1 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 Editorial editorial : Rising Again! Sierra Leone: Contents Rising Again! he Trade and Investment con- The government of President Koroma to change the face of Sierra Leone Editorial 3 London Mining 18 ference in London recently is is a credible one. All the more reason is still a long way to go. We should Sierra Leone: Rising Again! “FINALLY GETS THE GREEN LIGHT” Ta powerful indicator that the our international friends are staking continue to encourage donors to fulfill Government of President Dr. Ernest their integrity, and even their precious their commitments. Bai Koroma is setting the pace for lives, on behalf of our President. It’s Time To Rise Again 4 Banking Boom! 20 We are desperate to rise once again! Donors fall in love with Sierra Leone …the more, the merrier economic growth in Sierra Leone. However, with these successes We believe this is the time for the rest gained, we call on our government Have a wonderful reading. ■ Facts & Analysis: 6 New Man In The Block! 21 of the world to start looking at Si- not to go to bed and sleep. The battle WHO PLEDGED WHAT IN LONDON …introducing Edward Mohamed Turay erra Leone from a future perspective rather than from the perception of the Sierra Leone Conference 2009 9 SL Parliament Clocks 2 22 country’s past. Consultative Group Meeting London, November 19, The current Sierra Leone Parliament, elected in Au- 2009 gust 2007 to serve for five years, is now two years old. As a nation we have every reason to live a decent life just as our president No more sacred cows! 10 Bombali Takes Plight 23 says we have no reason to be poor. ACC Commissioner reports progress in the fight Jamal Jalloh with out-going Sierra Leone’s High Com- against corruption missioner to the UK We are a peaceful nation blessed with abundant natural resources which we Special Commentary 12 Demonstrating & Transparency 24 have just showcased during the in- Looking Beyond The London Conference It sounds unusual for a Sierra Leonean leader vestment conference.

We therefore call on foreign investors Guest Writer 13 to make better use of this opportunity WHERE THE APC HAS MADE THE DIFFERENCE so that the people of Sierra Leone will in turn benefit. Transforming the road network 14 Transforming the road network is the key to achiev- We are also calling on our Donor part- ing President ’s dream of achieving ners who have made pledges during food sufficiency through agriculture. the CG to fulfill their commitments – this, no doubt, will change the lives of The Gulf Penetration 16 our people in meeting with standards The government of President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma set by the United Nations Human De- seems to have impressed the authorities in the United velopment Index. Arab Emirates We have deliberately reported the road projects, the success so far gained in electricity and other devel- opmental projects in order to inform the world what we’ve been doing with donor funds. President Koroma looks ahead to a SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 3 brighter future for Sierra Leone It’s Time To Rise Again It’s Time To

RiseDonors fall in love with Sierra Again Leone

udging by the positive consen- the country he is acting as unpaid ad- Prince Charles says his presence at opment partners unanimously make sus at the recent Trade and In- vocate for. the conference is a show of endorse- commitment to support President Ko- Jvestment conference in London, ment and support for Sierra Leone. He roma’s initiatives to take the country Sierra Leone is perhaps in her opti- Sierra Leone means much to Mr. makes a brief spell at the conference forward. mum moment since Independence. Blair having done part of his primary shaking hands and rubbing shoulders schooling days in the tiny West Afri- with the Sierra Leonean leader as well Harping on her success in the energy A visionary leader with the political will can country and his father a former as some of the delegates at the con- sector, especially the recent commis- to pursue well-meaning programs, an lecturer at Fourah Bay College, Uni- ference. sioning of the Bumbuna Hydro Elec- economy with a lot of prospects even versity of Sierra Leone. tric Project, in fighting corruption and in the face of the global financial cri- Other international dignitaries such drug trafficking, Sierra Leone for the sis, an honest desire to reduce de- Prior to the conference, Mr. Blair tells as business tycoon George Soros first time in its engagement with donor pendence on aid, the discovery of oil the London Stock Exchange about and representatives from the World partners calls for the latter to provide offshore, a revamp of the energy sec- business potentials available in Si- Bank, the Commonwealth, the United support and leave implementation in tor, a robust stance against corruption erra Leone and why foreign investors States of America, and DFID applaud the hand of the Government. and drug trafficking, a peaceful and should turn attention to the country. Sierra Leone for its resilience in com- stable country- all put together is put- ing out of conflict and thriving towards “Give us the support and leave the im- ting the West African country in the At the London conference, Mr. Blair economic development. plementation into our capable hands,” limelight for the right reasons. is full of excitement as he comes on says Sierra Leone’s Finance Minister, and off the conference centre. He The United Nations recognize Sierra Dr. Samura Kamara. “Sierra Leone is an exceptional coun- describes the Sierra Leonean Head Leone as an example for other nations try – it is a great country with rich of State, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, as around the world to learn from. Nevertheless, Sierra Leone needs to potentials … I encourage all of you a visionary whose leadership can be sustain her new found love lust with to go down there and see for your- trusted. On the economic front, Sierra Leone’s the donor community. The Govern- self the business potentials available economy continues to grow at about ment is therefore looking forward to in the country,” says former British Apart from the high turn-out (attract- four percent annually even in the face January 2010, when it meets with Prime Minister Tony Blair during the ing a cross section of the international of the global financial crisis, while the donor partners in to review two day conference. Mr. Blair is in the diplomatic and business community) rest of sub-Saharan economies grow the effectiveness of aids coming into heat of his electioneering campaign high profiled dignitaries- including at about 1.3 percent. the country to ensure that the widely for the European Presidency, but he Britain’s Prince Charles and Her Maj- respected Koroma administration is President Koroma looks ahead to a squeezes some precious time to at- esty the Royal Highness of the United The general feeling now is Sierra Le- able to implement projects without tend the event which is very dear to Arab Emirates- grace the event. one stands a good chance to leap delays in the release of donor funds. ■ into economic prosperity as all devel- brighter future for Sierra Leone

4 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 5 Facts & Analysis:

