On the 26th March 1923 an Association was founded in a  West African State of Sierra Leone known as the Sierra Leone Football League. It was founded by Mr Akita Cole and Mr Commings Doherty supported by 5 other important Sierra Leoneans as follows: Dr H.C. Dove (deceased) Mr E. S. Beoku Betts ( deceased) Mr. Amadu T Taylor (deceased) Mr. S. Davies, Mr. G. Ladepon Thomas (deceased) and Inspector V. Warren who became founding members elected Mr. Akita Cole and Mr Cummings Doherty as the first President and Secretary respectively. On the 4th June 1923 football association league championship was introduced. The name Sierra Leone football league was changed to the Sierra Leone Amateur football Association on the 26th March 1926. The Association was also affiliated with the Football Association in London because Sierra Leone was a British Colony. A young lawyer then, Mr. Beoku Betts was helped by Father Mulch to form what is now known as Sierra Leone football Association (SLFA) today. In that same year, the Kingtom Grounds was purchased for 10 shillings, 6 pence (10/6)with the help of Mr. Magnus Leigh and was entrusted to trustees. Before that, in March 23rd 1923, the first football league was organized with the participation of 13 clubs namely: (1) East End Games (2) Olympic (3) Literacy and Games (4) Barmoh (5) South Scientists (6) Police (7) Young Tigers (8) Stretchers (9) Deaphes (10) Moonlight (11) Lions (12) Cline Town Rovers (13)Railways An annual competition was also introduced between the Colony and the Protectorate. The league was played on a Home and Away basis. Freetown was the colony’s headquarter and Bo,the protectorate Headquarter. The Colony and Protectorate played their last match in 1955 which the Colony Won by seven goals to one (7 — 1). This competition was abolished and replaced with the current FA Cup by Hon. A. D. Wurie. The first international match was played against Guinea in 1951. Other international matches were also played and one such was between Sierra Leone and the Gold Coast now(Ghana) Sierra Leone played its first return leg match in Gold Coast which ended in (2 — 2) in 1959. Trophies for the league competition were donated and named as follows: Challarams Cup, Stevenson Cup, Blood Cup, Barclay’s Cup, Eastern and Western Shield. The competition was also extended to Division Two and Three respectively and there were promotions and relegations. The first Football Association died prematurely because of inadequate structures. By an act of Parliament, the National Sport Council Act was established in 1964 and the Council’s first Director of Sports was Late Mr. T. K. Bindi. It was in that same year the Football Referees Association was founded. The Sierra Leone Amateur football Association (SLAFA) was again founded in July 1967 with Mr. Amadu Dazie Wurie (AD Wurie commonly known) as its president. The vice president were Messrs’ A. A. Dillsworth (Western Area),D. S. Bindi (Southern Province), F. Koroma ( Northern Province) and Isaac Williams (Eastern Province). Other officials were: Mr. M. R. Lamin (Treasurer) and E. B Wallace Johnson as Secretary General served SLAFA for 12 years. While the clubs were waiting to see the outcome of the resolution submitted to Government for consideration then appeared a sudden “wind of change” in the SLAFA Executive following the retirement of its President, Mr. Sam L. Sesay. This necessitated impromptu election ordered by the minister responsible for Sports, and then Hon. Thaimu Bangura (deceased), to take place on that same day of 14th October, 1981. The new body of SLAFA took full national responsibility and no doubt took over the administration of football with selection of its executive members exclusively from the Western Area. Another trouble started with provincial people feeling dissatisfied. The battle continued unabated. The past presidents, who left their imprints for us to follow their progressive ideals, include but not limited to Messrs,Akita Cole,Ernest Beoku Betts,Festus George, W. A. Dillsworth, A. D. Wurie, Edward Akar and Justice Tholla Thompson. As a mark of improvement at that time, Sierra Leone can boast of six oversees trained coaches as follows: Steven Bio, Amadu Kargbo, Freddie Pratt, Amadu Okro Kamara, M. B. Kamara and Ghazie Hygazie(deceased). The National Referees Association summited seven names as follows: E. B. Wallace Johnson, A. S. Gondor, Willie Thompson, Francis Agbehere, Freddie J. Pratt, Patrick Kamara and F. B. Sally for the first time to FIFA and were all Included in the list of international Referees in 1967. At that moment, Messrs, E. B. Wallace Johnson (retired), A. S. Gondor,Freddie J. A. Pratt(deceased), Willie Thompson, E. P. Robinson and Patrick D. Green have seen been decorated. Several experiments were undertaken in limiting the number of competitions, reducing the number of teams, introducing a juvenile competition and accepting new clubs with names like their ancestors such as— Kailondo,Bai Bureh, Khakuma,Massiaday and Mammy Yoko — into the Division 1 to take part in i international friendlies. One aspect of that work was the’Wurie Plan’ that came into operation when the under 14 competition was introduced and added more glamour to the game. In 1992,the name Sierra Leone Amateur Association (SLAFA) was changed to Sierra Leone football Association (SLFA) based on the coming in of professional players into the game. Which gives birth to the differentiation between professionals (foreign based) and Home Base (Amateurs). The history of Sierra Leone’s football was still in writing when the DAWN OF A NEW ERA came with the election of the first female president of SLFA, Madam Isha Johansen on August 3rd,2013. Six articles of faith (Sunni Islam) Belief in one God (Tawhid) This means having absolute faith in the oneness of God. Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. It has no plural in Arabic, which shows that there is only one God. Muslims believe that no being is like Allah. Belief in angels (malaikah) Muslims believe that God’s greatness means he cannot communicate directly with humans. Instead, God passed messages, called risalah, to his prophets via the angels, called

