They Were Simply Doing Their Jobs

ICASL cleared both the Former Auditor-General and her Deputy of wrongdoing. The Auditor-General, Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and the Deputy Auditor-General, Mr. Tamba Momoh of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), were simply doing their jobs.

Suspended Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her Deputy, Mr. Tamba Momoh

According to the ICASL, Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and Mr. Momoh "acted in the public's best interest, upheld professional standards, and adhered to international auditing standards and guidelines."

Key Takeaways

• Statement from the ICASL Review Board: "They were fully committed to their responsibilities and executed their roles with integrity."
• Former Auditor-General Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and her Deputy Mr. Tamba Momoh "acted in the public's best interest."
• The ICASL review adhered to internationally recognized auditing standards specifically the International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI), ensuring transparency and credibility.

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The Tribunal’s interpretation reports reflect a lack of understanding of standard audit procedures.

Auditor-General Responds to Tribunal Report Raises Concerns Over Findings and Process

Many Sierra Leoneans were deeply troubled by the President's recommendation to remove from office the suspended Auditor General, Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her deputy, Tamba Momoh. This decision is being criticized for lacking legitimacy and ignited significant public outrage.

Deception in Politics: President Bio Orders Removal of Suspended Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her Deputy, Tamba Momoh

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The statement further clarified that there were "no instances of professional misconduct or ethical breaches as outlined in the ICASL Code of Ethics and INTOSAI’s standards."

The ICASL review was guided by international auditing standards, including the International Standards on Auditing (ISA), the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI), the ICASL Code of Ethics, and the Sierra Leone Audit Service Act of 2014.

ICASL Investigation Committee Report

With Parliament preparing to discuss President Bio’s support for the tribunal’s recommendations, the ICASL’s statement could significantly influence public discourse regarding the integrity of Sierra Leone’s accountability institutions.

Theo Edwards for YAME

Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger to Launch Passports Under New Alliance

“UPDATE: May Day: Jamaicans at home protest the US and France’s clandestine operations against Ibrahim Traore, Burkina Faso.”

— Source: Jamaica | May 1, 2025

In Video: Jamaicans at home protesting the US and France's clandestine operations against Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traore`.

—Shahid Bolsen: At 36, Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré is the world’s youngest president – in stark contrast to Africa’s average leader age of 63. He took office in September 2022 after overthrowing Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, who had ousted former president Roch Kaboré earlier that year.

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Mali says the Alliance of Sahel States comprising itself, Burkina Faso, and Niger, will introduce new biometric passports to reflect the new union as part of their withdrawal from a West African bloc in favor of a new Sahel alliance after military leaders seized power in all three countries.

TRT AFRIKA

15 Sep 2024

UPDATE: Three countries cut ties with ECOWAS

“PRESS RELEASE: Withdrawal of Burkina Faso-Mali-Niger from ECOWAS.”

— 29th January 2025

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In early 2024, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso formally applied to withdraw from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. / Photo: Reuters

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will introduce new biometric passports as part of their withdrawal from a West African bloc in favor of a new Sahel alliance after military leaders seized power in all three countries, Mali's leader said on Sunday.

The three junta-led Sahel neighbors jointly announced in January they would leave the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has sought to persuade them to reconsider their decision.

Burkina Faso announced earlier this month that it was rolling out new passports without the ECOWAS logo.

"In the coming days, a new biometric passport of the AES (Alliance of Sahel States) will be put into circulation with the aim of harmonizing travel documents in our common area and facilitating the mobility of our citizens throughout the world", Malian junta leader Assimi Goita announced on Sunday evening.

Shared information channel

He spoke ahead of a meeting on Monday between the three countries' foreign ministers on the anniversary of the decision to form their own alliance.

Goita also said they were planning to launch a shared information channel "in order to promote a harmonious dissemination of information in our three states."

ECOWAS has warned that the three countries' withdrawal would undermine the freedom of movement and common market of the 400 million people living in the 49-year-old bloc.

Their departure comes as their armies battle armed groups, whose insurgencies have destabilized the region over the past decade and threatened to spill over into coastal West African states.

Reuters

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Three Sahel nations, including Burkina Faso, to launch a common passport to facilitate the movement of people within their new confederation.

TRT AFRIKA

The New Direction! A Never-Ending Saga as Prices of Essentials Continue to Soar

Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) increased the Driver's License tariff

Effective Monday, April 22, 2024

“UPDATE: October 21, 2024: Kenema Boys released a new song about the economic struggles faced by the masses under President Bio and his ‘New Direction.’”

— GREEDY SYSTEM

In a powerful and emotional call for change, the youth of Kenema—recognized as a stronghold for the SLPP—released a powerful song that highlights the struggles faced by the community and Sierra Leone at large under President Bio’s “New Direction.”

The song expresses growing frustration and disappointment with the government.

'GREEDY SYSTEM ....any man way survive Salone na superman,' meaning anyone who has endured the conditions in the country under this administration is a hero.

How can a leader or political party be so disconnected from reality? The “Mis—Direction.”

Public outcry increases as President Bio signs the Finance Act 2024, which imposes new taxes on essential goods. The Finance Act 2024 was officially signed into law on Monday, October 20, 2024.

Above all, there is a 5% Import Duty tax on rice, the country's staple food, which is set to increase to 10% in 2025. With the current price of a bag of rice between Le 1,020,000 and Le 1,250,000, many fear the new tax will make it even less affordable.

Additional taxes imposed by the Finance Act on various commodities include a 20% tax on cement, 5% on cooking gas, and 10% on iron rods—key materials for construction and household use. Additional provisions include a 10% tax on gambling and a 1% education levy imposed on companies.

As the prices of essential goods continue to rise, the disparity between policy and the harsh realities faced by ordinary people grows.

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While other African nations stride confidently into the future, the Bio-led SLPP government promises of a ‘New Direction’ remain nothing but hollow echoes, leaving the populace mired in poverty, hunger, and despair.

With the average monthly salary of the citizens of about NLe800/- or US$35/-, they continue to see prices for necessities, food, and energy spiral out of control.

SLRSA in a Press Release on Saturday, April 20th, announced an increment in the various categories in the driver's license tariffs, effective Monday, April 22, 2024. 

How much more financial hardship are You Willing to Inflict on Your People?

Related

The Rising Cost of Living, Especially Food and Energy

Tin tranga! That is the new national anthem as hardship grips the motherland

Click here

The approximate US$ total the Bio administration spent on overseas travel since taking office in 2018

Data image below shows overseas travelling costs incurred by the government of Sierra Leone since 2018. In USD terms, here are the figures:
2018—USD 3,484,000
2019—USD 4,235,000
2020—USD 2,825,000
2021—USD 2,201,000
2022—USD 6,254,000
2023—USD 8,920,000
In total, the government… pic.twitter.com/FIYYmO2kxw

— Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah (@SoeMarrah) April 21, 2024

Running thread commentary! Launch the Twitter 'READ REPLIES,' and select a browser of choice if you haven't got an 'X' /TWITTER Account.

Level of Deceit

The Tragic Story of Sierra Leone Under the Bio, SLPP

“The SLPP Administration needs to apologize to the citizens of Sierra Leone.”

— Commentary in the local dialect Krio by Concord Times Newspapers (SL) former editor, Atomic Pen:

Comments expressed do not reflect the opinion of YAME: Disclaimer.

Public Transport Transformation in the Western Rural and Western Urban Area

FREETOWN: The future of public transport route planning

Courtesy: Victor Ako Mengot; Transportation & Institutional Development Consultant

Public Transport Transformation in the Western Rural and Western Urban Area.

Listen to these audios’ in the Local lingua to understand the future of public transport route planning.

