In a bid to achieve good public sector- governance, the Internal Audit Division in the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the European Union (EU-SBC111) project, has concluded a 3-day workshop with internal Auditors, Vote Controllers and Audit Committee Members on the popularisation of the Newly developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Audit Follow- follow- Up or Recommendations. The training occurred on the 12th, 14th and 15th of June, 2023, at the Country Lodge Complex, Hill Station, in Freetown. In explaining the workshop’s objectives, the Director of Internal Audit, Kandeh Sesay, stated that their role is to provide unbiased, objective assessments of how public resources are managed. He added that auditors help public sector organisations achieve accountability and integrity, improve operations, and instil confidence among citizens and stakeholders hence the reason to popularise the new SOPs. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) is an audit follow-up document backed up by other documents approved by parliament to be used by the internal audit service. He noted that the implementation of the findings and recommendations of the Audit over the years had not been given the relevance it deserved.  He said at the end of the training, they expect all stakeholders to be able to clarify their respective roles as stated in the SOPs. He expressed that the importance of the New SOPs in improving audit follow-up cannot be over-emphasized. The government representative Mr Paul Caulker, in his opening statement, said the set of participants is critical to the full implementation of the SOPs. He said the audit committee is exceptionally the key private force assisting MDAs in addressing findings and recommendations for both internal and external auditors. He retreated that the audit committee should be able to advise and guide MDAs in responding to audit issues responsibly in line with the audit unit service. The EU representative Mr Martial Laurent said European Union is supporting the projects with several activities in Sierra Leone. He also said Sierra Leone has made progress in developing capacity building for both internal and external audit control. He pointed out that indicators have shown that the government can significantly improve implementing the PFM system. He noted European Union representative said that there is a guide and consideration to which liberation is the need to enhance the PFM system in Sierra Leone and the operation of the Ministry of Finance and its budget oversight committee in the Country. He added that the role of internal audit and their perception of it and audit recommendations are crucial. He said they believed that there is a high potential for improving the system and also improving participation by strengthening the role of both internal and external audits.   The translation of the Audit Reports into the SOPs would be a laudable venture, he noted. In his statement, the UKFCDO representative, Mr Kamaray, indicated that over the years attending to audit recommendations has been abysmal, not only internal audit but also external. He said auditors are essential in government because they are part of the control measures. According to him an audit is not about a witch hunt. It is about assuring compliance with policies and processes, and principles of government. Mr Kamaray admonished the participants that the workshop is Significant to their work, thereby understanding the concept and principles and the processes involved in audit follow-up. He encouraged the participant to take the training seriously and try as best as possible to use them to help with the governance and the risk management procedure.

By Rosaline Turay  The Star prize winner of the 2nd draw of the ECOBANK Save & Win Promotion, Isatu Jalloh, has said that she will do business with the motorbike and that the money she will be making from the motorbike will in turn be invested in the bank, thus calling the bank ‘’the best Bank in Sierra Leone.’’ Speaking to journalists at the bank’s headquarters on Lightfootboston Street in Freetown, Madam Isatu Jalloh thanked the bank for the draw, adding that when she received the call from Ecobank, she was busy doing her business, admitting that at first she doubted whether it was a true win, even though she was told it was from the bank. ‘’ It was on Friday evening when I received a call from ECOBANK. I was doing my business at Lumley, because of 419ers these days, I didn’t believe. My sister told me that you have won a bike why are you not happy. I told her until I see and receive the bike. But I was in constant touch with the bank. I was told to come on Thursday. Today, I have received the bike. I want to express thanks to them. I want to also express thanks to the management of the bank,’’ she said. She added that she has been banking with ECOBANK for two years, and have good banking experience with them thus promising that she will bring more customers to the bank and would have to encouraged her fellow business women to bank with the Pan African Bank for a good banking experience.  ‘’ I was looking forward to such a gift. This motorbike is a big blessing to me. I will not sell this motorbike. I will use it as business to make more money,’’ Madam Jalloh underscored. One of the winners of the cash prizes, Sheikh Ahmed Tejan Fofanah, expressed happiness in winning the cash prize of 1000 New Leone, stating that he has been a customer with the bank since 1999 from Guinea, and praised the bank for its quality services rendered to them as customers, as well as extending appreciation to them the prize. ‘’ I am proud of ECOBANK and I trust in ECOBANK,’’ he said in a brief statement. Alex Sesay, a business man and another winner of the draw, said that he has been doing business with ECOBANK for the past ten years, referring to the bank as one of the best banking institutions in the country, adding that the bank’s facilities and services have helped him succeed in his business in Sierra Leone and outside the country. ‘’ I have succeeded, with Ecobank, and all the places I have visited around the world, their visa card has been helpful; and any time I want to use it; it’s so prompt. I am running four different accounts in this bank. I am privileged to have all the facilities in this bank.  Today, I know the draw is real, even when I heard about it, I thought it was just talk. When the bank texted me that I have won 1000NLE, I informed my wife, she left me on my own and was in doubt,’’ Sesay said. He therefore encouraged every Sierra Leonean to bank with ECOBANK, stating that they will not regret being with them, adding that because of his constant business and savings with the bank, he has become one of the lucky winners of the save and win cash prize. Presenting the motor bike to the star winner, the Head of Corporate Banking of ECOBANK and Executive Director, Winston Williams, whilst handing the official document of the motor bike to her, congratulated Madam Jalloh for winning the star prize and wished her all the best. ‘’Now, I will present to you the motorbike you won. This is the paper that will give you the legal right to the bike. This is the bike’s helmet. Congratulations,’’ Winston Williams said. Mr. Williams said that the presentation of the prizes of the save and win promotion to the winners is a testament of the bank’s act of doing what they are saying, adding that the promotion is real and credible. “This ceremony we have is to hand over the prices for the second draw we did recently. We have done the first draw and handed over the prizes to the winners. This shows that when we say save and win we mean it. That’s why we gather here today. Today we are showing you customers and those of you watching at home, this is to clear the doubt on your mind and to encourage you if you don’t have a savings account with ECOBANK, to save money so that you will have an opportunity to win like these winners,’’ Mr Williams added. He revealed that there will be one more draw in the save & win promotion, which will happen by the end of the year, urging customers to save to grab the grand prize, which is the Suzuki car.

By Feima Sesay Orange Sierra Leone, one of the leading telecommunication companies in the country on Saturday 20 May 2023 organized its inaugural athletic Sports Day for their employees.  It’s a way of recognizing the significance of their employees’ motivation in a well-functioning management system.  The company took a proactive step in fostering the team spirit and reinforcing its commitment to employee welfare. Elizabeth Walker, the Operational Marketing Manager and President of Connect (Welfare Team) of Orange SL, expressed her excitement at the company’s first venture into organizing an athletic sports event. Whiles  welcoming  the participants and attendees, she extended her gratitude to the sponsors whose support made the Sports Day possible. Walker congratulated the winners, emphasizing that in such events, everyone is a winner, irrespective of their rank on the scoreboard. This sentiment resonated with the company’s philosophy of valuing every individual’s contribution and acknowledging their efforts. The  Human Resource Director of Orange SL, Agnes M. Songa  joined Walker in expressing appreciation to all present particularly those who traveled from the provinces to attend the sports meet. She hailed the Sports Day as a remarkable milestone for Orange SL, marking their inaugural sports event. She said that traditionally, sports meets are associated with schools, but Orange SL has now set a new precedent by taking the lead as a corporate institution. Songa highlighted that the purpose of the event was not merely to compete but to foster fun, interaction, and the development of transversal working relationships among colleagues. By bringing employees together, Orange SL aimed to create a platform where they could connect with new colleagues they may not have previously met in the workplace. She  concluded her remarks by officially declaring the Sports Day open on behalf of the CEO, symbolizing the company’s wholehearted support for the event and its commitment to nurturing a positive work environment. The Sports Day organized by Orange SL does  not only showcased the company’s dedication to its employees’ well-being but also demonstrated their forward-thinking approach to team building and employee engagement by encouraging participation and providing a platform for interaction beyond the confines of the office, Orange SL has set a new benchmark for corporate events in Sierra Leone. The success of this inaugural Sports Day serves as a testament to Orange SL’s commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture. As the company continues to prioritize employee motivation and team building, it is poised to further strengthen its position as a leader in the telecommunications industry and an exemplary corporate citizen.

