𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐞’s damage is equal to his beauty

On Saturday, July 20, 2024, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Retired Major General David TO Taluva, accompanied by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu and other government officials, officially opened a state-of-the-art police station in Matrujong, in the Southern Boundary Region of Sierra Leone.

In his remarks, Minister Taluwa, who represented President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, stressed that the move stemmed from the President’s desire to improve service delivery, noting that any country with poor police ethics would reflect negatively on the government.

The Minister also announced plans to establish a full-fledged Police Academy and discussions are currently underway to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rwanda Police Academy to assist the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in achieving this goal, which he said would be an important legacy of President Bio.

Brigadier General Taruwa noted that the MoU would have been signed earlier if not for the recent general elections in Rwanda, but he noted that the agreement would be finalized soon as President Bio was keen to work together.

Also, Brigadier General Taluwa disclosed that instead of sending police officers abroad to study, the Sierra Leone Police Force will collaborate with the University of Sierra Leone to hold lectures which will equip them with the knowledge to deliver effective and adequate services in the country.

According to Provincial Police Commissioner Faya Seru, the new police station is the largest and most modern in the country. He said the construction of the police station was to provide a conducive working environment in line with President Bio’s vision to improve the quality of services.

Chief Superintendent Seru stressed that when staff work in a pleasant environment, they will be more motivated to provide better service. He warned police personnel in the new building to maintain a positive attitude and take good care of the facilities.

The Police Commissioner also acknowledged the pleas and requests from Paramount Chiefs and stakeholders regarding the good advice of the Local Unit Commander (LUC), CSP Augustine Kabia and his team, and the deployment of additional police manpower.

Chief Superintendent Cellu commended the increase in the number of Community Safety Volunteers (CSV) in the department, noting that the concept was part of the restructuring process to promote a social contract between the police and the community.

On the issue of accommodation, the Cellu IGP asked the Paramount Chief, Alhaji Alieu Badara III, to liaise with the LUC to find spacious buildings with more rooms for easy access of police personnel; he noted that the financial obligations of these buildings would be borne by the SLP.

He encouraged the people of the state to own the property as the establishment of police stations across the country will help increase the power of the central government as it was the vision of President Bio.

Provincial Police Commissioner Fahiya reiterated government’s commitment to supporting the SLP; he said Kisii police station was split into two stations a few months ago. He added that both Grafton and Koindu are now independent stations.

The residents and community stakeholders of the area have meaningfully contributed to the good work of the police in the area and pledged their full support to the police in responsibly maintaining peace in the area.

The ceremony ended with the offering of wine and inspection of the building.

SLP Media Team