GIABA Commences Regional Training For Journalists

GIABA plays a significant role in maintaining a well-functioning monetary system

By Sylvester Samba In Liberia

A three (3) day Regional Training Workshop on Investigative Reporting on Economic and Financial Crimes for Journalists in West Africa countries commenced in Monrovia, Liberia. The training, which is expected to come to an end on Thursday 28th November 2019, is organized by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). The Deputy Minister of Fiscal Affairs/Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Samara P.Z. Wolokolie, on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, gave the keynote address and formally declared the training opened.

In his opening statement, Hon. Wolokolie said as the lead Inter-Government Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, GIABA, plays a significant role in maintaining a well-functioning monetary system. With the prevalence of money laundering activities across the global financial and monetary systems - the strategic importance of GIABA cannot be overemphasized. The creation of GIABA through the sagacity of West African leaders is a clear indication yet that West Africa is ready for business and is prepared to play by the rules in its financial and monetary dealings.

Our commitment to eradicating illicit trade, dubious financial transactions, and discourage money laundering activities demonstrates that West Africa is ready to play by the rules, committed to expose and prosecute fraudulent activities.

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Institutions such as GIABA give confidence to the business community and our international partners that there are structures and safeguards to protect them against money laundering and fraudulent activities.

The training organized to improving experienced journalists' understanding of AML/CFT issues, enhance their investigative and technical capabilities by equipping them with practical tools for the production of quality articles and reporting on money laundering and terrorist financing cases. It also strengthens the capacity of the network of Journalists to produce factual information on AML/CFT developments in West Africa.

To achieve the stated objectives, pertinent themes selected and delivered by prominent experts - Effective techniques and methods of producing journalistic materials on financial and economic crimes, the role of the media in promoting good governance as well as strategies, and mechanisms for setting up networks of media actors in AML/CFT. In implementing its intervention strategy, GIABA has enhanced and expanded the stakeholder scope to non-traditional entities, to ensure a global and complementary approach to the fight.

One of the entities includes the media, which plays a paramount role in promoting good governance, drawing governments` sustained attention to value for money in expending public resources, enhancing the protection of citizens' rights, and guaranteeing the production of information on Money Laundering practices and other related offenses.

In line with its mandate, GIABA has been carrying out awareness-raising programs for media professionals since 2009, resulting in the establishment in 2010 in Abuja, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, of a regional network of investigative journalists, specialized in reporting economic and financial crimes.

The 2016-2020 Strategic Plan developed by GIABA against the backdrop of the ever-evolving global AML/CFT outlook following the revision of the FATF Standards and Methodology focuses on the obligation to make regional AML/CFT interventions more effective. It aims at contributing to Member States` AML/CFT efforts, strengthen the commitment of non-state actors and critical sectors playing crucial roles in the effective implementation of AML/CFT measures.

Hon. Edwin W. Harrison, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in Liberia, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, extends his appreciation to the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) for selecting Liberia to host this training. He pointed out the three (3) days training in our media landscapes immense exposure about ML/TF. This training will help participants in effective, accurate reporting, and equipped to spot the vices associated with these and other predicate offenses.

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GIABA, FIU Engages Sierra Leonean Youths On AML/CFT

The Role of the Youths in the fight against transnational organized crimes

By Sylvester Samba

The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) on Thursday 21st November 2019, organized its 12th Open House Forum on Anti-Money Laundering, and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) for Youths in Sierra Leone. The 12th edition held at Fourah Bah College (FBC) in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The forum brought together student representatives from tertiary institutions, civil society organizations, the media, and officials of regulatory agencies involved in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

The one-day engagement done in collaboration with the country's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Critical for good governance and advocate for democracy, and empowering the Youths towards raising the desired level of awareness in combating transnational organized crimes, particular, money laundering and terrorist financing. The theme for the 12th edition of the Open House Forum is "The Role of the Youths in the fight against transnational organized crimes."

“The proceeds from crime fuel corruption, in turn, facilitate the commission of crimes and undermines the rule of law. Nations must cooperate and deal with the threat as organized crimes know no borders. Recognition of the negative effect of money laundering and terrorist financing prompted the international community to take measures to combat them.”

— Mr. Timothy Melaye, Information Manager of GIABA Information Center, Lagos

Mr. Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, FIU Director, give a welcome address

In his welcome address, the Director of FIU, Mr. Mohamed Kenewui Konneh who also doubles as GIABA National Correspondent said as part of its sustained efforts to raise awareness against the twin evils of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in the West African Sub-region, GIABA considers the importance of establishing strategic partnerships with civil society and youths.

The Open House Forum, one of the Awareness and advocacy strategies adopted by GIABA,

1. alert the young population in the region to the threats of money laundering and financing of terrorism.

2. raise awareness in a concerted manner on the need to protect national economies and financial systems of ECOWAS member states against the laundering of proceeds from crimes.

Money Laundering and Financial Terrorism severely undermine sustainable development by eroding human capital, social, and political stability, causing an artificial rise in the cost of business, and driving away investment. The menace poses threats to peace, security, and sustainable development in any nation.

