Energy Minister Highlights Critical Significance of the Western Area Power Generation Project …Urges Parliament to Ratify the Agreement

By: Austine Luseni 

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, has said that electricity and energy are the critical driving forces of the socio-economic development of any country and urged the House of Parliament to ratify a Power Purchase Agreement relating to the 148.5MW Freetown Generation Project, which was laid before the Honorable House on 16th December 2021.

Alhaji Kanja Sesay, who was addressing Members of Parliament in the Well of Parliament, said President Julius Maada Bio had prioritized the area of energy as one of the centers of attention of his administration, adding that scaling up access to electricity was key to helping the New Direction administration achieve its agenda of transforming the economy of Sierra Leone. 

“To realize this vision, and to ensure efficient and effective service delivery, the Electricity Sector Roadmap 2018-2030 targets to increase power generation capacity from 100MW of installed capacity to 1800MW,” Mr. Sesay noted. 

He said the Government of Sierra Leone had therefore assiduously worked with the project sponsors to develop the Western Area Power Generation Project which would significantly improve electricity supply, service, and reliability in Freetown and its environs. He furthered that the project would be sponsored and developed by Melele Power Limited and TCQ Power Limited as equity holders.

The  Minister of Energy informed the House that the United States International Development Finance Corporation, EFC, was investing some US $217 million and was the sole lender, making it the largest United States investment in Sierra Leone and cementing Sierra Leone’s relations with America.

“The Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance and EDSA jointly signed the contract for the 148.5MW Western Area Power Generation Project to supply, install, construct and commission a thermal power plant at Kissy for twenty years,” he concluded, while also highlighting the project sites, its environmental friendliness, its various components, and the social and job opportunities it would provide for Sierra Leoneans.

Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Nyuma, commended the Minister for his exemplary leadership and his eloquent presentation, noting that the agreement was environmental and consumer-friendly.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Chernor Maju Bah described the project as credible and thanked the Minister and his technical team for their dedication and professionalism.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Hon. Kekura Vandi, said the project was a good one for the country and cataloged the social and economic benefits such a huge investment in the energy sector would accrue to the country.

Bo and Kenema to Get Electricity …EDSA Signs Transmission Service Agreement with TRANSCO

Acting Director-General of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority, EDSA, Ing. James Rogers, has on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone historically signed the Transmission Service Agreement, TSA, of the regional power pool project with the TRANSCO CLSG energy company. The ceremony took place in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

It could be recalled that on December 1,2021, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, witnessed the signing ceremony of the Power Purchase Agreement in Abidjan-an agreement that would enable Cote d’Ivoire to export electricity to Sierra Leone and for Sierra Leone to import the same. The signing of this Transmission Service Agreement is a procedural sequel or corollary to the Power Purchase Agreement. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Director General of EDSA, Ing. James Rogers, said the agreement would enable TRANSCO CLSG to transmit electricity from its generation hub in Cote d’Ivoire to Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. He said President Julius Maada Bio was committed to fulfilling his promises with respect to increasing access to electricity in the country and in making the facility affordable and reliable.

He praised the Minister of Energy for remarkably superintending over the project and for his exemplary leadership and foresight, adding that with the signing of the Transmission Service Agreement, the cities of Bo and Kenema would now finally enjoy reliable electricity.

TRANSCO CLSG General Manager, Mohamed M. Sheriff, who signed on behalf of his company, commended Sierra Leone for its commitment and support to the realization of the regional power project, noting that the country had accelerated and completed works on some of its key substations. 

Mr. Sheriff reiterated the readiness of his company to impact lives in the region and in Sierra Leone in particular through the provision of reliable and affordable electricity. He said he was aware of the daunting pressure that the Government of Sierra Leone was under from its citizens, particularly those in the southeastern cities of Bo and Kenema. He assured that his company would leave no stone unturned in helping the government urgently address those concerns. 

With the signing of this agreement,Bo and Kenema have every reason to relish the prospects of starting to enjoy reliable and quality electricity sooner than later. 

