Hon. Musa Tarawally Supports Women Entrepreneurs With Le500 Million
By Kadiatu Sankoh
One of Sierra Leone’s most renowned politicians and humanitarians, Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally, has once again brought smiles to the faces of women across the country. This time, his focus was on the women of Koidu City, Kono District, where he launched the Kono District Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, a project aimed at empowering women and promoting financial stability.
The launch, held at the Thomas Saquee Resource Center in Koidu Town, was a scene of joy and gratitude. Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally officially announced the formation of the cooperative society and provided a loan of Five Hundred Million Leones (NLe 500 Million) to support women entrepreneurs. He also presented certificates to trainees who completed business and financial management training.
In his address, Hon. Tarawally stated that the initiative aligns with his commitment to supporting President Julius Maada Bio’s development agenda, emphasizing that the government alone cannot employ everyone. He expressed his passion for women’s empowerment, noting that the women of Kono District play a crucial role in Sierra Leone’s economy, despite facing significant hardships.
“This initiative is not just about economic support, but about wiping away the tears of our women,” he stated. “Kono District is a key contributor to our nation’s economy, yet poverty remains high. I am here to help change that narrative.”
Hon. Tarawally highlighted that the women’s cooperative society is fully registered with both the district and city councils, ensuring credibility and accountability. The loans provided are interest-free, and women have been trained on how to manage their businesses effectively to sustain their families.
He also challenged the common belief that only educated individuals can succeed in business, asserting that with the right support and training, every woman, regardless of literacy level, can contribute meaningfully to national development.
Hon. Tarawally shared his broader contributions to society, including awarding 4,400 scholarships to students nationwide and constructing over 300 mosques to support religious worship. He urged the women to pray for his continued success, as he remains committed to supporting national development initiatives.
He further announced his plan to establish similar cooperative societies across the country, all of which are officially registered and certified by the Sierra Leone Cooperative Society. He assured the women that if they manage the resources well, he would seek additional donors and partners to expand their financial opportunities.
Hon. Musa Tarawally concluded by announcing that the NLe 500 Million has been deposited into the cooperative’s account, effective immediately. He urged the women to engage in inter-district trade and expand their businesses, emphasizing that this initiative is a pathway to financial independence and generational wealth.
The event saw widespread support from community leaders and women’s groups:
Paramount Chief Alhaji Sahr C.N. KonoBundor offered prayers and pledged his full support for the initiative, promising that the people of Kono would ensure its success.
District National Mammy Queen, Madam Tiwa Kelfala Kaimachiande, praised Hon. Tarawally for his bold step in empowering women, encouraging all Mammy Queens to support the cooperative.
Mrs. Bondu Saquee, representing the wives of Paramount Chiefs, commended the initiative, noting that while many women’s organizations exist, this cooperative has the potential to unite them for a common purpose.
Representatives from the Eastern Women’s Network, 50/50 Organization, Kono District Council, and Concerned Women’s Groups all applauded the initiative, promising their collective support.
The event ended with renewed hope, as women leaders vowed to ensure the success of the cooperative and prove that empowering women can transform communities and drive national development.