The Minister of Youths, Mr. Mohamed O. Bangura, declared the session opened. A statement delivered by both the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, and Deputy Minister Attorney General and Justice.

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Questions and answers sessions after PowerPoint presentations on the overview of Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism, (AML/CFT) Initiatives, and the Role of GIABA. The Role of the Youths in Combating Transnational Organized Crime and the Negative Consequences of Engaging. Understanding GIABA's Roles, Mission, and Mandate and the Establishing Students and Youth Network against ML/FT (SYN-AML/TF).

A Resolution and Communiqué climaxed the program.

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UN Convention On The Rights Of The Child (UNCRC)

United Nations General Assembly, and State parties celebrated the 30th Anniversary

By Sylvester Samba

Sierra Leone makes remarkable progress on children issues.

Defense for Children International Sierra Leone has commended the efforts of the Government in their strives towards achieving universal access to education by introducing the Free Quality Education Program, the Free Health Care program and recent legal reforms to improve access to justice for children particularly victims of sexual violence in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Sixteen. As the World celebrates the 30th anniversary of the UNCRC, Defense for Children International has called on the Government of Sierra Leone to invest in a program that keeps children away from the justice system.

The 20th November 2019, the United Nations General Assembly and State parties celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in November 1989. Symbolically, 2019 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Defense for Children International Global Movement and the 20th Anniversary of Defense for Children International Sierra Leone.

“In the last three decades, there has been a remarkable improvement in the child rights situation, particularly in the areas of access to education, health care, birth registration, child participation, and policy reforms. The report of the recent UN Global Studies on Children Deprived of their Liberty has also revealed significant reduction of the number of children detained in the criminal justice system from One Million to least Four Hundred and Ten Thousand children every year due to the use of alternative practices such as diversion of cases from the criminal justice systems.”

— Defense for Children International (DCI)

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Mr. Abdul Manaff Kemokai, Executive Director, Defense for Children International, Sierra Leone

DCI is concerned, many children include pregnant girls, children with disabilities, children begging in the street, and other vulnerable groups exclude from the achievements outlined. According to them, the government must implement its commitment towards the SDGs, emphasize that no one should be left behind. Defense for Children International (DCI) coordinated NGO input into the drafting of the UNCRC, and since its adoption in 1989, DCI has fostered ratification, domestication, and implementation of the UNCRC through its national sections in over 40 countries across the globe including in Sierra Leone.

DCI called on the Government of Sierra Leone to make the Free Quality School Education program to benefit every child by adequately providing for all including the excluded vulnerable groups. The government must also introduce community-based programs, educational programs, games, and sports, that can positively engage the minds of children, and youths throughout Sierra Leone.

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The Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering In West Africa - Invitation To Participate

Congratulations Mr. Sylvester Samba

By YAME Editorial Board

Mr. Sylvester Samba, GIABA Participant

YAME Editorial Board wishes to congratulate Mr. Sylvester Samba, Global Times Newspaper Senior Reporter, Freetown, Sierra Leone, and YAME News & Media Contributor, for having invited by GIABA to participate in a Regional Training Workshop on Investigative Reporting on Economic and Financial Crimes for Journalists in Monrovia, Liberia, November 26 - 28, 2019.

The Inter-Government Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is a specialized institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Financial Action Task Force-Styled Regional Body (FSRB) established by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in the year 2000 with the mandate to protect the economies of Member States, from the laundering of the proceeds of crimes.

Money laundering is a complex phenomenon generating serious consequences politically, social, and economic development of countries of the world. It facilitates crime and corruption, which are antithetical to sustainable development. In particular, money laundering impairs the development of institutions (democratic, financial, education, health, etc.)

Unfortunately, developing countries are disproportionately at risk due to poor capacity to deal with the problem. The last twenty years have witnessed increased efforts and collaboration to address the issues of money laundering and other forms of organized crimes that plague society. International initiatives in the form of AML/CFT frameworks have been designed. Most countries and jurisdictions have subscribed to these measures. An effective AML/CFT framework reinforces a variety of good governance policies that help to sustain economic development.

Given the immensity of issues involved, the stakeholders' base has been broadened to include non-traditional entities to ensure a holistic approach and complementaries in the fight.

Our hats off to you, Sylvester.

GIABA’s Mission

GIABA is an institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responsible for facilitating the adoption and implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) in West Africa. It is also a FATF-Styled Regional Body (FSRB) working with its member States to ensure compliance with international AML/CFT standards.

Kenya Host International Conference On Population & Development

‘Great challenges’ the African Continent faces

By Sylvester Samba

A three (3) day International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25) successfully ended at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The Summit was held from Tuesday 12th to Thursday 14th November 2019, co-convened under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, the Kingdom of Denmark, and the United Nations Development Fund (UNFPA).

In this year's Conference, Sierra Leone shown dedication as the country's joined several others in marking the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) which took place in Cairo 1994, where 179 governments adopted a landmark Program of Action which set out to empower women and girls and for the benefit of their families, communities, and nations.