By Feima Sesay Orange SL the leading mobile operator in Sierra Leone has on Friday, 2 June, 2023, held their media update for journalist in order to explain their successes as a company. The event was held at their head office at Hill Station in Freetown. Delivering his key note address, Mr. Bolor T. Sesay, expressed thanks and appreciation to media for the valued they have given to Orange as an entity and further highlighted the role of the media to the success of Orange Sierra Leone business. He said the media landscape over the years has undergo transformation for the past decade and the emergency of this new technology have open up opportunities for more vibrant and diverse media. According to him, the media has played an important role in building brand awareness, connecting them to their customers and also achieving business goals. He furthered that the media is important for promoting product and services to the public, adding that the company relied heavily on different media channels to advertise it product and services and therefore said it is important to note that the brand awareness connecting to the customers and achieving business goal is one of the critical roles the media play to Orange Sierra Leone. He further that the media has help Orange greatly in dealing directly with their existing customers and address any issues they have, adding that customers can reach Orange through the different social media platforms like Facebook and twitter and the company itself also uses it website and customer service hot lines to interact with customers and resolved their complains in a timely manner. He said through the media Orange can now monitor customer sentiments and also meet customer satisfaction on it products and services. He continued that the media also serve as a platform for Orange to promote it brand values and cooperate initiative, adding that Orange often partner with media to raise awareness on social courses that it supports such as financial inclusion, women’s empowerment and youth development programmes. He said the publicity through the media has helped in strengthening orange’s reputation and brand image in the eyes of the public. In conclusion, he said the media has played a critical role in Orange Sierra Leone business by enabling marketing, advertising and facilitating customer services and boosting the company image and credibility. He said a well thought media strategy would be crucial for one to achieve it business goals for the years to come, adding that the company will continue to deal with different media channels creatively and effectively to stay very firm and connect with customers. Madam Danita, General Secretary Orange Sierra Leone in addition described the event as symbolic one, stressing on the significant role of the media and commitment in bringing accurate, reliable and timely news to the general public about the company. She also stated that as a company they recognized the critical role that the media plays in upholding the ideas of press freedom and keeping the public informed, adding that they valued their partnership with media houses and they are committed to working with the media to ensure that news and events are accurately and fairly reported to the general public. She said they understand that the work the media do require significant effort, time and resources, assuring the media they respect the media dedication to their craft. She said that as a company, they are also committed to the media transparency, accountability and they believe in open and honest communication with the public and the media, adding that they strive to provide timely and accurate information about their operations and events. President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalist Ahmed Nasrala in his statement said Orange Sierra Leone and the media has come a long way, adding that there has been a mutual respect and support. He added that Orange has help sustain the media in difficult time. He said Orange and SLAJ has been very engaging especially when he was the secretary general of SLAJ under former president Kelvin Lewis and Orange did numerous programmes with the media like the scholarship programmed where Orange supported journalist to go to college and do their master degree and some were supported to do the PHD programmes. He said Orange also help children of journalist to pay their school fees in both junior and senior secondary schools. He said Orange supported in establishing the well fare funds under his leadership as president as it is use to support public interest media and journalist in terms of crisis. According to him Orange during this election is  supporting SLAJ to bring credible information to the public by providing unlimited internet connection to  news room situated at the SLAJ office and regional offices. In his presentation on their cooperate social responsibility,  the head of PR  Kamal Abass said the Chief Executive Officer Orange Sierra Leone Sekou Amadou Bah, join the company in March 2022 with a strong ambition to invest and accelerate digital transformation , social and financial inclusion in Sierra Leone and to established Orange it trusted partner for economic development. He said Mr. Bah has worked in the group of Orange for over ten years and has wealth of experience in the field of financial innovation management. He said Orange has been present in Sierra Leone for only six years and yet it has already stamped it CSR footprints across the country with an ambition to drive socio-economic development. He said they have launched the Orange foundation under three pillars namely health, education and culture in the last five years and their total contribution has amounted to two hundred and eighty-four billion Leones and their CRS contribution amounted to seventeen billion Leones. He also said their 2022 CSR brochure provides full report of their 2022  corporate and social activities ranging from their corporate contributions, environmental activities for green energy, building of additional early learning development centers , promotion of digital inclusion, community health project on maternal

