The Whistle Blower

08/12/2023

D Debate everywhere is whether former President Koroma will return home today or will be detained.

07/12/2023

Meet Haja Khadija Kamara - the Tomato Farmer in Waterloo

By Richmond B Tholley

Haja Khadija Kamara is among the women transforming farming and changing the notion that farming is for men, not women.

Haja is currently cultivating a variety of crops and fruits in her Waterloo community and its surroundings in the Western Rural Area of Sierra Leone.

As a graduate, she did not wait for the government to get her a job but rather engaged in farming, especially in potato cultivation.

In a brief interview with this medium, Haja said she is using her meager resources to finance her agricultural projects, and by this, she can contribute to the development of society and complement the government's efforts.

Women engaged in the business of potatoes come to her farm to buy from her and later sell to the public in the Waterloo community.

Unfortunately, Haja's dream of changing the narrative in her community through agriculture is been challenged by a lack of support and finance to control pests which she said is deterring her project.

"Pest control has been a major factor that is negatively affecting our work. This farming season alone, we saw huge damage on the potatoes as you can see, and this is a big loss to me as a woman farmer," Haja reiterates.

Currently, ''all that am doing is financed and supported by me and it's challenging," she stated

She pleaded for government support so the project could hugely benefit others, especially the women farmers across the country.

She recounted what she has gone through in her journey of becoming a woman farmer which she said is been worth trying and impactful in diverse ways.

"With the huge challenges and successes so far, I can say the experience and impacts are great, and it has left an indelible mark in my life and career as an agriculturist," she stated.

07/12/2023

H.A.A.A.N.D Africa Certifies Ten Filmmakers in Bombali After Two Weeks Training on Climate Change

By Richmond B Tholley

Humanitarian Association of Artist Advocacy Network Domain Africa has on Tuesday, December 6th, 2023 at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology Hall in the Northern City of Makeni certified ten young aspiring filmmakers after weeks of intensive training on filming and media.

The two-week training prepares the filmmakers on how to tell stories through films that will raise awareness of the human and environmental consequences of unchecked causes of gender-based violence and depression as a result of climate change.

"The initiative is to harness the power of storytelling and filmmaking for social change and to raise awareness about the human and environmental consequences of unchecked causes of gender-based violence and depression as a result of climate change," Papa Edwin Shaw, the Project Coordinator said during the beginning of the training.

Throughout the training, the participants were taught to amplify their voices to share impactful narratives and contribute to building a more harmonious society.

During the certification ceremony, Zachariah Lloyd Sesay, the founder and President of HAND Africa, urges the filmmakers to use the opportunity to tell stories that will raise awareness of the dangers of gender-based violence and depression.

Giving a background of the Organization, he said HAAAND Africa has given a plethora of opportunities to young people across Sierra Leone by partnering with local and International organizations through providing training on a variety of issues and or topics.

The President urged participants to grab the opportunity they have acquired throughout the training to make others know the truth about climate change.

Sesay said one of the dreams of HAAAND Africa is to serve humanity through filmmaking for sustainable development and youth empowerment.

"We're thrilled to announce this groundbreaking initiative in the realm of media and filmmaking," Sesay said.

The funds for the training, he noted were provided by the European Union.

Isha Sow, one of the participants thanked the organization for equipping her and her colleagues.

"This is huge and we will further produce films that will impact society at large," She noted.

After the two weeks of training, she said they can edit, write scripts, direct, and produce films, especially on climate change.

During the presentation ceremony, several other stakeholders from both the public and private sectors attended and made statements.

The award of the certificates to the ten filmmakers, and the production of two movies on climate change and its causes on gender-based violence and depression climaxed the colorful occasion.

07/12/2023

According to a Notice from the Ministry of Information, former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Earnest Bai Koroma has been invited to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Sierra Leone Police.

Below is the notice 👎👎👎

07/12/2023

The Editor of the Whistle Blower - Richmond B Tholley was together with other filmmakers and journalists certified by the Humanitarian Association of Artist Advocacy Network Domain Africa having completed two weeks of training on climate change and media for peace.