Route Network v3

Route Network v3 — PDF file Download

ABOUT: Victor MENGOT. is a transport development and logistics management specialist with over 25 years of international experience in the transport sector, holder of an MSc. and several diplomas in urban planning and transport engineering, and a member of transport-related professional bodies. He assessed UK legislation and policy on transport issues, underlining strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations in several studies and reports. He dealt extensively with transport facilitation, road safety issues, and highway network development in Kenya. As a Consultant in the Trans-African Highway Project, connecting several Eastern African countries, he contributed to the development of common international standards and policies. 

DFC, Sierra Leone Promote Access to Reliable Energy with up to $412 Million in Additional Financing and Political Risk Insurance

Tuesday, June 18, 2024: DFC Groundbreaking for Power Generation Project File Photo

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The United States Embassy, Sierra Leone, in a Press Release on May 8, 2024, DFC, Sierra Leone Promote Access to Reliable Energy with up to $412 Million in Additional Financing and Political Risk Insurance.

“US Embassy Freetown – Press Release: US Government Signs US$480 Million Compact with Sierra Leone to Transform Energy Sector.”

— UPDATE – September 27, 2024

The United States Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of Sierra Leone signed a $480 million compact agreement to strengthen Sierra Leone’s energy sector. U.S. Ambassador Bryan Hunt noted that, “As the impact of any such investment depends on sustained democratic reforms, the full and expeditious implementation of the Agreement for National Unity and the joint recommendations of the Tripartite Committee will remain key requirements for compact implementation.”

The United States Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of Sierra Leone signed a $480 million compact agreement to strengthen Sierra Leone’s energy sector

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“UPDATE: June 18, 2024”

— U.S Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone

The power plant, the Western Area Power Generation Project, will be located in Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown, and is intended to help address the country’s rolling blackouts and expand its national electricity system to accommodate additional renewable energy solutions in the future.

"DFC is proud to support the country’s first large utility-scale, independent power project and lay the foundation for reliable and affordable electricity in Sierra Leone,” said Nisha Biswal, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at DFC.

Today, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, Sierra Leone took a significant step towards addressing its electricity challenge with the launch of the first Gas Power Generation Plant at the Kissy Fuel Terminal.

According to @DFCgov-Twitter handle, formerly 'X,' The Nant Energy project is set to nearly double Sierra Leone's energy capacity.

READ: Media Release Readout of DFC Groundbreaking for Power Generation Project

Phase one of the project will generate 83.5 MW with two GE LM2500 turbines in a combined cycle with a steam turbine.

The second phase entails 43 MW of additional capacity from a second combined cycle power plant. Other work for the contractor includes upgrades to existing substations and construction of transmission lines to the existing electric grid.

“The United States has unequivocally declared that they are now prepared to revolutionize Sierra Leone’s energy sector.

As I speak, 412 million dollars have been disbursed for the construction of a 148.5MW energy facility.”

— Brian Hunt, The United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone in Video

DFC-DCEO Nisha Biswal met with President Bio in Freetown. DFC is committed to investing in projects that foster economic growth and prosperity for the people of Sierra Leone

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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

May 08, 2024

DFC, Sierra Leone Promote Access to Reliable Energy with up to $412 Million in Additional Financing and Political Risk Insurance

DALLAS, TEXAS – The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s (DFC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) Nisha Biswal and Chief Minister of Sierra Leone David Moinina Sengeh today announced up to $412 million in financing and political risk insurance in support of the country’s plans to address rolling blackouts and expand its power system through renewable energy solutions in the future.

DFC approved a new loan of up to $292 million to the Freetown-based Western Area Power Generation Project to help develop and upgrade the power plant’s infrastructure, promoting reliable access to power throughout Sierra Leone. DFC will also provide up to $120 million in political risk insurance to crowd in private investment. The financing package is bolstered by a $40 million loan from ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

“Sierra Leone’s vision for a sustainable energy future is becoming a reality,” DCEO Biswal said.  “DFC is proud to support the country’s first, large, utility-scale, independent power project and lay the foundation for reliable and affordable electricity in Sierra Leone.”

Project sponsors Milele Energy and TCQ Power are developing the project – the first utility-scale, independent power project in Sierra Leone, which will be constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji with gas and steam turbine equipment as well as long-term servicing, and operation and maintenance from Siemens Energy. The project will become Sierra Leone’s main source of power generation upon completion.

The Chief Minister of the Government of Sierra Leone said, “The Government of Sierra Leone is committed to providing reliable, clean, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions to support our national development efforts. We are happy to do so via innovative public and private sector programs like this one that prioritizes impact. We will provide all the requisite support for this partnership.”

U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone Bryan David Hunt said, “The Western Area Power Generation Project is poised to revolutionize Sierra Leone’s energy landscape, bringing opportunity to communities across the nation. Its impact will be profound, fueling progress, prosperity, and a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans. The United States is proud to support this private sector initiative.”

“The unwavering commitment shown by DFC and EBID to ensure that this transformational project is realized will improve the lives of millions of Sierra Leoneans,” said Milele Energy CEO Erik Granskog. “Milele Energy is dedicated to unlocking some of Africa’s most critical energy projects and we applaud the Government of Sierra Leone for concluding this project that will lower cost, improve reliability, and allow for the expansion of industrial demand.”

“We are immensely grateful for this support from DFC and EBID that enables this next stage of development. It demonstrates their belief in, and commitment to, the people of Sierra Leone,” said TCQ Power Limited CEO Karim Nasser. “We also extend our profound gratitude to His Excellency President Maada Bio for his steadfast support over the years. We are committed to delivering this sustainable power solution to the people of Sierra Leone and look forward to executing the next steps and construction.”

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About DFC:

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, small business and financial services. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.

About Milele Energy:

Milele Energy, founded by a team of former GE Africa executives, is a Nairobi-based independent power-generation company across Sub-Saharan Africa. Milele develops, owns, and operates power-generation facilities leveraging both renewable and clean gas technologies. Backed by Gemcorp Capital, Milele’s investments are poised to positively empower lives and communities in Africa. Gemcorp Capital Management Limited is an independent investment management firm focused on emerging markets and has facilitated over $7 billion worth of investments in public and private credit and equity transactions since inception. Milele Energy is Powering Africa’s Bright Future.

About TCQ Power:

TCQ Power is a turnkey power project developer with a focus on early conceptualization tailored towards the MENA markets. Through strong cooperation with local governments and suppliers, TCQ Power aspires to mitigate risks at an early stage of development before breaking ground, thus lending credibility to sustainable, long-term, independent projects that are fully operable assets by the host nations at the time of handover.

For media inquiries please contact U.S. Embassy Media Coordinator Alhassan Jalloh, jalloha@state.gov.

African Renaissance Retreat

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African Renaissance Retreat took place in Kigali, Rwanda from September 6th to 8th, 2024. Addressing a gathering of influential leaders and entrepreneurs, Dangote, Africa’s richest man, stressed that the continent’s youthful population and abundant natural resources offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and global influence.

With a youthful population poised to drive economic innovation, Africa stands at a pivotal moment of transformation. In a world where connectivity is key, Africa seeks to leverage its uniqueness for growth and development. Recognizing the need for collaboration across sectors, the Retreat calls for unified efforts to harness Africa's strengths and resources. By fostering dialogue and action, the event aims to pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.

The gathering, initiated by Dangote, aimed to unite African business leaders and policymakers to tackle the continent’s challenges and promote Africa as a prime destination for investment. Dangote reflected on the success of his own business, which operates in 14 African countries, despite obstacles like inconsistent government policies, infrastructure deficits, and economic instability.

