1 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 · the world what we’ve been doing with donor funds. The government...

1 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010

SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 3

Editorial 3Sierra Leone: Rising Again!

It’s Time To Rise Again 4Donors fall in love with Sierra Leone

Facts & Analysis: 6WHO PLEDGED WHAT IN LONDON

Sierra Leone Conference 2009 9Consultative Group Meeting London, November 19,

2009

No more sacred cows! 10ACC Commissioner reports progress in the fight

against corruption

Special Commentary 12Looking Beyond The London Conference

Guest Writer 13WHERE THE APC HAS MADE THE DIFFERENCE

Transforming the road network 14Transforming the road network is the key to achiev-

ing President Ernest Bai Koroma’s dream of achieving

food sufficiency through agriculture.

The Gulf Penetration 16The government of President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma

seems to have impressed the authorities in the United

Arab Emirates

London Mining 18“FINALLY GETS THE GREEN LIGHT”

Banking Boom! 20…the more, the merrier

New Man In The Block! 21…introducing Edward Mohamed Turay

SL Parliament Clocks 2 22The current Sierra Leone Parliament, elected in Au-

gust 2007 to serve for five years, is now two years old.

Bombali Takes Plight 23Jamal Jalloh with out-going Sierra Leone’s High Com-

missioner to the UK

Demonstrating & Transparency 24It sounds unusual for a Sierra Leonean leader

Sierra Leone: Rising Again!

The Trade and Investment con-

ference in London recently is

a powerful indicator that the

Government of President Dr. Ernest

Bai Koroma is setting the pace for

economic growth in Sierra Leone.

We believe this is the time for the rest

of the world to start looking at Si-

erra Leone from a future perspective

rather than from the perception of the

country’s past.

As a nation we have every reason to

live a decent life just as our president

says we have no reason to be poor.

We are a peaceful nation blessed with

abundant natural resources which we

have just showcased during the in-

vestment conference.

We therefore call on foreign investors

to make better use of this opportunity

so that the people of Sierra Leone will

in turn benefit.

We are also calling on our Donor part-

ners who have made pledges during

the CG to fulfill their commitments –

this, no doubt, will change the lives of

our people in meeting with standards

set by the United Nations Human De-

velopment Index.

We have deliberately reported the

road projects, the success so far

gained in electricity and other devel-

opmental projects in order to inform

the world what we’ve been doing with

donor funds.

The government of President Koroma

is a credible one. All the more reason

our international friends are staking

their integrity, and even their precious

lives, on behalf of our President.

However, with these successes

gained, we call on our government

not to go to bed and sleep. The battle

to change the face of Sierra Leone

is still a long way to go. We should

continue to encourage donors to fulfill

their commitments.

We are desperate to rise once again!

Have a wonderful reading. ■

Contents

editorialSierra Leone: Rising Again!

Editorial

President Koroma looks ahead to a brighter future for Sierra Leone

4 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 5

President Koroma looks ahead to a brighter future for Sierra Leone

Donors fall in love with Sierra Leone

Judging by the positive consen-sus at the recent Trade and In-vestment conference in London,

Sierra Leone is perhaps in her opti-mum moment since Independence.

A visionary leader with the political will to pursue well-meaning programs, an economy with a lot of prospects even in the face of the global financial cri-sis, an honest desire to reduce de-pendence on aid, the discovery of oil offshore, a revamp of the energy sec-tor, a robust stance against corruption and drug trafficking, a peaceful and stable country- all put together is put-ting the West African country in the limelight for the right reasons.

“Sierra Leone is an exceptional coun-try – it is a great country with rich potentials … I encourage all of you to go down there and see for your-self the business potentials available in the country,” says former British Prime Minister Tony Blair during the two day conference. Mr. Blair is in the heat of his electioneering campaign for the European Presidency, but he squeezes some precious time to at-tend the event which is very dear to

the country he is acting as unpaid ad-vocate for.

Sierra Leone means much to Mr. Blair having done part of his primary schooling days in the tiny West Afri-can country and his father a former lecturer at Fourah Bay College, Uni-versity of Sierra Leone.

Prior to the conference, Mr. Blair tells the London Stock Exchange about business potentials available in Si-erra Leone and why foreign investors should turn attention to the country.

At the London conference, Mr. Blair is full of excitement as he comes on and off the conference centre. He describes the Sierra Leonean Head of State, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, as a visionary whose leadership can be trusted.

Apart from the high turn-out (attract-ing a cross section of the international diplomatic and business community) high profiled dignitaries- including Britain’s Prince Charles and Her Maj-esty the Royal Highness of the United Arab Emirates- grace the event.

Prince Charles says his presence at the conference is a show of endorse-ment and support for Sierra Leone. He makes a brief spell at the conference shaking hands and rubbing shoulders with the Sierra Leonean leader as well as some of the delegates at the con-ference.

Other international dignitaries such as business tycoon George Soros and representatives from the World Bank, the Commonwealth, the United States of America, and DFID applaud Sierra Leone for its resilience in com-ing out of conflict and thriving towards economic development.

The United Nations recognize Sierra Leone as an example for other nations around the world to learn from.

On the economic front, Sierra Leone’s economy continues to grow at about four percent annually even in the face of the global financial crisis, while the rest of sub-Saharan economies grow at about 1.3 percent.

The general feeling now is Sierra Le-one stands a good chance to leap into economic prosperity as all devel-

opment partners unanimously make commitment to support President Ko-roma’s initiatives to take the country forward.

Harping on her success in the energy sector, especially the recent commis-sioning of the Bumbuna Hydro Elec-tric Project, in fighting corruption and drug trafficking, Sierra Leone for the first time in its engagement with donor partners calls for the latter to provide support and leave implementation in the hand of the Government.

“Give us the support and leave the im-plementation into our capable hands,” says Sierra Leone’s Finance Minister, Dr. Samura Kamara.

Nevertheless, Sierra Leone needs to sustain her new found love lust with the donor community. The Govern-ment is therefore looking forward to January 2010, when it meets with donor partners in Freetown to review the effectiveness of aids coming into the country to ensure that the widely respected Koroma administration is able to implement projects without delays in the release of donor funds. ■

It’s Time To

Rise Again It’s Time To Rise Again

6 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 7

WHO PLEDGED WHAT IN LONDON

Facts & Analysis:Facts & Analysis:

The sixth Sierra Leone Consultative Group Meeting was successful

in the sense that the community of donors partnering with Sierra Leone in its development pursuit made unprecedented pledges to the process of nation building.

Striking too was the presence of non traditional donors, including Australia , for the first time to have attended the consultative confer-ence on 19 November 2009, at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Cen-tre in London .

Underpinning the impressive planned donor interventions is the undoubted and applauding strides being made by President Koroma in the spheres of governance, infra-structural development and service delivery within only two years since elected president.

The president’s Agenda For Change sets the

tone ahead of the round table en-gagement out-

lining a well s t r u c t u r e d

pro-people in-tegrated plan on

which the spirit of development was

made manifest.

The plan will consolidate

the gains made in

the recent past under the PRSP one, amidst admiration of the international community that the world stands to glean lessons from the enduring nation – Si-erra Leone - in demonstrating that a people could propel itself out of civil conflict and tap into its collective energy for develop-ment within a record period.

With two successful post con-flict elections coupled with a

smooth change of government, Sierra Leone, it was recognised by Tony Blair, the UN repre-sentative in Sierra Leone and a host of reputable international personalities will continue to offer lessons of fortitude, com-mitment and resilience on the global scene.

As Sierra Leone continues to register economic growth at a forecasted annual 4 percent

WHO P L E D G E D W H AT I N LONDON

which more than doubles the 1.3 percent for the rest sub-Saharan nations, the cel-ebrated Minister of Finance, Dr Sumura Kamara seized the opportunity to call on the donor s to “give us the support and leave governance to us”.