 The Director General (DG) of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), Daniel Kaitibi, has explained the reason behind the proposed hosting of the Consumer Parliament in Bo on the 26th March 2021. He explained the motive and importance of holding this meeting, which he maintained is to provide a platform where all stakeholders in the industry interact with consumers and have frank discussions on the critical issues affecting the sector, in a bid to arrive at a better understanding of their respective roles and build a better working relationship. Daniel Kaitibi disclosed that with the interest of consumers paramount in the discharge of their duties, according to their mandate, the holding of such a session will create a platform where Consumers are given the opportunity to have a face-to-face dialogue with policy makers, regulator and service providers. In that meeting consumers will be able to ask questions, make complaints or make suggestions relating to critical issues on services provided, regulations, consumer education and protection, etc. He furthered that now that Information Communications Technology has become the trend, digital penetration is on everyone’s mind to be used to bridge the digital divide, thus, issues relating to consumer satisfaction takes center stage in the telecommunications sector. The NATCOM DG intimated that the theme for this year’s Consumer Parliament is “DIGITAL PENETRATION FOR CONSUMER SATISFACTION IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS “, adding that the choice of this theme is in consideration of the premium put by the institution on Consumer welfare and vigilance, hence digital penetration for consumer satisfaction has to be assured and ensured. He furthered that the consumers will hear about issues which affect them from expert speakers during the session, and will be able to give their own input. Through this platform, consumers will be able to get better knowledge and understanding of issues in the telecommunication sector.  DG Kaitibi concluded that the primary functions of the regulator is to ensure that end users benefit from quality, affordable and available services, pursuant to section 9 (2) (b) of the telecommunications act of 2006 as amended. “The need to have the Consumer Parliament in this direction cannot be over emphasised,” he stressed.   RMFA OFFICIALS IN HOT WATER By OKC Review of the financial statements and other relevant documentation such as Board minutes, management meeting minutes, Loan agreements and other correspondences, revealed that the Road Maintenance Fund Administration  (RMFA) contracted a ‘revolving Loan’ with a limit of Le50 billion. The Loan balance as at 31st December, 2016 was Leaving 33.9 billion.  Further examination was done to ascertain whether the Administration have the mandate to contract commercial Loans. In light of this, a thorough review of the Road Maintenance Act was done but auditors from the Audit Service Sierra Leone were unable to find such mandate in the Act. The Act in section 16(1) clearly states the various sources of the funding for the Road Maintenance Fund. The auditors noted from their reviewed that the Loan was approved by the Board and further approval was sought from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. According to the Auditors from Audit Service Sierra Leone the report stated that, the said matter was brought to the attention of the management during the audit and management responded that RMFA is a ‘Body Corporate’ and hence can contract Loans. The auditors further reviewed other Acts promulgated by Parliament and they observed that the mandate to contract Loan was expressly stated in the Act of some of the other government agencies. But the auditors concerned that the Administration is not mandated by Law to contract Loan. Section 17(1) of the Road Maintenance Act, 2010 states:’ The Fund shall be used to defray the cost of maintenance of the core road network.’ The report further stated that the review of the contract documents, road maintenance expenditure and other related documentations revealed that the Fund had been used to defray road rehabilitation cost and other none related road maintenance expenses. The utilisation of the Funds to defray these nonroad maintenance related costs have put huge financial burden on the Administration to contract Loans from Commercials Banks which attracts high interest rates. Section 18(1) of the Road Maintenance Act state: “Not later than three more months before the commencement of each financial year, the Authority shall submit to the Administration in a form determined by the Administration, a core road programme and a request for its funding for the ensuring financial year”. Section 19 (1) of the Road Maintenance Act, 2010 also states:” Not later than two months before the commencement of a financial year, the Administration shall approve a core road programme relating to that financial year”. ECOWAS PARLIAMENT OPENS SEMINAR IN FREETOWN The Speaker of Sierra Leone Parliament, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu has officially declared open the First Parliamentary Seminar of the Fifth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in the year, 2021 at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown. The aforesaid Parliamentary Seminar is themed: “involving Members of the ECOWAS Parliament in monitoring the implementation of the protocol relating to the community levy”; ahead of its extraordinary session in Freetown on the 29/03/2021. The ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993, Article 72 of the said Treaty provides for  Community Levy for the purposes of generating resources to finance community activities, it shall be a percentage of the total value of import duty derivable from imported goods from third countries outside the community, 0.5 percent levy was determined by the Council, conditions for the application of the levy, transfer and utilization of revenue generated in the form of community levy shall be defined in the relevant protocol, and that Member States are to undertake the facilitation and application of the provisions in this Article. Welcoming participants, Head of Sierra Leone’s Delegation to ECOWAS Parliament and Leader of the Opposition in Sierra Leone Parliament, Hon. Chernor R.M Bah thanked the Government and the people of Sierra Leone for supporting Hon. Sidie M. Tunis for his elevation and election to the position of