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Key amongst the Sierra Leone delegation to the summit is the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura; Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Nairobi, H.E. Joseph Francis; Minister Plenipotentiary at the Sierra Leone High Commission in Nairobi, Abdul Karim Kargbo; Director of Gender, Ministry of Social Welfare Gender and Children’s Affairs, Charles Vandi; UN Women Representative, Dr Mary Okumu; UNFPA Representative in Sierra Leone, Dr Kim Dickson; Honorable Member of Parliament, Rosemarie Bangura, Vicky the Poet and others.

Addressing the gathering, Sierra Leone's Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai said: Our Government will continue to march in solidarity with all women and girls as we strive to ensure no segment of our population is left behind. The Government is committed to allocating at least 1% of the health budget for family planning by 2022, reduce the unmet need for family planning from 24.8% in 2019 by 20% in 2025; train and employ 1000 midwives, 180 nurse anesthetists, 72 surgical assistants by 2025; reduce maternal mortality from 1,165 per 100,000 live births by 50% in 2028; enact the prohibition of the Child Marriage Bill, which criminalizes child marriage by the end of 2020.

The Minister noted the Government of Sierra Leone made several national commitments that are consistent with the Cairo Declaration as reflected in the Sierra Leone Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023), the National Population Policy, and the Family Planning 2020 Commitments.

He highlighted the importance of the summit, and the great challenges the African continent faces; maternal deaths, family planning, rape, violence against women and girls, women empowerment, sexual and reproductive health problems among others.

Dr. Kai-Kai noted Sierra Leone’s commitment to addressing these problems by referring to President Julius Maada Bio’s declaration of rape as a heinous criminal offense based on which the Parliament of Sierra Leone moved to amend the Sexual Offenses Act 2019. He also referred to the First Lady’s national campaign dubbed “Hands off our Girls” to prevent the early marriage of under-aged girls and gender-based violence.

Sierra Leone Military To Grow Own Rice

It is projected rice consumption by the security forces will be produced locally in three years

By Sylvester Samba

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Jacob Jusu Saffa, confirmed the government spends huge amount on the purchase of imported rice for the security forces. In a bid to reduce this pressure on the New Direction Government, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) will start growing its rice as this will partly substitute imported rice provided to the Military.

The Minister of Finance in a statement to the House of Parliament Friday 8th November 2019, while reading the government budget for the Financial Year 2020, Mr. Saffa said with technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), the Agricultural Unit of the Military will be supported to cultivate 5,000 hectares of land, with an expected yield of three metric tons per hectare, total production estimated at 15,000 metric tons. It is projected rice consumption by the security forces will be produced locally in three years.

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To support the implementation of the National Agricultural Transformation program, the Government is allocating Le348.8 Billion to the agriculture sector, accounting for 6 percent of the total primary expenditure. Mr. Saffa explained that of this, Le38.9 Billion is from the recurrent budget to support the rehabilitation of existing plantations, rehabilitation of inland valley swamps, procurement of livestock and animal vaccines, fertilizers and seedlings, as well as support the fertilizer regulatory agency and the seed certification agency.

The Minister stressed that government through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, with strong technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, will provide assistance in the form of tractors, improved seedlings, processing equipment, and training in extension services to the country's youth, in selected chiefdoms in all districts. In the area of Tree Planting and Afforestation, he maintained that there is worrying evidence of deforestation for varying purposes.

The government will launch a National Afforestation Program implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Include the provision of improved variety tree seedlings, tools and equipment, training and civic education and social mobilization for environmental protection. The program will initially target 10,000 youths, of which 50 percent women.

The 2020 Budget focuses on consolidating human capital development and stimulating the economy to create job opportunities, especially for the youths.

The theme of this year`s Budget, 'Fiscal Consolidation for Human Capital Development and Job Creation.' The Finance Act, 2020 bill was debated and passed into law, on Tuesday 12th November 2019. The Minister of Finance; Jacob Saffa said the Act seeks to provide for the imposition, and alteration of taxes to affect the financial proposals of the Government. And to provide for other related matters for the 2020 fiscal year.

The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Sidie M. Tunis contributed to the debate. The Opposition Leader, Hon. Chernor R.M Bah said that the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party would support the Act. He also expressed hope for an economic boom by the year 2020.

UN Peacebuilding Commission Chief Visit Sierra Leone

Part of a PBC regional tour to the Mano River Union

By Sylvester Samba

The Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations and Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Ambassador Guillermo Fernandez de Soto led a high level delegation of members of the Commission to a joint visit in Sierra Leone from 3 to 5 November 2019 with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa, Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco.

The visit is part of a PBC regional tour to the Mano River Union, which will also include Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. The objective of this visit is to assess the international support to the country’s peacebuilding priorities and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation in support of the cross-border regional issues, relevant peacebuilding and sustaining peace challenges in the Mano River Union.

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The UN delegation met the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Julius Maada Bio, the Vice-President, H.E. Mohamed Jalloh, and several members of the Government, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Planning and Economic Development, Internal Affairs, and Youth Affairs. The delegation also met with representatives of Civil Society, Women and Youth Organizations, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), members of the diplomatic corps and development partners in Sierra Leone, as well as the Secretary-General of the Mano River Union.

The UN delegation commended President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone for their remarkable progress achieved in peace and stability since the country came on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission in 2006. They discussed cooperation with Sierra Leone during and often challenging moments for the country.

• Support the smooth transition from the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in 2014

• The Ebola epidemic in 2014-2015

• Assist the country in rebuilding its institutional framework

• Key support throughout the recent electoral process, as well as ongoing support of national development plans and priorities

The UN delegation discussed UN support to the Government’s vision for national transformation and development articulated in the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) (2019-2023) entitled ‘Education for Development’ launched in February 2019.

The delegation underscored the importance of women and youth participation in sustaining peace efforts.

The delegation commended President Bio for his Government’s commitment to the promotion of the gender dimensions of peacebuilding and stressed the importance of gender-sensitive and targeted programming, as well as the strengthening of women’s meaningful participation in peacebuilding. The delegation also encouraged the inclusive participation of youth in peacebuilding efforts.

Recalling that Sierra Leone is one of the biggest recipients of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, with an estimated $62 million allocated since 2007, the meetings discussed the importance of the Fund to the countries peacebuilding priorities, including assistance to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, assistance for victims’ reparations, dealing with political party conflict mediation and codes of conduct, as well as supporting UNIPSIL transition, including through support to security sector reform, human rights institutions, and facilitation of political dialogue.

Recognizing the progress made by the country in moving towards sustainable peace and stability, President Bio indicated the government´s intention for Sierra Leone to phase out of the country-specific engagement with the Peacebuilding Commission, and discussed a more flexible form of engagement, geared towards the specific needs of countries based on the principle of national ownership, including through the broader Mano River Union region. President Bio also thanked Canada for its leadership as Chair of the Sierra Leone Configuration since 2009.

The delegation reassured Sierra Leone of its commitment to continue cooperation in support of its peacebuilding and development priorities.

The delegation leaves Freetown today, heading to Liberia and then Cote d’Ivoire.

Sierra Leone Eliminates GST on Aviation Charges

Opening Sierra Leone to tourism and other development opportunities

By Sylvester Samba

To make air transport affordable and accessible to all Sierra Leoneans and also to promote tourism, the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL), through the Ministry of Finance, has eliminated the Goods and Service Tax (GST) levied on all aviation charges at the Freetown International Airport.

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Jacob Jusu Saffa made this disclosure during the reading of the Government Budget for the 2020 Financial Year in the Well of Parliament. The GST exemption on all aviation charges is expected to take effect in 2020 after the enactment of the 2020 Finance Bill.

The objective of the tax exemption on aviation charges is to reduce the cost of travel to Sierra Leone to promote air transportation, boost tourism, and create job opportunities. According to the budget: All aviation related charges will be exempted from the payment of GST. These include all aircraft handling charges and aircraft fuelling.

The Director-General of Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Moses Tiffa Baio said the move made by the Government of Sierra Leone to exempt all aviation-related charges in Financial Year, a2020 is a demonstration of government’s strong political will to develop the aviation industry in Sierra Leone, adding that it is another way of opening Sierra Leone to tourism and other development opportunities which can be an incentive for economic turnaround in 2020.

The elimination of GST on all aviation-related charges at the Freetown International Airport opens multiple opportunities include a reduction in airline ticket prices for Sierra Leone. Airport charges and taxes levied on airline operations had a direct impact on tickets resulting in an increase in air tickets. The tax exemption reduces the cost of operations for the airlines, thus foster industry growth and contribute to the promotion of Air transport and tourism in Sierra Leone.

The effort to build a safe, secure and economically viable aviation system in Sierra Leone has been one of the top priorities of the New Direction administration. Before the move to eliminate GST on aviation-related charges, GoSL reduced all airport taxes levied on air tickets.

The highlighted reductions backed by the implementation of the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Government of Sierra Leone it is expected air ticket prices will reduce considerably.

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School Authorities Refund Scratch Card Monies

Collected from students for WAEC scratch cards for registration for the WASSCE exam

By Sylvester Samba

As part of its mandate to curb corrupt practices and the enforcement of government policies, the North-West Regional office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is currently monitoring the refund of monies collected by Principals of Secondary Schools to register candidates for the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, instructed principals to refund monies collected from students for WAEC scratch cards for registration for the WASSCE exam.

At the moment, some have complied while others are in the process of effecting payment. A team of ACC, on Wednesday 6th November, monitored the refund process at the Schlenker Secondary School and other schools in Port Loko. Receiving their refunds, the students of various secondary schools expressed appreciation to the Commission. The ACC Regional Manager, Al-Hassan Sesay said, he will take steps necessary to stamp out corrupt practices in the region. The monitoring exercise will replicate across all senior secondary schools in the region.

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Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) held in Lome-Togo from the 5th-6th November 2019

At the Extraordinary General Assembly convened by the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) held in Lome-Togo from the 5th-6th November 2019, the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. has been unanimously endorsed to serve as the new President and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Network comprising 15 West African Countries

Charged with this responsibility, Commissioner Kaifala happens to be the youngest Commissioner on the Continent, will be the President of the regional Association and Chairman of the Executive Committee.