WHO PLEDGED Facts & Analysis: WHAT IN LONDON

he sixth Sierra Leone No doubt, the message was clear as the Consultative Group government has maintained a good Meeting was successful record for development and commit- Also, in attendance was a high Tin the sense that the community ment to nation-building. There cer- profiled team of the Sierra Leone of donors partnering with Sierra tainly appears no bolder a statement Agriculture Company. Leone in its development pursuit to have come from the man who pre- The team included Kevin Godling- made unprecedented pledges to the sides over the nation’s economy if the ton, Hon Angad, Lincoln, S Marr, process of nation building. economic indicators were not as prom- Lord Rama And with Paul Denis WHO PLEDGED WHAT IN LONDON popping in for a short. Striking too was the presence of ising as could be in the middle of the Introduction During the VIP re- non traditional donors, including global economic crisis. It puts to rest presumptuous lackluster performance ception. Both Kevin and Angad Australia , for the first time to have Had bilateral talks with Tony Blair attended the consultative confer- of the economy. Presumably Centered around in- vestment opportunities in Sierra ence on 19 November 2009, at the Drawing on the premise of hope, com- Leone Before making a presenta- Queen Elizabeth Conference Cen- mitted leadership and strengthened ap- tion at the conference on Behalf tre in London . proach to development, the following Of The Sierra Leone Agricul- ture. Underpinning the impressive key commitments were made, among others: planned donor interventions is the IMF: support will continue under undoubted and applauding strides WORLD BANK: a major outcome of Sierra Leone’s share of the G20 con- being made by President Koroma the conference was the setting up of tributions, including when a new in the spheres of governance, infra- a multi donor trust fund for infra- IMF-Sierra Leone arrangement is structural development and service structural development to be held in renegotiated under in March 2010, delivery within only two years since trust by the World Bank. In addition as the current framework expires in elected president. to its invigorate commitment, the May 2010. World Bank will be leading a multi The president’s Agenda IRELAND: shall contribute to pro- For Change sets the donor conference in Freetown early grammes for nutrition and improve- tone ahead of the 2010 at which fine details would be ments of maternal projects, agri- round table en- worked out regarding project iden- culture, and access to agricultural tification – on the part of Sierra Le- gagement out- which more than doubles the 1.3 percent market for small scale rice produc- the recent past under the PRSP smooth change of government, one – and the donors making good lining a well for the rest sub-Saharan nations, the cel- ers; and will contribute £200,000 to one, amidst admiration of the Sierra Leone, it was recognised their promises. s t r u c t u r e d international community that by Tony Blair, the UN repre- ebrated Minister of Finance, Dr Sumura strengthen the ACC. pro-people in- UNITED KINGDOM – DFID: made the world stands to glean lessons sentative in Sierra Leone and a Kamara seized the opportunity to call on INTERNATIONAL FuND FOR AGRI- tegrated plan on a commitment to provide support from the enduring nation – Si- host of reputable international the donor s to “give us the support and CuLTuRAL DEVELOPMENT (IFAD): which the spirit erra Leone - in demonstrating personalities will continue to leave governance to us”. for water infrastructure over a six pledges $30 million for the Kono- of development was that a people could propel itself offer lessons of fortitude, com- year period; assist with poverty re- Kenema road; and will continue to made manifest. out of civil conflict and tap into mitment and resilience on the duction through budgetary sup- focus on agriculture, rural finance The plan will its collective energy for develop- global scene. give us the sup- port; support both preparation and and decentralisation – all to be cov- consolidate ment within a record period. execution of the 2012 general and ered under a four year plan estimat- As Sierra Leone continues to “ presidential elections; and will con- the gains With two successful post con- register economic growth at port and leave gov- ed at $40 million. made in tinue to support the security sector flict elections coupled with a a forecasted annual 4 percent ernance to us” over a period. 6 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 7 Sierra Leone Conference 2009 Sierra Leone Conference 2009 Consultative Group Meeting London, November 19, 2009 COMMUNIQUE assistance strategy of the African Development ploit this in the best interest of the country and WHO PLEDGED Bank Group and the World Bank Group, and the Participants agreed with the Government that its people. On 19 November 2009 the Government of Si- Organization of Islamic Conference. youth unemployment is a major social and erra Leone and its Development Partners held economic issue as well as a threat to peace They noted with satisfaction that the Govern- WHAT IN LONDON a sixth Consultative Group (CG) meeting in Lon- Participants noted the successful Presidential, and stability. While participants acknowledged ment is now preparing the necessary steps to- don as part of the Sierra Leone Conference. The Parliamentary and Local government elections the complexity of the issue, Government and ward full Extractive Industries Transparency other element of the Sierra Leone Conference AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB): held since the last CG meeting in Freetown 2006 Partners were encouraged to develop compre- Initiative (EITI) validation. Participants encour- was a landmark Trade and Investment ForumConsultative on Group Meeting London, November 19, 2009 and congratulated the people of Sierra Leone hensive programmes to address this issue and aged Government to complete these steps as ledges huge support for capacity build- 18 November in which more than 500 compa- for these important milestones. devote resources to it. a matter of urgency and to address oil sector nies and individuals participated. Both events ing, and laid emphasis on youth em- governance in an EITI or EITI++ context from were hosted by the United Kingdom (U.K) and They also highlighted the importance of contin- Participants noted that agricultural production the outset. ployment and called for the strength- the keynote addresses were given by H.E. the ued consolidation of peace and stability, espe- has continued to grow and diversify and that, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone , Dr. ening of internal audit and controls cially in view of regional volatility and the risks partly as result, poverty headcount rates have Participants noted the importance of reliable, Ernest Bai Koroma. in public expenditure management. identified in the Agenda for fallen notably. The new agriculture strategy, appropriately priced and effectively regulated Change. They look forward to close cooperation developed under the African Union / Economic energy sector for economic growth. To this end, On the 18th November the U.K. and the Organi- The ADB focuses on infrastruc- between Government and development part- Community of West African States and the Com- the approval by Cabinet of the Energy Policy sation of Islamic Conference (OIC) held a special ners in the preparation for the 2012 elections prehensive African Agriculture Development and its Implementation Plan is a critical step to- ture and governance. session on Sierra Leone. This affirmed OIC mem- in order that Sierra Leone will again serve as an Programme umbrella, was welcomed but food wards promoting efficiency in the energy sector. ber states` commitment to continue support to example to other countries to follow. security remains a problem which deserves European Commission: the largest Sierra Leone. The UK Government and the OIC greater attention. This move will be greatly enhanced in the Ener- signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co- multi donor provider to Sierra Le- Participants noted with satisfaction that eco- gy and Water Regulation Bill that will be tabled operate in Sierra Leone. nomic growth has remained robust in the post The importance of investments including main- to Parliament for ratification. They congratu- one at an annual; and may expand war years, and has been higher than the average tenance of feeder roads to connect farmers to lated the Government on the commissioning of Agenda for Change – Poverty Reduction Strat- this commitment. Emphasised fi- in the sub-Saharan region. While Sierra Leone’s markets was noted, as well as the importance the Bumbuna hydropower facility; the country’s egy annual growth rates have fallen during the re- of providing finance for agricultural growth. The single biggest public asset, and encouraged the nancial governance and public ex- The Government of Sierra Leone presented cent global financial crisis, they have neverthe- potential of agriculture to provide a key part of completion of environmental and social mitiga- its Agenda for Change 2009-2012, its second penditure management as key to less stayed positive. The government’s proactive the answer to youth unemployment was also tion, including benefits for communities in the Poverty Reduction Strategy. It focuses on four response to the international crisis was noted highlighted. vicinity of the dam and the creation of protected development; Lungi-Port Loko strategic priority areas: enhancing national elec- and broadly supported. areas for wildlife, notably the establishment of a tricity; developing the national transportation road; Matotoka-Sefadu road to The Government and development partners national park in the Loma Mountains. network; enhancing productivity in agriculture It was noted that a recent IMF review of the recognised the need for continuing a meaning- be constructed in 2012; water and fisheries; and sustaining human develop- macroeconomic programme has reported posi- ful increase in capacity building to convert Gov- Statements by development partners con- ment, notably health, education and water. services to be supported, sugar tive developments, and continued progress in ernment policies into actions and results. In this firmed a continued strong level of support for improving public financial management was regard, development partners also recognised Sierra Leone’s development agenda and that production to be supported at Euro It is built on four principles and preconditions also acknowledged. the need for continuing support to the Govern- they are expecting to at least maintain aid lev- for achieving the strategic priorities: Peace, Se- 2 million. Euro 11 million meant to ment’s Public Service Reform programme. els, currently at US$ 300 million per year, and curity and Good Governance; Macroeconomic Participants commended the Government’s increase them where feasible. This represents cushion the effect of the financial Stability; Growing the Private Sector; and Ef- commitment to improving good governance On the day prior to the CG, the Government of a considerable achievement in a time of global fective Management of Natural Resources. In crisis on Sierra Leone . and continue the fight against corruption. They Sierra Leone presented its potential to a well economic downturn. In addition, new partners his introduction to the Agenda for Change, the welcomed the increased independence and as- attended Trade and Investment Forum. At the have emerged and their contributions were President further highlighted three major risks: GERMANY: Euro 37 million com- sertiveness of the Anti-Corruption Commission, event, the Government was able to highlight the welcomed. Corruption; Illicit Drugs; and Youth Unemploy- including governance reviews of key ministries achievements it has made in providing a stable mitted between now and 2012; fo- ment. and its willingness to prosecute offenders and environment for investors, with strong emphasis To facilitate contributions from development cusing on youth employment, agricul- encouraged a continued strong commitment to on the security and governance framework as partners, and to facilitate the effective utilisa- Participants endorsed the priorities and princi- implement this important agenda. well as other investor friendly reforms. tion of aid, the Government of Sierra Leone Aid tural markets, and food security, as ples of the Agenda for Change and noted some Policy was released and endorsed by develop- of the risks associated with its implementation. well as anti FGM. Participants also welcomed the Government’s The Government was also able to convey to in- ment partners. They noted that the Agenda has been devel- explicit aim, as stated in its Resource Mobilisa- vestors the opportunities available in the coun- oped through substantial national dialogue SwEDEN: $26million for basic edu- tion Strategy, to improve Sierra Leone’s standing try including its under-utilised natural resources To compliment this policy action, the UN has and has broad support. Participants, however, in key international ratings, not least those as- such as iron ore, gold, diamonds and hydro established a Multi Donor Trust Fund, which Facts & Analysis: Facts cation, in addition to an annual Swed- noted that the required inputs to meet the de- sessing progress on governance and corruption. carbons, the vast fisheries and the swathes of primarily focuses on human development and velopment challenges identified significantly ish grant of $20 million In particular, they noted its rise by twelve places highly fertile arable land available. governance, while the World Bank has estab- exceed likely resources and therefore encour- in the 2009 Transparency International Index. lished a Multi Donor Trust Fund to support in- aged stronger partnerships, prioritization and Kuwait Organisation of Islamic Coun- Government and development partners agreed frastructure development. Participants noted aid effectiveness. tries (OIC): pledges $47 million soft Participants observed that human develop- however that in order to continue to develop in- that these common financing instruments and ment, notably in health (child and maternal vestor confidence and to reduce the cost of do- others along similar lines together with joint They also noted the importance of an appropri- loan mortality), is still unacceptably low and the main ing business, Sierra Leone will need to increase planning activities should be used wherever ate aid architecture including the organisation reason why Sierra Leone lingers near the bot- public investment in transport and energy as possible to optimise support for the Agenda for of regular aid coordination meetings. Such NORwAY: Shall focus on peace build- tom of the UNDP Human Development Index. It well as to modernize the financial sector and Change. meetings would lead to a more effective and was, however, acknowledged that there are indi- strengthen the Central Bank. They also agreed ing including women in governance efficient implementation of the Agenda for cations of progress toward lower mortality rates to continue to reform aggressively as a comple- The Government and development partners Change. and uplifting them from poverty; and concerted efforts toward further progress mentary effort to the private sector investments agreed to work on an action plan to implement were encouraged. that will help to deliver growth. the new Aid Policy and undertook to organise youth employment creation, and pre- The Government welcomed the recent efforts together in early 2010 in Freetown an Aid Effec- by development partners to harmonise and pared o provide support to Serra Leone Participants voiced their support for the Govern- The recent discovery of potential oil reserves has tiveness Forum to take this important agenda align strategies as reflected by the joint strate- ment’s statements about full implementation of significant possibilities to increase Sierra Leone’s forward. in the oil and gas sector. gies by the European Union-United Kingdom, programmes providing free access to healthcare revenues. Participants noted the Government’s the joint vision of the UN family and the joint for identified priority groups. commitment to establishing a framework to ex-