Orange SL Trains Stakeholders on Corruption  By Feima Sesay Orange SL Ethics and Compliance Team, in a way to ensure a Zero tolerance on corruption has held an Anti-corruption training for employees and partners of the company. The training is part of a number of training exercises which the company has been providing for its stakeholders. The main objectives of the training is raising awareness and preventing corruption, fighting corruption, highlighting corruption risk and consequences for non-compliance. It also helps partners to understand about the Company’s authorities. Speaking at the training, the General Secretary and head of Compliance Haffie Haffner  in her address prior to the commencements of the  training told participant that intensifying the fight against corruption has been a global concern and that the private sector was not left out. She said the company is subjected not only to local but also to global anti-corrupt laws and that the subjection of the company to several laws present a clear case for the company to ensure integrity amongst its employees and partners. Madam Haffner said they have the responsibility to operate in a transparent ethical manner and that the company has a dedicated ethics and Compliance Team to ensure the fight against corruption becomes a success story. She said knowledge is power and that a person would only know what to do and what not to do when they are properly trained. Madam Haffner believes that failing to understand corruption is an issue in any relationship that put values at the core of it operations. She also gave a rundown of the training sessions the company conducted. She said in 2019, the company trained 72% of their staff and in 2020 they developed a digital method of training due to the outbreak of Covid-19 and was 100% completed. The facilitator Gerald Cole another head of compliance told the participants that Orange SL operates in over 30 countries including U.K and USA. He said the company therefore has an unavailable obligation to fight corruption. In his view he sees corruption as giving or promise 9f giving anything of value for someone to do something that they are not entitled to do. Mr. Cole said Corruption is wide and that it is not only a concern for government but also for the private sector. He also spoke briefly on danger of corruption noting that create unnecessary cost and delays in the production and delivery of goods and services. The training he said was very important because corruption by partners is Corruption by Orange Sierra Leone, stressing that a partners who gives bribe to any person is equivalent to the company giving out bribe Mr Cole also took the participants through on the company’s key policies on corruption. Which is the code of conduct and internal sanction, and risk assessment, due diligence, accounting control and procedures, internal evaluation. A whistle blowing system is also encouraged under the internal sanctions policy to give opportunity to partners to report any Act of corruption. Mr Cole said the company has a Gift and Entertainment and a conflict of interest policies. Which debar the company employees from receiving gifts without declaring them to the management. Under the same police he said employees are prohibited from receiving a gift that amounts to Le 890,000 for a year. He said an appropriate governance system is in place within the organization such as ethics, risk, finance and other committees as well as officers. He continues that for the past three years, there has been an Ethics clause in contract and supplies for the company. The company therefore called on Sierra Leoneans especially business partners to join the company in the fight against corruption adding that the company discourages any form of corruption in its operations. Transformation In Progress At SLRTC By Ezekiel Dumbuya and Mohamed Jalloh Mr Mohamed Zoker the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Sierra Leone Road Transport Authority has in an exclusive interview with this medium, revealed the transformation plans that could see the evolution of the Sierra Leone Roads Transport Cooperation (SLRTC) from a social service provider to a regulator of the transport sector. The PRO disclosed on how the conversion of the institution will witness a change of name as the nascent body will assume the nomenclature, Sierra Leone Roads Transport Authority (SLRTA). With the change of name, the PRO said the mandate of the New SLRTA would take the form of a watchdog over private entities that would be exclusively rendering Public transportation services to the general public. According to Mr Zoker the public transport regulatory role is not only limited to buses, taxis and Mini vans but Motor cycles and tricycles are also encapsulated as means of public transportation. The PRO synchronised with the general belief that government is not a “good business man” which prompted the decision that would eventually lead to relinquishing the business of public transportation to the private sector. He said the rationale of the SLRTC is in line with the global trend and dynamics that has witnessed the vacating of the public transportation role to private individuals who could put their mouths where their monies are. Mr. Zoker revealed that the transformation from SLRTC to SLRTA was supported by a $5O million grant which would be utilised for the completion of the project by way of enhancing the capacity of the new regulatory authority. The PRO Commended the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) and other government agencies for their collaborative efforts in providing the crucial technical support  that is vital to the conversion from a public transportation provider to a regulatory body. He continued by drawing a similitude to that of the telecommunications providers such as Africell, Orange and the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) which is the regulator. According to the PRO the relationship between the nascent SLRTA regulator and the private businesses running public transportation would be analogous to what obtains in the telecommunications sector. In order to set the the stage for the