No doubt, the message was clear as the government has maintained a good record for development and commit-ment to nation-building. There cer-tainly appears no bolder a statement to have come from the man who pre-sides over the nation’s economy if the economic indicators were not as prom-ising as could be in the middle of the global economic crisis.   It puts to rest presumptuous lackluster performance of the economy.

Drawing on the premise of hope, com-mitted leadership and strengthened ap-proach to development, the following key commitments were made, among others:

WORLD BANK: a major outcome of the conference was the setting up of a multi donor trust fund for infra-structural development to be held in trust by the World Bank. In addition to its invigorate commitment, the World Bank will be leading a multi donor conference in Freetown early 2010 at which fine details would be worked out regarding project iden-tification – on the part of Sierra Le-one – and the donors making good their promises. 

UNITED KINGDOM – DFID: made a commitment to provide support for water infrastructure over a six year period; assist with poverty re-duction through budgetary sup-port; support both preparation and execution of the 2012 general and presidential elections; and will con-tinue to support the security sector over a period.

IMF: support will continue under Sierra Leone’s share of the G20 con-tributions, including when a new IMF-Sierra Leone arrangement is renegotiated under in March 2010, as the current framework expires in May 2010.

IRELAND: shall contribute to pro-grammes for nutrition and improve-ments of maternal projects, agri-culture, and access to agricultural market for small scale rice produc-ers; and will contribute £200,000 to strengthen the ACC.

INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRI-

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD): pledges $30 million for the Kono-Kenema road; and will continue to focus on agriculture, rural finance and decentralisation – all to be cov-ered under a four year plan estimat-ed at $40 million.

“ give us the sup-port and leave gov-

ernance to us”

Also, in attendance was a high profiled team of the Sierra Leone Agriculture Company.

The team included Kevin Godling-ton, Hon Angad, Lincoln, S Marr, Lord Rama And with Paul Denis popping in for a short.

Introduction During the VIP re-ception. Both Kevin and Angad Had bilateral talks with Tony Blair Presumably Centered around in-vestment opportunities in Sierra Leone Before making a presenta-tion at the conference on Behalf Of The Sierra Leone Agricul-ture.

8 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 9

Consultative Group Meeting London, November 19, 2009

Sierra Leone Conference 2009Sierra Leone Conference 2009

Consultative Group Meeting London, November 19, 2009 COMMUNIQUE

On 19 November 2009 the Government of Si-

erra Leone and its Development Partners held

a sixth Consultative Group (CG) meeting in Lon-

don as part of the Sierra Leone Conference. The

other element of the Sierra Leone Conference

was a landmark Trade and Investment Forum on

18 November in which more than 500 compa-

nies and individuals participated. Both events

were hosted by the United Kingdom (U.K) and

the keynote addresses were given by H.E. the

President of the Republic of Sierra Leone , Dr.

Ernest Bai Koroma.

On the 18th November the U.K. and the Organi-

sation of Islamic Conference (OIC) held a special

session on Sierra Leone. This affirmed OIC mem-

ber states` commitment to continue support to

Sierra Leone. The UK Government and the OIC

signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-

operate in Sierra Leone.

Agenda for Change – Poverty Reduction Strat-

egy

The Government of Sierra Leone presented

its Agenda for Change 2009-2012, its second

Poverty Reduction Strategy. It focuses on four

strategic priority areas: enhancing national elec-

tricity; developing the national transportation

network; enhancing productivity in agriculture

and fisheries; and sustaining human develop-

ment, notably health, education and water.

It is built on four principles and preconditions

for achieving the strategic priorities: Peace, Se-

curity and Good Governance; Macroeconomic

Stability; Growing the Private Sector; and Ef-

fective Management of Natural Resources. In

his introduction to the Agenda for Change, the

President further highlighted three major risks:

Corruption; Illicit Drugs; and Youth Unemploy-

ment.

Participants endorsed the priorities and princi-

ples of the Agenda for Change and noted some

of the risks associated with its implementation.

They noted that the Agenda has been devel-

oped through substantial national dialogue

and has broad support. Participants, however,

noted that the required inputs to meet the de-

velopment challenges identified significantly

exceed likely resources and therefore encour-

aged stronger partnerships, prioritization and

aid effectiveness.

They also noted the importance of an appropri-

ate aid architecture including the organisation

of regular aid coordination meetings. Such

meetings would lead to a more effective and

efficient implementation of the Agenda for

Change.

The Government welcomed the recent efforts

by development partners to harmonise and

align strategies as reflected by the joint strate-

gies by the European Union-United Kingdom,

the joint vision of the UN family and the joint

assistance strategy of the African Development

Bank Group and the World Bank Group, and the

Organization of Islamic Conference.

Participants noted the successful Presidential,

Parliamentary and Local government elections

held since the last CG meeting in Freetown 2006

and congratulated the people of Sierra Leone

for these important milestones.

They also highlighted the importance of contin-

ued consolidation of peace and stability, espe-

cially in view of regional volatility and the risks

identified in the Agenda for

Change. They look forward to close cooperation

between Government and development part-

ners in the preparation for the 2012 elections

in order that Sierra Leone will again serve as an

example to other countries to follow.

Participants noted with satisfaction that eco-

nomic growth has remained robust in the post

war years, and has been higher than the average

in the sub-Saharan region. While Sierra Leone’s

annual growth rates have fallen during the re-

cent global financial crisis, they have neverthe-

less stayed positive. The government’s proactive

response to the international crisis was noted

and broadly supported.

It was noted that a recent IMF review of the

macroeconomic programme has reported posi-

tive developments, and continued progress in

improving public financial management was

also acknowledged.

Participants commended the Government’s

commitment to improving good governance

and continue the fight against corruption. They

welcomed the increased independence and as-

sertiveness of the Anti-Corruption Commission,

including governance reviews of key ministries

and its willingness to prosecute offenders and

encouraged a continued strong commitment to

implement this important agenda.

Participants also welcomed the Government’s

explicit aim, as stated in its Resource Mobilisa-

tion Strategy, to improve Sierra Leone’s standing

in key international ratings, not least those as-

sessing progress on governance and corruption.

In particular, they noted its rise by twelve places

in the 2009 Transparency International Index.

Participants observed that human develop-

ment, notably in health (child and maternal

mortality), is still unacceptably low and the main

reason why Sierra Leone lingers near the bot-

tom of the UNDP Human Development Index. It

was, however, acknowledged that there are indi-

cations of progress toward lower mortality rates

and concerted efforts toward further progress

were encouraged.

Participants voiced their support for the Govern-

ment’s statements about full implementation of

programmes providing free access to healthcare

for identified priority groups.

Participants agreed with the Government that

youth unemployment is a major social and

economic issue as well as a threat to peace

and stability. While participants acknowledged

the complexity of the issue, Government and

Partners were encouraged to develop compre-

hensive programmes to address this issue and

devote resources to it.

Participants noted that agricultural production

has continued to grow and diversify and that,

partly as result, poverty headcount rates have

fallen notably. The new agriculture strategy,

developed under the African Union / Economic

Community of West African States and the Com-

prehensive African Agriculture Development

Programme umbrella, was welcomed but food

security remains a problem which deserves

greater attention.

The importance of investments including main-

tenance of feeder roads to connect farmers to

markets was noted, as well as the importance

of providing finance for agricultural growth. The

potential of agriculture to provide a key part of

the answer to youth unemployment was also

highlighted.