The energy sector reforms continue.

MALADOR ASSOCIATES OPENS LUNGI FILLING STATION

Malador Associates SL Ltd (MA) in its determination to achieve its goal of availing petroleum products to all corners of Sierra Leone, officially opened its eighth (8th) filling station in the country on Thursday 16th December 2021. The ultramodern facility is situated at Sumbuya, Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Port Loko District. 

The event was graced by several dignitaries including the Paramount Chief and the Chiefdom Council of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry,  the Head of Compliance and Standards of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), the Marketing Manager of Conex (formerly known as Total (SL) Limited), representatives of the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, the Chief Imam of Fullah Central mosque, Director of NCTVA, and other distinguished guests.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Alieu Malador, the Chief Executive Officer of Malador Associates thanked Conex profusely for always providing the quantity and quality of products his company needs for its seamless operation. He noted that the collective support from government agencies is the reason why his company is able to do all the expansions. 

During the Deputy Minister of Trade’s (Reverend Abraham Sesay Jones’) speech, he assured all present that the Government of Sierra Leone is pleased with the efforts of the company in expanding the petroleum sector and providing job opportunities for Sierra Leoneans. He further assured the company of his Ministry’s full support in achieving the company’s goal viz: making fuel accessible in every corner of the Country.

Mr. Bernard Sesay, the Marketing Manager of Conex expressed his gratitude to Malador Associates for being a strategic partner rather than a competition. He also mentioned that their alliance with MA, has helped reduce some of the challenges in the petroleum sector, and he guarantees MA of their continued partnership.

The representative of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) Mr. Jayah K. Mauna laid emphasis on the quality of service Malador Associates provides and how much they want the company to grow in that such growth is advantageous for Sierra Leone as a nation.

Meanwhile, it has been a busy weekend for the Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) Brima Baluwa Koroma as the Agency commissioned various filling stations across the country.

“As part of government’s objectives to increase participation in the petroleum downstream value chain, we are pleased to commission another gas station yesterday at Tongo Field, Lower Bambara Chiefdom. He commissioned another modern gas station two days preceding this in Lungi, Port Loko District. 

He also registered the 367th gas station at Mile 88, Tonkonlili District. 

As Chairman of the Regulatory Authority, he congratulated his industry colleagues but particularly his brothers and sisters who are interestingly homegrown Sierra Leoneans for taking the critical services to their various communities. 

“This initiative will improve service and reduce business operating costs especially in our remote communities,” says Chairman Baluwa Koroma while congratulating industry players and assuring them of the Government’s support for the growth of their investments.

By Abu Bakarr Kargbo

PRA Boss recognized for His Philanthropic and Selfless Service To Humanity

The philanthropist and Selfless Service of the Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, Dr. Brima Baluwa Koroma, cuts across every sector.

From the security sector to youth empowerment and community development, Chairman Baluwa has been able to support various activities no matter the region where it is held as long as it resonates with the development agenda of the New Direction government of His Excellency the President, Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio.

As a recognition for his support to the Republic of Sierra Leone Arm Forces 5th Infantry Brigade,  Chairman, Brima M. Baluwa Koroma has been awarded a certificate of appreciation from the 5th infantry Brigade, of the  Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.

While presenting the award, the Fifth Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General, Abu Bakar Conteh, said that they awarded the PRA Boss because of his patriotic and philanthropist personality as his indelible legacies are hard to come by.

Receiving the award, Chairman Baluwa thanked the leadership of RSLAF for bestowing such an honor in him. 

“The downstream petroleum sector that I oversee is a critical one that requires security collaboration. Receiving this award from our trusted security forces makes me do more and I promise to do my best to serve our beloved nation” he said.