By Mustapha Dumbuya Bollore the company which runs operations at the Freetown terminal Port of the Queen Elizabeth II quay has on Thursday 25th March, 2021 updated newspaper editors on the progress made since 2020 to date at the Bollore Conference room. Patrick B Sannoh, Quality Health Safety Manager said their main aim is to make sure that they have zero fatality deaths in the terminal and also promoting the health and safety policies recently developed by the company. Mr Patrick revealed that since 2013 after they have developed a zero fatality policy together with a match-up of their action plan, they only have three minor injuries. He also said they have developed a safety environmental disposal in which they spent over Ten Million Leones (Le10000000) to Masada a private refuse disposal company for waste bins. He expressed that they every Friday the company engage employees to educate them on issues of safety and adding that even though it was quiet challenging during the COVID-19 they were able to put systems in place.    During the presentation, Daniel Coker the Documentation and the Terminal manager said since the break out of the COVID-19 Pandemic the Freetown Terminal has implemented recommendations issued by port health, Public Health Authority and Bollore Port Safety instructions. Mr Daniel continues that after the closure of the Freetown International Airport on the 21 March, 2020 the institution made progressive arrangement such as limited local activities by homework or shift work barrier gesture and the provision of a contingency plan in case of lock down and to be able to still operate vessels with minimal risks and manpower. He noted that every container has seven (7) free days, 70% of customers clear their Cargoes within 10 days and 30% after 15 days. He informed that they have been working with government agencies such as the Sierra Leone Port Authority, Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance and Trade. “Even though we have been working with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) but yet still challenges are faced through the issuance of fake invoices that has been undermining our work seriously” he said. He ended that previously customers have been getting money challenges as they only have ECO Bank but quiet recently they have added Grantee Trust Bank (GTB) where all payments should be made. Gassim Fofanah the public relations officer for the Freetown Terminal said they have spent over eight hundred million (800,000,000) on Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) for 2020. He also said that Moa Wharf Community has been struggle to get safe and clean water but with the intervention of Bollore they were able to support them with five (5) five hundred (500) liters of Milla tanks and plumbing accessories to install the tanks in various points. Mr Gassim explained that of the outbreak of COVID-19 the Freetown Terminal takes the implications of the outbreak seriously adding that they also offered support to many deprived communities like Moa wharf and sea side communities surrounding their operations. He noted that some others institutions such as Disability Right Movement, Blind School in Freetown and Makeni including two communities in constituency 121and 122 have benefitted from their humanitarian gesture. The PRO said in March and April 2020 the Freetown Terminal and Bollore Transport and Logistics made a combination donation of assorted items for COVID-19 preventive measures such as hand sanitation, soap, hand washing tanks and food items includes 170 bags of rice 118 bags of onions, 118 20L of cooking oil, 55cartons of Maggie and 55 cartoons of tomato paste. He said the marathon donation is a yearly event that takes place on September and it was only established for the purpose of charity adding that in September 2020 both of the institutions went at the King Georges old people’s home at Grafton where they donated some essential items. The items which they donated include rice, onions cooking oil Maggie, tomatoes and other cooking items.

The adage better late than never is what mirrors the recent engagement between the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and the Ministry of Information and Communications on the Cyber Crime Bill. The Minister, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, took the cross section of the SLAJ Executive and the National Coordinator of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) through a power-point presentation on key aspects of the bill and responded to what it calls “certain misconceptions” of the proposed legislation.  The Minister described the powers the bill gives to his office as overwhelming and rejected them entirely; saying that no minister or institution should have such powers. The SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, firstly expressed his disappointment that the media fraternity until now was left out of crucial consultations that took place during the process of drafting the bill.  Nevertheless, Nasralla said SLAJ is not averse to the enactment of legislation that seeks to enhance protection, security and responsible use of the cyberspace, but that the Association is concerned about a possible interference with the civic space and infringement on fundamental human rights of free speech and people’s privacy.  He informed the Ministry that SLAJ has consulted its in-house lawyers and international press freedom organizations for technical and legal opinion on the bill. SLAJ and the MRCG, he said, will hold a workshop with media leaders and journalists to discuss the bill and make valid inputs that will be submitted to the ministry and the Sierra Leone Parliament. Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Cyber Security Unit in the Ministry, Mr. Morie Saffa, apologised on behalf of the ministry for leaving SLAJ and key media stakeholders like the IMC, RAIC and MRCG out of initial consultations on the drafting of the bill, but noted that it is never too late for the media to make valid input to the bill, which has now been tabled in Parliament.     10 GRAVE DANGERS BEHIND THE PROPOSED CYBERCRIME LAW 2020 1. Section 4(2) of the proposed Cybercrime law 2020 states that the fact that evidence has been generated, transmitted or seized from or identified in a search shall not in itself prevent that evidence from being presented, relied upon or admitted. This shifts a heavy burden on the accused to challenge the authenticity of the digital evidence rather than on the prosecution to prove its authenticity. You might not think much of this until you are a poor journalist or citizen with little or no means or knowledge/expert skills to challenge such digital evidence. 