By Kadiatu Sankoh
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education weekly press conference on Tuesday, 14th January 2025, addressed pressing national issues. Topics ranged from the Public Health Emergency declared to combat the M-Pox virus, updates on the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces recruitment, measures to address the high cost of rice and fuel, and advancements in local rice cultivation. Key stakeholders from various sectors shared insights and progress, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving public welfare and economic stability. The following are the key highlights:
Public Health Emergency: M-Pox Virus
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, provided an update on the Public Health Emergency declared by the Ministry of Health to combat the M-Pox virus. This announcement follows the confirmation of two positive cases in the Western Area. Minister Bah emphasized the fluid nature of M-Pox transmission, and urged citizens to remain vigilant. He advised the public to watch for symptoms, including skin rashes around the belly, chest, face, and hands, and to report suspected cases by calling 117. The Minister assured the nation that Sierra Leone is equipped to manage the virus, noting that the confirmed cases are responding to treatment at Connaught Hospital, and contact tracing efforts are underway. As preventive measures, Minister Bah encouraged regular handwashing, minimizing handshakes, and reducing physical contact.
RSLAF Recruitment Announcement
Minister Bah announced the recruitment process for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), targeting Officer Cadets, Specialists, Trades and Non-Tradesmen of men and Women for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Applicants must be Sierra Leonean, possess a National Identification Number (NIN), and be medically, physically, and psychologically fit. Eligible candidates should be undergraduate degree holders from recognized universities, aged between 18 and 25, with a minimum height of 1.68 meters (5 feet 5 inches) for males and 1.62 meters (5 feet 3 inches) for females. Applications, written in handwriting, must be submitted to Brigade Commanders at designated locations, including 4th Infantry Brigade, TEKO barracks Makeni, 2 Infantry Brigade, Reservation Kenema, 5 Infantry Brigade, Gondama Barracks, Bo, 3 Infantry Brigade, Murray Town Barracks, Freetown and 15 infantry Brigade, Lungi Barracks, Lungi, by January 20, 2025.
Addressing the High Cost of Rice and Fuel
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, highlighted President Bio’s directive to address the rising costs of rice and fuel. The Ministry has finalized a pricing formula in collaboration with Oil Marketing Companies and engaged rice importers over an eight-month period. These efforts have resulted in the reduction of the wholesale price of rice to Le800. Minister Sesay assured the public that further engagement with the Ministry of Transport would establish a retail price list shortly. While prioritizing the affordability of parboiled rice, the government is also exploring ways to reduce the cost of Jasmine rice.
Boosting Local Rice Cultivation
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, described the reduction in the wholesale price of imported rice as a temporary measure to enhance affordability while advancing the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in rice production. He disclosed that over 600,000 hectares of rice were cultivated in 2024 through collaborative efforts between the government and private individuals. Dr. Kpaka noted ongoing irrigation work and the installation of a large milling machine at Tormabum, expressing confidence that locally produced rice would soon be available in shops nationwide. He emphasized the need for $2.8 billion to implement the Feed Salone Project’s strategy and called for support from all stakeholders.
Private Sector Support for Feed Salone
Hicham El Zein, Manager of Confidence Trading Company (CTC), commended the government for stabilizing the exchange rate, which has significantly impacted the wholesale price of rice. He highlighted the importance of exchange rate stability in ensuring market predictability, and expressed interest in investing in local rice production. However, he urged the government to increase production and reduce the cost of local rice to enhance competitiveness
Concerns from Market Women
Haja Marie Bob Kandeh, President of the Market Women’s Association, called for clarity on rice pricing, noting the variations in brand and quality. She reported that some retailers are still selling rice at the wholesale price and urged the government to consider labor and rent costs in addition to transportation when determining prices. Haja Kandeh emphasized the need for greater engagement with business stakeholders and robust monitoring to ensure the new prices benefit consumers.