Congratulations Mr. Tholley, we're proud of you as a team.

06/12/2023

H.A.A.A.N.D Africa Certifies Ten Filmmakers in Bombali After Two Weeks Training on Climate Change

By Richmond B Tholley

Humanitarian Association of Artist Advocacy Network Domain Africa has on Tuesday, December 6th, 2023 at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology Hall in the Northern City of Makeni certified ten young aspiring filmmakers after weeks of intensive training on filming and media.

The two-week training prepares the filmmakers on how to tell stories through films that will raise awareness of the human and environmental consequences of unchecked causes of gender-based violence and depression as a result of climate change.

"The initiative is to harness the power of storytelling and filmmaking for social change and to raise awareness about the human and environmental consequences of unchecked causes of gender-based violence and depression as a result of climate change," Papa Edwin Shaw, the Project Coordinator said during the beginning of the training.

Throughout the training, the participants were taught to amplify their voices to share impactful narratives and contribute to building a more harmonious society.

During the certification ceremony, Zachariah Lloyd Sesay, the founder and President of HAND Africa, urges the filmmakers to use the opportunity to tell stories that will raise awareness of the dangers of gender-based violence and depression.

Giving a background of the Organization, he said HAAAND Africa has given a plethora of opportunities to young people across Sierra Leone by partnering with local and International organizations through providing training on a variety of issues and or topics.

The President urged participants to grab the opportunity they have acquired throughout the training to make others know the truth about climate change.

Sesay said one of the dreams of HAAAND Africa is to serve humanity through filmmaking for sustainable development and youth empowerment.

"We're thrilled to announce this groundb

06/12/2023

Misappropriation of Public funds, other corruption-related charges

Samura Kamara Corruption Trial Resumes Today.

Samura Kamara, the Leader of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), is scheduled to appear in court today, Wednesday, July 19, 2023, along with several others, facing charges related to corruption allegations

The judiciary has confirmed that SLBC, AYV, FTN, and Star TV will broadcast the proceedings live, while access to the courtroom remains restricted solely to accredited journalists and lawyers.

Samura Kamara faces corruption charges related to the misappropriation of public funds during his tenure as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in the previous APC administration.

04/12/2023

A security source has confirmed to The Whistle Blower that Koita has been arrested in Freetown this night. Full Details later.

04/12/2023

Like the August 10 insurgence, President Bio will only stop at giving speeches

Richmond B. Tholley writes......✍️✍️✍️

It is almost becoming a normal thing that President Julius Maada Bio will always come to make long speeches with no action whenever our lives and security are threatened by a certain section of society.

Yes, this is not a novelty, it has been happening, and we are used to it. It happened in the wake of the Commission of Inquiry, the August 10 uprising, and many others if one could go on to jot down.

It's clear now that those perpetuating chaos and violence in our country are not brought to justice.

We Sierra Leoneans now know we have a president in the person of Julius Maada Bio whose bogus fights to curb lawlessness and indiscipline only stop at giving marathon speeches and mere nationwide addresses.

We're tired of listening to speeches, we want to see action this time.

Except if we want to be hypocrites to our conscience, but our people are going through hell and tired of seeing the blood of their compatriots being spilled every day.

Our mothers have cried since since President took over and they are tired of dropping their tears and mourning their children who are supposed to bury them.

You're an old soldier and always a soldier, so, wake up now before they could kill all of us.

Since he took over as the Head State of the West African nation in 2018, the people of Sierra Leone have witnessed untold histories, violence, and unnecessary wrangling believed to be premeditated by certain people in our society.

Innocent members of the security forces and civilians have been brutally massacred, and state-owned properties destroyed.

As the President of Sierra Leone, President Bio seems to be playing with our lives and properties. The lives of members of our security forces are being at risk every day.

The lives of our people are not safe and we can not continue sitting by and allowing desperate individuals to endanger our lives for their selfish political interests or desires.