The Government and development partners

recognised the need for continuing a meaning-

ful increase in capacity building to convert Gov-

ernment policies into actions and results. In this

regard, development partners also recognised

the need for continuing support to the Govern-

ment’s Public Service Reform programme.

On the day prior to the CG, the Government of

Sierra Leone presented its potential to a well

attended Trade and Investment Forum. At the

event, the Government was able to highlight the

achievements it has made in providing a stable

environment for investors, with strong emphasis

on the security and governance framework as

well as other investor friendly reforms.

The Government was also able to convey to in-

vestors the opportunities available in the coun-

try including its under-utilised natural resources

such as iron ore, gold, diamonds and hydro

carbons, the vast fisheries and the swathes of

highly fertile arable land available.

Government and development partners agreed

however that in order to continue to develop in-

vestor confidence and to reduce the cost of do-

ing business, Sierra Leone will need to increase

public investment in transport and energy as

well as to modernize the financial sector and

strengthen the Central Bank. They also agreed

to continue to reform aggressively as a comple-

mentary effort to the private sector investments

that will help to deliver growth.

The recent discovery of potential oil reserves has

significant possibilities to increase Sierra Leone’s

revenues. Participants noted the Government’s

commitment to establishing a framework to ex-

ploit this in the best interest of the country and

its people.

They noted with satisfaction that the Govern-

ment is now preparing the necessary steps to-

ward full Extractive Industries Transparency

Initiative (EITI) validation. Participants encour-

aged Government to complete these steps as

a matter of urgency and to address oil sector

governance in an EITI or EITI++ context from

the outset.

Participants noted the importance of reliable,

appropriately priced and effectively regulated

energy sector for economic growth. To this end,

the approval by Cabinet of the Energy Policy

and its Implementation Plan is a critical step to-

wards promoting efficiency in the energy sector.

This move will be greatly enhanced in the Ener-

gy and Water Regulation Bill that will be tabled

to Parliament for ratification. They congratu-

lated the Government on the commissioning of

the Bumbuna hydropower facility; the country’s

single biggest public asset, and encouraged the

completion of environmental and social mitiga-

tion, including benefits for communities in the

vicinity of the dam and the creation of protected

areas for wildlife, notably the establishment of a

national park in the Loma Mountains.

Statements by development partners con-

firmed a continued strong level of support for

Sierra Leone’s development agenda and that

they are expecting to at least maintain aid lev-

els, currently at US$ 300 million per year, and

increase them where feasible. This represents

a considerable achievement in a time of global

economic downturn. In addition, new partners

have emerged and their contributions were

welcomed.

To facilitate contributions from development

partners, and to facilitate the effective utilisa-

tion of aid, the Government of Sierra Leone Aid

Policy was released and endorsed by develop-

ment partners.

To compliment this policy action, the UN has

established a Multi Donor Trust Fund, which

primarily focuses on human development and

governance, while the World Bank has estab-

lished a Multi Donor Trust Fund to support in-

frastructure development. Participants noted

that these common financing instruments and

others along similar lines together with joint

planning activities should be used wherever

possible to optimise support for the Agenda for

Change.

The Government and development partners

agreed to work on an action plan to implement

the new Aid Policy and undertook to organise

together in early 2010 in Freetown an Aid Effec-

tiveness Forum to take this important agenda

forward.

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB): ledges huge support for capacity build-ing, and laid emphasis on youth em-ployment and called for the strength-ening of internal audit and controls in public expenditure management. The ADB focuses on infrastruc-ture and governance.

European Commission: the largest multi donor provider to Sierra Le-one at an annual; and may expand this commitment. Emphasised fi-nancial governance and public ex-penditure management as key to development; Lungi-Port Loko road; Matotoka-Sefadu road to be constructed in 2012; water services to be supported, sugar production to be supported at Euro 2 million. Euro 11 million meant to cushion the effect of the financial crisis on Sierra Leone .

GERMANY:  Euro 37 million com-mitted between now and 2012; fo-cusing on youth employment, agricul-tural markets, and food security, as well as anti FGM.

SWEDEN: $26million for basic edu-cation, in addition to an annual Swed-ish grant of $20 million

Kuwait Organisation of Islamic Coun-tries (OIC): pledges $47 million soft loan

NORWAY: Shall focus on peace build-ing including women in governance and uplifting them from poverty; youth employment creation, and pre-pared o provide support to Serra Leone in the oil and gas sector.

Facts

& A

naly

sis:

WHO P L E D G E D W H AT I N LONDON

10 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 11

NO MORE SACRED COWS!

NO MORE ACC Commissioner

reports progress in the fight against

corruption

SACRED COWS !With the view that corrup-

tion is the root cause of the civil war and a major

impediment to development in Sierra Leone, the recent London conference listen with keen ears to the presentation by the Com-missioner of the country’s Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).

Mr. Abdul Tejan-Cole’s report is crucial to Sierra Leone’s pros-pect for survival in the hands of international donors and foreign investors.

Donors, as well as foreign inves-tors, recount ugly experiences in Sierra Leone from past govern-ments and it is obvious they will remain skeptical to pour in funds where their safety cannot be guaranteed.

However, when Mr. Tejan-Cole finally takes the podium, it’s all pass marks for President Ernest Bai Koroma and his government.

‘’The fight against corruption has been highly successful over the last two years,’’ the ACC boss tells donors at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Center on Westminster, London.

He says his Commission has been empowered with more powers to prosecute and they

can now do so without going through the Attorney General’s office for approval. He says there has been more progress in the fight against corruption in his time as Commissioner.

“This time there’s no political in-terference and no sacred cows,” says the ACC boss.

Indeed the ACC is not the tooth-less bulldog it used to be. Gov-ernment officials, including two ministers, have faced the wrath of the Commission after falling foul of the law. As recently as ear-ly November 2009, a government minister is sacked and eventually arrested on allegation of finan-cial corruption - the second in two years after former Transport and Communications minister, Kemoh Sesay, is suspended fol-lowing the Lungi airport cocaine scandal.

Moreover, 29 new offences have been introduced by the ACC in-cluding offences for misappro-priation of donor funds as well as impeding foreign investment into Sierra Leone.

The quality of prosecution has also increased, and the rate of reporting corruption too, accord-ing to the ACC boss.

However, the Commission is putting more emphasis in pre-venting corruption by sealing loopholes in public procurement processes and ensuring proper administrative and financial pro-cedures are practiced in Gov-ernment offices. More energy is also being put into information, education and communica-tion materials to raise the level of awareness on the dangers of corruption at all levels of society.

Another form of corruption pre-vention in public office is the declaration of assets initiated by President Koroma on his as-sumption of office. So far 17,000 public officials, including the President, have declared their assets to the Commission.

In addition, the Commission will host its first national Integrity Awards in December 2009 as way to encourage Sierra Leone-ans to work diligently, honestly and selflessly in both public and private life.

Such a commitment in curbing corruption in governance, and even in the private sector, is un-precedented in Africa and this is a good one in gaining donor con-fidence.

12 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 13

Guest Writer

After two years in power, we can

objectively say that the APC admin-

istration has made a difference in its

administrative style. The APC seems

to be more responsive to the wishes

and aspirations of the people than

their SLPP predecessors.

The examples are numerous but

I will cite only a few of them.

Whenever the people raise an

issue, the APC picks it up and tries to

find a solution. When concerns were

raised about security problems at the

Lungi International Airport, the issue

was picked up directly by the Presi-

dent himself who gave orders for the

required security measures to be to

put in place.

We criticized the APC for not doing

enough to combat corruption; the

President went on the offensive to

send a strong message that the honey

moon was over.

The people of Sierra Leone, particularly

residents of Freetown had lost their

voices in crying for electricity under

the SLPP administration, and this was

taken up as priority number one by

the APC administration notwithstand-

ing the irregularities surrounding the

award of the contract under Haja

Hafsatu Kabba as Minister of Energy

and Power.