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Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone

He will be the principal representative of the Association in ECOWAS and other Global bodies. Lead in the attainment of the objectives of the Association as mandated by ECOWAS. Work closely with the Permanent Secretariat of the Network in Dakar, Senegal, and preside over all Executive Committee Meetings and General Meetings for the next year.

The 15 Member Association established by ECOWAS Resolution to ensuring transparency and accountability in West Africa. It brings Heads of National Anti-Corruption institutions together that have the mandate to fight corruption in their respective West African Countries.

Ghana's Poverty Rate Drops 23 Percent

Much of this progress was between 1992–2005

By Benson Afful

The Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Mr. Kodjo Mensah-Abrampah, has said Ghana’s poverty reduction strategy made strides as the country’s poverty rate dropped to 23 percent in the last 27 years. Much of this progress was between 1992 to 2005, where the rate of poverty dropped to 25 percent.

The country did not do much to reduce poverty between 2005 to 2017, a period where the country discovered oil in commercial quantity in addition to its existing natural resources.

Speaking to the B&FT in an interview at a workshop organized by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FOA) on 'Strengthening the Use of Poverty Analysis to Achieve SDGs 1 and 2,' he said between 1992 up to 2005 the focus was on how to improve the situation of the poor as well as investing in areas which are related to the poor such as agriculture, livestock development, and also providing the necessary support in terms of extension officers for agriculture production.

The provided space was for long-neglected to be able to put themselves into the economy and the development ladder. 'Ghana Poverty Reduction 1, 2' are some of the policies targeted at the poor, and those who ordinarily will have been victims of poverty, were brought in. Programs on Social Investment Fund, HIPC program, Youth in Agriculture and Women in Agriculture, these were the means to harness and also bring in the poor.

The introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme and the School Feeding Program were done to bring in the poor into accessing some of these facilities. All contributed to the development.

A conscious means of responding to poverty in a coordinated manner - NDPC was at the peak of coordinating all those processes that related to reducing poverty and working together with other ministries.

Responding to why the country couldn’t do much in terms of poverty reduction after 2005, the NDPC boss said, somewhere along the emphasis on poverty reduction lost its way and therefore the efforts where not that coordinated like in the past, when we made strides.

The NDPC boss said there is an expansion to some of these programs, which helped the country to reduce poverty such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty program. The Free SHS as a means of completing an education, and, to develop the skills and knowledge, and the ability, to be able to get employment.

In this regard, the government is going to tackle issues related to gender and social protection. There is a conscious effort to make poverty not linked to the income-earning population.

A study carried out by the NDPC and UNICEF, looked at the issue of child poverty.

Tony Elumelu Speaks On Presidential Dialogue In Accra

Will explore how Africa can optimize the use of its resources

By Benson Afful

Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, will join Ghana's president Nana Akufo-Addo, and other private and public sector leaders on the Presidential Dialogue themed "Africa's Money for African Development–A Future Beyond Aid" in Ghana on the 7th November 2019.

The event jointly organized by the Ghanaian Presidency and the United Nations Development Program ...UNDP.

Mr. Elumelu will speak on ways to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and the opportunities emerging from the fourth industrial revolution. He will also evaluate the prospect of increasing regional integration across the continent as well as the potential of this to grow consumer and business spending while addressing human capital challenges on the continent.

The Inaugural President Dialogue will explore how Africa can optimize the use of its resources, its creativity and innovation to effectively self-finance its development and advance climate action, youth empowerment, women, trade and agribusiness, creativity and arts.

The event will host over 200 participants comprising leading actors in business, culture, media, arts, technology, innovation, traditional leaders as well as youth, women entrepreneurs, traders, and environmentalists.

It aims to support thought leadership about Africa’s development towards a self-sustaining future, raise visibility and create momentum about Africa’s vision for future prosperity while fostering new partnerships and allies for the continent’s transformation agenda.

Nigeria To Meet Its Own Fuel Needs

Nigeria is supposed to meet the needs of West, East, and Central Africa in terms of supply

By Sylvester Samba

Dangote Industries Limited, based in Nigeria, confirmed the country's Federal Government support towards the completion of its Petroleum Refinery. The Dangote refinery, which is designed to maximize petroleum output, will produce enough to allow for a small surplus of fuel for export. Dangote plans to export its diesel to Europe, and gasoline to Latin America, Western, and Central African markets. The evacuation of refined products will be done by sea and through roads. Nigeria is Africa’s largest crude oil producer but lacks refining capacity to meet its own fuel needs.

A press release issued by the group dated Monday 4th November 2019 disclosed that the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva made the pronouncement that his government is going to ensure the completion of the historic 650,000 BPD, Dangote Petroleum Refinery during an official visit to the Petrochemical complex located at the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, Nigeria. Sylva said the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical was a testament that the country possesses an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and that the success of the project will boost investors' confidence in the country's oil and gas project. He implored Nigerians to support the refinery project to ensure it creates more value-added to the economy.

There is no way a project of this magnitude will be going on, and the government will not be interested.

