Feature

An international network of leading investigative journalists is today [28/02/17] contacting 7,000 politicians in 20 countries to request they publish details of their own tax records as part of a new global drive for accountability and transparency in politics.

Award-winning journalists from countries including Ukraine, Pakistan and South Africa have travelled to London to spearhead the new campaign at a time of growing concern over politicians and their personal business interests.

By Mustapha Sesay  

Access to education remains a huge challenge for many in Africa, more so in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. This, according to experts, has helped to fuel poverty and bad governance which has undersized development and growth. 

The Africa America Institute (AAI) State of Education in Africa Report 2015 states: “University enrolment rates in Sub-Saharan Africa are among the lowest in the world,” and that “globally 8 out 10 countries with the lowest pre-primary net enrolment rates are in sub-Saharan Africa.”

By Kemo Cham

Last October the role of the Sierra Leonean media in the fight against corruption was put to a test.

One of the country’s telecommunication operators was found wanting for tax evasion. According to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), the company understated its tax returns, among other offences.

By Hassan Morlai, London

This is an opinion based on Sierra Leone High Court judgment handed down on 02/11/2016 and England High Court judgment handed down on 03/11/2016

In boxing, a fighter who punches above his weight is in essence a fighter in a lower weight division fighting another boxer in a higher weight division. In such circumstance, the fighter in the higher weight division, in all likelihood, is more dominant with greater power to defeat the fighter in the lower weight division.

Application at the ECOWAS court

SUBJECT MATTER OF PROCEEDINGS: 

a.    Violation of the Applicant’s Right to Protection and Security of the Law as enshrined in Article 3(2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

    b.    Violation of the Applicant’s Right to Due Process of the Law as enshrined in Article 7(1) of the African Charter on Human and People’ Rights and Article 14(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

By Dana J. Hyde 

The people of Sierra Leone have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to overcome challenges and lift themselves up. With the end of the civil war in 2002, the country set a strong democratic precedent and launched on a path of rapid economic growth. But the tragic Ebola epidemic suddenly interrupted the nation’s positive trajectory.

By Khadi Mansaray (photo)

A few weeks ago pandemonium erupted in  Freetown when it was reported that a baby had been stolen. Investigations revealed the culprit was a nurse in the maternity ward and had faked pregnancy.  It’s appeared that the intention was to steal a baby when her apparent baby was due.  Understandably the mother was quite distraught. This despicable act seemed to be premeditated and meticulously planned that mental instability is unlikely.   It’s a crime and should be treated as such. However it could also be a desperate cry for help.