8 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 9 NO MORE SACRED COWS! NO MORE SACRED ACC Commissioner reports progress in the fight against corruption COWS ith the view that corrup- can now do so without going However, the Commission is tion is the root cause of through the Attorney General’s putting more emphasis in pre- Wthe civil war and a major office for approval. He says there venting corruption by sealing impediment to development in has been more progress in the loopholes! in public procurement Sierra Leone, the recent London fight against corruption in his processes and ensuring proper conference listen with keen ears time as Commissioner. administrative and financial pro- to the presentation by the Com- cedures are practiced in Gov- missioner of the country’s Anti “This time there’s no political in- ernment offices. More energy is Corruption Commission (ACC). terference and no sacred cows,” also being put into information, says the ACC boss. education and communica- Mr. Abdul Tejan-Cole’s report is tion materials to raise the level crucial to Sierra Leone’s pros- Indeed the ACC is not the tooth- of awareness on the dangers of pect for survival in the hands of less bulldog it used to be. Gov- corruption at all levels of society. international donors and foreign ernment officials, including two investors. ministers, have faced the wrath Another form of corruption pre- of the Commission after falling vention in public office is the Donors, as well as foreign inves- foul of the law. As recently as ear- declaration of assets initiated tors, recount ugly experiences in ly November 2009, a government by President Koroma on his as- Sierra Leone from past govern- minister is sacked and eventually sumption of office. So far 17,000 ments and it is obvious they will arrested on allegation of finan- public officials, including the remain skeptical to pour in funds cial corruption - the second in President, have declared their where their safety cannot be two years after former Transport assets to the Commission. guaranteed. and Communications minister, Kemoh Sesay, is suspended fol- In addition, the Commission will However, when Mr. Tejan-Cole lowing the Lungi airport cocaine host its first national Integrity finally takes the podium, it’s all scandal. Awards in December 2009 as pass marks for President Ernest way to encourage Sierra Leone- Bai Koroma and his government. Moreover, 29 new offences have ans to work diligently, honestly been introduced by the ACC in- and selflessly in both public and ‘’The fight against corruption cluding offences for misappro- private life. has been highly successful over priation of donor funds as well as the last two years,’’ the ACC impeding foreign investment into Such a commitment in curbing boss tells donors at the Queen Sierra Leone. corruption in governance, and Elizabeth Conference Center on even in the private sector, is un- Westminster, London. The quality of prosecution has precedented in Africa and this is also increased, and the rate of a good one in gaining donor con- He says his Commission has reporting corruption too, accord- fidence. been empowered with more ing to the ACC boss. powers to prosecute and they 10 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 11 Guest Writer Looking beyond the Special Commentary London Conference Guest Writer By Sorie Sudan Sesay WHERE THE APC HAS By Idrissa Atomic Pen Conteh MADE THE DIFFERENCE The Trade and Investment conference organised by the government of Si- erra Leone in London has After two years in power, we can According to me, a government that For instance, Dr. Kemoh Salia Bao in come and gone. objectively say that the APC admin- listens to the people has more chances his capacity as ambassador to Liberia istration has made a difference in its y all indications, the confer- to deliver than the one that does not wrote a letter to the Security Council ence was a major historic administrative style. The APC seems even seem to exist. asking for the lifting of sanctions on Bsuccess not only for the All to be more responsive to the wishes Liberia for its role in Sierra Leone’s In the last term of the SLPP, the People’s Congress government of and aspirations of the people than civil war. Though Dr. Bao was recalled, President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, country did not even seem to have their SLPP predecessors. President Kabbah was too shy to but also for the people of Sierra Le- a government. The SLPP could not one in general. investigate the circumstances under he examples are numerous but put in place a mechanism to manage which the ambassador betrayed his For once the image of the country I will cite only a few of them. garbage in Freetown that subsequently confidence. was being painted in good light in The government of President sues that impressed donors dur- TWhenever the people raise an became the dirtiest city in the sub- the eyes of the International Com- Koroma to a large extent has im- ing the conference. issue, the APC picks it up and tries to region. The SLPP people pretended What therefore transpired between munity considering the impact pressed donor partners and the find a solution. When concerns were created by the success of the rest of the International Commu- That said and done, it’s now time to be honest, bookish and principled, Charles Taylor and Dr. Bao still remains conference. nity with its style of governance to move the country forward – it’s raised about security problems at the but this fake image neither impressed a mystery. Names like Momoh Pujeh, most especially the government’s time the government set up struc- Lungi International Airport, the issue the people nor members of the inter- Prince Harding, Kanji Daramy, Harry It was in fact not surprising that the tures to follow-up pledges made sincerity and commitment in fight- was picked up directly by the Presi- national community whose post-war Will etc etc all came to be synonymous former British Prime Minister Tony ing corruption. by donors during the conference. Blair did not hide his feeling when dent himself who gave orders for the reconstruction funds benefited only with 419 racketeering. he said openly that the trade con- Corruption involving government As a country, we must not just sit required security measures to be to members of that political bandwagon. To think that the people have forgotten ference was the most successful officials has been a major impedi- with folded hands saying all has put in place. one to have ever been organised ment to economic growth in Si- been achieved – we must contin- There is hardship everywhere in the so soon how the SLPP elitists greedily ue to pile in pressure on our donor by an African country in the United erra Leone and this has dented We criticized the APC for not doing world today including America of all ate alone while the rest of the people Kingdom. the credibility of previous govern- partners to fulfil their pledges. enough to combat corruption; the places. The current inflation hitting starved is to underestimate the peo- ments in Sierra Leone resulting in Obviously, this is an undisputable donors withholding their support It is understood that another con- President went on the offensive to Sierra Leone is no making of the APC. ple’s level of intelligence. fact when you consider the mas- from the country. ference between the government send a strong message that the honey I have every reason to believe that if sive turn-out of the two-day con- of Sierra Leone and the World As citizens, we have the right to hold moon was over. the SLPP had been returned to power ference including those who wait- Also, Donors as well as investors Bank has been fixed for January the government responsible and force in 2007 with the level of corruption that ed impatiently outside the Queen were very impressed to learn that 2010, in Freetown, to look into the The people of Sierra Leone, particularly it to rule the country in our best inter- Elizabeth Conference Centre to the Anti Corruption Commission implementations of the pledges had characterized that administration, residents of Freetown had lost their est. gain entrance into the hall. boss Abdul Tejan Cole is getting made. the situation would be far worse than it voices in crying for electricity under the support he needed from the is today. This could be a very positive step The APC is listening to the people and government in the fight against the SLPP administration, and this was the dreaded disease. towards achieving the desired has been making positive strides to goal for which the conference was taken up as priority number one by President Kabbah no doubt had good make Sierra Leone a better place to The ACC boss said, among oth- organised. the APC administration notwithstand- intentions for the country but was too live on earth. I am really impressed and ers, that significant progress have ing the irregularities surrounding the gentle to manage his ministers who In the past, we have heard of sto- grateful to President Koroma and the been made since he took over award of the contract under Haja had a field day. He could not fight cor- the affairs of the commission two ries in which donors made pledg- entire APC administration. Hafsatu Kabba as Minister of Energy ruption because he did not have the years ago. es without fulfilling them. and Power. guts to send his ministers to jail. The The author is a veteran journalist We don’t want a repeat of such a That beside, recent infrastructural SLPP administration proved to be a and former editor of Concord Times scenario because we know it has The APC takes criticisms very seri- developments in the country as bunch of 419ners who could not stop the tendency to discredit the gov- newspaper. He now works with the well as the good news of the com- ously, but under the SLPP, they simply at anything in their desperation to get ernment. United Nations mission in Congo. missioning of the Bumbuna Hydro fell on deaf ears. Electric Project are also other is- quick money.

12 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 WHERE THE APC HAS MADE THE DIFFERENCE SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 13 Transforming The Road Network Transforming THE ROAD NETWORK Transforming the road network is the key to achieving President Ernest Bai Koroma’s dream of achieving food sufficiency through agriculture.

o the APC Government There’s also an ongoing proj- has revitalised all major ect of 4000 kilometres of feeder road projects they inher- roads nationwide. itedS from the previous govern- “Input from Government in ment and committing to reha- the form of subvention and the bilitation and construction of road users fund have led to an more feeder roads throughout upsurge in road network reha- the country. bilitation and construction in This is evidenced in the APC urban areas such as Freetown, Government becoming the first Bo, Kenema and . Also government in Sierra Leone to remote areas such as Krubla in fund a major road project (Lum- Koinadugu District, Kenema- ley-Tokeh road). Originally Combema-Vaahun in the East, funded by the Kuwait Fund for and the Pujehun-Gbondapi axis Arab Economic Development, in the south. The obvious impact President Koroma said he inher- of this development on rural areas, educational programs and ited a ‘terrible contract’ and he economies remain invaluable,” overall sustainable development. present cordial relationship with moved swiftly to terminate it. says ………………………… the Di- However, the challenge of get- Donors will be maintained and Consequently, the funders with- rector General of Sierra Leone ting funds remains a major con- these projects will be realised,” drew leaving the Government of Roads Authority (SLRA), which straint for the SLRA. External says Sahr Daniel Dugba, Direc- Sierra Leone no option but to is responsible for managing the funding from World Bank, IMF tor of Development, SLRA. foot the bill. The Government country’s road network. and the European Union are still Most of the road projects ongo- has adopted a no-wait-for-fund- Bridges linking towns and vil- crucial to realising projected ing are expected to be completed ing attitude and work on the lages to the rest of the country commitments and the mainte- within the next two years, says road is in full gear. are also being constructed; for nance of existing roads. Sorie I. Kanu, Public Relations Also on the works are major example, the Pujehun bridge. “The projects embedded within Assistant at the SLRA. “And that will be a major boost to the projects such as the Kenema- Such development in the road our five year plan are numerous national economy… and giving Kailahun road, Lungi-Port Loko sector promotes trade expan- but all geared towards a common people confidence to invest.” and Port Loko-Conakry road sion, agriculture, health care goal of improved road network. and the Hill side bypass road. delivery- especially to remote We are very hopeful that the

14 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 15 The Gulf Penetration The Gulf Penetration The government of President Dr. Ernest Bai Ko- roma seems to have impressed the authorities in the United Arab Emirates over the last two years in governance – and now, the Gulf states is answering the call to boost the West African state…

ierra Leone is about to Royal Highness Reem Hashim, break new grounds in her said she was at the conference S search for economic and to personally assure the Presi- infrastructural development with dent of her government’s support the United Arab Emirates becom- to Sierra Leone, which she said is ing the latest country. a testimony of how much respect her government has for the Presi- The United Arab Emirates has dent and his government. been very much impressed with the country’s rapid growth in re- She told the President that they cent times and this was probably are excited to work with the gov- the reason why the government ernment of President Koroma decided to grace Sierra Leone’s and become one of the country’s Trade and Investment conference main development partners. to lay the foundation to these message to the Sierra Leone ment’s trust and confidence on cy The President to the United in London. projects. government that the people of his government and expressed Arab Emirates was appointed The UAE government is looking United Arab Emirates are im- his government’s willingness to to address such bilateral eco- Secretary of State United Arab forward to assist the Sierra Leo- And as if that was not enough, pressed with the government work with the UAE as develop- nomic and trade issues. Emirates told President Dr. Ernest nean government of President Her Royal Highness again took of President Koroma – and we ment partners. Bai Koroma that her government Koroma in the areas of agricul- to the podium and in front of Siray Timbo told SIERRA Up- are ready to bring development was ready to assist the people of ture, road maintenance, health donors and investors, he reit- From all indications, President date at the London conference into that country,” she said Sierra Leone in several develop- and other national sectors. erates her commitment to help Koroma is willing to work with that the UAE is ready to com- amidst thunderous applause. mental areas. boost Sierra Leone’s govern- the government of UAE. mit herself to bringing develop- She extended a special invitation ment’s development drive. President Koroma thanked Her ment into Sierra Leone. During a closed-door bilateral to the President to visit the Unit- It was not surprising that a Royal Highness for her govern- meeting with the President, Her ed Arab Emirates in January 2010 “I am here to deliver a special Special Envoy OF His Excellen-

16 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 17 London Mining of safe drinking water. Chairman of the occasion, Hon. A. O. Daramy, called on the peo- ple of Port Loko and Lunsar to put all hands on deck to develop London Mining Sierra Leone, and noted that London Mining Company would London Mining help improve the lives of school-going children in the chiefdom. Chairman of Port Loko District Council, Ahmid Fofanah, disclosed that more than 50 years ago Marampa chiefdom was the bread basket of Sierra Leone. He called on Parliamentarians to sup- FINALLY GETS THE port the London Mining documents in Parliament so that the company would help in reducing the unemployment rate in the GREEN LIGHT country. The Chairman of the Port Loko District Council called on the peo- ple of Sierra Leone to put politics aside and support the develop- ondon Mining Company Limited- a subsidiary of London “I will be the happiest man on earth to see our beloved country ment of Sierra Leone in line with President Koroma’s agenda for Mining PLC based in the United Kingdom - has been given Sierra Leone develop, and I also want to see that my company change. the green light to start exploration of iron ore for the Euro- give the people of this country financial support,” he said. L The occasion was witnessed by Parliamentarians, Paramount pean markets. The Financial Controller of London Mining Company, Rachel Chiefs, traditional leaders and dance troops. Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines Alpha Kanu, who breaks the Rhodes, told the people of Lunsar and Port Loko that she has a Meanwhile, London Mining has donated Le10m worth of goods news before a jam-packed press briefing, following a cabinet lot to celebrate about in Sierra Leone. She noted that they were to the elders of Maforki Chiefdom during the sacrificial ceremony decision, said the development is good news not only for the hoping to expand their mining exploration to five million tonnes held at the chiefdom. The gesture, according to the company, company but Sierra Leoneans in general considering the con- and said the increase would help boost Sierra Leone’s economy. ‘was for the road construction work from Lunsar to Thoufaeyeem tributions the company will make towards the socio-economic With this development, Rhodes said Sierra Leone was a nice and in the old Port Loko Town’. iron ore mining prospect in the area. The Managing Director of development of the country. ideal place to do business. The company has also renovated the health centre and has con- London Mining Company, Already, the company is beginning to put words into action with Country Liaison Manager, Tom Tucker, who liaises between Gov- “We are very impressed with the manner our company is being structed more than 200 water wells within the Maforki Chief- ernment and the community, said the road construction was in David Keili and the Financial the reconstruction of its administrative complex at the Marampa treated by the Sierra Leonean Government and I’m sure such de- dom. progress and confirmed the company’s first iron ore shipment Controller of London Mining mine site in Lunsar. velopment will encourage potential investors to come into the Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, PC Bai Koblo Queen II, would kick off soon. Managing Director, David Keili- the company’s first Sierra Leo- country to do business,” Rhodes said. Company PLC, Rahael Rhodes said the coming of London Mining Company was welcome news. “We want to assure the people of Marampa chiefdom that spe- on conducted tour of the nean MD- told the indigenes of Marampa, Masimera, and Port Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Mineral Resources and “This is a positive sign of greater things to come,” he said. cial priority will be given to the inhabitants of the surrounding Loko district in general, that his company was ready to improve Political Affairs, Alhaji Alpha Kanu said the occasion was timely Administrative Complex the economy of Sierra Leone as well as the lives of Sierra Leo- chiefdoms in terms of employment. 70 percent of the employ- and praised the efforts of London Mining Company for the great Councilor Mohamed Bangura of Constituency 49, Ward171 in ment will come from Port Loko district,” he emphasized. neans. strides they were making in the entire chiefdom of Marampa, the Port Loko District, was delighted about the advent of London He called on the people of the town and its environs to be patient and Port Loko district in general. Mining Company into the country, ‘especially at a time when the The company’s lawyer, Olga Solomon- an indigene of Marampa as the company needed many workers including labourers, driv- people are in dire need of assistance’. chiefdom- said a lot has been done by the company to fulfill their He noted that under the visionary leadership of President Ernest social corporate responsibility. ers, technicians, accountants and engineers to kick start opera- Bai Koroma, Sierra Leoneans would now start to enjoy the ben- Another Councilor, Zainab Mansaray of Constituency 49, praised tions. efits of the reviewed Mines and Mineral Act 2009. He said the London Mining Company for their humanitarian work in the She said: “London Mining Company is ready to develop both the Already, 600 job opportunities are at stake for Sierra Leoneans Act would benefit both the land owners and the Government. He chiefdom and assured them of the people’s cooperation at all chiefdom and the country.” Meanwhile, she called on the youth during the first phase of the company’s operations, according to praised President Koroma for his love for Sierra Leone and called times. in the chiefdom to be law abiding and obedient to the authori- ties. Keili. He said his company would go strictly by the mining poli- on the people of Lunsar and Port Loko District to embrace Lon- “The youth in the chiefdom will no longer be idle because a com- cies of the Government through the Ministry of Mines and Min- don Mining Company in their chiefdom. pany by the name of London Mining Company, which is ready to In another development, the company hosted a powerful 11- eral Resources. Minister Kanu encouraged the people of the chiefdom to ensure seek their welfare, is now operating in the chiefdom,” she said. man delegation from London Mining Company’s overseas offices In the next three years, he said his company would be one of the their children go to school so that they would enjoy the benefits to Sierra Leone. The purpose of the visit was to conclude assess- The Regent Chief of Maforki Chiefdom, Alhaji Alimamy Thoron- ment of ongoing activities of the company. largest in the country; and pledged to work in harmony with the from the company; for example, employment. He noted that the ka, said the people of Port Loko (the oldest town in the district) people for the development of the country. company has contributed $4m to the Government of Sierra Le- should be united. The visiting expatriates explained that they were very impressed one in 2009 and One percent to the Community Development with the iron ore industry in the country, claiming that with their “FINALLY Mr. Keili further noted that at the beginning of 2010, the con- Talking about the company’s social responsibility, he went on: struction of the jetty at Thoufaayim would begin, adding that Fund, adding that in the next couple of years they would be pro- knowledge and experience Sierra Leone has the best iron ore in GETS THE viding millions of dollars to the country’s economy. “God has answered our prayers and the people of Maforki will the world. workers from Maforki Chiefdom in the Port Loko district would soon benefit from the building of a jetty in the township. GREEN benefit from the project. He also disclosed that the road linking Paramount Chief Bai Koblo Queen II of Marampa Chiefdom said They promised the Port Loko community that Sierra Leone would Mammy Nancy and Thoufaayim was in progress. the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of the admin- “We are appealing to our people to embrace London Mining benefit fully from its iron ore. LIGHT” istrative building was another milestone for the people of Port Company and others who want to invest in this chiefdom to He said they were also planning to construct a road from the come onboard to develop this nation,” he stated. The expatriates are expected to invest millions of dollars to kick- mining site to the Makeni highway early next year. Loko district. start the iron ore operations. The Government, they said, would Few months ago, 17 villages in the Maforki chiefdom received The Managing Director appealed to all Sierra Leoneans living in He called on his people to embrace London Mining Company and benefit immensely in terms of revenue collection and the rate of hoped that the company would contribute greatly in the reha- Le64m from the company as part of the surface rent for the con- unemployment would be drastically reduced. the United Kingdom and United States of America to come home struction of a port, including an 18 kilometer road to service its to help rebuild their country. bilitation of the Lunsar health centre, schools and the provision

