Future Public Life

As the governing APC Party’s candidate - Alfred Minkailu Koroma is crowned winner of Fourah Bay College Students’ Union Presidential Elections, amidst controversy and accusations of vote rigging and dirty tricks, questions are being asked as to the kind of future our student leaders are being prepared.

Koroma won 52% of the votes, which were a re-run of the initial polls held on Friday, 28 May, whilst his main opponent who is widely regarded as the opposition SLPP’s favourite candidate – Ms. Francess Marke, lost marginally with 48% of the total votes polled.

Both the ruling APC and the opposition SLPP are accusing each other of political interference in the elections, which are designed to give students an opportunity to develop their civic and governance skills, and responsibilities for future public life.

But if reports of vote rigging during electricity outage and the stuffing of ballot boxes are to be believed, then it has to be said that the country is falling far short of what it takes to prepare and develop its future leaders, where higher standards in public life are expected.

With the reported levels of political interference in those students’ elections, it is hard to see how those bright, young minds can take on responsible stations in life, where the reward of honesty, hard work and patience is success.

And if this is how we prepare our young generation of politicians, public servants and industrialists, then are we going to continue to wallow in misery as a nation for a very long time - right at the bottom of the Human Development Index.

Where is the government's attitudinal change programme?

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“Let Bye-gone be Bye-gone”: Says Chairman of the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Following the public announcement by the government’s Minister of Information and Communication – Alhaji Ibrahim Ben-Kargbo, of his government’s plan to establish a Commission of Enquiry into circumstances surrounding the death of 27 civilians, politicians, senior police and military personnel, who were in the custody of the former leaders of the NPRC regime; the Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) - Bishop Joseph Humper, has called upon the government not to open up a “Pandora’s Box”.

Bishop Humper gave this advice to the APC government during an interview with the Cotton Tree News in Freetown. He said that “the TRC had dealt with the causes of the devastating civil war” and that the government would be seen to be disrespecting the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, should they decide to go ahead with plans to establish the proposed Commission of Enquiry.

Despite this and many other pleas for history not to be revisited, the Minister of Information – Mr. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo is reported to be saying that ‘the families of the 27 people that were executed wanted to know more about the court trial and the manner of their execution.’

But the Bishop, calling for forgiveness, told the Cotton Tree News that “the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report recommended that everyone should let by-gone be by-gone” and advised the government to revisit the Report “if it meant well for the country”.

History teaches us that it is ever so easy to use power in pursuit of collective justice, but much harder to win and maintain the peace that will put society back to where it once was, after the pursuit of collective justice has been satisfied. But that does not take away the pain and suffering of the relatives of those killed.

A year ago, the editor of the Sierra Leone Telegraph called for a national day of ‘atonement’ presided over by the Chairman of the TRC and religious leaders. This day of ‘atonement’ should provide the public space for all the past leaders of Sierra Leone - that are still alive, to apologise and express their sympathy for all the political and extra-judicial killings that have marred the country’s history since independence. There have been far too many.

The Sierra Leone Telegraph wishes to make that call again today, in the name of peace, political stability, and brotherly love. Let the nation allow God’s truth to reign supreme and His mercy to follow.

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Political Storm in the Horizon as Government Confirms the Re-appointment of Christiana Thorpe as NEC Chairman

It seems the die had been cast in 2007 for a political storm, in the renewal of the NEC Commissioner’s contract to serve for a second term, when the results of 477 polling stations, mainly from the Constituencies of the then governing SLPP were cancelled by the National Elections Commissioner (NEC) – Dr. Christiana Thorpe.

The opposition SLPP believes that they lost the election to the opposition APC because of what they regard as an illegal act “in contravention of section 78 of the Electoral Act of 2002.” It seems President Koroma is having none of that and has gone ahead to re-appoint the incumbent Thorpe to continue to serve as the NEC Commissioner.

The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone is yet to rule on a case brought to the Courts by the SLPP, who are hoping to seek redress. But it is highly unlike that any pending decision would have an effect on the political landscape already drawn by the 2007 elections ‘ballot cancellation’ fiasco.

However, the opposition SLPP is hoping that by refusing to endorse the reappointment of Dr. Thorpe by President Koroma to serve for the second term, they could prevent the recurrence of what they see as a ‘gross violation of the Electoral Act’ at the 2007 general elections.

At a press briefing in Freetown last Thursday, the SLPP’s Director of Communication - Mr. Sulaiman Tejan-Sie told the media that ‘it would be unconstitutional for Dr. Thorpe to be reappointed when there is a court action against her, because of her conduct of the last Presidential and Parliamentary elections’.

Mr. Tejan-Sie accused the government of touting their consultation credentials, even though their behaviour speaks otherwise. But the government’s Information Minister - Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo said that the government had provided an environment for the SLPP opposition to operate peacefully, and called upon them to “exhibit political maturity”.

No matter the outcome of this controversy, it is now clear that the opposition would have great difficulty trusting the leadership of the National Electoral Commission, as the 2012 general and local elections gather speed.

The debate now is for a review of the country's Constitution to ensure that the appointment of future Commissioners of the NEC is conducted by a parliamentary committee made up of all political parties.

Given the volatility and fragility of Sierra Leone's fledgling democracy, the power of the President to appoint the NEC Commissioner should be curtailed in order to engender a more inclusive and democratic recruitment and selection process.

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New Bye – Laws For Freetown: But Will They be Enforced?

The advancement of any society cannot be judged simply by the plethora of Laws that dictates how its citizens must behave, but by the degree to which those Laws are being adhered to and enforced by the State. The capital city of Sierra Leone – Freetown, now has new Bye – Laws enacted by Parliament, which came into effect on Monday.

The Freetown City Council is responsible for enforcing the new Bye – Laws that will prohibit the misuse of public property, the employment of children, and protect citizens against nuisance – including street traders.

Although the Bye – Laws will no doubt be welcomed by many in the capital, there are doubts as to the commitment and capacity of the City Council Police to enforce them fairly, professionally and without fear or favour. At the back of the minds of the doubting Thomas's is the spectre of corruption and nepotism.

Existing Bye – Laws are yet to be fully enforced, including the collection of Local Taxes. Street Traders are still waiting to be relocated to the newly built market at Sewa Grounds (Victoria Park), which should put an end to illegal street trading activities. But it seems that the Council is dragging its feet.

In the meantime, the Mayor Herbert George-Williams is bullishly confident that his Council will ensure that the Bye – Laws are thoroughly enforced.

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