AUDIT SERVICE SIERRA LEONE SUBMITS THREE PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORTS TO PARLIAMENT

The Acting Auditor-General of Sierra Leone wishes to inform the general public that the office has submitted the following performance audit reports to Parliament on Monday 20th December 2021. Performance Audit Report on the Welfare of Inmates by the Sierra Leone Correctional Service; Performance Audit Report on the Management of Examinations by the University of Sierra Leone; and Performance Audit Report on the Effectiveness of the Monitoring, Surveillance and Control System of Fishing Activities by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources..

Section 11(2) (c) of the Audit Service Act of 2014 confers on the Audit Service the authority to conduct value-for-money and other audits in a bid to ensure that efficiency and effectiveness are achieved in the use of public funds. 

Section 16(1) (d) of the Public Financial Management Act of 2016 states that the      Auditor-General, in accordance with the Constitution of Sierra Leone and the Audit Service Act of 2014 may at any time review or examine any aspect of the operations of the entities referred to in paragraph (a) of the Public Financial Management Act of 2016.

In addition to the financial and regularity audits undertaken by the institution, Performance Audit is one of the tools employed by the ASSL to measure the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which state institutions expend public resources in the discharge of their various mandates.

In consonance with the Auditor-General’s mandate, and as a guardian of Sierra Leone’s economic security, the ASSL undertook these performance audits separately in compliance with best practice of the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI) and the Performance Audit Guidelines.

These reports will however be uploaded on the Audit Service Sierra Leone website www.auditsrvice.gov.sl after they have been laid in Parliament.

As I See It:16 Years Of Africell Operation In Sierra Leone

BY AMARA SAMURA

Africell, started operations in Sierra Leone, some sixteen years ago in 2005 at a time when the eleven years brutal civil wars had ended.  The country was not freely accessible as members of the former Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels and their allies the West Side boys were still marauding large parts of the country.  The Company started operations despite the high risk and has stood the test of time to compete in the telecommunications industry, beating rival service providers in almost every aspect including but not limited to the provision of quality, affordable and reliable network, fast internet service, low data tariff and expansion of coverage among others which has attracted millions of subscribers in the country. 
The Company has no doubt made name for itself as a result of the commitment of staff led by the result-oriented Managing Director  Shadi Gerjawi. It must be emphasized that Shadi and his team injected new life, innovation, and motivation into the entire workforce which has made the Company number one as a telecom service provider in Sierra Leone.  With its prudent financial management, the Company has been able to maintain an accountable and transparent institution over the years. As a Company with several experts in different fields,  they have indeed revolutionized the struggling telecoms industry with fresh ideas and new innovations.
The Company has created thousands of jobs for young people in different parts across the country in addition to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility. Research revealed that the Company has continued to promote education through the award of scholarships to deserving Sierra Leonean students from primary to tertiary. The objective is to compliment President Julius Maada Bio’s Free Quality Education Project that was launched in 2018. Considering their vulnerable situation, Africell also maintained its support to women and children in different forms. The Company has on several occasions supported young people through sports, music, ICT, innovation, agriculture, and other skills to enable them to realize something from their God-given talents. 
During the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, Africell stood tall as a telecom company that was at the forefront to sensitize the people about the virus and the preventive measures through their platform. It must be emphasized that the company has always stood with the government and people of Sierra Leone during disasters including Ebola, Mudslide, fire outbreak, and COVID. From the above highlights, it is now clear that Africell is not only operating to make a profit but also alleviating the economic situation of its numerous subscribers in the face of prevailing circumstances with the hosting of several promotions during Ramadan and festive periods. It is on record that the Company has over the years launched several attractive products and promotions aimed at giving back to its customers for which they have continued to appreciate their interventions.
As part of their effort to complement the government’s efforts to reduce the high employment rate in the country, Africell has recruited over two thousand workforces in various aspects nationwide. The Company’s contributions to its corporate social responsibility over the years is evidenced everywhere and speak volume with the construction of three magnificent Clock Towers in Makeni in 2008, Kenema in 2020, and Koidu Town in 2021. 
Because the Company believes in promoting sports, it will be investing one hundred and twenty thousand United States dollars (US$120,000) annually to the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) for the Premier League for four years starting this year. This means that the Company will be investing four hundred and eighty thousand dollars (US$480,000) for four years.  This intervention has been highly acclaimed by the SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima. The hosting of two big sisters shows in the country has attracted huge fans aimed at empowering young people. The Company invested hundreds of millions of leones in those two events that attracted huge attention from viewers in and out of the country. 
It is on record that the Company has also invested heavily in musicians by signing most of them as Brand Ambassadors. 
Several government officials including the First Lady, Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, former Chief Minister Professor David Francis, Minister of Information and Communications Mohamed Rahman Swarray, the President of Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAF) Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, artists and musicians among others have lauded Africell for always standing by the government and people of Sierra Leone especially in fulfilling its corporate social responsibility. Indeed Africell is a Company that cares for the people and will continue to do so as long as they continue to operate in the country.