The increase in the rate of lawlessness in recent years and the number of lives lost as a result of unnecessary and worthless demonstrations or whatever they call them are enough for any serious leader to stop being hesitant and act.

This is no longer something about giving marathon speeches. Act now Mr President, go after all those behind these attacks.

Last year, an investigation was launched to identify individuals who ignited or sponsored the August 10 riot, unfortunately, no action was taken even when the investigators reported to the president the outcome of their inquiry.

Shamefully, the government betrayed the families of those killed in the August 10 insurgence after it failed to bring to justice those behind that bloody demonstration.

Even those who murdered our civilians weren't brought to justice.

And surprisingly, though certain individuals including prominent politicians in the opposition and a then cabinet member in President Bio's government were named to play a role in the said insurgence, no action was taken.

The August 10 riot last year not only claimed the lives of many of our compatriots and threatened the security of the State but it also disrupted businesses.

That one has passed and now an attempted coup again as the government put it.

But the president has started his usual pattern of bombarding us with long speeches, and this time we are not ready for that.

We desired to see people go to jail irrespective of their positions or political connections.

A lot of feeling the pinch of some actions of those lawless citizens and we want to see action this time, not just speeches that would warrant no action.

The President's speech in the wake of the alleged coup is worth reading and pondering but it is only relevant when it follows action. As evidence reveals every day, let those responsible be held accountable for their actions.

Sierra Leone should no longer be ready to accommodate citizens whose actions and plans are to decimate us and our country.

Act now, Mr President.

02/12/2023

Central University Announces Date for Student Union Presidential Election, Calls for Application

By Richmond B Tholley

The privately owned Central University in the Northern town of Mile 91 has on November 29th, 2023 in a public notice asked students who are interested in vying for the presidency of the University's Student Union to send their application to the Registry Office.

December 18th, 2023, according to the notice from the University's office of the Registrar has been set aside for the conduct of the elections for the 2023/2024 academic year.

"On that note, the administration is calling on interested candidates to pick up, fill out, and submit the application forms to the Registry not later than Friday 1st December 2023," the public notice from the University reads in part.

Only students in their second and third years of study, the University says are eligible to contest the Student Union presidency.

The other criterion, the public notice says one must secure a Grade Point Average (GPA) of not less than 3.80 from the previous year or won't qualify to contest.

Having submitted all application letters, and then the names of the qualified candidates, the University said would be announced and published on December 5th, 2023.

Later, a date for what the institution called peaceful campaigns would be announced.

It's unclear how many students have applied for the position.

Central University is among the fastest-growing learning institutions in Sierra Leone.

A few years after it was established in Yoni Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, Central University is been in the book of history for academic excellence and its zero-tolerance for corruption, s*x for grades, and examination malpractice.

01/12/2023

HAAAND Africa Begins Nine-Day Training for Aspiring Filmmakers in Makeni on Climate Change and its Impact on Society

By Richmond B Tholley

In Partnership with the National Authorising Office and funded by the European Union, the Humanitarian Association of Artist Advocacy Network Domain Africa has on Thursday 30th November 2023 at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technolgy in the Northern City of Makeni started a nine-day training for ten youths and aspiring filmmakers on filming and media for peace.

The initiative, according to the Project Coordinator, Papa Edwin Shaw, is to harness the power of storytelling and filmmaking for social change and to raise awareness about the human and environmental consequences of unchecked causes of gender-based violence and depression as a result of climate change.

Throughout the training, Shaw said, participants will be opportune to amplify their voices to share impactful narratives and contribute to building a more harmonious society.

"Media is a powerful tool for promoting understanding, empathy, and unity. And empowering individual participants with the skills needed to create meaningful films mostly on the impact of gender-based violence is what the training is all about," Shaw stated.

The organization, he said is fostering a community of storytellers who can inspire positive impact and contribute to building lasting peace and harmony in communities.

The training, he said is also currently ongoing in Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone.