The APC takes criticisms very seri-

ously, but under the SLPP, they simply

fell on deaf ears.

According to me, a government that

listens to the people has more chances

to deliver than the one that does not

even seem to exist.

In the last term of the SLPP, the

country did not even seem to have

a government. The SLPP could not

put in place a mechanism to manage

garbage in Freetown that subsequently

became the dirtiest city in the sub-

region. The SLPP people pretended

to be honest, bookish and principled,

but this fake image neither impressed

the people nor members of the inter-

national community whose post-war

reconstruction funds benefited only

members of that political bandwagon.

There is hardship everywhere in the

world today including America of all

places. The current inflation hitting

Sierra Leone is no making of the APC.

I have every reason to believe that if

the SLPP had been returned to power

in 2007 with the level of corruption that

had characterized that administration,

the situation would be far worse than it

is today.

President Kabbah no doubt had good

intentions for the country but was too

gentle to manage his ministers who

had a field day. He could not fight cor-

ruption because he did not have the

guts to send his ministers to jail. The

SLPP administration proved to be a

bunch of 419ners who could not stop

at anything in their desperation to get

quick money.

For instance, Dr. Kemoh Salia Bao in

his capacity as ambassador to Liberia

wrote a letter to the Security Council

asking for the lifting of sanctions on

Liberia for its role in Sierra Leone’s

civil war. Though Dr. Bao was recalled,

President Kabbah was too shy to

investigate the circumstances under

which the ambassador betrayed his

confidence.

What therefore transpired between

Charles Taylor and Dr. Bao still remains

a mystery. Names like Momoh Pujeh,

Prince Harding, Kanji Daramy, Harry

Will etc etc all came to be synonymous

with 419 racketeering.

To think that the people have forgotten

so soon how the SLPP elitists greedily

ate alone while the rest of the people

starved is to underestimate the peo-

ple’s level of intelligence.

As citizens, we have the right to hold

the government responsible and force

it to rule the country in our best inter-

est.

The APC is listening to the people and

has been making positive strides to

make Sierra Leone a better place to

live on earth. I am really impressed and

grateful to President Koroma and the

entire APC administration.

The author is a veteran journalist

and former editor of Concord Times

newspaper. He now works with the

United Nations mission in Congo.

The Trade and Investment conference organised by the government of Si-erra Leone in London has come and gone.

By all indications, the confer-ence was a major historic success not only for the All

People’s Congress government of President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, but also for the people of Sierra Le-one in general.

For once the image of the country was being painted in good light in the eyes of the International Com-munity considering the impact created by the success of the conference.

It was in fact not surprising that the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair did not hide his feeling when he said openly that the trade con-ference was the most successful one to have ever been organised by an African country in the United Kingdom.

Obviously, this is an undisputable fact when you consider the mas-sive turn-out of the two-day con-ference including those who wait-ed impatiently outside the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre to gain entrance into the hall.

The government of President Koroma to a large extent has im-pressed donor partners and the rest of the International Commu-nity with its style of governance most especially the government’s sincerity and commitment in fight-ing corruption.

Corruption involving government officials has been a major impedi-ment to economic growth in Si-erra Leone and this has dented the credibility of previous govern-ments in Sierra Leone resulting in donors withholding their support from the country.

Also, Donors as well as investors were very impressed to learn that the Anti Corruption Commission boss Abdul Tejan Cole is getting the support he needed from the government in the fight against the dreaded disease.

The ACC boss said, among oth-ers, that significant progress have been made since he took over the affairs of the commission two years ago.

That beside, recent infrastructural developments in the country as well as the good news of the com-missioning of the Bumbuna Hydro Electric Project are also other is-

sues that impressed donors dur-ing the conference.

That said and done, it’s now time to move the country forward – it’s time the government set up struc-tures to follow-up pledges made by donors during the conference.

As a country, we must not just sit with folded hands saying all has been achieved – we must contin-ue to pile in pressure on our donor partners to fulfil their pledges.

It is understood that another con-ference between the government of Sierra Leone and the World Bank has been fixed for January 2010, in Freetown, to look into the implementations of the pledges made.

This could be a very positive step towards achieving the desired goal for which the conference was organised.

In the past, we have heard of sto-ries in which donors made pledg-es without fulfilling them.

We don’t want a repeat of such a scenario because we know it has the tendency to discredit the gov-ernment.

Guest WriterSpecial CommentaryWHERE THE APC HAS

MADE THE DIFFERENCE

WHERE THE APC HAS MADE THE DIFFERENCE

By Idrissa Atomic Pen ContehBy Sorie Sudan Sesay

Looking beyond the London Conference

14 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 15

THE ROAD NETWORK

So the APC Government has revitalised all major road projects they inher-

ited from the previous govern-ment and committing to reha-bilitation and construction of more feeder roads throughout the country.

This is evidenced in the APC Government becoming the first government in Sierra Leone to fund a major road project (Lum-ley-Tokeh road). Originally funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, President Koroma said he inher-ited a ‘terrible contract’ and he moved swiftly to terminate it. Consequently, the funders with-drew leaving the Government of Sierra Leone no option but to foot the bill. The Government has adopted a no-wait-for-fund-ing attitude and work on the road is in full gear.

Also on the works are major projects such as the Kenema-Kailahun road, Lungi-Port Loko and Port Loko-Conakry road and the Hill side bypass road.

There’s also an ongoing proj-ect of 4000 kilometres of feeder roads nationwide.

“Input from Government in the form of subvention and the road users fund have led to an upsurge in road network reha-bilitation and construction in urban areas such as Freetown, Bo, Kenema and Makeni. Also remote areas such as Krubla in Koinadugu District, Kenema-Combema-Vaahun in the East, and the Pujehun-Gbondapi axis in the south. The obvious impact of this development on rural economies remain invaluable,” says ………………………… the Di-rector General of Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), which is responsible for managing the country’s road network.

Bridges linking towns and vil-lages to the rest of the country are also being constructed; for example, the Pujehun bridge.

Such development in the road sector promotes trade expan-sion, agriculture, health care delivery- especially to remote

areas, educational programs and overall sustainable development.

However, the challenge of get-ting funds remains a major con-straint for the SLRA. External funding from World Bank, IMF and the European Union are still crucial to realising projected commitments and the mainte-nance of existing roads.

“The projects embedded within our five year plan are numerous but all geared towards a common goal of improved road network. We are very hopeful that the

Transforming the road network is the key to achieving President Ernest Bai Koroma’s dream of achieving food

sufficiency through agriculture.

TransformingTransforming The Road Network

present cordial relationship with Donors will be maintained and these projects will be realised,” says Sahr Daniel Dugba, Direc-tor of Development, SLRA.

Most of the road projects ongo-ing are expected to be completed within the next two years, says Sorie I. Kanu, Public Relations Assistant at the SLRA. “And that will be a major boost to the national economy… and giving people confidence to invest.”

16 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 17

The Gulf Penetration

The Gulf Penetration

The government of President Dr. Ernest Bai Ko-roma seems to have impressed the authorities

in the United Arab Emirates over the last two years in governance – and now, the Gulf states

is answering the call to boost the West African state…

Sierra Leone is about to

break new grounds in her

search for economic and

infrastructural development with

the United Arab Emirates becom-

ing the latest country.

The United Arab Emirates has

been very much impressed with

the country’s rapid growth in re-

cent times and this was probably

the reason why the government

decided to grace Sierra Leone’s

Trade and Investment conference

in London.

Secretary of State United Arab

Emirates told President Dr. Ernest

Bai Koroma that her government

was ready to assist the people of

Sierra Leone in several develop-

mental areas.