POSTED BY ABU BAKARR KARGBO

GTBank donates Le100m worth of medical supplies …to Wellington Fire Disaster Victims

By Abu Bakarr Kargbo

One of the leading private commercial banks in Sierra Leone, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has donated medical supplies that worth over a hundred million Leones to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) for victims of the November 5 Wellington Fire Disaster. At a colorful donation ceremony at NDMA’s Head Office on Wednesday 15th December 2021, GTBank’s Managing Director, Adekunle Adebiyi said the bank started operations in 2002 in Sierra Leone and that it is here to stay. “We are grateful for the environment we are working in. Every year we give back to society as part of our corporate social responsibility,” he said and added that the Wellington disaster came as a shock to them and that they are deeply saddened and expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the government. The Managing Director commended the effort of other corporate bodies to which GTBank is adding to the pack.

The donated items, he said are part of the relief process, and hopes they will help assist rehabilitate the victims.

Adebiyi praised the level of accountability demonstrated by the Agency and added that it’s a good thing that everything is articulated.

“We will continue to look out for projects and assistance that help protect the environment,” he assured.

NDMA’s Director-General, Lt. Gen. (Retired) Brima Sesay appreciated GTBank for the support, which is said is not only helping the victims but the government as well.

The Agency, he said engages in disaster risk reduction, disaster management, and mitigating disaster. “The event of November 5 was a dark chapter in the history of the country. The NDMA is responsible for the overall coordination of the sad event and the Health Ministry is responsible for the bio-clinical aspect,” he said.

So far, the Director-General revealed that they have recorded 151 deaths, 27 people admitted and four of which are in a critical state. Most of those admitted, he said have been treated and discharged. Sesay said they are faced with the challenge of identifying the families of some of the dead.

“We are now stressing on mitigation activity to prevent future recurrence,” he noted and went on to appreciate the support from GTBank to the families of the victims and the survivors. “We are now mobilizing supports to give to the families as some of those who suffered the incident are breadwinners. The donated items will be used for the intended purpose,” he assured.

Orange-SL commends partnership with journalists

By Bakarr Kargbo

Annie Wonnie Katta, Head of Public Relations at Orange Sierra Leone

Orange Sierra Leone Limited continues to demonstrate its leadership position in the country’s GSM Communications sector. The company has not only maintained a sound grip on the media but has proven to be a worthy partner of journalists. Orange hosted a media retreat at the Country Lodge Hotel on Thursday 8th December 2021 to discuss success, challenges and chat the way forward on its media relations. 

The company has already drastically transformed the national landscape and socioeconomic status quo and is poised to continue leading the change in enabling new-era connectivity.

Mabel Mason of the Public Relations Department

Annie Wonnie Katta, Head of Public Relations at Orange Sierra Leone Ltd praised the existing good relations the company has enjoyed with the media in Sierra Leone and added that their media partners helped a lot in promoting their products and services. “With your support, we have been able to reach every corner in society,” she praised Journalists and assured them that the company will continue to maintain its relationship with the media in Sierra Leone. 

