World Population Day was observed as well in Sierra Leone with the international theme: “Let’s Make Family Planning Real”.

The theme, according to Sister Laura Ezzu-Deen of the Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone shows the importance of Family Planning as a human right.

She said family planning gives the choice of having children that can be catered for.

Sister Ezzu-Deen said population control is essential as it helps the government to plan and adequately distribute resources for the citizens.

As part of marking World Population Day, the Planned Parenthood Association in Sierra Leone target the Red Pump and Leicester Road Communities with free Family Planning Services and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Diseases.


Trade and Industry Minister Alimamy Koroma has told rice dealers that Government would crack down hard on dealers who perpetrate any act of sabotage in the selling of the strategic commodity in the country.

Addressing rice dealers at the conference room of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Youyi Building, Mr. Koroma said that Government facilitated the import of Indian rice to Sierra Leone through Shivnatt Hana Tai and Novel Commodities who are locally represented by Harmony Trading Company.

The Trade Minister revealed that the sale of the Indian Rice which is twenty-five percent broken starts on Monday next week at a wholesale price of one hundred thousand leones per fifty- kilogram bag.

Mr. Koroma said he recommended the retail prices of the Indian Rice at various locations countrywide have been released by Harmony Trading Company adding that Government will monitor the Company, retailers and all other business houses for compliances of the recommended prices and other requirements.

The Trade Minister said that the Government would frown at bulk purchases in and warned the dealers against profiteering.

Mr. Koroma assured all that Harmony Trading Company is not here to stifle the interest of other rice dealers but to participate in a healthy competition to bolster the economy.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Trade Isatu Mustapha commended the rice dealers for their collaborative efforts in seeing that the community thrives.