Dangote, Africa’s richest man — Dangote industries limited

Speaking on Africa’s wealth, Dangote noted that the continent is home to approximately 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, including the largest deposits of gold, cobalt, uranium, platinum, and diamonds. Additionally, Africa holds 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of its renewable freshwater resources, making it a key player in global economic prosperity. “These assets are critical for driving not just Africa’s growth but that of the world,” Dangote remarked.

former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Dangote

The event featured contributions from prominent African figures, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn.

The retreat also served as a platform to address issues such as conflicts, energy and food security, supply chain disruptions, debt crises, and development funding. Dangote emphasized the importance of dialogue in shaping Africa’s future narrative and driving transformative change.

The closing resolutions include plans to improve the free movement of people across Africa, reduce logistics costs, and expand internet access—seen as crucial for unlocking the continent’s economic potential.

Theo Edwards for YAME

The Recently Collapsed Structures at Kissy Shell And Others

A systematic approach to building control and the granting of building permits

September 16, 2024

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READ Sierra Leone Unapproved Construction poses a significant risk to both the community and individuals, raising concerns about safety, sanitation, and environmental protection.

Salone needs a regulatory body to look at the building code and building materials that are being sold to home builders. Sierra Leone hasn’t had any form of structural governing body since the 80s.

Courtesy: Victor Ako Mengot

The recently collapsed structures at Kissy Shell as well as past incidents, require urgent attention.

This is a multiple occupancy building, and there is a standard process for approving such structures in most countries around the world.

This should be done through a multi-agency approach considering the mandate of relevant institutions in Sierra Leone as a case study example.

INSTITUTIONAL MANDATE

Local Government (FCC) to ensure that it conforms with the City Structure Plan (if there is any); building use classes order; and issues relating to waste management.

• SLRA - accessibility to avoid encroachment in the Right of Way.

• Ministry of Lands - issues relating to building plans/permits and development control.

• National Fire Service - use of non-combustible materials, etc.

• EDSA - matters relating to the quality of cabling materials and wiring of the building.

• SLRSA/FCC - parking management.

This is a multiple occupancy building! Upon further reporting

Some building owners cut corners (put for me) or rush to get these building constructions up just to cash in.

THE PROCESS

How should it be done.

Submission of building plan to the Ministry of Lands. This function can be devolved to local government. This is the application for a building permit.

1. Search for the ownership of the plot, including the conveyance document.

2. Site inspection by building/development control Inspectors.

3. Contact property owners in the immediate vicinity to check that the structure would not have adverse effects on surrounding properties.

4. Guma Valley - access to the water grid and issues to do with the drainage system to prevent pollution of the water grid.

5. Granting of building permits subject to periodic checks after construction by building inspectors; Fire service; local council officials (waste management during construction); and Electrical Engineers (EDSA).

6. Certification by the Lands Ministry that the building is fit for occupancy.

“REQUIRE URGENT ATTENTION! A systematic approach is necessary to building control and the granting of building permits. Too many collapsed structures and deaths of innocent people.”

— Freetown, Sierra Leone Destruction: In Video

“HOW THINGS FELL APART”

— The Demise of Land Use Planning in The Western Area: An Historical Perspective

Freetown is the first planned city in West Africa, developed using a grid system for 250,000 inhabitants. It had forest reserve areas, zoning of buildings for various socio-economic activities, and effective city and rural administration. Flashback to the Wellington Industrial Estate and the emergence of the ‘Bomeh’ waste disposal site.

The FCC had a Planning and Building Control Directorate, City Engineers Department, and Sanitary Division (environmental protection). Over the years, politics rendered local government dysfunctional.

Population explosion also led to unplanned settlement in areas like Dworzac; Sorie Tong, which was a reserved FBC botanical preservation area, Kamayama; Kuntolor, etc. Not to talk about encroachment in the Hills and Valleys that now echoing our cry.

We have all these bylaws and policies/plans in our archives that made Freetown a liveable city. FCC was even providing loans for housing I.e., to replace houses with thatched roofs (bamboo-ose). This brought about the introduction of houses on stilts (long fut-ose).

The rationale for this is that the owner will later build accommodation for rent at the bottom. As we say in Krio nar landlord for dae nar up garret.

My simple message is in Krio: “If we nor noe usai we dae go, leh we noe usai we comot.” Lonta!

Sierra Leone Parliamentary Watch Facebook Page

Freetown City Council (FCC) By-Laws: Any person(s) who contravenes these provisions commits an offense and shall be liable.

Council By-Laws - Freetown City Council (FCC)

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.

Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce

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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

In 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.

READ President Bio, who once touted his anti-corruption efforts when he first took office, has proven to be the most corrupt leader in our country's history.

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.

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.

READ The impact of human activities on flooding in Freetown—deforestation has led to reduced vegetation cover, increasing soil erosion, and surface runoff.

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.

Poop-based fuel briquettes—providing an alternative cooking-fuel source

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.”

— The Mayor of Freetown, Freetown City Council: Yvonne Aki-sawyerr

By Theo Edwards for YAME

Liberia's 177th Independence Day

August 24, 2024: U.S. Delegation Attending Liberia's 177th Independence Day

Today marks the 177th anniversary of the Liberian Flag, a significant cultural holiday celebrated nationwide.

National Flag Day in Liberia is celebrated on August 24th to honor the adoption of the flag in 1847. The flag symbolizes courage, moral excellence, and the African continent. It represents the country's sovereignty, independence, and unity. This day is a reminder of Liberia's rich history and the enduring significance of its national emblem.

Often referred to as the Lone Star, the flag of Liberia bears a striking resemblance to the flag of the United States, reflecting the country's historical ties.

The flag's design was approved during a convention where the nation's founding fathers established the new republic, serving as a powerful emblem representing the country's past, present, and future.

In celebration of this proud heritage, hundreds of schoolchildren paraded through the main streets of Monrovia, displaying their patriotic spirit.

Liberians in the diaspora celebrated the national flag with a strong sense of patriotism, pride, and unity among the citizens, underscoring the flag's significance as a symbol of dignity and loyalty.

Central PA Community Chair Palleh Wreh-Toe, left, with York-LIB, leads a parade of community members as they celebrate the second annual celebration of Liberia’s 177th Independence Day at Cousler Park in Manchester Township.

Historically, the Liberian flag was designed by a committee of seven women: Rachel Johnson, Matilda Newport, Colinette Teage, Sarah Draper, Mrs. J.B. Russwurm, Mary L. Hunter, and Susannah Lewis.

By The Editorial Press

From Council Flat to Chaos: How a Londoner Became President of Sierra Leone, and Why It Was Doomed from the Start

Who the cap fits, let HIM/HER wear it!

By Reggie Cole | 24th August 2024

A Disconnect from Sierra Leone's Reality. A man who lived in a London council flat for 22 years, unemployed and seemingly disconnected from the everyday struggles of making ends meet, somehow rises to become the President of Sierra Leone.

Imagine this: a man who lived in a London council flat for 22 years, unemployed and seemingly disconnected from the everyday struggles of making ends meet, somehow rises to become the President of Sierra Leone.

At first glance, it sounds like a modern fairy tale—a story of unlikely triumph. But what has followed is anything but a fairy tale. Today, the country finds itself in chaos—economically crippled, politically fractured, and socially volatile. How did we get here, and why was this outcome so predictable?

A Disconnect from Sierra Leone's Reality

Sierra Leone Political Map — Dstrict and Chiefdoms — Source: Statistics SL

For over two decades, this individual was living far away from the streets of Freetown, instead experiencing life in London—specifically, in a council flat funded by the UK welfare system. Now, this is not to undermine the struggles of anyone who has faced unemployment or economic hardship. However, governing a nation like Sierra Leone demands more than sympathy—it demands acute, hands-on knowledge of the country’s unique struggles.

