Sierra Leone is an Open Casino Now
On Friday, December 20, 2024, our nation experienced a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. They [Members of Parliament] swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, promote democratic accountability, and safeguard the institutions vital for transparency. Yet, in a collective failure, members of parliament let down the people of Sierra Leone.
Theo Edwards for YAME
The removal of the Auditor General Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce
On Friday, December 20, 2024, our nation experienced a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. The Members of Parliament swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, promote democratic accountability, and safeguard the institutions vital for transparency, in a collective failure, they let down the people of Sierra Leone.
Governance in Sierra Leone is strongly influenced by political ideology and party loyalty rather than a strict commitment to ethical principles. Institutions are seen as tools for political agendas and lack the commitment to uphold democratic principles even amid challenges.
“A Tribute to Lara Taylor-Pearce: An Enigma and Role Model to Sierra Leone”
The two dominant pillars of our political framework have solidified ethno-regional divides, leading to political loyalty that prioritizes ethnicity and regional identity over the quality of policy and governance.
A proverb/parable in Krio ‘Yu fohdohn foh mi, a fohdohn for yu,’ in parallel.
If you are too afraid to call things by their real names, you should take a moment to reflect on why you lack the courage to do so. When injustices prevail in society, grievances become widespread and unavoidable. Those with reason and integrity must step forward and tackle these issues, shedding light on the manipulation of power that fuels them.
It would seem that government-appointed officials now have the winning hand. With oversight institutions weakened, corruption emboldened, and accountability sidelined, Sierra Leone risks sinking further into uncertainty.
Sierra Leone has become an open casino
Citizens must have the courage to question the fundamental credibility of their parliamentary representatives, without fear of political backlash.
How can we claim to value integrity and credibility when the very jurists and Members of Parliament—especially those entangled in serious corruption scandals—are the very ones positioned to dismiss the auditor general who bravely exposed misappropriations tied to travel expenses? This alarming reality calls into question their genuine commitment to accountability and justice.
Transparency is vital for maintaining trust in institutions and agencies. It serves as a strong deterrent against corrupt behavior. When processes are open and verifiable, they not only demonstrate institutional integrity but also strengthen public trust in these entities.
Lara, you've done SaLone well and made us proud. Your diligence has helped to further expose the ills of our elected government officials and entitled you to a crown from the Lord and the world at large. Go on and continue to conquer. YOU ARE A WINNER!
Theo Edwards for YAME
Auditor-General Responds to Tribunal Report, Raises Concerns Over Findings and Process
The Tribunal’s interpretation of these drafts as separate reports reflects a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures. She described the Tribunal's fundamental misunderstanding of the audit processes within the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). The Tribunal claimed two separate reports were prepared for the same audit, a conclusion Taylor-Pearce refuted as misleading. She explained that draft reports are typically prepared by audit teams and reviewed by the Deputy Auditor-General before the final report is signed off.
Article by @sierraeyesalone
The Tribunal’s interpretation of these drafts as separate reports reflects a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures.
Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce
She described the Tribunal's fundamental misunderstanding of the audit processes within the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). The Tribunal claimed two separate reports were prepared for the same audit, a conclusion Taylor-Pearce refuted as misleading. She explained that draft reports are typically prepared by audit teams and reviewed by the Deputy Auditor-General before the final report is signed off.
Article by @sierraeyesaloneIn a detailed statement dated September 3, 2024, suspended Auditor-General Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce has raised significant concerns regarding the findings of the Tribunal that investigated her and former Deputy Auditor-General, Mr. Tamba Momoh. The report, which was circulated on social media on August 29, 2024, has prompted Mrs. Taylor-Pearce to clarify several key points related to the audit process and the Tribunal's conclusions.
Mrs. Taylor-Pearce expressed surprise and disappointment over the Tribunal's handling of the evidence and the conclusions drawn. She highlighted that the audit of the Office of the President was a compliance audit, not a financial statement audit, and that the third-party confirmations referenced by the Tribunal were misapplied. According to Taylor-Pearce, the standards for compliance audits differ from those for financial audits, a distinction that the Tribunal seemingly failed to appreciate.
She pointed out that the Tribunal preferred the testimony of a state witness, despite the lack of supporting evidence or regulatory basis for his assertions. In contrast, the Tribunal dismissed the testimony of an international public sector audit expert, whose credentials and experience far exceeded those of the state’s witnesses. This expert's testimony, which was central to the defense, was largely ignored in the Tribunal’s final report.
Mrs. Taylor-Pearce also addressed what she described as a fundamental misunderstanding by the Tribunal of the audit processes within the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). The Tribunal claimed there were two separate reports prepared for the same audit, a conclusion Taylor-Pearce refuted as misleading. She explained that draft reports are typically prepared by audit teams and reviewed by the Deputy Auditor-General before the final report is signed off. The Tribunal’s interpretation of these drafts as separate reports reflects a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures, she asserted.
Regarding the performance audit of the Freetown City Council (FCC), Mrs. Taylor-Pearce described the evidence presented by state witnesses as "baseless, unfounded, and untruthful." She criticized the Tribunal for accepting a narrative that contradicted the established chain of command and procedures within the ASSL, noting that the correct communication channels were bypassed in the witness testimonies.
Mrs. Taylor-Pearce addressed the Tribunal’s findings on conflict of interest and breach of confidentiality, both of which she categorically denied. She clarified that no conflict of interest existed, as she had no close or immediate family relationships with any parties involved in the audits in question. Regarding confidentiality, she explained that the third-party authentication requests were handled in accordance with professional standards, and there was no breach of confidentiality as the letters did not disclose any specific details of the auditee.
In closing, Mrs. Taylor-Pearce questioned the Tribunal’s overall conclusions, given that no direct evidence of wrongdoing or misconduct on her part was presented during the hearings. She reiterated her commitment to upholding the highest standards of public sector auditing and expressed concern that the Tribunal’s findings could undermine the future of independent public sector auditing in #SierraLeone.
Taylor-Pearce also thanked her legal team, led by Mr. Rowland S. V. Wright, as well as her colleagues, family, and supporters for their continued support throughout the process.
Manufacturing Charcoal from Human Waste (Poo) Collected
Kingtom, Sierra Leone: In an Era of 'Green World,' this project aims to protect the environment and improve sanitation, especially in impoverished areas. The charcoal is produced through carbonization to ensure no lingering smell from the human waste.
By Theo Edwards
Kingtom, Sierra Leone: In an Era of 'Green World,' this project aims to protect the environment and improve sanitation, especially in impoverished areas. The charcoal is produced through carbonization to ensure no lingering smell from the human waste.
In recent decades, Sierra Leone has seen a significant increase in the commercial trading of timber and fuelwood products, largely due to the aftermath of the country's civil war.
Commercializing the production and trading of firewood for cooking fuel has led to rapid and alarming deforestation.
This project aims to protect the environment and improve sanitation, especially in impoverished areas.
The charcoal is produced through a carbonization process to ensure no lingering smell from the human waste.
The waste product is initially collected and deposited at the treatment plant. The waste (feces) is separated from the liquid at the treatment facility, which then flows into a geo-bag. The fecal matter is then dried in a greenhouse for approximately two weeks, broken down into powder form, and placed in a kiln to produce charcoal briquettes.
The concept of producing sustainable fuel charcoal using human waste (feces) and sawdust was first introduced in Kenya by a company called Sanivation, creating a new fuel source for cooking.
“The Process In a Video.”
By Theo Edwards for YAME
All People's Congress (APC) 'Non-Participation' in Governance
The APC Executive Branch has instructed its newly elected members of parliament not to participate in governance until its demands—in particular, a rerun of the recently concluded General Election, were met.
The Sixth Parliament proceedings begin July 13, 2023, according to the Clerk of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Paran Tarawally.
Mayor-Elect Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE
In Video
The APC Executive Branch has instructed its newly elected members of parliament not to participate in governance until its demands—in particular, a rerun of the recently concluded General Election, were met.
PUBLIC NOTICE from members of the ALL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS (APC) Party elected representatives for parliament are endorsing the Party's position of 'Non-Participation' in governance at a meeting held on Friday, June 30, 2023.
The Sixth Parliament proceedings begin July 13, 2023, according to the Clerk of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Paran Tarawally.
In the video, the Mayor-Elect, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, expresses her heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Freetonians for re-electing her as Mayor of Freetown. She also explains the APC party decision and concerns regarding their current non-participation in governance in The Sixth Parliament proceeding and the Local Council.
In Video: APC party decision of non-participation in governance in the Sixth Parliament and the local council.
The statement by the EU election observation mission (EU EOM) indicated procedures for tallying and results management came late in the electoral preparedness, clouding prospects of a transparent tabulation and results process.
Julius Maada Bio, the incumbent SLPP candidate, was declared the winner of Sierra Leone's presidential election.
The ECSL Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, said, Bio was re-elected with 56.17 percent of the votes on Saturday, June 24, 2023, and his top rival, Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara, came in second with 41.16 percent.
APC elected representatives for parliament endorsed the Party's position of 'Non-Participation.'
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This statement from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) is worth reading in its entirety. ~ The Ambassador, US Embassy Freetown, in a tweet — 08 Jul 23.
Paran Tarawally, the clerk of Parliament, explained the ramifications of not taking oath on the first day of Parliament.