Chief Immigration Officer

24/04/2024

Chief Immigration Officer Donates Brand New Ambulance to His People

Gegbwema, Golahun Tunkia, Kenema District-22nd April 2024

In a bid to effectively and efficiently support the President's Bio dream in providing quality healthcare delivery in the country, the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) Hon. Alusine Kanneh on Monday 22nd April 2024 donated an ultra modern ambulance to the people of Gegbwema, Golahun Tunkia Chiefdom and called on other political appointees to emulate the same.

In his statement, Hon. Alusine Kanneh explained that his generosity of donating such an ambulance was as a result of a bad memory of his late mother who sadly died because of poor medical services.

He recalled that 32 years ago, his mother died as a result of a poor ambulance service to take her mother from Gegbwema to Kenema Government Hospital. Sadly, he said he was there to wipe off that bad memory from other vulnerable women who will find themselves in that similar situation.

"Today I am not here to show you that I have money but to tell the people of Gegbwema and beyond that the death of my mother was as a result of poor healthcare service delivery and I don't want that unfortunate incident which occurred 32 years ago to happy to any other woman. So I want you to own this ambulance" he said

He revealed that the ambulance cost a lot of money and it is a customized vehicle, disclosing that it has all the facilities needed for medical treatment. He therefore called on the people of Gegbwema, Golahun Tunkia and other surrounding communities to closely monitor the use of the ambulance.

The former lawmaker encouraged his people not to misuse the ambulance for other purposes and that for the past years he has been saving his mega salaries just to purchase the ambulance for them.

Speaking at the official handing ceremony, the Kenema District Medical Officer, Dr. Grant praised the Chief Immigration Officer for his goodwill. He described the CIO as a "philanthropist", and called on the Almighty Allah to bless him for his generosity and commitment to giving back to the community.

He expressed that Hon. Alusine Kanneh is a kind and caring individual who has a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others, especially those in need.

"Through his philanthropic efforts, such as the donation of an ambulance to the government hospital in Kenema, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of humanitarianism and the power of generosity" he elated.

As a philanthropist, he added, Hon. Alusine Kanneh's philanthropic actions have had a profound effect on the community. Noted mentioned that his selfless generosity has improved the lives of countless people in Kenema, giving them access to life-saving healthcare services.

Moreover, he continued that the CIO philanthropic work has not only benefited the immediate community but also served as a powerful example of the importance of giving back and helping those in need.

From his side, the Paramount Chief for Gawa Chiefdom, PC Muslim Sandy Koroma thanked and appreciated Hon. Alusine Kanneh for his support, stating that as a philanthropist, Hon. Alusine Kanneh embodies the spirit of compassion and kindness, setting an example for others to follow.

"He is truly a humanitarian and a leader in his community. Through his philanthropic efforts, Hon. Alusine Kanneh has shown that he is not only a dedicated public servant but also a compassionate human being who cares deeply about the well-being of others" he said.

The Paramount Chief for Gawa hailed the CIO, pointing out that his generosity and commitment to philanthropy have made him a respected and admired figure in Kenema, and his work will continue to have a lasting impact on the community for years to come.

The Kenema District Chairman for the Sierra Leone Peoples Party, Moriba Koroma also praised Hon. Alusine Kanneh for his good gesture, noting that the CIO is a "shining example" of what it means to be a philanthropist and a role model.

For more inquiries:
Communications Specialist,
Office of the Chief Immigration Officer

+23276158501/+23276843346/+23288337317

23/04/2024

Chief Immigration Officer Donates Brand New Ambulance to His People

Gegbwema, Golahun Tunkia, Kenema District-22nd April 2024

In a bid to effectively and efficiently support President's Bio dream in providing quality healthcare delivery in the country, the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) Hon. Alusine Kanneh on Monday 22nd April 2024 donated an ultra modern ambulance to the people of Gegbwema, Golahun Tunkia Chiefdom and called on other political appointees to emulate the same.

In his statement, Hon. Alusine Kanneh explained that his generosity of donating such ambulance was as a result of a bad memory of his late mother who sadly died because of poor medical services.