The Sierra Leonean people suffer daily from failing infrastructure, chronic poverty, and a devastating history of corruption and tribalism. How can someone who spent years unemployed in a foreign country, insulated from these issues, have any real understanding of the realities facing the ordinary Sierra Leonean? Leadership isn’t something you can grasp from afar. It requires being on the ground, living the struggles, and engaging deeply with the people. This individual’s detachment from these issues left him unprepared to govern effectively.

Lack of Leadership Experience

Leadership, especially on a national level, requires years of experience, decision-making skills, and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues. For someone who has been unemployed for over 20 years, the lack of experience in managing even small teams or resources should be a red flag, let alone handling a nation. Running a country like Sierra Leone demands a grasp of everything from economic policy to social justice, international diplomacy to healthcare reform. This role is no place for someone learning on the job. Yet, here we are, watching the country spiral into chaos because of a profound lack of preparedness in the highest office.

Misalignment with the People

Being detached from Sierra Leone for so long, this individual could not possibly understand the heartbeat of the nation. Sierra Leone is a complex country with deep-rooted tribalism, economic hardships, and a fragile political structure. The people’s needs are diverse and urgent: better healthcare, education, reliable infrastructure, and jobs. A leader without intimate knowledge of these realities is bound to be misaligned with the needs of the people. Governance requires connection and empathy—qualities best fostered by living among and understanding the people you aim to serve. In this case, living abroad for decades only created a massive gulf between the leader and the nation.

National Stability Requires Expertise

The truth is simple: governance requires expertise, not just in politics but also in economics, law, and social reform. An inexperienced leader is bound to make critical missteps. Running a country is not like running a household—it requires a strategic approach to problem-solving, international diplomacy, and an understanding of complex systems. When someone with little to no relevant experience steps into such a role, chaos is inevitable. And today, that chaos is Sierra Leone’s reality.

The Predictable Downfall

In the end, Sierra Leone’s current predicament was predictable from the start.

You cannot lead a country into prosperity with a complete disconnect from its history and problems, nor can you tackle tribalism, poverty, and corruption without a deep understanding of the fabric of the nation. Sierra Leone deserved better leadership—leadership rooted in knowledge, experience, and a genuine connection with its people.

What we are seeing today is the consequence of placing an unprepared individual in a position of immense power. The lesson for all of us is clear: leadership matters, and in a country as fragile as Sierra Leone, it’s not something we can afford to get wrong.

The Proliferation of Places of Worship

The Rwandan government clamped down on more than 5,600 churches, including 100 cave churches.

By Theo Edwards

Rwanda: August 14, 2024: The Rwandan government clamped down on more than 5,600 churches, including 100 cave churches. The reason; is the failure to comply with safety and health regulations, such as poor soundproofing and the transactional nature of many places of worship.

Rwanda has progressively been implementing a law passed in 2018 to regulate religious organizations. The law requires religious leaders to have theological training before operating a church and mandates the RGB to inspect the physical safety of the buildings housing the churches.

This recent move represents the most significant enforcement since the 2018 law regulating places of worship was implemented. When the law was enacted, approximately 700 churches were closed.

In a statement, RGB said that the inspection focuses on verifying that religious organizations have registration documents issued by the board. The churches also need to show letters of collaboration with the district authorities. 

“Relevant authorities will continue to collaborate with religious leaders to promote transformational development while adhering to the laws and regulations governing faith-based organizations and ensuring that prayer houses/buildings meet legal standards,” read the statement issued on August 1.

Believers worship during a Sunday service at an Anglican church in the Kacyiru, Rwanda, on Feb. 16, 2019. | The Christian Post/Samuel Smith

'There should be an intentional willingness to comply with the law. When we register faith-based organizations, we ask them to provide their structure. The education requirement is primarily targeted at the top personnel in the organizational structure,' clarified Kaitesi.

A Few More Points on Africa And The Rotating Presidency of The United Nations Security Council

August 2024

"Being on the UN Security Council has nothing to do with any so-called unique status that Sierra Leone holds at the UN, neither has it anything to do with Maada Bio and SLPP’s leadership credentials" ~ Chernoh Alpha M. Bah — Africanist Press.

The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month, following the English alphabetical order of the Member States names.

By Chernoh Alpha M. Bah — Africanist Press

Here are the points:

A few days ago, we published historical data showing that being on the Security Council and sharing the one-month presidency of the Council is a normal ritual among UN member states. Being on the UN Security Council has nothing to do with any so-called unique status that Sierra Leone holds at the UN, neither has it anything to do with Maada Bio and SLPP’s leadership credentials.

The presidency of the Council is held by each of the members in turn for one month, following the English alphabetical order of the Member States names.

Since 1946, African countries have served as presidents of the UN Security Council for a total of 141 times. This includes countries that are led by dictators of all descriptions. Mozambique is the latest African country that recently served a term in May 2024. They presided over Security Council meetings with a monthly program that had far more events than the current August program that Sierra Leone is moderating.

You didn’t get to hear any noise about Mozambique at the Security Council in May 2024 from Maada Bio and his brigade because they wanted to pretend that Sierra Leone was in fact the first African country to be at the UN Security Council. They also want you to believe that Maada Bio is the only African president that is presiding over a UN Security Council meeting. All the propaganda and deception around the UN Security Council is being executed by the Bio brigade and its allies in a desperate effort to legitimize Bio’s already troubled hijacking of state power in Sierra Leone following the controversial June 2023 elections.

In fact, in the 141 times that African countries have been on the Security Council, the meetings were MOSTLY and ALMOST always chaired by either the designated Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of the said countries, or in certain cases, the countries are represented by their foreign ministers. The presidents of such countries seldomly attend these ritualized rotating proceedings.

Over the years, a few African dictators (mostly politicians with troubled political situations in their countries) have in some cases hijacked the rotating UN Security Council presidential role from their Ambassadors or foreign ministers, and choose to play president of the Security Council for one session or more sessions of talk shows during the tenures of their countries at the Security Council. These African dictators that joined Security Council talk shows in recent years include Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast in December 2018, Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo in February 2019, and Blaise Campaore of Burkina Faso in September 2008. Maada Bio of Sierra Leone is the latest African politician with a questionable presidential legitimacy to join this list of African dictators who likewise trooped to the Security Council with the intent of laundering soiled presidential legitimacies.

Chernoh Alpha M. Bah — Africanist Press

To further illustrate this, let us take the case of Ivory Coast’s Alhassane Ouattara who presided over the Security Council talk show in December 2018, and in December 2020, he enthroned himself as a third term president in Ivory Coast. His colleague and friend, Blaise Campaore had earlier led the Security Council talk show in September 2008, and in 2010, he also controversially declared himself president following a sham of an election. Few years later, Campaore then tried to amend the country’s constitution to extend his 27-year dictatorship but he was eventually kicked out of power by the young people of Burkina Faso in 2014.

These are just the few examples of the handful of African dictators who saw the Security Council rotating presidency as a launchpad to legitimize and advance authoritarianism in Africa.

But among the few African dictators who hijacked the roles of their foreign ministers or ambassadors to play the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, Maada Bio of Sierra Leone is the least developed by all standards of measurement. Maada Bio can’t fluently read a written script; Bio is the least sophisticated among Africa’s dictators; and Bio is also the least exposed intellectually and politically.