2. The search and seizure of stored computer data power given to the police under Section 5, pursuant to a search warrant order by a judge, is grossly broad. There is no provision that protects journalists, lawyers, doctors etc. from compelled disclosure of confidential information stored in digital form. By this section, anyone including a journalist might have their right to hold confidential information interfered with or perhaps their means of work and livelihood restricted. 3. Section 5(4) states that where the police believe that the data sought to be seized is stored in another computer, the police officer may extend the search to such other systems. In essence, a police officer may apply for a search warrant order from a judge to search or seize the computer of Mr. A but by this subsection, he is authorised to extend that search to Mr. B, Sister C, Brother D, Nephew E, Niece F and perhaps hundreds of their cousins. There is no provision in this subsection that requires the police to reapply for further authorisation. Although subsection 7 creates an offence for misuse of the search power, we all know what our police are capable of doing. If they can take a photo-frame as evidence, what can’t they do given the broad scope of this law? 4. There is no provision of how and where seized or recorded data or computer systems are stored and for how long it can be stored to preserve such information in the event of a discontinuance of criminal investigations. Information critical to journalists and other persons can be severely compromised if there are no such safeguards. 5. Section 7(1) mandates the production of data information to the police by an order of court, from a person or entity based in Sierra Leone or offering their services in SL for e.g. Orange Network, Facebook, Twitter etc. Under this subsection, all of one’s personal data could be given to the police. Where there are no data protection laws providing safeguards, this could be a recipe for disaster especially for social media activism or citizen journalism. 6. Sections 9 and 10 provide for real-time collection of traffic and content data by the police by an order of court, through a service provider. These sections also provide that measures shall be taken to maintain the privacy of other users, customers and third parties. But where are these measures? We can’t leave them to the conjectures and discretion of the police. Mind you, this order can be given in respect of anyone-including members of the opposition, media practitioners, activists etc. Again, where there are no data protection laws, critically important data might come into the hands of the police or the service provider during this period and there is very little provision for accountability and safeguards. 7. By Section 25, merely using, copying information or downloading data from a website could constitute an offence notwithstanding the information being available on a public platform. Just the copying and transferring to your other device or to a WhatsApp group could be a crime. You don’t have to do anything more with the information or data transferred. 8. Section 27 makes it an offence to intercept non-public transmissions of data from a computer system, the transmission of which threatens national security etc. I can easily see Africanist Press and many other investigative journalists falling foul of this a million times over. Because, once you can’t state your source, it is deemed unlawfully intercepted. Again,

With a hefty donation of assorted food items and clothing worth millions of Leones, Rokel Commercial Bank has become the first corporate institution to come to the aid of victims of the Susan’s Bay fire disaster. The raging inferno which broke out on Wednesday 24th March consumed more than half of the slum (about the size of 10 football fields) that holds an estimated 1,000 inhabitants on the coastline of the Central Business District of Freetown. RCBank’s Public Relations Officer, Rev. Spilsbury Williams in a sombre tone said the bank as an indigenous bank felt compelled to stand by the people in this time of distress and emphasized the bank’s commitment towards its corporate social responsibility at all times. “Charity begins at home and Rokel Commercial Bank is your own bank…the bank of the people. We will always stand by you through thick and thin.” He said. Section Chief for Susan’s Bay, Pa Alimamy Kamara who received the donated items on behalf of the fire victims recounted the suffering his people have gone through since the disaster and commended Rokel Bank for being the first institution to respond to their plight. The Chief however appealed for temporal shelter to house the victims – most of whom have been sleeping rough in public spaces around the slum area.   Councillor for the area, Madinatu Kamara also appealed for more assistance by calling on other institutions to emulate the Rokel Commercial Bank. “This bank has really demonstrated that it cares for the people and we shall ever remain grateful for this timely and wonderful gesture. Some of our people have gone for three days without eating a decent meal but these food items will be distributed in a judicious manner so that the real victims benefit” she said. In a conversation with this medium, the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin said the bank remains committed to one of its core principle of being the people’s bank and that adherence to its corporate social responsibility is non-negotiable. “At times like these, we need to give back to the people and this is also about complementing the efforts of government which from every indication is working tirelessly round the clock on disaster mitigation” he said. The sense of desperation and anguish was palpable as poor inhabitants managed to scoop out whatever little that was left of their gutted homes. Algerian Foreign Affairs Minister Visits Sierra Leone By Lansana Fofanah The Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sabri Boukadoum, yesterday paid a courtesy call on His Excellency, the President Julius Maada Bio and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nabeela F. Tunis. Ambassador Boukadoum came at a time when Algeria and Sierra Leone are enjoying multi-lateral ties in the area of trade and investment and international diplomacy.  