News

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay and Mabinty M. Kamara

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has announced that it would examine the content of the 2018 Auditor General’s report and act on it where appropriate.

In a statement released by the anti-graft body on Thursday, it said it would look for possible corrupt offences and collaborate with Parliament to address some of the issues in the report.

The Auditor General’s report summarizes the results of the financial compliance and performance undertaken on Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).

By Mabinty M.Kamara

The National Youth Commission (NYCOM) Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and the Foundation for Arts, Culture and Entertainment is set to convene the first ever carnival, dubbed: ‘Back to my route.’

By Umaru Fofana

In what FGM campaigners say is an unprecedented move and a potential game changer in the fight against the practice, some 70 young initiates over the weekend underwent the Bondo secret society ceremony in Port Loko District without the circumcision ritual.

The alternative rite of passage was preceded by dozens of cutters – or Soweis – handing in their knives and replacing their red-and-white head ties with blue-and-yellow ones. They signed a declaration that they would never again practise FGM.

By Hajaratu Kalokoh

Businesspeople across Freetown have accused the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) of exploiting them with their newly introduced tariff system. Some business owners say the charges are exorbitant and they warned that the increment is threatening the viability of their investment.

Mohamed Koroma, General Manager at Lumley Fast Food Restaurant, told Politico that prior to the new tariff he used Le500, 000 worth of unit for a week but now the same amount just lasts for two days.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

Citizens have complained about the difficult economic situation of the country during the Christmas season. Most of the people who spoke to Politico blamed the difficulty on inflation, exchange rate and taxes.

The Christmas season which coincides with the end of the year, is a popular time for festivities in Sierra Leone. During this period, businesses expect sales to increase, but that has not been the case this year.

By Hajaratu Kalokoh

The opposition National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party has said the National Revenue Authority (NRA) is unfriendly to businesses through its tax regime which they say has intensified the economic hardship in the country. The party made the statement at their monthly press conference at their headquarters in Freetown.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

The First lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Bio, has blamed the Police and Judiciary for the plight of girls who fell victim of sexual abuse. Mrs Bio said the two institutions have failed to protect girls against sexual crimes like rape.

She made the revelation as part of her report on the challenges facing the fight against rape and the protection of girls in the country. The report was presented to President Julius Maada Bio on Friday, during the final launch of the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign.