News

By Mabinty M. Kamara

There is confusion at the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) after the controversial suspension of its substantive Executive Director.

The agency’s supervising ministry – Transport and Aviation – sparked the controversy when it declared Ken Philip Sondai, the Executive Director, suspended and temporarily appointed his deputy, Mr Festus Crosbie, as Executive Director.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

The failure of the Sierra Leone Government to deal with grievances of aggrieved people over the course of the last two years created the environment for the current insecurity in the country, a new report has revealed.

The report contained in a position paper by the Center for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) argues that the government is to blame for the situation for failing to ensure fairness in the justice system in addressing numerous issues over the period.

By Francis H. Murray

Students at the University of Sierra Leone (USL) have expressed concern about the online teaching program being offered by the university. This week the university commenced the second semester amidst the closure of universities due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Whiles students appreciate the innovative idea of taking lectures online, some of them are concerned about the challenges associated with internet connectivity, access and the learning app, all of which they say is hampering the smooth running of the program.

By Francis H. Murray

Deputy Vice Chancellor of Njala University Mokonde Campus, Professor Bashiru Koroma, has lauded the campus’ COVID-19 Taskforce for its work in making sure the university and its environs don’t record a case of the viral disease.

The Mokonde campus is in Moyamba District, Southern region of the country. The district is yet to record a case, despite neighbours Bo having recorded 11.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

The Sierra Leone Police has retired five senior police officers across the country. Politico understands that the retirees were all let go based on the stipulated retirement order, under section 7 (5) 173 of the laws of Sierra Leone of 1950 as amended by section 1 of the Pension Acts of 1973.

By Mabinty Kamara and Francis Murray

Chief Justice Babatunde Edwards has ordered for the reopening of courts on Monday, two weeks after he called off all hearings amidst fears of the spread of COVID-19 through the courts and the penal system.

The reopening order was announced this week by the Chief Justice after an appeal by President Julius Maada Bio last week for the judiciary to reopen courts and in order to fats track trial of accused persons involved in violent incidences across the country.