Welcoming Ambassador Boukadoum and delegates at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation conference hall, Tower Hill, Freetown, Minister Tunis said that President Bio’s meeting with the Ambassador, was successful as they were able to identify key priorities in the area of trade and investment, education, mining and agriculture. The Minister said that Algeria’s relationship with Sierra Leone, span way back since 1980 when the country hosted the Organization of Africa Unity. The Minister commended the President of Algeria for extending an invitation for President Bio to visit Algeria which is expected to happen anytime soon. In response, Ambassador Boukadoum gave his admiration about Sierra Leone’s rapid development in terms of peace and security,human capital development. He said that both Sierra Leone and Algeria maintain similar position on Committee of Ten agenda in the United Nations. Ambassador Boukadoum, promised to reactivate the investment roadmap that was agreed between the two countries before the outbreak of coronavirus as his visit to the country has given him lots of positive thoughts that he will relay back home. “Sierra Leoneans should not underestimate what the have as there are positive developments going on under the leadership of President Bio,” he said. IHPAU Kills Hospitality Sector Dr. Austin Demby: Minister of Health By Mustapha Dumbuya & Mohamed Jalloh The Integrated Health Project Administration Unit (IHPAU) under the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) is deliberately suffocating some members of the hospitality sector for failing to honour contracts for catering services rendered to IHPAU. The debt arisen from the catering services has risen to over Le338,670, 000,Three Hundred and Thirty Eight Million Six Hundred and seventy thousand Leones particularly owed to Dohas Hotel, Heaven on Earth Catering Services in Bo and After 12 Catering services in Kailahun. The debt to the caterers was incurred during IHPAU mass malaria sensitization campaign in August 2020. According to our sources IHPAU has been utilizing the services of the Ngoyela Caterers without paying the 5.5% Withholding tax returns to suppliers for over a year. Reports have stated that IHPAU that normally implements programmes and activities of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) is using the ministry as a cover to reneging on paying the debt owed to the Ngoyela Caterers. According to the owners of the restaurants offering catering services to IHPAU, their businesses are on the brink of collapse because capital is lacking to re-plough in to the business by way of ensuring its smooth continuity. One of the owners of the restaurant said to public review that most of her staff has deserted her in search of another job because she can no longer afford to pay their salaries. She continued to say that she is desperately in need of the money to ensure the smooth running of her business. The manager said that she has been talking with Mohamed Amara who serves as the procurement officer of IHPAU for her money to be paid but further noted that he has always given her false hopes. She explained that the Chief Monitoring Officer and the Permanent secretary from the Ministry of Health summon her to a meeting including the Former minister of health where an assurance was

The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Water Resources chaired by Hon Lahai Marrah has on Thursday 26th March 2021 decided to take tough measures against water sachet producing companies, relative to compliance and safety. In an oversight meeting held at the Committee Room of Administrative Building in Freetown, he admits the presence of various stakeholders from the water sector, the Committee, after  ascertaining some fact decided to institute compliance level of water production. Briefing stakeholders of the water sector, the dynamic Chairman of the Water Resources, Hon. Lahai Marrah said as parliament they are doing one of their major functions as inscribed in the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone which is an “oversight” role to monitor the operational activities of the water sector in the country. He said the engagement is a continuation of several engagements with water companies across the country, in light of compliance with water regulatory policies. Most importantly, the continuous meeting with the various stakeholders, including the Water Union, the Ministry of Health, Standard Bureau, the regulatory agencies the committee outlined stringent measures, relative to possession of health certificate, quality test without which their operations will not continue. A draft operational document and report for intended legislation form part of the process Water Union expressed satisfaction with Parliament on the on-going engagements with them and promised to comply with laws relating to water regulation policies. During their deliberations to ascertained compliance, the committee observed that 70% of water companies failed their compliance level with Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission, Ministry of Health, and Standard Bureau. Hon. Lahai Marah and his committee members resolved that companies who failed to comply with laws of the land would soon stop operation immediately or face the full penalty of the law. MPs raised concerns and questions over safety standard of water companies operating in the country, relative to consumption. The Committee unanimity insisted to move very tough measures against defaulting water companies listed by the regulatory bodies. Both representatives , from both Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission, Ministry of Health, as well as Standard Bureau spoke well on their mandate regarding the regulations of water companies in the country and promised the committee that they would work by the mandate, instead of compelling to comply with due diligence. Some MPs blamed the agencies for failing to carry out their mandates, to enhance compliance for the safety and good health of the people of Sierra Leone. However, certain water companies were commended by MPs for complying and requested them to do more in providing safe and affordable water for the population of the country.