During a closed-door bilateral

meeting with the President, Her

Royal Highness Reem Hashim,

said she was at the conference

to personally assure the Presi-

dent of her government’s support

to Sierra Leone, which she said is

a testimony of how much respect

her government has for the Presi-

dent and his government.

She told the President that they

are excited to work with the gov-

ernment of President Koroma

and become one of the country’s

main development partners.

The UAE government is looking

forward to assist the Sierra Leo-

nean government of President

Koroma in the areas of agricul-

ture, road maintenance, health

and other national sectors.

She extended a special invitation

to the President to visit the Unit-

ed Arab Emirates in January 2010

to lay the foundation to these

projects.

And as if that was not enough,

Her Royal Highness again took

to the podium and in front of

donors and investors, he reit-

erates her commitment to help

boost Sierra Leone’s govern-

ment’s development drive.

“I am here to deliver a special

message to the Sierra Leone

government that the people of

United Arab Emirates are im-

pressed with the government

of President Koroma – and we

are ready to bring development

into that country,” she said

amidst thunderous applause.

President Koroma thanked Her

Royal Highness for her govern-

ment’s trust and confidence on

his government and expressed

his government’s willingness to

work with the UAE as develop-

ment partners.

From all indications, President

Koroma is willing to work with

the government of UAE.

It was not surprising that a

Special Envoy OF His Excellen-

cy The President to the United

Arab Emirates was appointed

to address such bilateral eco-

nomic and trade issues.

Siray Timbo told SIERRA Up-

date at the London conference

that the UAE is ready to com-

mit herself to bringing develop-

ment into Sierra Leone.

SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 19 18 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2009

London Mining

London Mining Company Limited- a subsidiary of London Mining PLC based in the United Kingdom - has been given the green light to start exploration of iron ore for the Euro-

pean markets.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines Alpha Kanu, who breaks the news before a jam-packed press briefing, following a cabinet decision, said the development is good news not only for the company but Sierra Leoneans in general considering the con-tributions the company will make towards the socio-economic development of the country.

Already, the company is beginning to put words into action with the reconstruction of its administrative complex at the Marampa mine site in Lunsar.

Managing Director, David Keili- the company’s first Sierra Leo-nean MD- told the indigenes of Marampa, Masimera, and Port Loko district in general, that his company was ready to improve the economy of Sierra Leone as well as the lives of Sierra Leo-neans.

He called on the people of the town and its environs to be patient as the company needed many workers including labourers, driv-ers, technicians, accountants and engineers to kick start opera-tions.

Already, 600 job opportunities are at stake for Sierra Leoneans during the first phase of the company’s operations, according to Keili. He said his company would go strictly by the mining poli-cies of the Government through the Ministry of Mines and Min-eral Resources.

In the next three years, he said his company would be one of the largest in the country; and pledged to work in harmony with the people for the development of the country.

Mr. Keili further noted that at the beginning of 2010, the con-struction of the jetty at Thoufaayim would begin, adding that workers from Maforki Chiefdom in the Port Loko district would benefit from the project. He also disclosed that the road linking Mammy Nancy and Thoufaayim was in progress.

He said they were also planning to construct a road from the mining site to the Makeni highway early next year.

The Managing Director appealed to all Sierra Leoneans living in the United Kingdom and United States of America to come home to help rebuild their country.

“I will be the happiest man on earth to see our beloved country Sierra Leone develop, and I also want to see that my company give the people of this country financial support,” he said.

The Financial Controller of London Mining Company, Rachel Rhodes, told the people of Lunsar and Port Loko that she has a lot to celebrate about in Sierra Leone. She noted that they were hoping to expand their mining exploration to five million tonnes and said the increase would help boost Sierra Leone’s economy.

With this development, Rhodes said Sierra Leone was a nice and ideal place to do business.

“We are very impressed with the manner our company is being treated by the Sierra Leonean Government and I’m sure such de-velopment will encourage potential investors to come into the country to do business,” Rhodes said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Mineral Resources and Political Affairs, Alhaji Alpha Kanu said the occasion was timely and praised the efforts of London Mining Company for the great strides they were making in the entire chiefdom of Marampa, and Port Loko district in general.

He noted that under the visionary leadership of President Ernest Bai Koroma, Sierra Leoneans would now start to enjoy the ben-efits of the reviewed Mines and Mineral Act 2009. He said the Act would benefit both the land owners and the Government. He praised President Koroma for his love for Sierra Leone and called on the people of Lunsar and Port Loko District to embrace Lon-don Mining Company in their chiefdom.

Minister Kanu encouraged the people of the chiefdom to ensure their children go to school so that they would enjoy the benefits from the company; for example, employment. He noted that the company has contributed $4m to the Government of Sierra Le-one in 2009 and One percent to the Community Development Fund, adding that in the next couple of years they would be pro-viding millions of dollars to the country’s economy.

Paramount Chief Bai Koblo Queen II of Marampa Chiefdom said the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of the admin-istrative building was another milestone for the people of Port Loko district.

He called on his people to embrace London Mining Company and hoped that the company would contribute greatly in the reha-bilitation of the Lunsar health centre, schools and the provision

of safe drinking water.

Chairman of the occasion, Hon. A. O. Daramy, called on the peo-ple of Port Loko and Lunsar to put all hands on deck to develop Sierra Leone, and noted that London Mining Company would help improve the lives of school-going children in the chiefdom.

Chairman of Port Loko District Council, Ahmid Fofanah, disclosed that more than 50 years ago Marampa chiefdom was the bread basket of Sierra Leone. He called on Parliamentarians to sup-port the London Mining documents in Parliament so that the company would help in reducing the unemployment rate in the country.

The Chairman of the Port Loko District Council called on the peo-ple of Sierra Leone to put politics aside and support the develop-ment of Sierra Leone in line with President Koroma’s agenda for change.

The occasion was witnessed by Parliamentarians, Paramount Chiefs, traditional leaders and dance troops.

Meanwhile, London Mining has donated Le10m worth of goods to the elders of Maforki Chiefdom during the sacrificial ceremony held at the chiefdom. The gesture, according to the company, ‘was for the road construction work from Lunsar to Thoufaeyeem in the old Port Loko Town’.

The company has also renovated the health centre and has con-structed more than 200 water wells within the Maforki Chief-dom.

Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, PC Bai Koblo Queen II, said the coming of London Mining Company was welcome news.

“This is a positive sign of greater things to come,” he said.

Councilor Mohamed Bangura of Constituency 49, Ward171 in the Port Loko District, was delighted about the advent of London Mining Company into the country, ‘especially at a time when the people are in dire need of assistance’.

Another Councilor, Zainab Mansaray of Constituency 49, praised London Mining Company for their humanitarian work in the chiefdom and assured them of the people’s cooperation at all times.

“The youth in the chiefdom will no longer be idle because a com-pany by the name of London Mining Company, which is ready to seek their welfare, is now operating in the chiefdom,” she said.

The Regent Chief of Maforki Chiefdom, Alhaji Alimamy Thoron-ka, said the people of Port Loko (the oldest town in the district) should be united.

Talking about the company’s social responsibility, he went on: “God has answered our prayers and the people of Maforki will soon benefit from the building of a jetty in the township.

“We are appealing to our people to embrace London Mining Company and others who want to invest in this chiefdom to come onboard to develop this nation,” he stated.

Few months ago, 17 villages in the Maforki chiefdom received Le64m from the company as part of the surface rent for the con-struction of a port, including an 18 kilometer road to service its

iron ore mining prospect in the area.

Country Liaison Manager, Tom Tucker, who liaises between Gov-ernment and the community, said the road construction was in progress and confirmed the company’s first iron ore shipment would kick off soon.