18 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2009 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 19 Banking Boom! New Man In The Block! FINANCE ABOUT US …introducing Banking Edward Mohamed…introducing Boom Edward Mo- ierra Leone’s financial! sector leading to the branches as well. tion with the Freetown City Council. First hamedTuray Turay went through difficult times There’s also rapid improvement in the International Bank (FIB) is providing close Sduring the war years and im- area of customer service. For example, the to 200 scholarships for school children. mediately after. However, in recent banks now offer pick-up services wherein Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), years the banks have re-established a customer who wants to deposit cash can Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) (and now themselves and, with the flood of do so by just calling the bank and they’ll ECOBANK) have been regular sponsors foreign banks, the sector is not only send their staff to pick up the money and of AWOL’s annual National Achievement stable but expanding and promoting process all relevant documentation re- Awards (NAAs). In 2008 the ECOBANK development opportunities. garding the transaction without you hav- won the award of Financial Institution In the space of less than three years, a ing to go to the bank. In addition, there of the Year for its rapid expansion within total of 11 credible international foreign are now points of sales facility- making a year, especially taking banking to the …the more, the merrier …the more, banks have opened offices in the country. banking even more accessible to custom- door steps of Sierra Leoneans. (See Box). While some Sierra Leoneans ers. Some banks, for example Rokel Com- are sceptical about the influx in a coun- Good customer service has also gone mercial Bank, have become involved in try where less than 100, 000 people keep technology; from ATM (Automated Ma- providing micro credit finance, thereby accounts, the benefits have been appar- chine) services to keeping customers enabling poor people and attempting to ent. Following their arrival the number posted through SMS and email. enhance the capacity of the private sec- NEW MAN IN THE BLOCK! of Sierra Leoneans now operating bank tor. Furthermore, there are Money Transfer fa- accounts has risen to 300,000. In addition, paying corporate tax and cilities not only in the headquarter offices EDwARD MOHAMED TuRAY is the nificant impact towards issues of Badara Bashiru Dumbuya, who said Moreover, the influx has heightened com- but in their branches as well. This was Income tax means the banks are con- new man taking up the office of national development. after all protocols, the designated petition and the scramble for customers. not the case before, when people had to tributing revenue to Government coffers Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner Personally, he is a down-to-earth in- High Commissioner to London was The banks wasted no time to establish queue for long hours to receive or transfer regularly. branches not only in the capital, Free- to the United Kingdom/Northern dividual who stands for truth, justice declared to be fit and sound for the money through Western Union. “So, despite the global financial crisis and Ireland. job. town, but the Provinces as well. From 12 its obvious effect on developing econo- and equality – he is also a devoted to 14 branches before the influx, there are In the area of Corporate Social Respon- He succeeds Melvin Chalobah – a Christian. sibility, the banks are now very involved mies such as Sierra Leone’s, there are now about 52 branches countrywide. indicators that the national economy is seasoned diplomat who served …the more, the merrier the more, …the in the development aspirations of the His appointment has therefore been His colleagues in Parliament paid as Sierra Leone’s Ambassador in Expansion means the banks would country. While profit is their primary mo- growing steadily at 4%,” says Beresford seen as a positive boost not only to glowing tribute to him describing Ethiopia, then later as High Com- need more workers to administer their tive, at the same time they are associat- Taylor, PRO of the central bank- Bank of his party, but also the country, con- him as a man with a wealth of expe- branches. And this has a direct impact on ing with a lot of community development Sierra Leone. missioner in London. sidering the strategic importance of rienced who had studied and lived labour. More people are employed and initiatives. Indeed with stability in the macro- Eddie Turay, as he is fondly called, is the London mission. in the UK which could be an added there are competitive salaries. Currently economic fundamentals and in national For example, United Bank Africa (UBA) one of Sierra Leone’s most success- Last month, Turay who is also advantage for him take up such a the commercial banks employ a total of security, Sierra Leone now boasts an at- strongly supported the recent African ful veteran politicians who led the Leader of Government Business high profiled diplomatic job. 2000 nationals, including College leavers, tractive environment for investors and cleaners, security personnel, drivers, etc. Finance Ministers Caucus hosted in Free- ruling All People’s Congress (APC) was officially approved in the Sierra town by the Government of Sierra Leone. development partners. from 1996 until 2002. Expansion also directly enhances infra- Leone House of Parliament. An opposition MP for the SLPP Standard Chartered Bank is providing free Before his new appointment, Eddie structural development as new branches treatment for catarrh patients while Rokel Hon. Komba E. Koedoyoma, said Turay held the influential position across the country help to beautify the Commercial Bank is involved in a large Turay’s appointment is a blessing for landscape. And fixing roads (side roads) of Majority leader in the House of He was presented to the House by scale waste disposal project in collabora- the Ag. Majority Leader, Hon. Sheku Sierra Leone and a big loss for the Parliament where he made sig- House of Parliament.

20 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 21 SIERRA LEONE Parliament Clocks 2 Bombali Takes Plight Of The Aged NEWS BRIEF Bombali Takes Plight Of The Aged embers of the United King- He praised Bombali Association for al- formed as a social club. SIERRA LEONE dom branch of the Bombali ways complimenting government’s MDevelopment Association Abu Bakar said with the outbreak of are back in the news following the efforts towards the concerns and the civil war, they decided to transform launching of the Silver Age Jubilee plight of Sierra Leoneans in the United the club into a charitable organisation. Parliament Clocks project in London. Kingdom. Since their formation, Bombali Devel- The current Sierra Leone Parliament, elected in August The project was initiated to assist old- Chairman of the association Abdul opment Association has embarked on 2007 to serve for five years, is now two years old. Rahman Dura, said that the associa- several developmental and charitabe 2 er Sierra Leoneans who are less able to work in the United Kingdom espe- tion is very much concerned about the projects not only in the United King- cially in London. welfare of the aged and that dom, but also in Sierra Leone.