I will stop here for now until there is a need to further correct the amateur propaganda of the Maada Bio brigade and it’s vacillating allies within the rank opportunists of the compromised opposition in Sierra Leone.

Few days ago, we circulated the list of African countries that have presided over the Security Council since 1946. The list includes the names of people who represented their individual countries during the one month presidential tenures of their countries.

We encourage you to read the list and check the records to see who among Africa’s presidents have used their tax-payers money to blow the loud empty trumpets at the UN Security Council over the years. Then also check the political and economic records of those politicians in their countries, and the political and social upheavals that followed their tenures at the Security Council.

Knowing the past is essential to knowing the present, and to potentially plan for the future.

The list of African countries at the UN Security Council has been circulated on the Africanist Press WhatsApp Forums. Feel free to circulate the list.

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Africa Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want

African Union (AU)

Agenda 2063 encapsulates not only Africa’s Aspirations for the Future but also identifies key Flagship Programmes that can boost Africa’s economic growth and development and lead to the rapid transformation of the continent.

Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want

AGENDA 2063 is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future. It is the continent’s strategic framework that aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development and is a concrete manifestation of the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress, and collective prosperity pursued under Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance The genesis of Agenda 2063 was the realization by African leaders that there was a need to refocus and reprioritize Africa’s agenda from the struggle against apartheid and the attainment of political independence for the continent which had been the focus of The Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the precursor of the African Union; and instead to prioritize inclusive social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance and peace and security amongst other issues aimed at repositioning Africa to becoming a dominant player in the global arena.

As an affirmation of their commitment to support Africa’s new path for attaining inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development, African heads of state and government signed the 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the formation of the OAU /AU in May 2013. The declaration marked the re-dedication of Africa towards the attainment of the Pan African Vision of An integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena and Agenda 2063 is the concrete manifestation of how the continent intends to achieve this vision within a 50 year period from 2013 to 2063. The Africa of the future was captured in a letter presented by the former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlaminin Zuma.

They are coming!

The need to envision a long-term 50-year development trajectory for Africa is important as Africa needs to revise and adapt its development agenda due to ongoing structural transformations; increased peace and reduction in the number of conflicts; renewed economic growth and social progress; the need for people-centered development, gender equality and youth empowerment; changing global contexts such as increased globalization and the ICT revolution; the increased unity of Africa which makes it a global power to be reckoned with and capable of rallying support around its own common agenda; and emerging development and investment opportunities in areas such as agri-business, infrastructure development, health and education as well as the value addition in African commodities

Agenda 2063 encapsulates not only Africa’s Aspirations for the Future but also identifies key Flagship Programmes which can boost Africa’s economic growth and development and lead to the rapid transformation of the continent.

Agenda 2063 also identifies key activities to be undertaken in its 10-year Implementation Plans which will ensure that Agenda 2063 delivers both quantitative and qualitative Transformational Outcomes for Africa’s people

Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want

Freetown: The Cleansing of Society’ Wickedness and Moral Evil

July 2024: The perimeter fence of the Siaka Steven’s National Stadium is currently under rehabilitation by the Chinese GCCIC Construction Company. However, it has collapsed, resulting in one fatality. This incident occurred in the Grey Bush area, opposite the cemetery.

By Theo Edwards for YAME

Community after community is nothing but calamity and ruin (Old Testament biblical reference)

The skies have unleashed a deluge upon Freetown, with a relentless downpour almost daily since the beginning of July.

“I make light and create darkness. I give blessings and create disasters. I, the LORD, do all these things” ~ Isaiah 45:7 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW).

It is unclear whether this is a result of climate change, but ‘Freetonians,’ as the city mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, often refers to the city's residents, has likely contributed to its own demise through environmental mismanagement, urban planning, housing, and a political system that has not effectively addressed the issue since the 80s that we so deserve this wrath.

 READ: Sierra Leone Unapproved Construction: Juba in Peril

I give blessings and create disasters ~ Isaiah 45:7

Freetown, Sierra Leone has been grappling with an unprecedented onslaught of torrential rains since the beginning of July. The city, often affectionately referred to as home to "Freetonians" by Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, is now bearing the brunt of a crisis that is a complex interplay of climate change and human-induced factors

The impact of human activities on flooding in Freetown cannot be overstated. Deforestation has led to reduced vegetation cover, increasing soil erosion and surface runoff. Urbanization has exacerbated the issue by creating impervious surfaces that prevent water infiltration and encroaching on floodplains, resulting in heightened flood risk. Inadequate drainage systems, due to lack of maintenance and capacity, are overwhelmed by increased water volume. Furthermore, the absence of flood protection measures, such as levees, retention ponds, and early warning systems, leaves the city extremely vulnerable to flooding.

The city's vulnerability is exacerbated by a host of human-made issues

Freetown's Deluge: A Perfect Storm of Climate Change and Human Error

Climate change, a global phenomenon, has manifested in Freetown as increasingly erratic and intense weather patterns. Rising global temperatures are altering precipitation cycles, leading to more frequent and heavier downpours. The city's vulnerability is exacerbated by a host of human-made issues.

Environmental mismanagement is a critical factor. Deforestation, rampant and unchecked, has stripped the land of its natural defenses against erosion. The once-protective forests that absorbed rainwater are now absent, leaving the city exposed to the full force of the downpours. Poor waste management practices further compound the problem, as clogged drains and waterways exacerbate flooding.

Urban planning, or rather the lack thereof, has also contributed to the crisis. Rapid urbanization without corresponding infrastructure development has led to haphazard construction and encroachment on floodplains. Buildings erected in vulnerable areas are now at the mercy of the elements. The city's inability to cope with the increased volume of water is a direct result of this shortsighted planning.

READ: Sierra Leone: Small Country, Massive Suffering

Connaught Hospital, a key tertiary government referral hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone underwater. The lack of planning and targeted investments had compounded the impact of rural-to-urban migration on the environment, housing, transport, sanitation, and health. Freetown needs deliverance from its wicked ways on the environment we have created and the moral evil we so glorify even though we are well aware of the dangers

Political neglect cannot be overlooked. For decades, the issue of urban flooding has been a recurring problem, yet successive governments have failed to implement comprehensive and sustainable solutions. Corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of political will have hindered progress. The result is a city ill-prepared to face the challenges posed by climate change.

The impact of rural-to-urban migration on the environment, housing, transport, sanitation, and health is worsened by the lack of planning and targeted investments. Freetown urgently needs to address the environmental challenges we have contributed to and the moral issues we continue to overlook, despite being fully aware of the risks

It's important to note that while climate change is a global issue, its impacts are felt most acutely by vulnerable populations in cities like Freetown. The convergence of climate change and human-induced factors has created a perfect storm, leaving residents to suffer the consequences. To address this crisis effectively, a multi-faceted approach is required, encompassing climate adaptation measures, improved urban planning, investment in infrastructure, and strong governance. The future of Freetown depends on it.

Feds in San Diego Allege Sierra Leone Man Heads Massive Human Smuggling Operation

Federal authorities allege Abdul Karim Conteh of Sierra Leone coordinated the transportation and smuggling of thousands of migrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East through Mexico into the U.S.

U.S. Department of the Treasury: Federal authorities allege Abdul Karim Conteh and his wife, Veronica Roblero Pivaral, ran a massive human-smuggling organization.

By ALEX RIGGINS | alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com | The San Diego Union-Tribune | UPDATED: July 18, 2024 at 4:41 p.m.

Federal authorities on Thursday announced sanctions and criminal charges against an alleged Tijuana-based international criminal group suspected of smuggling thousands of undocumented migrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East into the United States.