He recalled that 32 years ago, his mother died as a result of a poor ambulance service to take her mother from Gegbwema to Kenema Government Hospital. Sadly, he said he was there to wipe off that bad memory from other vulnerable women who will find themselves in that similar situation.

"Today I am not here to show you that I have money but to tell the people of Gegbwema and beyond that the death of my mother was as a result of poor healthcare service delivery and I don't want that unfortunate incident which occurred 32 years ago to happy to any other woman. So I want you to own this ambulance" he said

He revealed that the ambulance cost a lot of money and it is a customized vehicle, disclosing that it has all the facilities needed for medical treatment. He therefore, called on the people of Gegbwema, Golahun Tunkia and other surrendering communities to closely monitor the use of the ambulance.

The former lawmaker encouraged his people not to misuse the ambulance for other purposes and that for the past years he has been saving his mega salaries just to purchase the ambulance for them.

Speaking at the official handing ceremony, the Kenema District Medical Officer, Dr. Grant praised the Chief Immigration Officer for his goodwill He described the CIO as a "philanthropist", called on the God Almighty to bless him for his generosity and commitment to giving back to the community.

He expressed that Hon. Alusine Kanneh is a kind and caring individual who has a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others, especially those in need.

"Through his philanthropic efforts, such as the donation of an ambulance to the government hospital in Kenema, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of humanitarianism and the power of generosity" he elated.

As a philanthropist, he added, Hon. Alusine Kanneh's philanthropic actions have had a profound effect on the community. Noted mentioned that his selfless generosity has improved the lives of countless people in Kenema, giving them access to life-saving healthcare services.

Moreover, he continued that the CIO philanthropic work has not only benefited the immediate community but also served as a powerful example of the importance of giving back and helping those in need.

From his side, the Paramount Chief for Gawa Chiefdom, PC Muslim Sandy Koroma thanked and appreciated Hon. Alusine Kanneh for his support, stating that as a philanthropist, Hon. Alusine Kanneh embodies the spirit of compassion and kindness, setting an example for others to follow.

"He is truly a humanitarian and a leader in his community. Through his philanthropic efforts, Hon. Alusine Kanneh has shown that he is not only a dedicated public servant but also a compassionate human being who cares deeply about the well-being of others" he said.

The Paramount Chief for Gawa hailed the CIO, pointing out that his generosity and commitment to philanthropy have made him a respected and admired figure in Kenema, and his work will continue to have a lasting impact on the community for years to come.

The Kenema District Chairman for the Sierra Leone Peoples Party, Moriba Koroma also praised Hon. Alusine Kanneh for his good gesture, noting that the CIO is a "shining example" of what it means to be a philanthropist and a role model.

For more inquiries:
Communications Specialist,
Office of the Chief Immigration Officer

+23276158501/+23276843346/+23288337317

20/04/2024

Chief Immigration Officer Gifts Kamboi Eagles FC

Fourth Floor, Immigration Headquarters Gloucester Street Freetown, Thursday 17th April 2024

As he continues to show his philanthropist gesture to his people, the astute Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) Hon. Alusine Kanneh has generously gifted Kamboi Eagles FC with 25 pairs of boots, 25 footballs, and 2 sets of jerseys, Called on other stakeholders to help support the team to reclaim their place in the Premier League.

The former lawmaker, who has consistently supported the team, expressed his commitment to further contributions if the players and management meet expectations.

He reiterated that Kamboi Eagles FC needs all the support that will make them compete for all domestic competitions."This is just the beginning, I am ready to do more for Kamboi Eagles" he said.

"Having known this district team since childhood, I am always eager to lend my support in any way I can," he stated.

Upon receiving the donation on behalf of Kamboi Eagles FC, Alusine Kamara, representing the management, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Immigration Officer.

He pledged that the new executive team would prioritize transparency and accountability, addressing the community's longstanding concerns.

"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Alusine Kanneh for his generosity and support. May he be guided by divine wisdom and blessed with enduring health and prosperity" he appreciated.

He continued that Honourable Alusine Kanneh's timely assistance to the team is invaluable and will significantly bolster the team's efforts to reclaim their place in the Premier League.

He concluded by saying that the people of Kenema and beyond are urged to emulate this commendable gesture and back the team wholeheartedly.

