News

By Francis H. Murray

The newly appointed Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, Ambrose Michael Sovula, has assured members of Parliament that his administration would follow a professional path in policing the people of Sierra Leone.

He said his approach to policing the country would be different and that he would ensure that the human rights of citizens were held in utmost reverence. 

By Francis H. Murray

Police last Tuesday thwarted a planned demonstration by residents of Mountain Cut and its surrounding communities over a management dispute at the community hospital.

The leadership dispute at the Macaulley Street Government Hospital led to its closing down for at least two days in the last two weeks, due to strike action by the staff.

Sources said the incident was the culmination of over two weeks of rancor sparked by the controversial appointment of a new Medical Superintendent.

By Kemo Cham

The 2020 timetable calendar of the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Exams (WASSCE) has been suspended, Politico has learnt.

A statement dated March 19 from the headquarters of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) said they move was taken as a measure against the ongoing global Coronavirus pandemic.

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

The Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) has announced several measures meant to support local businesses with the goal of cushioning the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement by the bank on Friday, it said the Monetary Policy Committee agreed for the Bank to create a Special Credit Facility to the tune of Le500 billion to support the production, procurement and distribution of essential goods and services.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

The Sierra Leone Drivers and General Transport Workers Union has told Politico that the government’s latest order for transport workers to reduce passengers will not be implemented on poda-podas (mini-buses) and taxis.

Alpha Amadu Bah said the law will only affect Kekehs (Rickshaws) and long buses, noting that this was part of the measures that was agreed by government.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

The 24 journalists recently appointed as Information Attaché to various missions abroad will be deployed to their respective missions as soon as the global Coronavirus pandemic is contained, Minister of Information, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has said.

Mr Swaray told Politico that whiles they wait, the attaches would be given the required training in the coming weeks, to prepare them for their new assignment. He said part of their job description was to rebrand the image of the country on the international stage.

By Francis H. Murray

Four Ministries relevant to the national efforts towards the fight against the Coronavirus disease last week updated parliament on progress in their specific tasks.

The briefing which lasted for two days – Thursday March 19 and Friday March 20 – provided insight into what the country is doing, with the goal of providing answers and clear doubts over the country’s preparedness.