“We want to assure the people of Marampa chiefdom that spe-cial priority will be given to the inhabitants of the surrounding chiefdoms in terms of employment. 70 percent of the employ-ment will come from Port Loko district,” he emphasized.

The company’s lawyer, Olga Solomon- an indigene of Marampa chiefdom- said a lot has been done by the company to fulfill their social corporate responsibility.

She said: “London Mining Company is ready to develop both the chiefdom and the country.” Meanwhile, she called on the youth in the chiefdom to be law abiding and obedient to the authori-ties.

In another development, the company hosted a powerful 11-man delegation from London Mining Company’s overseas offices to Sierra Leone. The purpose of the visit was to conclude assess-ment of ongoing activities of the company.

The visiting expatriates explained that they were very impressed with the iron ore industry in the country, claiming that with their knowledge and experience Sierra Leone has the best iron ore in the world.

They promised the Port Loko community that Sierra Leone would benefit fully from its iron ore.

The expatriates are expected to invest millions of dollars to kick-start the iron ore operations. The Government, they said, would benefit immensely in terms of revenue collection and the rate of unemployment would be drastically reduced.

FINALLY GETS THE GREEN LIGHT

“FINALLY GETS THE

GREEN LIGHT”

The Managing Director of

London Mining Company,

David Keili and the Financial

Controller of London Mining

Company PLC, Rahael Rhodes

on conducted tour of the

Administrative Complex

London MiningLondon Mining

20 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 21

…introducing Edward Mo-hamed Turay

Banking Boom!

…th

e m

or

e, t

he

mer

rie

r

…th

e m

ore,

the

mer

rier Sierra Leone’s financial sector

went through difficult times during the war years and im-

mediately after. However, in recent years the banks have re-established themselves and, with the flood of foreign banks, the sector is not only stable but expanding and promoting development opportunities.

In the space of less than three years, a total of 11 credible international foreign banks have opened offices in the country. (See Box). While some Sierra Leoneans are sceptical about the influx in a coun-try where less than 100, 000 people keep accounts, the benefits have been appar-ent. Following their arrival the number of Sierra Leoneans now operating bank accounts has risen to 300,000.

Moreover, the influx has heightened com-petition and the scramble for customers. The banks wasted no time to establish branches not only in the capital, Free-town, but the Provinces as well. From 12 to 14 branches before the influx, there are now about 52 branches countrywide.

Expansion means the banks would need more workers to administer their branches. And this has a direct impact on labour. More people are employed and there are competitive salaries. Currently the commercial banks employ a total of 2000 nationals, including College leavers, cleaners, security personnel, drivers, etc.

Expansion also directly enhances infra-structural development as new branches across the country help to beautify the landscape. And fixing roads (side roads)

leading to the branches as well.

There’s also rapid improvement in the area of customer service. For example, the banks now offer pick-up services wherein a customer who wants to deposit cash can do so by just calling the bank and they’ll send their staff to pick up the money and process all relevant documentation re-garding the transaction without you hav-ing to go to the bank. In addition, there are now points of sales facility- making banking even more accessible to custom-ers.

Good customer service has also gone technology; from ATM (Automated Ma-chine) services to keeping customers posted through SMS and email.

Furthermore, there are Money Transfer fa-cilities not only in the headquarter offices but in their branches as well. This was not the case before, when people had to queue for long hours to receive or transfer money through Western Union.

In the area of Corporate Social Respon-sibility, the banks are now very involved in the development aspirations of the country. While profit is their primary mo-tive, at the same time they are associat-ing with a lot of community development initiatives.

For example, United Bank Africa (UBA) strongly supported the recent African Finance Ministers Caucus hosted in Free-town by the Government of Sierra Leone. Standard Chartered Bank is providing free treatment for catarrh patients while Rokel Commercial Bank is involved in a large scale waste disposal project in collabora-

tion with the Freetown City Council. First International Bank (FIB) is providing close to 200 scholarships for school children. Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) (and now ECOBANK) have been regular sponsors of AWOL’s annual National Achievement Awards (NAAs). In 2008 the ECOBANK won the award of Financial Institution of the Year for its rapid expansion within a year, especially taking banking to the door steps of Sierra Leoneans.

Some banks, for example Rokel Com-mercial Bank, have become involved in providing micro credit finance, thereby enabling poor people and attempting to enhance the capacity of the private sec-tor.

In addition, paying corporate tax and Income tax means the banks are con-tributing revenue to Government coffers regularly.

“So, despite the global financial crisis and its obvious effect on developing econo-mies such as Sierra Leone’s, there are indicators that the national economy is growing steadily at 4%,” says Beresford Taylor, PRO of the central bank- Bank of Sierra Leone.

Indeed with stability in the macro-economic fundamentals and in national security, Sierra Leone now boasts an at-tractive environment for investors and development partners.

EDWARD MOHAMED TURAY is the new man taking up the office of Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom/Northern Ireland.

He succeeds Melvin Chalobah – a seasoned diplomat who served as Sierra Leone’s Ambassador in Ethiopia, then later as High Com-missioner in London.

Eddie Turay, as he is fondly called, is one of Sierra Leone’s most success-ful veteran politicians who led the ruling All People’s Congress (APC) from 1996 until 2002.

Before his new appointment, Eddie Turay held the influential position of Majority leader in the House of Parliament where he made sig-

nificant impact towards issues of national development.

Personally, he is a down-to-earth in-dividual who stands for truth, justice and equality – he is also a devoted Christian.

His appointment has therefore been seen as a positive boost not only to his party, but also the country, con-sidering the strategic importance of the London mission.

Last month, Turay who is also Leader of Government Business was officially approved in the Sierra Leone House of Parliament.

He was presented to the House by the Ag. Majority Leader, Hon. Sheku

Badara Bashiru Dumbuya, who said after all protocols, the designated High Commissioner to London was declared to be fit and sound for the job.

His colleagues in Parliament paid glowing tribute to him describing him as a man with a wealth of expe-rienced who had studied and lived in the UK which could be an added advantage for him take up such a high profiled diplomatic job.

An opposition MP for the SLPP Hon. Komba E. Koedoyoma, said Turay’s appointment is a blessing for Sierra Leone and a big loss for the House of Parliament.

FINANCE ABOUT US …introducing

Edward Mohamed

Turay

NEW MAN IN THE BLOCK!

New Man In The Block!

BankingBoom!

22 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 23

Jamal Jalloh with out-going Sierra Leone’s High

Commissioner to the UK

SIERRA LEONE Parliament Clocks 2

2NEWS BRIEF

Members of the United King-

dom branch of the Bombali

Development Association

are back in the news following the

launching of the Silver Age Jubilee

project in London.

The project was initiated to assist old-

er Sierra Leoneans who are less able

to work in the United Kingdom espe-

cially in London.

Funded by the Southwark Council,

the project was officially launched by

Sierra Leone’s out-going High Com-

missioner to the United Kingdom HE

Melvin Chaloba at a special ceremony

at South-east London.

Chalobah described the project as a

worth-while venture which demon-

strates the association’s love and care

for the aged.

He praised Bombali Association for al-

ways complimenting government’s

efforts towards the concerns and

plight of Sierra Leoneans in the United

Kingdom.

Chairman of the association Abdul

Rahman Dura, said that the associa-

tion is very much concerned about the

welfare of the aged and that

they will be taking care of their do-

mestic problems as well as organising

hospital appointments for them.

Also, the association will be organis-

ing social activities like outings to keep

them lively, according to Dura.

Bombali Secretary General earlier in-

troduced members of his association

and gave a brief background of the

association which he said was initially

formed as a social club.