Zachariah Llyod Sesay is the founder and president of HAAAND Africa, he urged participants to grab the opportunity. Sesay said one of the the dreams of HAAAND Africa is to serve humanity through filmmaking for sustainable development.

"We're thrilled to announce this groundbreaking initiative in the realm of media and filmmaking," Sesay said.

He noted that their collaboration with the National Authorising Office and the funding from the European Union makes the initiative possible.

"Together, we're creating a platform for creativity, dialogue, and transformation," the Coordinator explained.

We call on the participants to be attentive and focused on embarking on this cinematic journey together," he said.

30/11/2023

Sierra Leone: How Serious is the War on Lawlessness and Indiscipline?

By Richmond B Tholley

Indiscipline and lawlessness are among the two vices that have negatively affected and slowed down the growth and advancement of Sierra Leone and its people.

A countless number of developmental projects have not only dwindled but died a natural death because of lawlessness.

Patients have died in hospitals, innocent citizens died in road accidents, and school buildings collapsed because of the lawless behaviors of some of our compatriots.

Before assuming power in 2018, Julius Maada Bio promised citizens of Sierra Leone that he would not only fight against lawlessness and indiscipline but would make sure that lawless citizens irrespective of tribe, political affiliations, and, or class are prosecuted and punished.

Except few others, the majority of Sierra Leoneans were not only pleased but also prayed that the proclamations of the then opposition leader and now President of the Republic of Sierra Leone didn't end up being mere pronouncement that was meant to to score political goals.

Sierra Leonean's wish was that President Bio would use all legal instruments enshrined in our 1991 Constitution if not entirely eradicate but minimize these two enemies in our country.

Having completed his five-year mandate and now a second-term president, the question every right-thinking citizen of Sierra Leone must ask today is whether Julius Maada Bio has minimized lawlessness.

Others might have a different perspective from mine, but in my opinion as a citizen of Mama Salon, either the president has been hesitant to take action or may be afraid of the aftermath of any future unrest in the country, but lawlessness and discipline are on the increase and alarming.

This is because, in Sierra Leone, the corrupt and lawless people will always have a way to fight back.

However, the fact is that HE Julius Maada Bio must wake up from slumber now or else lawlessness and indiscipline will over almost every facet of our society.

What anyone can not deny currently is that though the ordinary Sierra Leonean is faced with a plethora of economic challenges the monster of lawlessness is making things worse for the majority.

And to be sincere, the majority of the population are every day feeling the pinch of these two menaces.

In recent years, politically motivated and unnecessary protests have caused the State to several innocent compatriots including members of our security forces, civilians, and, their properties. A lot of families are bereaved because their loved ones have been killed in politically motivated unrest orchestrated by some section of lawless citizens.

Public properties were burnt and or destroyed and Corruption is increasing.

Unfortunately, most of those igniting mayhem are walking freely instead of being brought to justice.

Businesses were disrupted on many occasions but those behind those ugly occurrences are left free either because they're sympathizers of the ruling party or they are powerful people from the country's two main political parties.

Even as I type citizens are under immense suffering because of a partial curfew imposed on them as a result of the actions of a few lawless Sierra Leoneans.

Our people are afraid of going out to fend for their living because of the threat posed by the attackers.

While I commend the government and the security forces for defiantly standing tall against those attackers who want to hold a once peaceful nation hostage for personal gains, let me also register my utmost displeasure to President Bio and his government.

Throughout his tenure, our country has witnessed an increase in lawlessness and indiscipline.

Senseless and unlawful killings of innocent citizens, immorality, "mammy cusses", and other unlawful acts are the order of the day and every day increasing.

Several Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora are using social media to inject hatred, tribalism, and venom into citizens back home.

Government ministers and public officials are seen publicly preaching tribal slurs without consequences.

Sierra Leone, our country is a member of a plethora of international organizations, but why is President Bio not using that power to draw the attention of the leadership of countries harboring those citizens in the diaspora that are fanning tribal conflicts on social media?