The President of Sierra Leone His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio has, for the very first time call on the Former President of Sierra Leone Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma to come out and publicly denounce ‘Adebayor’ a sierra Leonean citizen who is currently in Holland. The president believes that Adeybayor is causing incitement to the people of Sierra Leone to protest against his government and that has been made the country ungovernable.   President Bio made this statement during an ongoing presidential campaign for the 2023 Presidential Elections in Miraykuray Town of Tinkatopa Chiefdom and later in Masiaka Town of Koya Chiefdom; both located inside Port Loko District on 14th June 2023. Bio first highlighted that his predecessor Ernest Bai Koroma was a key member of the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) as Koroma served, until recently, as the Leader of APC. The President added that Adebayor, in spreading acts of Terrorism, will always say he is fronting for the interest of the APC so it is important for the APC to consistently distance themselves from the ‘Adebayo’ phenomenon at any time Adebayo associates his terrorism actions to be done for the benefit of the APC. He also called on APC’s 2023 Presidential Candidate Dr. Samura Kamara to join other “good citizens who love Sierra Leone” in publicly denouncing the terrorist actions and utterances of ‘Adebayor’ that are regularly being broadcast from Holland. “I am challenging you all starting from Ernest Koroma himself and then to every one of you APC Leaders,” President Bio threw the challenge whilst calling on Koroma and other APC Hierarchy to go over the BBC and every local and international radio stations disassociate themselves from ‘Adebayor’

By Feima Sesay  Orange Money SL has on Thursday 8th June 2023 launched a new product called Orange Money Card as they continue to lead in the financial inclusion platform. A ground breaking achievement in digital finance has been reached following the launch of a new orange Money card for customers and non-customers of Orange Money. The event was held at Orange Sierra Leone (OSL) headquarters in Freetown. Smart phone and non-smart phone users can use the new orange money card for mobile money transactions. One can walk into any orange Money shop and purchase the card at NLe 10 by producing an identity card. Orange Money customers and non-customers can also enjoy the service once they are linked to their phone numbers. In a 30-minute demonstration via power point, Assistant Marketing and Project Manager, Naomi Kabia explained the steps to gain registration with the new card. According to her, one can first scan, enter the number, get a summary of the details of the person making the request and get the password. Head of strategy and Marketing, Abibatu Baxter sees the new orange Money card as the achievement of a new milestone in the world of digital finance noting that province of freedom has been created. “We always set the pace in the financial inclusion drive,” says the Marketing strategist.  Abibatu went on to state that with the new card mobile money transactions had been made simple, and customers freed from worries of sending money to wrong numbers. “If you send someone to cash money and the person forgets the number, you can easily use the Orange Money card,” she emphasised adding that the new card is simple and stress-free when using it.  In an age of digital financial services, one should not suffer to spend the money after going through much struggles in getting it. The Chief Commercial Officer (CMO) Haffie Haffner said Orange Money had made an enviable history that would linger for years.  She went on to state that social, digital and financial inclusion strategies had been OSL’s mission in Sierra Leone since 2016. She is satisfied that the company is leading in these three areas, adding that they are in the right direction in social inclusion.  According to her, the company is also leading in the digital inclusion through the launch of 4G and other data services that are effective and efficient, and Orange Money is leading again in the financial inclusion drive. She underscores that with such digital breakthrough, they are confident that the new service will bridge the digital divide in financial services and reach the last village. In his address, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Orange Money, David Mansaray likened the new orange Money service as an ATM card used in financial transaction. He expressed his excitement for the new service and wasted no time in launching it.  “I declare Orange Money card launched,” CEO Mansaray said.  He further stated that Orange Money had taken a new, first step in financial inclusion with the new orange Money card which, he said, was the first in the market. He hopes that with the new service, costly errors in financial transactions have been laid to rest. “Financial transactions have been eased, and there are no more mistakes in financial transactions,” he stressed. Mr. Mansaray assured Sierra Leoneans that none will be left out in the new digital finance.Bio Calls on