Abu Bakar said with the outbreak of

the civil war, they decided to transform

the club into a charitable organisation.

Since their formation, Bombali Devel-

opment Association has embarked on

several developmental and charitabe

projects not only in the United King-

dom, but also in Sierra Leone.

During the civil war in Sierra Leone,

they distributed clothing and food

items to war affected people especial-

ly in the northern part of the country

where most of their members hailed

from.

In recent years also, the association

has donated school items and medi-

cal equipments worth thousands of

British pounds sterling.

Bombali Takes Plight Of The AgedBombali Takes Plight Of The Aged

SIERRA LEONEParliament Clocks

The current Sierra Leone Parliament, elected in August 2007 to serve for five years, is now two years old.

The 2007 elections were the first since the war and under which the MPs were elect-ed through a single member constituency

for which three political parties, the All Peo-ple’s Congress (APC), People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), and Sierra Leone people’s Party (SLPP) are represented. The APC commands a majority with 59 seats, the SLPP 43 and the PMDC 10.

On the 25th September 2007 the new members of Parliament were welcomed by the Clerk who wasted no time in getting them to take the oath and sign the parliamentary register. After that the newly sworn-in parliamentarians went about their first duty to elect a Speaker. The lot fell on the former Appeals Court Judge, Justice Nathaniel Abel Stronge and his deputy, Hon Chukuma Johnson of the APC. The Major-ity Leader was named in the person of Hon Ed-ward M. Turay of APC; the SLPP Minority Leader is Hon Momoh Pujeh whilst the PMDC chose Hon Thomas Mansaray.

President Ernest Bai Koroma on October 5th, 2007 opened Parliament with an address map-ping out his plans. Straightaway Parliament went into action and the business of the House began by moving into committees. The House has 26 parliamentary oversight committees.

Among these was the Parliamentary Commit-tee on Appointments and Public Service which had to be set up quickly so that all Presiden-tial nominees, especially Cabinet and Deputy Ministers, Directors, Board members, Ambassa-dors and others, had to be vetted.

The first session of Parliament, also known as the preliminary session, was faced with the daunting task of not only approving the nomi-nees but to make laws and debate on them. About seven (7) bills were approved by Parlia-ment together with more appointees for Gov-ernment institutions.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Devel-opment then, David Carew, took the Finance Bill 2008 to Parliament and the Presidential Af-fairs Minister also took the NacSa Amendment Act 2008. The Bumbuna Watershed Manage-ment Authority and the Bumbuna Conserva-tion Area Act, 2008 was on June 17th 2008 also taken to Parliament by the then Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Haja Afsatu Kabba. The Appropriation Act 2008, being an Act to authorize expenditure from the Consoli-dated Fund for the services of Sierra Leone for the year 2008, was debated together with the Civil Aviation Act, 2007. They were both passed into law.

The Finance Minister also laid on the table of Parliament as a statutory instrument the Finan-cial Management (amendment) Regulations, 2007 and the Government Budgetary and Accountability Act 2005. The Majority Leader, Hon Edward M. Turay also laid on the table the Council of Legal Education Regulations 2007, the Council of Legal Education Act 1989, the Electoral Commission (local government elec-tions) Regulations 2008, the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991 (Act No 6 of 1991), the Con-stitutional Instrument No.6 of 2008 and the Envi-ronmental Protection Agency Instrument 2008 were also debated and passed into law.

On July 29th, the ACC Amendment Act 2008 was read for the first time in Parliament by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. That Act gave prosecutorial powers to the ACC, re-moving it from the Attorney General’s office.

There were outstanding debates and bills passed in Parliament, the Payment Systems Act, the Business Registration Act, Finance Act, the Mortgage Act, the National Drug Control Agency Bill and the Money Laundering Act. Parliament has also passed the Mines and Min-erals Act which increased royalties to Govern-ment.

Jamal Jalloh with out-going Sierra Le-one’s High Commissioner to the UK

24 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 25

PROLOGUE

In another landmark stride to make himself ac-countable to his people, President Ernest Bai Koroma today convened a press conference at State House to explain to the nation details of the deliberations and general outcome of the just-concluded two-pronged London Conference, encapsulating the Trade/Investment Forum and the Consultative Group meeting held on 18th and 19th November 2009 respectively.

EXEMPORANEOUS KEYNOTE DELIVERY

Delivering the keynote address extemporane-ously (without a prepared text), President Koroma welcomed all present ( including diplomats, minis-ters, civil society activists, and journalists) to State House, stating that the press conference was a follow-up to the London Conference, which was the sixth donors conference as a nation.

THE AGENDA FOR CHANGE: A CLEAR DIRECTION

“As a government, we came in with a clear direc-tion as to what we have to do to turn this country around based on our party manifesto, based on the promises we made to usher in a change. This change and the aspirations of our people were all captured in the Agenda for Change,” he nar-rated.

The President said that “in order to succeed, the private sector has to take its rightful place in the development sector,” which was why the Trade and Investment Forum was held prior to the Con-sultative Group meeting to attract private inves-tors.

“We went out there to tell the world that Sierra Leone is ready for business, to tell the world that the stories about Sierra Leone in the past should remain history; that they should learn a new story about Sierra Leone, a Sierra Leone that is ready to move forward, a Sierra Leone that has accepted democracy, a Sierra Leone that is transparent, a Sierra Leone that is prepared to adhere to inter-national standards expected of any country in

doing business.”

The Head of State said the government was out there to present the Agenda for Change and to seek support, and was happy to report that Sierra Leone has been recognized and has received acceptability: “The efforts we have made, the strides we have taken, have been accepted, not out of sympathy but because of our tremendous commitment and determination to make a differ-ence,” noting that both at the Trade Forum and the Consultative Group meeting, Sierra Leone was given recognition in terms of improvement in governance.

He made mention of the ratings by the Mo Ibra-him Foundation which has rated Sierra Leone as one of the countries that has made the greatest improvement in governance, the World Bank’s high rating of Sierra Leone in terms of account-ability, the country having progressed by at least 20 points in enabling a conducive business envi-ronment, in the fight against corruption at least 12 points forward, and “in the ease of doing business, we are leaders in the sub region. This is how pre-pared we are, and this is our story, this is our new story. The world has appreciated Sierra Leone; the donor community has endorsed the Agenda For Change.”

BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS

On the conference proper, President Koroma said it went very well, “even beyond our expectations as a government and as nation. And we must all be proud of these achievements”. He noted that the objective was for the Agenda For Change to be accepted, and it was accepted; and for the donor participation and donor base to be broad-ened, and it was broadened, mentioning the ac-tive participation of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC).

He also noted that the conference would not have been a success without the support of good and great friends who believe in the commitment of the government to change Sierra Leone’s cir-

cumstances, making mention of for-mer British Prime Minister Tony Blair, international business tycoon George Soross, and the Prince of Wales Prince Charles of Great Britain.

“I must single out the UK government for the commitment and support given to us throughout the period of prepar-ing the Agenda For Change and the general coordination of the confer-ence,” The President maintained.

IT’S TIME TO CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Turning his attention to Sierra Leone-ans, President Koroma said, “As Sierra Leoneans, it’s time for us to rally round and support Sierra Leone. This is not time for politicking; it is time to capture the moment. It is time for us as a gov-ernment, as political parties, as civil so-ciety, as members of the fourth estate, to promote the cause of Sierra Leone.

We should not be looking for grants or for charity all the way; but we should be looking for business partners that will support our development. We have to take full responsibility of our future. We will call everybody to come and help, but the ultimate responsibil-ity of moving this country forward rests on us as Sierra Leoneans.”