The President promised to protect us and he was under oath but it seems some few lawless compatriots are bent on taking our nation to the days of carnage where law and order weren't respected and obeyed.
And the country's leadership appears to be taking the fight against lawlessness lightly.

Nonetheless, what I can assure any Sierra Leonean is that the majority of citizens are not ready to be taken back to the days of rebellion. In whatever circumstances, the President must be tactful enough to free this nation and its people from the shackles of lawlessness and indiscipline.

The public outcry and wallowing seem to be distracting the President who is the fountain of honor.

And it mustn't allowed to happen because we can only prosper as a nation with zero tolerance for lawlessness.

For this fight to be taken seriously, the first gentleman must ensure members of his party especially those holding public offices serve as examples. And the law must be allowed to operate impartially and fairly to whosoever offends it without discrimination on political, tribal, and regional lines.

There is a price (s) every Sierra Leonean leader has to pay if only we are serious about defeating these two common enemies in our land.

Character assassination is one of the prices you will pay, your opponents, critics, and the opposition will call you names.

You either ignore critics and opponents and move on with your fight so that posterity will judge you kindly and history will remember you as one of your country's heroes or you failed.

Biblically, the wrath of the Lord will befall anyone who fails to deliver or fulfill a promise he/she is under oath for.

It's left to you now to either allow Mama Salon to be captured by a few lawless and selfish individuals under your watch and leadership or redeem your people.

30/11/2023

Our Chiefdom editor - Richmond B Tholley blows the whistle on the increase in lawlessness and indiscipline in Sierra Leone.

Click on the link below and read the full article.

By Richmond B Tholley Indiscipline and lawlessness are among the two vices that have negatively affected and slowed down the growth and advancement of Sierra Leone and its people. A countless number of developmental projects have not only dwindled but died a natural death because of lawlessness. Pat...

28/11/2023

Mile 91 Police Division LUC Calls on Residents to be Observant, and Not Panic

By Richmond B Tholley

Amidst the ongoing security conundrum in the country, the Local Unit Commander of the Mile 91 Divisional Headquarters, Chief Superintendent of Police Michael JK Lagga has warned residents in his operational vicinities of Yoni, Kholifa Mabang, and Malal Chiefdoms to be vigilant and watchful of any security threat and report to the Police.

In a radio broadcast on Sunday, November 26th, 2023 on Radio Gbafth in Mile 91 town, the LUC, CSP Lagga called on residents not to panic and assured them that the security is not only on top of the situation but will also put under control any eventuality of a security threat.

Public safety, CSP Lagga said is the police's utmost concern but he noted that the Sierra Leone Police relied on the public to execute its duty, especially in such critical times.

It could be recalled that some unidentified people past Sunday broke into the military armory at Wilberforce Barrack in Freetown igniting tension and a security threat across the country.

In other to reduce the risk of spreading fake news and tension, the LUC assured Mile 91 residents and its neighborhoods of police presence in all corners each time they were called upon.

"Report anything suspicious of a security threat in your community and the police will intervene," LUC Lagga said.

Logga noted that his team makes sure everyone adheres to the partial curfew imposed by the government. He called on residents to follow all security measures instituted by authorities which he said are meant to restore calm and normalcy.

Thoroughly, CSP Lagga said, those who are bent on undermining the orders and laws of the land, will be vehemently resisted.

Currently, night patrols and monitoring of strategic areas around the Mile 91 township have been ongoing since the curfew was declared.

According to the LUC, this will continue until the government deems otherwise.

Meanwhile, there ha

27/11/2023

WATERLOO POLICE SECURITY UPDATES

27-11-2023

Acting on intelligence, the Police Waterloo Police Division has arrested Twelve (12) men who escaped from the Pademba Road Male Correctional Center in Freetown during the prison break-in on Sunday the 27th of November 2023.

Amongst the arrested inmates are those standing trial for Murder and other felonious criminal offenses.

The entire Waterloo Police Division is calm. Several checkpoints have been mounted and manned by joint security (military and police) personnel.