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Abdul Karim Conteh, 42, of Sierra Leone

An indictment against the group’s alleged leader, 42-year-old Sierra Leone national Abdul Karim Conteh, was unsealed Wednesday in federal court in San Diego. The indictment alleges that over a period of several years, Conteh and his Mexican wife, 25-year-old Veronica Roblero Pivaral, conspired with others to move the migrants from their home countries to South and Central America, and then north through Mexico to the U.S. border.

“Defendant Abdul Karim Conteh oversaw and assisted with their surreptitious and unlawful entry into the United States by various means, including the use of ladders and tunnels,” the indictment alleges. “… The migrants paid money, often tens of thousands of dollars, to be transported.”

Mexican authorities arrested Conteh on July 11 in Tijuana, and the U.S. is pursuing his extradition, according to the Department of Justice. Roblero, his wife, remains at large.

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced Thursday that it had sanctioned the group, which it dubbed the Abdul Karim Conteh Human Smuggling Organization, as well as Conteh, his wife and two others. The Treasury Department said the organization provided migrants with fraudulent documents; leveraged the U.S. financial system to receive payments; transported migrants to the border and advised them on how to cross; and maintained affiliations with other groups in other countries who helped funnel the migrants to Mexico.

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Veronica Roblero Pivaral, the 25-year-old Mexican wife of Conteh, remains at large.

The Treasury Department said that while Conteh was the leader of the group, his wife “plays a variety of critical roles in the organization, ranging from driving migrants to the U.S. border to receiving payments for smuggling operations.” Also sanctioned were Issa Kamara, from Sierra Leone, and Pasaman Francis Marin Abbe Pidoukou, from Togo. They allegedly helped facilitate the transport of migrants for the group.

The indictment unsealed Wednesday names Conteh and Roblero, but the names of additional defendants remain redacted. It was unclear if Kamara and Pidoukou were among the others charged in the indictment.

Brian Nelson, the Treasury Department’s under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement that Thursday’s sanctions “(disrupt) the ability of those seeking to exploit and endanger desperate individuals in search of a better life for themselves and their loved ones.”

Attorney General Merrick Garland described Conteh’s alleged group in a statement as “prolific (and) exploitive” and promised to hold Conteh accountable.

“Human smugglers exploit the vulnerable for profit,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. “… We are bringing the full force of the law to bear against the individuals and their organizations that perpetrate this heinous crime. We couple our unrelenting efforts with this warning to would-be migrants everywhere: do not believe the smuggler’s lies and risk your lives in their ruthless hands.”

The indictment alleges the smuggled migrants came from Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Somalia, Cameroon, Senegal, Mauritania, Ethiopia and Egypt. The Treasury Department said others came from Russia, China, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The indictment alleges they were transported to the U.S. border from varying starting locations, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala.

The indictment charges Conteh, Roblero, and the other unnamed defendants with conspiracy to smuggle migrants into the U.S. That charge carries a 10-year maximum prison sentence. Conteh is also charged with three additional counts of unlawful smuggling of migrants for financial gain.

The alleged criminal group headed by Conteh is the fourth large-scale, transnational human-smuggling organization targeted by Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions since last June.

Last week, the Treasury Department sanctioned Tren de Aragua, which originated as a Venezuelan prison gang but has allegedly grown into a large group that specializes in human smuggling while also engaging in drug trafficking, money laundering, and other crimes.

In December the Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Malas Mañas, an alleged criminal group based in Sonora, Mexico, south of Arizona. The group is allegedly engaged in human smuggling and drug trafficking and has suspected ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. In June 2023, sanctions were imposed against the Hernandez Salas transnational criminal organization, an alleged human-smuggling group operating in Mexicali, south of Imperial County.

Originally Published: July 18, 2024 at 4:29 p.m.

President Bio Spent Over Le832 Billion in 5 Years

Embrace the NEW DIRECTION—

July 18, 2024

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Over US$470 million (four-hundred-seventy million United States dollars at the current exchange rate.)

“Corruption Undermines Social Development and Stymied Inclusive Economic Growth.”

— The White Papers, September 26, 2020

READ: "We have to draw the line... we cannot be this corrupt as a nation and expect to develop," President Bio told the BBC's Umaru Fofana in Freetown.

President Bio, who once touted his anti-corruption efforts when he first took office, has proven to be the most corrupt leader in our country's history. Sierra Leoneans cannot idly stand by and allow these corrupt individuals to undermine and damage our nation.

Embrace the NEW DIRECTION—

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Thomas Dixon on 'X' formerly Twitter

If you are wondering why the respected Auditor General Lara Taylor-Pearce and her Deputy Tamba Momoh were recommended to be removed from their position by a “Kangaroo” Tribunal, you must follow the expenses of President Bio under various names.

State House and Lodge Expenses for 5 years is almost Le400B, and then you have Expenses Office of the President, which is also a little over 400 billion.

What comes to mind is what is the difference between State House & State Lodge Expenses and that of the Expenses Office of the President???

It didn’t end there. There is what is called the special warrant office of the President, which is over Le50B.

These figures don’t include the over $28M, the Govt of President Bio spent on overseas traveling.

It could be recalled that in 2019 a Finance Act was sent to Parliament which had a clause that money to the President should be unchecked and unaudited but for the hue and cry of the people, it didn’t stand.

Sierra Leoneans are still waiting for the contended tribunal report on the Auditor General to be made public.

If you are wondering why the respected Auditor General #LaraTaylorPearce and her Deputy #TambaMomoh were recommended to be removed from their position by a “Kangaroo” Tribunal, you must just follow the expenses of @PresidentBio under various names.

State House and Lodge… pic.twitter.com/OaPNHzqB7V

— thomasdixon (@thomasd05987132) July 18, 2024

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RELATED

Sierra Leoneans are still waiting for the contended tribunal report on the Auditor General to be made public.

Response to Press Release from State House dated Tuesday, 9th July, 2024 — Lara Taylor-Pearce(Mrs.)

Lara Taylor-Pearce(Mrs.); Former Auditor General, Sierra Leone

Response to Press Release from State House

Click here

Response to Press Release from State House dated Tuesday, 9th July, 2024 — Tamba Momoh

Tamba Momoh; Former Deputy Auditor General, Sierra Leone

Response to Press Release from State House

Click Here

Many Sierra Leoneans are deeply troubled by the President's recent recommendation to remove from office the suspended Auditor General, Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her deputy, Tamba Momoh. This decision is being widely criticized for lacking legitimacy and has ignited significant public outrage.

“Helen Clark, the former New Zealand Prime Minister, and UNDP Administrator, also the Ad Global Ambassador for Supreme Audit Institution Independence appointed by #Intosai Donor Co-operation”

— commented on her LinkedIn page

Helen Clark, the former New Zealand Prime Minister, and UNDP Administrator, also the Ad Global Ambassador for Supreme Audit Institution Independence appointed by #Intosai Donor Co-operation

Helen Clark IDC Goodwill Ambassador for SAI Independence — The INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation

"I am shocked to learn that the #SierraLeone Government is moving to remove the Auditor General and Deputy Auditor General from office.

No valid reason has been given for this extraordinary move. These senior officials must have statutory independence to fulfill their important functions of holding governments to account and scrutinizing the use of public money.

These senior officials should not be subjected to arbitrary removal.

Parliament will now review the proposal to remove the AG. It should act in an independent way to review the matter, and not hesitate to oppose an unfounded request by the Government for the AG's removal. The Audit Service Board should also act independently in reviewing the proposal to remove the Deputy AG."

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What are your thoughts on this?

Feel free to join the conversation by posting your comment! We encourage readers across the political spectrum to participate. We hold Space for everyone on YAME. yame[dot]space. You can post comments as anonymous /guest.