Aspiring Regional Chairman says Aspiring candidate for the Western Regional Chairman of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Chief Abu Hindolo Moseray, has vowed to deliver 70 per cent of the votes from the Western Region to the party if elected as chairman of the region in the forthcoming Regional Executive Elections. Chief Moseray said the SLPP needs someone like him to increase the party’s support base in the Western Region, which will subsequently woo people to vote for the party in the next general elections. Regarded as the bridge to the existing gap between the people and the current SLPP leadership of the Western Region, Chief Moseray is determined not to fail in bringing the people of the region together so as to vote overwhelmingly for the SLPP come 2023.   Asked why he decided to contest in the March 27, 2021 Regional Executive Elections, he said there are several reasons but prime amongst them is that the party’s support base in the Western Region is dwindling, noting that the party leadership within the region has not been able to bring the people together and things are on the brink of collapsing. Chief Moseray is one of the strong SLPP supporters who held the view that the Western Region is not the stronghold of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party. “The late President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah’s elections in 1996 and 2002 proved to us that Freetown and its environs are not the stronghold of the opposition APC. The SLPP had an overwhelming vote and support in those elections. For me, I believe that what we are doing as a party will motivate the people in this region to vote for us,” he said. Chief Moseray, who is an unapologetic SLPP supporter, was the chairman of Constituency 106 in Freetown and the Western Regional Coordinator of the Elections Management Committee during the 2018 general elections. He was the Western Regional Operations Manager, in line with SLPP’s Dr. Alie Kabba, during the 2018 general elections campaign that brought the party back to power. Chief Moseray, who is the current Chairman of the National Assets and Government Property Commission, has four unique human qualities that will spur him up in the March 27 Regional Executive Elections. “I am a man of agility, consistency, loyalty and have a strong sense of human relationship. I have a very cordial relationship with the party’s national structure and executive members of the various constituencies in the Western Region. I also have the support of the grassroots of the party, who are always in my office to discuss issues affecting the party’s growth,” he said.  Individually, Chief Moseray has been supporting vulnerable people in the Western Region with university fees, medical bills, rents, etc., irrespective of their tribes, regions, and religions. Chief Moseray, who holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in International Relations, was in December 2020 awarded by Sierra Ovation Awards as the 100 Most Outstanding Sierra Leoneans. He is the current Mende Tribal Head of the Mountain Areas of the Western Area Rural District, and he is happily married with two children. -Aspiring Regional Chairman Says

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has installed four Paramount Chiefs in the Karene District and has unveiled a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser for the supervision of the Free Quality Education in the district. The new chiefdom authorities were PC Kandeh Kargbo Kafoir III of Mafoda Makerembay Chiefdom in the Karene District, PC Kandeh Momoh Samba Sulaiman Dephoreh II of Bramaia Chiefdom of Kambia District and PC Sheku Sieh Mansaray II of Tamiso Chiefdom in the Koinadugu District. Welcoming the government delegation on behalf of the Paramount Chief of Sella Limba Chiefdom in the Karene District, Chiefdom Speaker, Alimamy Balaba Bangura, described the visit of President Bio as historic because he was the only sitting president to have visited and slept in Kamakwie Town for the past 15 years. “Your Excellency Sir, the people of Kamakwie and Karene District, in particular, appreciate your government for the moves they continue to take to develop Sierra Leone. We thank you for the Free Quality Education and the healthcare service to women and girls in Karene and other parts of the country. The people of Sella Limba will like to see you here, regularly, and to see you bring more development projects for them,” he noted. District Council Chairman, John Dito Kamara, thanked the President for accepting Karene as a stand-alone district, which he said had 13 chiefdoms. He added that with support from the central government all sectors were in full gear in the new district. “Your Excellency, it was only during your presidency that mayors and chairpersons of the various councils started receiving monthly salaries. For your move towards education and other development in the country, the various councils will forever be grateful,” he assured. In his statement in Krio, President Bio said that he was happy to be with the people of Karene District and congratulated the new chiefs on their election by the people to lead them at local levels, saying that his government would work toward dignifying and protecting traditional leaders. He noted that that was why he said plans to provide new vehicles for all Paramount Chiefs across the country were near completion. He told Kamakwie residents that his visit to the district was primarily to congratulate them for being part of the governance system and to see things first-hand. He thanked Karene District, particularly Kamakwie for being the most progressive in the north in terms of education, saying that education was the tool that could break barriers and foster development. “Government grants full tuition waivers for all 70,964 pupils at the Basic and Senior Secondary education level for all approved schools in Karene that benefit from GOSL financial support. Tuition fees for First and Second terms fully paid. Since I came to power, my Government has approved 364 schools in Karene with financial assistance. School feeding is on-going in all 8 Chiefdoms. “I made a campaign promise that I will establish and fully equip at least 1 library in every District. I am pleased to announce that we are not only establishing one, but we will ensure that it is fully equipped with ICT facilities, computers, and books,” he said. He emphasised that the construction of a District Library in Kamakwie was a testament to his continued support to the education sector and pleaded with parents to monitor school-going pupils so that they could get an education, grow up and look after their parents at old age. “The Deputy Director of Education had indicated that he was struggling to travel in the district to supervise education. I am pleased to announce that I am providing him with a brand new vehicle to ensure that Karene continues to perform excellently. Class 6 pupils preparing to take the NPSE struggle to study at night especially those from poor homes.  I am going to provide every Class 6 with a durable solar light they can use for studying. 6,000 will be distributed just in Karene alone, he said.