The country's Minister of State for Petroleum Resources said the project signals a lot if it succeeds, adding that the whole world is looking at the success of the project. And they will come to Nigeria to at least also enjoy the benefit of investing in the country.

In his remarks, Aliko Dangote, Group President, and Chief Executive, Dangote Group, said his group believed in Nigeria. He said there is a three percent growth population increase annually in Nigeria.

Nigeria is supposed to meet the needs of West, East, and Central Africa in terms of supply.

Mr. Devakumar Edwin, the company's Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects and Portfolio Development, said that the asset creates a market for 11billion per annum of Nigerian crude, and can meet 100 percent of the Nigerian requirement of all liquid products.

The minister who was led on a tour of the Refinery by the Group President & Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, and the company's Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects and Portfolio Development, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, was accompanied by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Sabo Nakudu; Chairman, Senate Committee on Services/member, Senate Committee, Upstream, Senator Muhammad Musa; GMD, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari; Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Ahmed Shakur; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote; and the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF), Mr. Ahmed Boboi; among others.

Sierra Leone Passes MCC Scorecard

Good governance, transforming the economy, and human capital development

By Sylvester Samba

Sierra Leone has convincingly passed the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) FY2020 Scorecard, which released on 1st November 2019. This remarkable achievement has automatically made Sierra Leone eligible for MCC Compact consideration. The scorecard assesses a country’s performance in three broad categories; ruling justly, investing in citizens, and economic freedom.

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The MCC scorecard demonstrated that since its assumption to power, the President Bio led Government has made enormous progress, especially in the areas of good governance, transforming the economy, and human capital development

The United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Maria Brewer, met with President Bio on Friday 1st November 2019 and congratulated the Government of Sierra Leone on passing the 2020 MCC Scorecard. She commended the Government for making significant progress on indicators like Girls Primary Education Completion Rates and Control of Corruption indicators.

While Sierra Leone awaits on the decision of the MCC Board later this year on whether we have done enough to secure a Compact, we will continue to implement the $44.4 Million Threshold program to improve the financial viability of the electricity and water sectors. An award of a compact will have a transformational impact in Sierra Leone by unlocking private sector investment, which will be the engine for sustained economic development for our country. The MCC grant funds within the framework of the National Medium-Term Development Plan can change the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

The MCC is an independent bilateral United States foreign aid agency that uses key competitive indicators to assess the degree to which the political and economic conditions in a country serve to promote broad-based sustainable economic growth and reduction of poverty and thus provide a sound environment for the use of MCC funds.

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Sierra Leone Parliament Fully Empowers Anti-Corruption Commission

Amendment Bill, 2019

By Sylvester Samba

Dr. Abass Bundu, Speaker of Parliament

The House of Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone has passed the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act 2019, which is an amendment to the Anti-corruption Act 2008. The Bill, which now awaits assent by the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Brig. (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio to become Lawfully empowers the ACC to make corruption very expensive, and more efficiently confront corruption at all levels. The Bill, which the ACC Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. referred to as “The People’s Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2019.” It gives the Commission the authority to prevent the signing of contracts that are not in the national interest.

The objectives of the amendment include the need to review and increase penalties for offenses under the Act; strengthen protection of those who assist the Commission, provide the Commission with alternatives to prosecution, widen the scope of corruption; that the accused offered, solicited, obtained or received in addition to gave, and accepted an advantage. Reduce the year-long requirement that people who cease to be public officers have to file a declaration in respect of their assets. Empower the Commissioner to specify categories of public officers for a declaration by Statutory Instrument published in a Gazette provide administrative sanctions for public officials who fail to submit their Assets Declaration Forms, or knowingly record inaccurate and misleading information. Vest in the Commissioners' power to direct that said 'contracts' not be proceeded.

The Bill was first tabled in Parliament seven months ago passed after legislative stages and committees in Parliament by its Members, specifically on the "contracts clause" following a bi-partisan debate.

The new ACC Act introduces the trial of those accused of corruption in absentia. It limits the scope of a public official to declare their assets and imposes sanctions for non-compliance. Vest in the Commissioners' power to direct that said 'contracts' with elements of corruption in their processing not be proceeded, after agreement with the National Public Procurement Authority.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Sierra Leone has increased its score in the Control of Corruption Indicator in the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard. Move 71 percent in 2018 to 79 percent in 2019 an 8 percent uptick.

By this year’s report, Sierra Leone is among the top ten performers in income category; number two in Africa; and number one in the Mano River Union. In the 2019 MCC Report, Sierra Leone passed more than 10 of the 20 indicators, including the mandatory “Control of Corruption” indicator...Therefore, Sierra Leone is now “Compact Eligible.” Sierra Leone is now eligible to benefit from the US Government US$600 million (Six Hundred Million Dollars) Compact Fund, as confirmed by an official statement from the ACC.

The MCC is an initiative of the Government of the United States to provide aid to developing countries to fight widespread poverty through economic growth. The MCC scorecard consists of 20 indicators under three broad categories: “Economic Freedom,” “Ruling Justly,” and “Investing in People.” The ‘Control of Corruption’ Indicator falls under the “Ruling Justly” category.