Liberia: President BoaKai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung Declared Assets Publicly

Section 10.2 of the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and Employees did not make it compelling for designated officials to make public their declarations

Theo Edwards for YAME

Transparency strengthens public trust and underscores unyielding dedication to rooting corruption and fostering a climate of openness and accountability, signaling an era of responsible and conscientious leadership. The law only says public officers should declare their assets; they don't need to make them public.

President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung did something unusual in Liberian politics by publicly disclosing details of their asset declarations, in response to increasing pressure to fulfill a major campaign promise.

MONROVIA — President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung

"The requirement for public officials to disclose their assets according to Section 10.2 of the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and Employees emphasizes the significance of transparency and accountability in governance. However, the law does not mandate designated officials and employees to make their declarations public."

BoaKai emphasized that by making his assets declaration publicly available, he aims to set a compelling example for public officials and citizens alike, highlighting the importance of accountability and ethical leadership.

READ: Liberia's new President Joseph N. BoaKai

Some supporters of Mr. Boakai and his deputy remember that then-President George Weah did not publicly declare his assets despite facing criticism.

Weah, during his presidency, noted that disclosing his assets to the public could endanger him and his family, especially his children.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai

Mr. Boakai, a former vice president under Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for 12 years, ran an anti-corruption-based campaign that earned him his electoral victory over Mr. Weah and his Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC) in 2023.

Declaration of Assets

According to the information published for Mr. Boakai, the value of his total assets is put at $1,171,919.60, including cash on hand: $5,750, cash in the bank: $61,295.96, real properties: $766,391.07, personal properties: $212,400, and other assets $126,082.57 and a total net worth of $970,419.60.

Among the notable assets revealed by President Boakai, a lifelong agriculturist is his ownership of cattle valued at US$16,000. The president also reveals he has pigs valued at US$6,400.

Vice President Koung, in his declared assets are worth more than 7 million. As an elected representative of District One in Nimba County, the former co-chair of the lucrative Ways, Means, and Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, he is one person who comes with a heavy burden to the high office as he stands accused of engaging in shady business deals over the years.

During his term, Koung, along with a few lawmakers, stood accused of manipulating the national budget to amass wealth. Some say Koung, like Boakai, might be under-declaring what he has acquired over the years. They are insinuating the Vice President might likely hide many of his assets in Nimba County.

Public sentiment

To many in a country like Liberia, to be worth nearly One million United States Dollars is not something ordinary because on record, government salary is very meager, and no sincere public official has been able to acquire a wealth of $970,000.

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Demonstrating a dedication to transparency and ethical leadership, Boakai's actions distinguish him from others. However, many question the President's declared assets, which appear excessive and contradict his claims of serving the public with sincerity and honesty during his twelve years as Vice President of Liberia under the government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. This government was previously deemed highly corrupt by its former Auditor General, John S. Morlu, II.

What are your thoughts on this?

Feel free to join the conversation by posting your comment! We encourage readers across the political spectrum to participate. We hold Space for everyone on YAME. yame [dot] space. You can post comments as anonymous /guest.

‘Bring Hard Justice’: Liberia Civil War Survivors Welcome War Crimes Court

President Joseph Boakai signs an order promising the establishment of a war crimes court in efforts to bring justice 21 years after the conflict

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21 Years After Liberia Conflict, President Boakai Signs an Order Promising the Establishment of a War Crimes Court in Efforts to Bring Justice to the Civil War Survivors.

By Dounard Bondo | 18 June 2024

In a photo taken during the second civil war in 2003, a Liberian child soldier carries a gun in Monrovia [Nic Bothma/EPA]

Monrovia, Liberia – Rufus Katee, 60, remembers Liberia’s civil wars well.

It was July 1990 when the then-26-year-old ran to escape the fighting between armed groups and soldiers in the capital, Monrovia. He fled to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in search of safety.

“There were a lot of civilians who took refuge in the church. But I didn’t know I was going for my suffering,” Katee said, recalling the harrowing events that followed.

“Soldiers came to the church in the night and started shooting. Once it started, I dropped to the floor, but the people they killed were dropping over me, and they covered me. That’s how I survived,” he told Al Jazeera.

Katee broke his hip in the attack and, decades on still suffers pain because of it.

An estimated 600 people were killed that night, and many more survivors suffered physical and mental injuries that have lingered for years.

The attack was just one of thousands that took place during Liberia’s two civil wars from 1989 to 2003, years of untold violence during which a quarter of a million people were killed.

In a photo from April 1996, armed groups fight in the streets of Monrovia [Patrick Robert/Sygma via Getty Images]

Numerous other atrocities also took place, including rape and sexual violence, mutilation and torture.

Much of the violence was perpetrated by rebels as well as the Liberian army and militias that included child soldiers.

Yet, decades on, Liberia has not prosecuted anyone for the crimes and rights violations that took place.

Now that could finally change.

War crimes court

Last month, President Joseph Boakai issued an executive order establishing the office of a war crimes court.

Many welcomed the move, which they said was long overdue. However, others are concerned it could reopen old wounds and raise tensions after compromises were made to secure peace.

The lack of prosecution of perpetrators for 21 years has largely been a result of a lack of political will, experts told Al Jazeera, which is partly due to the influence of individuals who were involved in the wars and who now wield political power.

At the end of the civil wars, slots in Liberia’s interim government were divided among warring factions who inserted their members or proxies in these positions.

Additionally, political alliances have become integral in Liberia’s elections because the political system requires an absolute majority to win the presidency. As a result, every post-war president has since allied with influential figures, many of whom took part in the wars.

“Liberia’s delay in prosecuting its war criminals is due in part to political will and the complex nature of power-sharing,” explained Aaron Weah, a Liberian doctoral candidate at Ulster University’s Transitional Justice Institute.

“The 2003 peace agreement signed in Accra that helped bring an end to the war gave political power to people that were fighting. When elections came as well, the government had these former war actors in power, so it was difficult for them to prosecute themselves or implement the 2009 TRC [Truth and Reconciliation Commission] recommendations,” he said.

‘Death squads’ from Liberia’s military were responsible for committing massacres during the civil war [File: Patrick Robert/Sygma via Getty Images]

Conmany Wesseh, a former senator, minister, and civil society leader, was involved in negotiating the 2003 peace agreement.

“During negotiations for the peace deal to end the war, we weren’t making progress because the warring parties did not want to sign the peace agreement,” he told Al Jazeera. “It was only when we agreed that the way to go was a truth and reconciliatory commission as used in South Africa [after apartheid ended] instead of a war crimes court, that was when they signed.”

“There was no victor,” he added, “there was a peace agreement that allowed for compromises so as to stop the war and the killing, and this has allowed us to keep the peace for 21 years.”

Palava huts

In 2005, the Transitional Legislature at the time established the TRC of Liberia with a mandate that included investigating human rights abuses committed during the war, providing a forum to address issues of impunity, and recommending measures to be taken for the rehabilitation of survivors in the spirit of national reconciliation and healing with the objective of promoting national peace, security, unity, and reconciliation.

In 2009, the TRC issued its final report, recommending the establishment of an Extraordinary Criminal Court for Liberia to try gross human rights violations, reparations for victims, and disbarring certain individuals from holding office, including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the president at the time.

The court, however, was never established despite campaigns from civil society and promises by previous governments.

Instead, the country has settled for non-prosecutorial forms of justice through its National Palava Hut program, which provides a space for victims and perpetrators in a community to interact with one another and for perpetrators to ask for forgiveness.