Journalists present had the opportunity to give their impressions about the company’s operations of the years and recommended areas to improve on through an online survey platform.     

Journalists and Orange-SL Officials…enjoying a fruitful collaboration

The company’s influence goes far beyond borders. Being the first to bring mobile money to Sierra Leone has given people the ability to access funds anywhere, anytime, saving time, improving security, and providing a means for saving and managing money more effectively. The ability to transfer funds, pay bills, save, borrow, and so on has been inclusively transforming the lives of all individuals and businesses, be it women, farmers, or those living in remote areas.

Its Orange Money services, for example, have been a key driver of financial inclusion, providing people with the platform to access banking solutions, from money transfers and salary payments to bills and merchants’ payments. It is pursuing a strong industrial project in Sierra Leone that is geared towards covering most of the country with telecom services, services that will improve rural connectivity, and also its quality of service.

Journalists observed that the company is offering a truly high-speed broadband mobile internet – an unmatched, life-changing experience that puts digital communication completely within the control of the consumer, affecting and adding value to every facet of their lives.

Orange Sierra Leone remains the only operator in Sierra Leone to contribute to the government’s Free Quality Education Agenda. This support package includes the provision of hygiene packs for girls, Super Coder Academy, inter-secondary school competition, the open classroom, and solar kits for school children.  

The aforementioned is set to cost $1.5 million in total over five years, with a further $12 million earmarked for bolstering high-quality connectivity through the expansion of 3G and 4G capabilities across the country. 

 The company stated that it is committed to ethically doing business and contributing heavily to the development of the country.   

 It has tried to understand the needs and values of Sierra Leoneans and how it can connect them with the Orange brand. It aims to give people what is essential in their lives and relevant to their locality with international standards, providing them with an unmatched experience and the platform to grow. 

Skye Bank launches new innovative products …to meet customers satisfaction

By Abu Bakarr Kargbo

Segun Obasun, Managing Director of Skye Bank Sierra Leone

Skye Bank (SL) Limited is a leading financial institution in Sierra Leone and ranked among the top 10 banks in the country. It offers excellent banking services, anchored by its team of seasoned and dedicated staff. The Bank launches new products and services on Wednesday 8th December 2021 in Freetown. The banking products are: Skye Flash Account requires an opening balance of Le50, 000, which features include savings and current account features, payment of cheque is allowed (maximum Le15 million), unlimited access to all online banking platforms and attractive rates; Skye Goal entails opening balance of Le10, 000 with features like minimal documentation, access to some digital platforms and account can be migrated to regular savings account; Skye Rainbow Account is for children within the ages of 0 – 17 years and its features include building a savings culture from an early age, access to all online platforms, account can be migrated to regular savings or current account at age 18, attractive interest rates and opening balance is Le30, 000; Skye Salary Advance, which provides rapid loan that are approved within 24 hours, it features include for salary earners in accredited companies and government agencies, with a tenor of five days to three months, free access to all online platforms and minimal documentation; Savings Promo Season 1, which has Le30 million up for grab and those required to qualify are to open an account with minimum of Le500, 000 of fund an existing account with the same value’ leave the deposit in the account for 90 days and qualify for a raffle draw, and every multiple of Le500, 000 a customer has in the account gives them multiple chances; and Self-Enrollment process that can be accessed in the Skye Bank web link: ibank.skyebanksl.net.

Segun Obasun is the Managing Director of Skye Bank Sierra Leone who praised the relationship with customers over the years and added that when they took over they planned to reposition the bank to a height of excellence. He noted that their objective was to place customers at the top of their services.

“We decided to have the new products to meet our customers’ desires. It is part of our digital banking evolution, which was not part of the bank before we came,” he came and furthered that they have tried to create innovative products and services linked with internet banking.

Obasun assured that the Bank will continue to provide the changing needs to customers and that more products will come soon.

Customers lauded the products that target all classes of customers, especially the low-income earners but requested the bank to cater to corporate bodies also.

Bank Authorities say internet banking and advance salary services cater for corporate bodies also.