Similarly, Sierra Leone has also scored high in other global and regional anti-corruption rankings. In the Global Corruption Barometer, Sierra Leone ranked 3rd out of 35 African Countries surveyed on “Government’s Effectiveness in the Fight against Corruption.” In this light, the Commission wishes to reassure the general public of its determination to continue to inject integrity and transparency into State governance.

13 Sierra Leonean Students Arrived In Russia

To study General Medicine at RUDN University

By Sylvester Samba

Students from Sierra Leone arrived in Moscow, on Wednesday 30th October 2019, to study General Medicine at RUDN University in Russia.

The students, thirteen (13) in number departed the shores of Sierra Leone on Tuesday 29th October 2019 after been nominated by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE). All thirteen awardees were subjected to rigorous scrutiny to ascertain their academic fitness for the course ahead of them. Their tickets and other traveling documents were handed over to them by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Mr. Gilbert Cooper, at a brief ceremony held in the ministry.

Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Sierra Leone Ambassador to the Russian Federation

The Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow has been accordingly informed, in a letter signed by Emmanuel M. Sandi, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, has been very instrumental in pursuing the award of scholarships to deserving Sierra Leonean students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the Russian Federation.

The offer of thirteen scholarships from the Government of the Russian Federation in favor of students from Sierra Leone was granted in 2017 by the People’s Friendship University (RUDN) in Moscow. In February this year, at a meeting with the Vice-Rector for International Studies at RUDN, the Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow canvassed for the scholarship slot to be utilized by Sierra Leone.

It was agreed at the meeting, a team from RUDN travel to Freetown for assessment and consultation with officials of the Ministry of Higher Education, in addition to examining enrolment of best-qualified candidates.

The candidates who were successful in the examination were eventually selected by RUDN to pursue General Medicine. On Wednesday, 30th October 2019, thirteen students arrived safely and were received by the staff of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow.

Ebola Survivors Benefited From Free Health Care Drugs

Will be on a quarterly routine across the country

By Sylvester Samba

Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) has conducted its third rounds of distribution of Free Health Care commodities starting with the Western Urban District Health Management Team, PCMH, and Ola During Children Hospitals in the capital of Freetown. A total of nine (9) trucks loaded with drugs were distributed under the supervision of the new National Medical Supply Agency, which mandate is to procure, store and distribute transparently and cost-effectively.

The scheme initially meant for pregnant and lactating women and children under five years. But under the current political leadership of the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Professor Alpha Wurie, the Free Health Care opportunity has now extended to Ebola Survivors and the physically challenged persons. The ministry is said to be working on the resuscitation of cost recovery drugs program in line with Universal Health Coverage, and hence Sustainable Development Goals and Global Health Security.

The Managing Director of the National Medical Supply Agency, Dr. Laurence Sandy, has assured all concerned that the distribution will be on a quarterly routine across the country. He advised service providers to reach out to the expected beneficiaries, particularly the most vulnerable communities. His Deputy Managing Director, Dr. Moses Batema, also stressed the need for quality health service delivery in Sierra Leone. He noted that the Ministry of Health is moving in the right direction in saving the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

Lagos Business School Graduates New Set of Healthcare Leaders

To lead teams in various capacities

By Benson Afful

After a week of intensive training, Lagos Business School recently handed out certificates to this year’s graduating set of the Management Development Institute (MDI) Healthcare Leadership Program at an event, which took place at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The goal of the in-residence training program facilitated by Johnson & Johnson is to equip health sector leaders and managers with requisite knowledge and resources to lead teams in various capacities, implement national health priorities, and improve the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of honor and Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, highlighted the challenges facing the healthcare sector in Nigeria while calling on relevant stakeholders to do more in tackling those challenges.

Studies have shown that the major drivers of underperforming health systems include limited access to medicines, equipment, human resources, infrastructure, financing, and governance.

The task of revamping Nigeria’s healthcare system is, and must continue to be, a collective one - the government, private sector, international and indigenous development partners, and all Nigerians - must work together to create a health system that we all desire to see and benefit from,” said Dr. Balarabe.

Fola Laoye, the Guest Speaker and Chief Executive Officer of Health Markets Africa, delivered a keynote address on the gaps present in Nigeria’s healthcare financing system while identifying shortfalls in government healthcare expenditure towards achieving universal healthcare coverage as required by the United Nations.

The Dean, Lagos Business School, Professor Enase Okonedo, emphasized key values in teamwork, ethics, and professionalism in achieving quality healthcare delivery in Africa. She urged the graduate students to mirror the change they want to see in society.

We believe that as students of the MDI Healthcare Leadership Program, you are indeed ambassadors of Lagos Business School, and this comes with great responsibility. We, therefore, expect you assimilate the institution’s values and return to your respective organizations as change agents and exemplary leaders.

Over 1,400 participants from 39 African countries have so far benefited from the program administered by the Global Business School Network (GBSN).