For more inquiries:
Communications Specialist,
Office of the Chief Immigration Officer

+23276158501/+2326843346/+23288337313

28/03/2024

19/02/2024

12/02/2024

Sierra Leone Bar Association Awards Chief Immigration Officer

Country Lodge, Freetown 9th February 2023

The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) on Friday 9th February 2024 graciously awarded the astute, dynamic, diligent Sierra Leone Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) Hon. Alusine Kanneh for his unwavering support to access to justice and the Sierra Leone Bar Association Dems project.

Presenting the award to the CIO, Eddinia Michaela Swallow-President - Sierra Leone Bar Association said the former law maker has over the years contributed immensely to the justice system and has also positively helped vulnerable people to access justice, continued commitment to promoting justice and the rule of law during his representation in both the 4th and the 5th Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.

The Bar Association further recognized Hon. Kanneh's contributions to the Sierra Leone Bar Association as a testament to his tireless efforts to make a positive impact since his days as the peoples' representative.

Receiving the award, Hon. Kanneh expressed gratitude to SLBA for recognizing him, stating that he was deeply humbled and honored to have received this award.

"Thank you so much for this award. It means so much to me and I am truly grateful. Your recognition inspires me to continue to do what I believe with even greater enthusiasm. I am honored to have received this award and want you to know that I appreciate it more than words can express" he thanked.

He said he was delighted and truly humbled and grateful to receive this award, noting that it motivates him to work harder and strive for excellence in all his endeavors. "I would like to thank the organizers for recognizing my efforts and giving me this wonderful opportunity. It means a lot to me."

Under Hon. Alusine Kanneh's leadership, Immigration Department has become a beacon of hope for his staff and quality transformation at the Department. His unwavering dedication to transformation is unquestionable and many staff today believe in his leadership since his appointment as the new CIO.

The Chief Immigration Officer, Hon. Alusine Kanneh, expressed gratitude for being acknowledged by the Sierra Leone Bar Association for his exceptional contributions to promoting justice and dedicated service to the state.

Acknowledging the esteemed place this accolade holds among the numerous awards he has received in less than six months in office, CIO Kanneh underscored its significance in his political journey.

He expressed pride in the recognition bestowed upon him by the legal fraternity and reiterated his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and service.

This recognition not only highlights Chief Immigration Officer's individual achievements but also serves as a testament to the collective efforts in President Bio's Big Five-Changer Initiative and promoting the rule of law in Sierra Leone.

As he continues to spearhead transformative initiatives at the Immigration Department, the law maker remains steadfast in his dedication to serving the nation and advancing the principles of justice and accountability.

For more enquiries:
Communications Specialist,
Office of the Chief Immigration Officer

+23276158501/+23276843346/+23288337313

31/01/2024

Since his appointment in August 2023, the Chief Immigration Officer, Hon. Alusine Kanneh will make his first media appearance on Radio Democracy 98.1 Gud Morning Salone Program on the 1st February 2024.Tuned in tomorrow at 7:30am for more...

25/01/2024

All Political Parties Association Pays Courtesy Call on Chief Immigration Officer

Office of The Chief Immigration Officer Fourth Floor, Immigration Headquarters Freetown, – 24rd January 2024

On Wednesday 24th January 2023, a cross-section of members of the All Political Parties Association (APPA) paid a courtesy call on the Chief Immigration Officer, Hon. Alusine Kanneh at the Immigration Headquarters in Freetown where congratulatory messages were delivered by members of the association.

Speaking on behalf of APPA, the Chairman of the Association, Prince C.R. Coker expressed that APPA is a conglomeration of registered political parties in Sierra Leone formed in the 1990s for the restoration of democratic rule and currently supervised by the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC).

He further said that they as APPA decided to pay a courtesy call on the Chief Immigration Officer to officially congratulate him as one of the few astute politicians who has over the years shown true leadership since he became a parliamentarian and now the Chief Immigration Officer.

According to Prince C.R. Coker, APPA works with the government of the day for the development of the country and with that, their association is fully willing to work and support the actions of the Chief Immigration Officer and the entire Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID).

