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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:[email protected]
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.