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Eliminating Hunger And Malnutrition, A Race Against Time

Undernourishment has reached levels of 22.8 percent in sub-Sahara Africa

By Benson Afful

The task of eliminating hunger and malnutrition as set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs, as well as in the African Union 2025 Malabo Commitments is a race against times towards delivering the targets, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Regional Representative for Africa, FAO has said. There should be a sense of urgency for concerted actions by all,” he added.

The latest statistics show that in Africa, over a quarter of a million people go to bed hungry. He quoted the 2019 report on the state of Food Security and Nutrition published by the FAO, which confirms that hunger has been on the rise in almost all sub-Sahara Africa where the prevalence of undernourishment has reached levels of 22.8 percent.

It should be worrisome to note that the number undernourished people has been increasing steadily in Africa over the last few years, where it reached 256.1 million people in 2018 with a staggering 93 percent of those living in sub-Sahara Africa.

This year, the FAO Regional Office for Africa and the FAO Ghana jointly organized three events in Accra under the theme “Our actions are our future. A healthy diet for a Zero Hunger World” to mark World Food Day celebrated on October 16.

Abebe Haile-Gabriel noted that the hardest hits are family and subsistence farmers in rural areas. The worsening food security situation was due to climate change, conflict, and economic slowdowns. These factors continue to be the main drivers of food and nutrition insecurity in the Africa region. He said malnutrition is three-pronged; it encompasses under-nutrition, over-nutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. Africa faced with both over-nourishment and under-nourishment. A quarter of the world’s children under five that are overweight live in Africa.

Eliminating all forms of hunger and nutrition is at the heart of the FAO’s mandate.

New Maternal & Child Hospital Commissioned

At Brookfields in the West part of the capital

By Sylvester Samba

Easing pressure on 'Cottage Hospital' in the east of Freetown, a new Maternal, and Child health hospital formally commissioned on Thursday 17th October 2019 and opened to Sierra Leonean populace in a bid to protect and save the lives of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and their infants. The new King Harman Maternal and Child Hospital located at Brookfields in the West part of Freetown.

The old Cottage hospital long since exceeded capacity; this prompted the new hospital to be constructed by the Government of Sierra Leone in partnership with the United Nations Food Program (UNFPA) with funds from the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DfID) under the Saving Lives Program.

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The new King Harman Maternal and Child Hospital was commissioned and formally declared opened by President Julius Maada Bio.

Addressing the gathering and the general public, the President commended DfID for providing the support to construct and equip the new hospital.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation to provide the staff required training in maternal, new-born, and child health to ensure the hospital fulfilled its mandate. The human resource in health increase to the present number of health staff by 4,000. And, the national budget allocation to health from 8.9 to 11.6%.

Addressing access to quality healthcare and in health facilities, the government had commissioned and operationalized the National Emergency Medical Services in all districts in the country with over 4,000 referrals to date. Committed to improving diagnostic capacity, the government had allocated a budget to establish the National Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Center.

Improving the status of hospitals across the country, the government will invest in new construction and equip hospitals across the country. One of such is the King Harman Hospital, which provides secondary level care to the people of this community and its environs, President Bio stated.

Minister of Health and Sanitation, Professor Alpha Tejan Wurie, said that the event was the start of getting a reliable and efficient health sector that would be capable of providing quality healthcare delivery to the people of Sierra Leone. He commended the President for the gains achieved so far in the health sector, saying that 2020 would see a turnaround for the health sector.

The British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Simon Mustard, said that the partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom built on shared history and deep connections. And that the hospital would protect and save the lives of mothers and their infants.

Lagos Business School Commences Annual MDI Health Leadership Program

Capacity Improvement for Maternal, Newborn, and Community Healthcare Workers

By Benson Afful: Courtesy: nigeriapresslog.com

Lagos Business School on Sunday commenced its annual MDI Program for Health Leaders and Managers in Africa at Protea Kuramo Waters, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The week-long in-residence training program is organized in partnership with the Management Development Institute (MDI) and facilitated by Johnson & Johnson. It is designed to improve the effectiveness of health systems by enhancing leadership and management skills of professionals devoted to delivering healthcare services to underserved populations.

"Much focus has been on the technical areas of skills development in the healthcare sector. With MDI Health Leadership Program, our objective is to build a new crop of professionals who possess the technical knowledge as well as business and managerial skills to deliver high-quality healthcare service," said Professor Olayinka David-West, the Academic Director of Lagos Business School.

With the focus of this year’s program being ‘Capacity Improvement for Maternal, Newborn, and Community Healthcare Workers’, the program allows participants to learn and understand the critical challenges facing the sector while also working together to provide workable solutions towards solving these problems.

In her remarks, Clare Omatseye, the President of Healthcare Federation of Nigeria and CEO, JNC International, highlighted the issues facing the healthcare industry in Africa and the importance of innovation and disruption in tackling the identified challenges.

Participants in the MDI Health Leadership Program will gain access to management tools, frameworks, and knowledge that will enable them to increase the quantity and quality of health services they provide while expanding access to healthcare.

The MDI program, which is administered by the Global Business School Network (GBSN) has since inception in 2006, graduated over 1400 participants from 39 African countries.