Skye Bank (SL) Limited was incorporated in Sierra Leone on 10th August 2007 as a Private Limited Liability Company, a subsidiary of Polaris Bank Limited. Following the then Banking Act 2000, it was licensed by the Bank of Sierra Leone (‘BSL’) on 19th August 2009 to carry on banking business in Sierra Leone.

Polaris Bank was a large financial services provider in West Africa and Central Africa. With headquarters in Nigeria, the bank maintains subsidiaries in Sierra Leone, the Gambia, the Republic of Guinea, Liberia, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. In August 2019, Polaris Bank decided to sell off its subsidiaries in Sierra Leone to SIFAX Nigeria Limited.

Skye Bank (SL) Limited operates as one of the leading financial services companies in Sierra Leone and provides facets of financial products and services powered by a purpose-built technological framework that supports the service delivery process to customers. Skye Bank (SL) Limited operates through Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, Corporate, and Investment Banking segments.

The Retail Banking segment provides private banking services, individual customer current accounts, deposits, investment savings products, custody, credit and debit cards, consumer loans, and mortgages.

The Commercial Banking segment provides current accounts, deposits, overdrafts, loans, and other credit facilities, foreign currency, and derivative products.

The Treasury, Corporate, and Investment Banking segment provides financial instruments trading, structured financing, and corporate leasing.

Timber Association Condemns “Unlawful” Suspension of National Chairman

BY ABDUL AZIZ SAMURA

Timber Association Sierra Leone (TASL) District Chairmen, in a press conference on Wednesday 8th December 2021, condemned the ‘unlawful’ suspension of their national chairman, Mohamed Fornah, by the Ministry of Environment.
Speaking in his opening remarks at Azolini Highway in Makeni City, Chairman of the event Mohamed Sheriff Kamara, says that they want the public to know that the Association is frowning at how the national chairman was suspended, adding that they are a democratic association and that suspending and replacing an elected leader without consulting them is illegal.
He continued that they received shocking news via social media that Mohamed Fornah has been suspended and that this came as a surprise to them as they were left in the dark as to the reasons for his suspension, stressing that they want the public to know that this decision by the Ministry of Environment is against the constitution of the Association and that such decision should be reverted.
Timber Association Karene District Chairman, Abu Dumbuya, says that timber plays a vital role in the country’s economy, noting that the awareness of timber trade through its association; has created employment and also improves the lives of thousands of Sierra Leoneans.
He stated also that there are challenges faced by the Association and that the decision to suspend the national chairman and replace him without consulting them is not only insulting but also undermines the democracy instill in the association by President Bio’s led government.
“This decision, if not get to the bottom of, tends to not only destroy the Association but also the timber trade as a whole. We have been grateful to this government for giving the trade a facelift as it is under this regime that the Association boasts of elected representatives. This is why we are calling on His Excellency President Maada Bio to intervene as this decision by the ministry would destroy the smooth running of the timber trade,” Mr. Dumbuya pleaded.
Timber Association Bombali District Chairman, David Bangura, says he is more than delighted for chairmen of the association to converge for the first time in discussing a burning issue that would destroy the progress of the association.
He went on to state that if the Sierra Leone People’s Party-led government taught it fit to reform the association by having an elected leadership, why is it after spending so much money and time in the whole electioneering process, they want to destroy it in the name of selfish interest?
“The Association is apolitical and no amount of politics is tolerated in manning the affairs of the Association. They should have consulted us before taking such a decision and we want to use this platform in making our position known to the public that we the Timber Association of Sierra Leone districts chairmen recognize Mohamed Fornah as our national chairman until the proper procedure is met. We are not challenging the government but challenging issues”.
The ceremony climaxed with statements from other district chairmen ranging from; Kono district, Koinadugu district, Kambia district, Falaba district, Bo district, Kenema district to a representative from Freetown calling on the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Environment to follow the process of democracy and stop meddling into the Association’s affairs.