He ended that APPA had given two outstanding awards to two long-serving politicians being Hon. Manso Dumbuya and Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo and they will continue to search for more forthright politicians like the Chief Immigration Officer, Hon. Alusine Kanneh to be recognized for their hard work.

The Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Madam Hawa Sally Samai admonished members of APPA to remain focus on peace building processes and portray the kind of developmental examples the Chief Immigration Officer and the entire immigration department is doing to achieve Big Five Game Changer by the government.

In responding to comments from APPA, the Chief Immigration Officer, Hon. Alusine Kanneh expressed happiness and thanked APPA members for their composition and visit to the Immigration Headquarters. He appealed to all to be peaceful for the development of Sierra Leone as without peaceful coexistence the courtesy call would have been difficult to materialize.

“Your coming here today is an opportunity; don’t go for everything, go for your passion. For me, I cut across, my politics has no limit, Sierra Leone is first, we have to work together because the difference one makes today goes a long way’’. He concluded.

For more enquiries:
Communications Specialist,
Office of the Chief Immigration Officer
23276158501/+23276843346/232337317

24/01/2024

Chief Immigration Officer Signs MOU with IOM

Office of the Chief Immigration Officer, Fourth Floor,
Immigration Headquarters, Freetown-23rd January 2023

In an effort to strengthen bilateral ties between International Organizations and the Immigration Department, the Sierra Leone Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh on Tuesday 23rd January 2024 signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The MOU seeks to promote sustainable border security and facilitation of safe, orderly, security intelligence exchange programs, exchange of information and documentation, humanitarian efforts and migration policies, encourage social and economic development through migration, assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management, regular migration and advance understanding of issues.

Speaking after signing the MOU, the CIO expressed gratitude to IOM for their support given to the Immigration Department, noting that the signing of the MOU will now strengthen border management, migration policies, sharing information collections between SLID, IOM and to make sure effective collaboration to do the right thing when there is an issue about nationalities outside Sierra Leone that are to be repatriated.

"The MOU is collecting the right information when it reaches us, we need to act on it quickly. It is also about upholding the human dignity and well-being of migrants.* *the CIO added.

He underscored that the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions is to achieve greater border security and management and to enhance migration facilitation at Sierra Leone borders and its immigrants. He intimated that this is by promoting security, immigrants, and citizens democratic principles.

The CIO added that SLID collaborates with development partners to increase its efficiency for both the partners and the state, stating that within their respective mandate and subject to available resources, Sierra Leone Immigration Department and IOM shall act in close collaboration and uphold consultations on all matters of common interest.

Christos Christosdoulides, Head of the International Organization for Migration spoke about the importance of the MOU, he explained that the MOU is the first Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions since IOM has been in this country, and praised Hon. Alusine Kanneh for providing quality leadership since his appointment in August 2023.

He pointed out that Immigration Department is a key government counterpart working on migration management and they are looking forward to solidifying and to enforce their ongoing partnership. He said the idea is to work on border management and volunteering return operations and many other migration management initiatives and as per the national policy, he added that they have been set in 2022.

"Taking note that IOM, committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society, acts to assist in meeting the operational challenges of advance understanding of migration" he said.

He noted that the idea of signing is first and foremost to highlight their rich collaboration that has been ongoing for over 20 years since they were present in Sierra Leone and to even further solidify the joint efforts that they do between the IOM and the Immigration Department in particular on border management volunteering return information.

For more inquiries:
Communications Specialist,
Office of the Chief Immigration Officer

+23276158501/+23276843346+23276843346

21/01/2024

Chief Immigration Officer Launches Migration Information and Data Analysis System

Gbalamuya, Kambia District-20th January 2024

In a significant step towards proper border management and with the support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Sierra Leone Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh on Saturday 20th January 2024 officially launched the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), calling on immigration staff to utilize the system by capturing all travelers entering and exiting Sierra Leone to Guinea.

MIDAS is a digital system that captures travellers' biographic and biometric data,which facilitates evidence-based decision making on migration.

It could be recalled that in November 2023, the IOM installed MIDAS at the Gbalamuya border crossing point to collect detailed information on all travelers entering and exiting Sierra Leone.