NOT THE END OF THE STORY

The President further said that “we have come out of the conference very, very successful… singing the same song as the most successful and most supported conference; but it is not the end of the story. That is why we are here, that is why we have mapped out a programme to further improve on our ratings by continuing to deepen the democratic process, fight against corruption, demonstrate more transparency and accountabil-ity that would provide the expected confidence.”

THE SPIRIT SHOULD BE CHANGED

President Koroma said he has chal-lenged government to put in place a unit charged with the responsibility of designing projects: “Like I mentioned at the Consultative Group meeting, the spirit should be changed.”

He said Bumbuna has now been com-pleted, but the work should continue until all the major towns and villages are given access to electricity sup-ply; road construction is on-going, but more work needs to be done, that is why he has decided to put in place a follow-up or implementation unit that would continuously monitor projects.

THE LIFE OF THE ORDINARY MAN

“We will not allow the confidence to slip; we must sustain the moment. It is great moment for all of us. We must ensure that we translate the state-ments made at the conference into issues that will impact the life of the ordinary man. The man in Boedu, the man in Krubola, the man in Mattru must experience and feel the impact of the Agenda For Change,” President Koroma told his audience.

THANKS

The President thanked all those that contributed to the success of the con-ference, including government offi-cials, the donor community, and the British government, noting that, “This is a high point for Sierra Leone, a time for Sierra Leoneans to look at it as a mo-ment to move Sierra Leone forward. If we are committed and sincere, we must lend support to this programme – whether as government, or civil so-ciety, or the fourth estate – we must commit ourselves to making Sierra Le-one a different place. I thank you all.”

QUESTIONS & ANSWER SESSION

There was a question-and-answer ses-sion wherein journalists were given an opportunity to ask questions directly to

DEMONSTRATINGAccountability &

Transparency

DEMONSTRATING Accountability & Transparency

It sounds unusual for a Sierra Leonean leader,

but President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma made

himself accountable to his people when he ad-

dressed the press shortly after his return from

the London Trade and Investment conference.

The press conference was also attended

among others, by mem-bers of the Diplomatic Corp and government

ministers…

It sounds unusual for a

Sierra Leo-nean leader

President Koroma, Vice President Sam Sumana and cabinet ministers

26 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 27

Sierra Leone High Commission United Kingdom/Northern Ireland

41 Eagle Street, Holborn, LondonWC1R 4TL

Tel: +44-2074040140Fax: +442074309862

Email:slhcom_sl@yahoo.co.uk

Consular FeesSingle Entry £50.00

Six Month Multiple Entry £75.00One Year Multiple Entry £100.00

Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) £50.00

Payments for Visas and Emergency Travel Cer-tificate (ETC) should be made at any Barclays

Bank Branch to the following Account:Sierra Leone High Commission

Account No: 10782653Sort Code: 20-36-47

Payment must be made before the submission of completed Application Forms in accordance with the above instructions.

The stamped Barclays Bank Pay-In Slip should be presented at the High Commission together with applicant’s form. If applying by post please enclose the above mentioned payment slip together with the relevant documents.

Note: Please pay cash to the cashier in order to obtain the said payment slip. A registered Self Addressed Envelope (S.A.E) must be sup-plied for visas applied for by post to enable the Consular Officer

to return the Passport or contact and pay courier to deliver your passport and visa.

The High Commission will not be responsible for any loss of Passport by post.

All Applicants are requested to complete an Application Form and provide one passport sized photograph and a Passport valid for not less than six month.

Visitor Visa - A letter of invitation should accompany re-quests for visitor’s Visa, which must include details of ac-commodation in Sierra Leone.

Business Visa - Request should be made with a letter of in-vitation from the business contact in Sierra Leone and must include details of accommodation in Sierra Leone.

the President. Among others, questions were asked on the following lines, and the President answered each accord-ingly.

SACRED COWS IN GOVERNMENT

The President reiterated one of his first pronouncements when he assumed office – that there is no sacred cow in his government. But he said he will not work on rumours, but on evidence and substance before taking action.

While placing absolute confidence in justice and the judi-cial system, he stated that if the law-enforcement agencies like the police and the Anti Corruption Commission need unfettered access to his ministers, he would readily let that happen as he has done in the past. He said members of his family are not above the law, but they are also Sierra Leo-neans who have the right to do business legally.

SECURITY, VIS-Ÿ -VIS THE SITUATION IN GUINEA

He said he was very much concerned about the situ-ation in Guinea: “it is important to us as to the Guineans themselves, as anything there would have an influence on us.” He however said he is working within the sub-regional framework of peace in the context of the positions taken by both the MRU and ECOWAS, revealing that there is a pending meeting to be held this week in Burkina Faso on the Guinean crisis.

THE WAY FORWARD

President Koroma said this is no time to rest, but to continue to build on the gains already realized. Sierra Leone needs good roads, Sierra Leone needs increased agricultural pro-ductivity, Sierra Leone needs electricity, Sierra Leone needs health facilities, Sierra Leone needs good educational amenities. The pursuing of the achievement of these, and many others for the ordinary man, the President posited, is the way forward.

SIERRA LEONEANS IN THE DIASPORA

The Head of State said a good number of Sierra Leoneans abroad participated at the conference, and that he has great interest in stimulating them to contribute to national development, stating that Sierra Leoneans should take the lead in the government’s development drive.

REPEAL OF THE CRIMINAL LIBEL LAWS

The President said he was by law constrained to comment on the matter when it was in court, but that he would now do so since judgement had been given. He reiterated his campaign promise to expunge certain obnoxious sections of the 1965 Public Order Act. “Certain aspects of the law need reviewing. We are still committed to looking at re-viewing those aspects… certainly before the end of my first term.”

WHY THE CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN LONDON

It was a conference for the donor community, most or all of whom were out of the country. It was an opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone to the international community.

THE FINANCIAL TARGET & WHAT WAS GOT

Though there was a proposed target of an approximation of $800 million, the donors re-committed themselves to an annual $300 million support. The President said the most im-portant part was not the money per se, but the commit-ment of continued goodwill and support, which would in the end produce much more than expected.

TWO SHIP-LOAD OF RICE

The President discouraged rumour-mongering and medi-ocrity, asking people to come forward with the evidence: “If you come with the evidence, I’ll work on it.”

LETTER FROM OPPOSITION LEADER JOHN BENJAMIN

The President said he could not tell whether the letter was meant to raise matters of concern in a genuine and patriot-ic manner or it was meant to disrupt or divert attention from the London conference: “Whatever the intentions of the letter, the conference was very successful.” He acknowl-edged that the issues raised were very important, but not new; and he had “expected the opposition leader to have come forward to discuss these matters with me…” The Pres-ident said the London Conference should not be viewed from a politicized angle, as he does not believe in cheap politics…. “When he [opposition leader] was detained at an American airport, I did not politicize it but called the American Ambassador to protest why a Sierra Leonean of such stature was being treated this way…” On members of his family, the President again said they are not above the law, but are Sierra Leoneans; while warning government officials or any other personality from using his name to seek favours or further their business. The President said true democrats must focus on national development and prog-ress “if we are not turn-coat democrats or those who have led gun-totting people to shoot their way to State House…”

THE BEST MINISTER

President Koroma said he would not say who the best min-ister is, but that his continual reviewing of the performance contracts, in his avowed initial proclamation of running the country as a business entity, is certainly yielding results with enhanced performance by ministries.

EPILOGUE

Before the President spoke, statements were delivered by Minister of Finance Dr. Samura Kamara, Private Sector Ad-visor to the President Oluniyi Robin-Coker, and Civil Society Activist Charles Mambu. The occasion was chaired by the Minister of Information and Communications I.B. Kargbo, who was introduced by the Minister of Presidential and Public Affairs Joe Koroma.

SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 28