One major speaker at the recent discussion on telecom consumers benefits has stated that the DG of NATCOM, has distinguished and valued customers, “I bring you greetings from the CEO of Orange SL who is unavoidable absent due to an emergency assignment out of the country but I can guaranty you that she is ably represented by her DOA and other senior members of staff. She sends her regards and as we say in Orange, UNA KUSHE. We firstly wish to recognize and congratulate NATCOM for the successful planning and execution of this consumer Parliament. It is long overdue. We welcome the process as same resonates with one of our most important values which is to listen & respond. “We come with clean hands to you our esteemed customers for your assessment and evaluation of our service delivery to you. We remain humble to acknowledge all your accolades as well as your criticisms in good faith and to respond to your needs for better customer experience. “Orange has been in Sierra Leone for almost 5 years as a reliable, capable and willing investor with a strong ambition to increase mobile penetration and the democratization of internet in the country. “This is because, Sierra Leone has one of the lowest mobile penetration (64%), internet penetration (18%) and smartphone penetration (30%) compared to other Countries in the sub region. Africa and particularly Sierra Leone is on a catch-up trajectory for the U.S. and European economies. “We strongly believe that digital inclusion is a major accelerator for inclusive growth, economic and societal development, as well as a success factor in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. This is why digitalization has been a core pillar in Orange strategy and we have over the last 4 years played an integral role in the digital transformation of Sierra Leone. With an Investment in excess of 1.4 trillion Leones, we have been at the forefront of connecting the 7million plus people in Sierra Leone with 3G and 4G network services. Today, can boast of over 440 sites in the country. 100% of our sites are at least 3G compatible meaning that you can access internet from every Orange site around the country. We therefore have the widest network covering 74% of the population, meaning 4 out of every 5 Sierra Leonean is an Orange customer with access to voice and data services. “We have an enriched Product and services catalogue to ensure customer satisfaction. We are committed to the Expansion of Internet Penetration in SL and providing the best quality of service is a priority with our Data Portfolio and Network: More than 140% reduction in Price with more volume for our customers in the last 4 years With Speed and Quality as our driver we launched Di real 4G with sites in every region of SL To complement the Educational sector and improve the capacity of our students we launched the most affordable data offer for Schools & Universities called SPAK “We remain the leader in Mobile financial services and continue to enrich its portfolio by being the first mover in international remittance and micro loan services. “We are also the first partner for energy, mobile for development in agriculture, education and health. Our Diversification strategy will strongly impact digital inclusion in Sierra Leone as we launch of our Orange business to include new opportunities the first ever Orange Digital Center Supporting youth and entrepreneurship From training to start-up support, start-up acceleration, and investment. It will consist of a coding school, Fab lab, Orange Fab and orange digital ventures. – there is a skills gap in the industry and the sector is in need of experts in critical areas as cyber security, artificial intelligence, IT automation, web/content developers etc. The sector will also benefit from competency in soft skills for improved administrative and managerial roles – (promotion of local content) Micro Utilities for community health Provide twenty-five rural health centers with equipment for the production, storage and distribution of electricity as well as equipment for data connectivity, and equipment and services for purifying and distributing water. Will be done in partnership with USAID M Health Services (Maternal health) Support to raise awareness on healthy behaviors in respect of Maternal mortality and optimize maternal health care interventions in communities; “We are also very Prominent in the area of CSR and digitalization remains one of the core of our CSR strategy. Orange believes strongly that technology, education and human capital development will be one of the strongest lever for growth in SL.” COVID CSR The educational sector was badly hit by the pandemic, therefore Orange launched its FREE online education portal with MBSSE/MTHE in March 2020 in support of sustainable quality education in the middle of the crisis. We Zero Rated e-Learning Links for Pupils & Students to access learning materials online and offering 3 months of Top Up & Data Bundle for the Contents developers (Teachers) Donated Android phones to EOC for security personnel to track e-Pass along the checkpoints Provide free data to all front line staff at the 3 treatment centers inclusive of all EOC Staff 1Bn to NACOVERC for rural community awareness Other CSR Actions FQE- $1.5m in material assistance. Launched super coders launched in 10 schools and hygiene packs for school girls 3 ECD schools constructed in Kambia, Pujehun and Moyamba under FQE support Launch of Women Digital School in partnership with NAYCOM to train uneducated women ICT & ICT related courses for more expertise even among the illiterate. Orange Social Venture Prize –Create a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their talent both on national and international platforms. “We are aware that we are in the right direction for increased digital penetration in Sierra Leone. Despite all our effort in the area of increased coverage through additional sites & reduced prices for data we continue to encounter challenges in the area of usage mostly due to limited data compatible devices. “We believe that if we are to increase access to data and