News

By Mabinty M. Kamara

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) is taking its digitalization drive to a new level with its planned introduction of the Electronic Cash Register System (ECRS) for businesses operating in the country.

Officials said the ECRS, one of several innovations being introduced by the NRA, is meant to encourage businesses to pay taxes due to government and they are calling on taxpayers to embrace the new system that is expected to fully operational next year.

By Hajaratu Kalokoh

The Sierra Leone government has announced plans to introduce Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in the school curriculum as part of the country’s journey towards a science and technology hub.

Officials said the plan is to introduce the course by next academic year.

By Prince J Musa in Kenema

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has called on journalists and Civil Society activists in the Eastern region to help the commission in the fight against corruption.

The Deputy Director of Public Education and Outreach, Alhassan Kargbo made the call during a visit to Kenema on Tuesday. Kargbo said the role of CSOs and the media is integral considering their interface with the public.

By Mabinty M. Kamara

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Mano River Union (MRU) Secretariat have signed a cooperation agreement designed to collaborate in development initiatives. 

The agreement contained in a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Wednesday at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown commit the UN development agency and MRU member countries to working closely at regional level on development initiatives.

By Hajaratu Kalokoh

The latest report on child poverty in Sierra Leone has revealed that the Northern region has the highest percentage of multidimensional child poverty in the country.

The Child Poverty 2018 report, a study conducted by Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) and launched on Tuesday, indicates that 76% of children living in the northern region are deprived of at least one of their basic rights.

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

President Julius Maada Bio has rejected the controversial 2020 Finance Act that was passed by Parliament last week which provoked a huge public outcry.

The Act contained provisions that would have given the President, Vice President and Speaker of Parliament carte blanche in spending tax payers’ money given to them as per diem for international travels. They would have been under no obligation to explain to the public how such money was spent.

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested two staff of the Immigration Department at the Lungi International Airport for corruption. The suspects, a man and a woman, were arrested on Tuesday following a positive identification from a traveler who claimed she paid US$80 as visa fee but was not given a receipt.

The ACC said they mounted a raid on the airport on receiving the information.