Media Team
Waterloo Division

27/11/2023

We joined our esteemed Chief editor Richmond B Tholley as he mourned and observed the third death anniversary of his mother today.

On this day November 27, 2020, Madam Ramatu Kanu, the mother of our editor passed on in Mile 91, and as today marks her third anniversary we want to join the family in praying for the soul of the late woman to rest in peace.

As today marks another moment of remembrance and prayers, we ask that the Almighty God pardon and grant her eternal bliss.

May perpetual light continue to shine on her in the grave until we all meet again.

From colleagues at The Whistle Blower.

26/11/2023

UMC Primary School in Kholifa Mabang Engages in Rice Cultivation

By Richmond B Tholley

Staff and pupils of a primary school in Northern Sierra Leone have joined other meaningful Sierra Leoneans and organizations to boost the cultivation and production of rice in its vicinity.

In a surprising turn of events, the United Methodist Primary School in Mabai, a small town in Kholifa Mabang Chiefdom, Tonkolili District is immensely cultivating rice, thus contributing to nation-building.

"For this agricultural season alone, we have cultivated and produced a plethora of bushels of rice that will help us feed our pupils," Osman G Fornah, the Headteacher said.

In an exclusive interview with our medium on November 19th, 2023, Fornah, the Headteacher indicated that the School is engaging in rice cultivation and production to complement the effort of government in promoting food security and help their pupils.

The food supplied to schools by the Government and International Partners, the Headteacher said isn't enough for the kids but he rather advises other School authorities especially those in rural communities to also engage in farming.

By this, Fornah stated the schools would be able to feed the kids while waiting for the rice or food supplied by the Government.

"The 'School feeding program' most times does not bring rice for the kids on time but if we have ours in our schools, the pupils will have food ready while waiting for the government to intervene," the Headteacher maintained.

In those days, the School system allowed agricultural activities in schools, and the UMC School was reviving that culture.

In their little way as a School, he said they cultivated over two acres of land and produced several bushels of rice.

"The rice is presently parked in the school's store and we're using it to feed our kids and other purposes," Fornah noted.

Working tools and finances to pay workers, the Headteacher said are among the many challenges they face

26/11/2023

President Bio will address the nation tonight

24/11/2023

PC Dr. Masakma Madibie Inaugurated as District Chairman of Council of Paramount Chiefs

By Richmond B Tholley

The Paramount Chief of Kafe Chiefdom - PC Dr. Masakma Madibie II has on the 18th November 2023 officially endorsed and inaugurated Chairman of the Tonkolili District Council of Paramount Chiefs in Magburaka town.

Being the rightful claimant of the Masakma Madibie ruling in Kafe, PC Masakma Madibie was elected Paramount Chief on May 29th, 2022.

Months after his election, Chief Masakma was made Acting District Chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs in Tonkolili District.

Having acted for a year, Chief Masakma who is believed to be one of the country's highly educated traditional rulers with PhD was officially announced as the Tonkolili District Chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs and inaugurated in an occasion attended by the nineteen Regent and Paramount Chiefs across Tonkolili District and other stakeholders from different works of life.

Saidu Momoh, the District Officer of Tonkolili described the occasion as historic because he said the man at the helm of affairs of the Council in the District is not only a force to reckon with but a symbol of unity whose unwavering commitment to moving society forward is always intact.

Momoh said Chiefs are the guardians of customs and traditions and they must be held in high esteem.

Paramount Chief Dr. Masakma Madibie II, in his inaugural speech, thanked colleague Paramount Chiefs for what he says is the confidence reposed in him to lead the Council in his district.

As their Chairman, PC Masakma said he is going to uphold the values of Chieftaincy and promote unity.

He called for unity and cohesion among Paramount chiefs.

"This is a moment to unite as Chiefs to work for the progress of the country," Chief Masakma stated.

During the inauguration, there were representatives from the security sector, the media, civil society, and among others.

Speaker after speaker emphasizes the need for unity