Funded by the Southwark Council, they will be taking care of their do- During the civil war in Sierra Leone, the project was officially launched by mestic problems as well as organising they distributed clothing and food Sierra Leone’s out-going High Com- hospital appointments for them. items to war affected people especial- missioner to the United Kingdom HE ly in the northern part of the country Also, the association will be organis- Melvin Chaloba at a special ceremony where most of their members hailed ing social activities like outings to keep at South-east London. from. them lively, according to Dura. Chalobah described the project as a In recent years also, the association Bombali Secretary General earlier in- worth-while venture which demon- has donated school items and medi- troduced members of his association strates the association’s love and care cal equipments worth thousands of and gave a brief background of the for the aged. British pounds sterling. association which he said was initially

he 2007 elections were the first since the Among these was the Parliamentary Commit- The Finance Minister also laid on the table of war and under which the MPs were elect- tee on Appointments and Public Service which Parliament as a statutory instrument the Finan- Ted through a single member constituency had to be set up quickly so that all Presiden- cial Management (amendment) Regulations, for which three political parties, the All Peo- tial nominees, especially Cabinet and Deputy 2007 and the Government Budgetary and ple’s Congress (APC), People’s Movement for Ministers, Directors, Board members, Ambassa- Accountability Act 2005. The Majority Leader, Democratic Change (PMDC), and Sierra Leone dors and others, had to be vetted. Hon Edward M. Turay also laid on the table the people’s Party (SLPP) are represented. The APC Council of Legal Education Regulations 2007, The first session of Parliament, also known as commands a majority with 59 seats, the SLPP the Council of Legal Education Act 1989, the the preliminary session, was faced with the 43 and the PMDC 10. Electoral Commission (local government elec- daunting task of not only approving the nomi- tions) Regulations 2008, the Constitution of On the 25th September 2007 the new members nees but to make laws and debate on them. Sierra Leone 1991 (Act No 6 of 1991), the Con- of Parliament were welcomed by the Clerk About seven (7) bills were approved by Parlia- stitutional Instrument No.6 of 2008 and the Envi- who wasted no time in getting them to take ment together with more appointees for Gov- ronmental Protection Agency Instrument 2008 the oath and sign the parliamentary register. ernment institutions. Jamal Jalloh with out- were also debated and passed into law. After that the newly sworn-in parliamentarians The Minister of Finance and Economic Devel- went about their first duty to elect a Speaker. On July 29th, the ACC Amendment Act 2008 going Sierra Leone’s High opment then, David Carew, took the Finance The lot fell on the former Appeals Court Judge, was read for the first time in Parliament by the Bill 2008 to Parliament and the Presidential Af- Commissioner to the UK Justice Nathaniel Abel Stronge and his deputy, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. That fairs Minister also took the NacSa Amendment Hon Chukuma Johnson of the APC. The Major- Act gave prosecutorial powers to the ACC, re- Act 2008. The Bumbuna Watershed Manage- ity Leader was named in the person of Hon Ed- moving it from the Attorney General’s office. ment Authority and the Bumbuna Conserva- ward M. Turay of APC; the SLPP Minority Leader tion Area Act, 2008 was on June 17th 2008 There were outstanding debates and bills is Hon Momoh Pujeh whilst the PMDC chose also taken to Parliament by the then Minister passed in Parliament, the Payment Systems Hon Thomas Mansaray. of Energy and Water Resources, Haja Afsatu Act, the Business Registration Act, Finance Act, President Ernest Bai Koroma on October 5th, Kabba. The Appropriation Act 2008, being an the Mortgage Act, the National Drug Control 2007 opened Parliament with an address map- Act to authorize expenditure from the Consoli- Agency Bill and the Money Laundering Act. ping out his plans. Straightaway Parliament dated Fund for the services of Sierra Leone for Parliament has also passed the Mines and Min- went into action and the business of the House the year 2008, was debated together with the erals Act which increased royalties to Govern- Jamal Jalloh with out-going Sierra Le- began by moving into committees. The House Civil Aviation Act, 2007. They were both passed ment. one’s High Commissioner to the UK has 26 parliamentary oversight committees. into law.

22 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 23 DEMONSTRATING Accountability & Transparency DEMONSTRATING Accountability & Transparency

It sounds unusual for a PROLOGuE doing business.” Sierra Leonean leader, In another landmark stride to make himself ac- The Head of State said the government was out but President Dr. Ernest countable to his people, President Ernest Bai there to present the Agenda for Change and to Bai Koroma made Koroma today convened a press conference at seek support, and was happy to report that Sierra State House to explain to the nation details of the himself accountable to Leone has been recognized and has received deliberations and general outcome of the just- his people when he ad- acceptability: “The efforts we have made, the concluded two-pronged London Conference, dressed the press shortly strides we have taken, have been accepted, not encapsulating the Trade/Investment Forum and President Koroma, Vice President after his return from out of sympathy but because of our tremendous the Consultative Group meeting held on 18th and Sam Sumana and cabinet ministers the London Trade and commitment and determination to make a differ- 19th November 2009 respectively. Investment conference. ence,” noting that both at the Trade Forum and The press conference the Consultative Group meeting, Sierra Leone cumstances, making mention of for- NOT THE END OF THE STORY THE LIFE OF THE ORDINARY MAN EXEMPORANEOus KEYNOTE DELIVERY was given recognition in terms of improvement in mer British Prime Minister Tony Blair, The President further said that “we “We will not allow the confidence to was also attended Delivering the keynote address extemporane- governance. international business tycoon George have come out of the conference slip; we must sustain the moment. It is among others, by mem- ously (without a prepared text), President Koroma Soross, and the Prince of Wales Prince very, very successful… singing the great moment for all of us. We must bers of the Diplomatic welcomed all present ( including diplomats, minis- He made mention of the ratings by the Mo Ibra- Charles of Great Britain. same song as the most successful and ensure that we translate the state- Corp and government ters, civil society activists, and journalists) to State him Foundation which has rated Sierra Leone as most supported conference; but it is ments made at the conference into ministers… House, stating that the press conference was a one of the countries that has made the greatest “I must single out the UK government not the end of the story. That is why issues that will impact the life of the follow-up to the London Conference, which was improvement in governance, the World Bank’s for the commitment and support given we are here, that is why we have ordinary man. The man in Boedu, the the sixth donors conference as a nation. high rating of Sierra Leone in terms of account- to us throughout the period of prepar- mapped out a programme to further man in Krubola, the man in Mattru ability, the country having progressed by at least ing the Agenda For Change and the improve on our ratings by continuing must experience and feel the impact 20 points in enabling a conducive business envi- general coordination of the confer- THE AGENDA FOR CHANGE: A CLEAR DIRECTION to deepen the democratic process, of the Agenda For Change,” President “As a government, we came in with a clear direc- ronment, in the fight against corruption at least 12 ence,” The President maintained. fight against corruption, demonstrate Koroma told his audience. It sounds tion as to what we have to do to turn this country points forward, and “in the ease of doing business, more transparency and accountabil- around based on our party manifesto, based on we are leaders in the sub region. This is how pre- IT’s TIME TO CAPTuRE THE MOMENT unusual for a ity that would provide the expected THANKs the promises we made to usher in a change. This pared we are, and this is our story, this is our new Turning his attention to Sierra Leone- Sierra Leo- confidence.” The President thanked all those that change and the aspirations of our people were story. The world has appreciated Sierra Leone; the ans, President Koroma said, “As Sierra contributed to the success of the con- all captured in the Agenda for Change,” he nar- donor community has endorsed the Agenda For Leoneans, it’s time for us to rally round nean leader THE SPIRIT SHOuLD BE CHANGED ference, including government offi- rated. Change.” and support Sierra Leone. This is not President Koroma said he has chal- cials, the donor community, and the time for politicking; it is time to capture The President said that “in order to succeed, the lenged government to put in place a British government, noting that, “This is BEYOND OuR EXPECTATIONs the moment. It is time for us as a gov- private sector has to take its rightful place in the unit charged with the responsibility of a high point for Sierra Leone, a time for On the conference proper, President Koroma said ernment, as political parties, as civil so- development sector,” which was why the Trade designing projects: “Like I mentioned Sierra Leoneans to look at it as a mo- it went very well, “even beyond our expectations ciety, as members of the fourth estate, and Investment Forum was held prior to the Con- at the Consultative Group meeting, ment to move Sierra Leone forward. as a government and as nation. And we must all to promote the cause of Sierra Leone. sultative Group meeting to attract private inves- the spirit should be changed.” If we are committed and sincere, we be proud of these achievements”. He noted that tors. We should not be looking for grants or must lend support to this programme the objective was for the Agenda For Change to He said Bumbuna has now been com- for charity all the way; but we should – whether as government, or civil so- “We went out there to tell the world that Sierra be accepted, and it was accepted; and for the pleted, but the work should continue be looking for business partners that ciety, or the fourth estate – we must Leone is ready for business, to tell the world that donor participation and donor base to be broad- until all the major towns and villages will support our development. We commit ourselves to making Sierra Le- the stories about Sierra Leone in the past should ened, and it was broadened, mentioning the ac- are given access to electricity sup- have to take full responsibility of our one a different place. I thank you all.” remain history; that they should learn a new story tive participation of the Organisation of Islamic ply; road construction is on-going, but future. We will call everybody to come about Sierra Leone, a Sierra Leone that is ready to Countries (OIC). more work needs to be done, that is and help, but the ultimate responsibil- move forward, a Sierra Leone that has accepted why he has decided to put in place a QuEsTIONs & ANswER SEssION He also noted that the conference would not ity of moving this country forward rests democracy, a Sierra Leone that is transparent, a follow-up or implementation unit that There was a question-and-answer ses- have been a success without the support of good on us as Sierra Leoneans.” Sierra Leone that is prepared to adhere to inter- would continuously monitor projects. sion wherein journalists were given an and great friends who believe in the commitment national standards expected of any country in opportunity to ask questions directly to of the government to change Sierra Leone’s cir-