Palava huts, though, are not recognized courts, and no punishments are handed down. The hearings are also restricted to lesser crimes, which include arson, assault, forced labor, looting, destruction, and theft.

As a result, victims seeking justice have turned to courts in Europe and the United States that have prosecuted and sentenced a small number of former strongmen who relocated abroad. These individuals are usually tried for war crimes under universal jurisdiction or immigration fraud in instances when they omit their alleged war crime history from immigration documents.

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has promised to establish a war crimes court [File: Carielle Doe/Reuters]

Concrete steps

However, things are changing after Liberia’s Legislature in April passed a resolution calling on the president to establish two courts: a war crimes court and an economic crimes court.

To the surprise of many, this resolution was signed by some former rebels who took part in the war and had previously opposed the establishment of a court.

It was based on this that Boakai in May issued his executive order for the establishment of the Office of War Crimes and Economic Crimes Court.

The office is tasked with investigating and designing the methodology, mechanisms, and processes for the establishment of a Special War Crimes Court for Liberia and a National Anti-Corruption Court. It is also tasked with recommending a way to source funds for the court’s operations.

And while there is no stated timeline for the establishment of the war crimes court, the establishment of an office is Liberia’s most concrete step thus far toward domestic prosecution of its war criminals, and it has been largely celebrated, especially by victims, the international community and civil society who campaigned for its establishment.

‘Establish the court now’

Peterson Sonyah, who heads the Liberia Massacre Survivors Association, is one of those pleased about the developments.

Sonyah was 16 in 1990 at the time of the Lutheran church massacre that he, like Katee, also survived. He remembers that night vividly.

“It was in the night, but the guns lit up the church hall like it was broad daylight,” he told Al Jazeera. “I and my father had gone to Lutheran for refuge. That’s why we were there. The church used to give us food.

Bloodied clothing litters the floor of St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Monrovia, the site of a massacre in July 1990 where soldiers slaughtered an estimated 600 civilians seeking refuge from the civil war [Patrick Robert/Sygma via Getty Images]

“When the soldiers started shooting, he covered me with his body, but one bullet went in his arm and another in his hip. In the morning, he said he was thirsty. I went to get him water, and when I came back, he was dead. I lost seven family members at Lutheran.”

Now as an adult still living with the weight of all he lost, Sonyah said he is “happy” about the news of a future war crimes court.

“I support the court 100 percent. I have been campaigning for this court since the time of the TRC. We need the court to address impunity and for people to pay for their crimes, so they need to establish the court now.”

His stance is echoed by Hassan Bility, the executive director of the Global Justice and Research Project, a Liberian NGO that campaigns for the court’s establishment and the international prosecution of war criminals.

“The signing of the executive order by President Boakai is an encouraging development. At least it indicates his administration’s willingness to do something about our wartime atrocities,” he said.

‘We made compromises for this peace’

Not everyone agrees with the establishment of the court. Critics have expressed concerns about the security implications of prosecuting now-powerful former warlords who have considerable support, while many have argued that public funds for a court would be better put towards improving the livelihoods of Liberians.

“Whatever we do that could lead to the war, we should reject,” Wesseh said. “We made compromises for this peace. We must not do anything to reverse these gains in peace, and I don’t believe the way to consolidate this peace is a war crimes court.

“Instead, to solidify our peace, we must make sure the courts and hospitals are working and people have jobs.”

A rebel in Monrovia observes a ceasefire in August 2003 shortly before the departure of then-President Charles Taylor [Nic Bothma/EPA]

Critics have also questioned the use of the TRC report as the basis of the court’s establishment. Prince Johnson, the former head of a warring faction and now a long-serving senator, has opposed the establishment of the court based on the report, calling it biased. He instead has called for the United Nations to establish the court.

There are also concerns that a domestic war crimes court and an economic crimes court would face funding challenges if established because Liberia is largely poor and the country would need to seek assistance from the international community to help fund it. Additionally, analysts said, the court is likely to face challenges in gathering evidence 21 years after the war.

“The court will also need to address the problem of evidence gathering as a lot of people who witnessed the war are now aging and dying. The witness statements given at the TRC were also largely unverified,” Weah said. “The court will also have to address the issue of location. Will it be in Monrovia, which is crowded? Or at a place outside Monrovia that recorded a lot of atrocities?”

Despite these challenges, for Katee and many others who survived the two wars, the pursuit of justice continues until the court is properly established.

“We have been on this issue of a war crimes court for a while. I support the court 100 percent, but it needs to come soon,” he said.

“The people who committed most of these crimes are dying and getting old. I can die anytime. If we all die, who will they call to testify? Let the court come and bring hard justice.”

SOURCE: ALJAZEERA

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My latest for Al Jazeera.

Thanks to Senator Commey Wesseh, Aaron Weah, and the association of Liberia massacre victims for talking to me and helping me on this piece https://t.co/adMMPMDyXY

— doU-Nar (@dounardbondo) June 18, 2024

Critics have also questioned the use of the TRC report as the basis of the court’s establishment. Prince Johnson, the former head of a warring faction and now a long-serving senator, has opposed the establishment of the court based on the report, calling it biased. He instead has called for the United Nations to establish the court.

What do you think?

Feel free to join the conversation by posting your comment! We encourage readers across the political spectrum to participate. We hold Space for everyone on YAME. yame [dot] space. You can post comments on the article as anonymous /guest.

University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), Ltd., Accra

The new 617-bed medical center is designed to provide advanced medical services

Quaternary medical and scientific research center

The University of Ghana Medical Centre is a quaternary medical and scientific research center located at the University of Ghana in Accra Campus. It is the most advanced medical facility in West Africa. The new 617-bed medical center is designed to provide advanced medical services in medicine, teaching, and research to the sub-region and beyond.

The new 617-bed medical center is designed to provide advanced medical services

In June 2011 Ghana cabinet gave approval for a loan facility from Israel for the design, construction, and installation of equipment.   

The facility which is located on 400-acre land, is estimated to cost $217 million and modeled after The Sheba Medical Centre, the largest in Israel, assist to provide the most efficient health care that measures up to global standards.

The ultra-modern facility for service delivery is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for trauma and emergency services with a heliport and internal medicine including surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, cardiology, heart surgery, and imaging. 

The establishment of UGMC was conceived by the faculty and administration of the University of Ghana and initiated under the Late President John Evans Atta Mills. In January 2017, John Dramani Mahama, the former president, commissioned Phase 1 of the project. The first phase of the UGMC houses specialized centers, such as emergency, imaging, operating theatres, and laboratories. 

The second phase provides specialist facilities, including heart and cancer treatment and rehabilitation centers and a hostel for families of patients. The facility is now fully open to the public. The completion of Phase II signifies the completion of all three UGMC focal areas, as the center positions itself to offer quaternary services.

Patient care video

Theo Edwards for YAME

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“President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned the 120-bed Adansi North District Hospital-Fomena and the Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital-Kumawu in the Ashanti Region. ”

— NEWS UPDATE - JULY 29, 2024

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned the 120-bed Adansi North District Hospital-Fomena and the Sekyere Kumawu District Hospital-Kumawu in the Ashanti Region. According to the President, the completion of these facilities is a testament to the Government’s dedication to providing fit-for-purpose ultra-modern health facilities in line with the current healthcare standards for the people of Ghana.

More newly constructed facilities in the districts all over Ghana are near completion.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Ministry of Health in Ghana is recruiting. Recruitment of Nurses and Midwives. Share If you know of anyone in Africa who is qualified and might be interested. The deadline to submit your online application is Monday 5th August 2024 at Noon — Friday, 23rd August at 6:00 PM.

— Ministry of Health, Ghana website Click Here