24 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 SIERRA UPDATE | WINTER 2010 25 the President. Among others, questions were asked on the WHY THE CONFERENCE WAs HELD IN LONDON following lines, and the President answered each accord- It was a conference for the donor community, most or all ingly. of whom were out of the country. It was an opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone to the international community.

SACRED COws IN GOVERNMENT THE FINANCIAL TARGET & WHAT WAs GOT The President reiterated one of his first pronouncements when he assumed office – that there is no sacred cow in his Though there was a proposed target of an approximation government. But he said he will not work on rumours, but on of $800 million, the donors re-committed themselves to an evidence and substance before taking action. annual $300 million support. The President said the most im- portant part was not the money per se, but the commit- While placing absolute confidence in justice and the judi- ment of continued goodwill and support, which would in cial system, he stated that if the law-enforcement agencies the end produce much more than expected. like the police and the Anti Corruption Commission need unfettered access to his ministers, he would readily let that TWO SHIP-LOAD OF RICE happen as he has done in the past. He said members of his The President discouraged rumour-mongering and medi- family are not above the law, but they are also Sierra Leo- ocrity, asking people to come forward with the evidence: neans who have the right to do business legally. “If you come with the evidence, I’ll work on it.”

SECuRITY, VIs-Ÿ -VIs THE SITuATION IN GuINEA LETTER FROM OPPOsITION LEADER JOHN BENjAMIN He said he was very much concerned about the situ- The President said he could not tell whether the letter was ation in Guinea: “it is important to us as to the Guineans meant to raise matters of concern in a genuine and patriot- themselves, as anything there would have an influence on ic manner or it was meant to disrupt or divert attention from us.” He however said he is working within the sub-regional the London conference: “Whatever the intentions of the framework of peace in the context of the positions taken letter, the conference was very successful.” He acknowl- by both the MRU and ECOWAS, revealing that there is a edged that the issues raised were very important, but not pending meeting to be held this week in Burkina Faso on new; and he had “expected the opposition leader to have the Guinean crisis. come forward to discuss these matters with me…” The Pres- Sierra Leone High Commission ident said the London Conference should not be viewed THE WAY FORwARD from a politicized angle, as he does not believe in cheap United Kingdom/Northern Ireland President Koroma said this is no time to rest, but to continue politics…. “When he [opposition leader] was detained at 41 Eagle Street, Holborn, London to build on the gains already realized. Sierra Leone needs an American airport, I did not politicize it but called the WC1R 4TL good roads, Sierra Leone needs increased agricultural pro- American Ambassador to protest why a Sierra Leonean of Tel: +44-2074040140 ductivity, Sierra Leone needs electricity, Sierra Leone needs such stature was being treated this way…” On members of Fax: +442074309862 Email:[email protected] health facilities, Sierra Leone needs good educational his family, the President again said they are not above the amenities. The pursuing of the achievement of these, and law, but are Sierra Leoneans; while warning government many others for the ordinary man, the President posited, is officials or any other personality from using his name to Consular Fees the way forward. seek favours or further their business. The President said true All Applicants are requested to complete an Application Single Entry £50.00 democrats must focus on national development and prog- Six Month Multiple Entry £75.00 Form and provide one passport sized photograph and a SIERRA LEONEANs IN THE DIAsPORA ress “if we are not turn-coat democrats or those who have One Year Multiple Entry £100.00 Passport valid for not less than six month. The Head of State said a good number of Sierra Leoneans led gun-totting people to shoot their way to State House…” Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) £50.00 abroad participated at the conference, and that he has Visitor Visa - A letter of invitation should accompany re- great interest in stimulating them to contribute to national THE BEsT MINIsTER Payments for Visas and Emergency Travel Cer- quests for visitor’s Visa, which must include details of ac- development, stating that Sierra Leoneans should take the President Koroma said he would not say who the best min- tificate (ETC) should be made at any Barclays Bank Branch to the following Account: commodation in Sierra Leone. lead in the government’s development drive. ister is, but that his continual reviewing of the performance Sierra Leone High Commission contracts, in his avowed initial proclamation of running the Account No: 10782653 Business Visa - Request should be made with a letter of in- REPEAL OF THE CRIMINAL LIbEL LAws country as a business entity, is certainly yielding results with Sort Code: 20-36-47 Payment must be made before the submission of vitation from the business contact in Sierra Leone and must The President said he was by law constrained to comment enhanced performance by ministries. completed Application Forms in accordance with include details of accommodation in Sierra Leone. on the matter when it was in court, but that he would now the above instructions. do so since judgement had been given. He reiterated his EPILOGuE campaign promise to expunge certain obnoxious sections Before the President spoke, statements were delivered by of the 1965 Public Order Act. “Certain aspects of the law Minister of Finance Dr. Samura Kamara, Private Sector Ad- The stamped Barclays Bank Note: Please pay cash to the to return the Passport or contact need reviewing. We are still committed to looking at re- visor to the President Oluniyi Robin-Coker, and Civil Society Pay-In Slip should be presented cashier in order to obtain the said and pay courier to deliver your viewing those aspects… certainly before the end of my first Activist Charles Mambu. The occasion was chaired by the term.” at the High Commission together payment slip. passport and visa. Minister of Information and Communications I.B. Kargbo, with applicant’s form. If applying A registered Self Addressed who was introduced by the Minister of Presidential and Public Affairs Joe Koroma. by post please enclose the above Envelope (S.A.E) must be sup- The High Commission will not mentioned payment slip together plied for visas applied for by post be responsible for any loss of with the relevant documents. to enable the Consular Officer Passport by post.

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