Launching the System, the CIO said the MIDAS project is one thing he has been looking forward to, adding that they now have a system that takes information analysis of travelers using the Gbalamuya border crossing point.

He emphasized that it was important that they have this system in place , noting it will protect the country and the national security, "and this is something that also has to do with our interpol both national and international interpol. Our interpol in Sierra Leone and the interpol in the western world that also liaise between our country and other countries. Thanks to the IOM Development Fund."

The CIO praised IOM and commended them for installing such a system which he described as a *'right step in the right direction',* noting that it will now help to capture information on travelers and also help to apprehend Coup plotters and criminals that will want to escape across the Sierra Leone-Guinea border.

"It is important that you have this system in place because it will protect our country and our national security. With such installation in place we will now provide sensitive information about people who travel through the Sierra Leone-Guinea border to government agencies. Today is an important day for Sierra Leone and I want to say a very big thank to IOM for bringing this opportunity to our country and to our border in particular" he thanked.

He continued that he was proud to be part of the launching and said the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio will also be proud of such development. He mentioned that with passion he has to change the face of Immigration Department and with such support from the IOM, he is sure the Immigration Department will definitely live up to the expectations of Sierra Leonean.

He asserted that they are also hoping to have the same system at the Freetown International Airport and he will be grateful if the system is being installed in Gendema and which is more the reason why he is pushing for the institution to go semi-autonomous that will help them to be more powerful in their operations.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Head of IOM for Sierra Leone, Christos Christosdoulides, espoused that they were very proud because they are officially launching the Migration Information and Data Analysis System and that the system has been used across West Africa and across the boundaries of West Africa. He added that this system is currently being used in other major Economy Communities of West Africa States.

IOM Boss for Sierra Leone stated that they started the MIDAS project two years ago to strengthen the border management capacity of the government of Sierra Leone with the support from the IOM.

Christos Christosdoulides also informed the CIO that as part of the project they have rehabilitated the border point. *"We are really hoping that this MIDAS system itself will help the Government of Sierra Leonean in collecting the relevant information we want" he said.

He further highlighted that they are currently in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone in finalizing the Integrated Border Management strategies which is the integral part of the national migration policy which was launched by the Government of Sierra Leone in February 2022.

"This is just an important step of the border management information system that the government has committed to support to implement the implementation of the national migration policy and very soon we will have a dedicated integrated border management strategy" he stated.

The launching was graced by the Internal Affairs Minister, Major-General (Rtd) David T.O. Taluva and Mr. James Copper, Deputy Director, Border Management, Immigration Department

For more enquiries:
Communications Specialist,
Office of the Chief Immigration Officer

23276158501/+23276843346/232337317

20/01/2024

CIO Makes First Familiarization Tour at Freetown International Airport

Freetown International Airport, Lungi,Port Loko District-19th January 2024

In line with His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio's vision to transform the face of the country, the Sierra Leone Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh made his first familiarization tour at the Freetown International Airport since his appointment in August 2023, admonishing staff to be professional in performing their responsibilities to travelers in administering their day to day activities at the airport.

Addressing a cross section of both permanent staff and volunteers, CIO said his visit was to seek first-hand-information
about the numerous challenges faced by the staff and also reminded them about the complaints received from travelers who go through the screening process from immigration staff and thereby putting unprofessional conduct whilst performing their duties.

The Chief Immigration Officer stressed that his visit was the first official visit to Lungi since he took over office in September last year and he was there to know the challenges faced by staff as far as border entry is concerned. He intimated that Lungi is a serious entry point to Sierra Leone.

The CIO emphasized that his visit was also to encourage staff to change the narrative and not to continue with business as usual. He expressed that his focus is to make Immigration Department very attractive and he wants to change the old narrative of the institution."I want to be remembered for doing the right thing when I leave this institution one day"

The former law maker further opined that he was there to also caution them on the in-depth activities towards travelers. He emphatically called on them to work in the interest of the country and put the nation's interest above all else.

He expressed dissatisfaction over volunteers that have long served the institution for over four, five and more years without being absorbed into the system. But he called on them to put up their best performance at the airport, noting that he is working very hard to bring more employment into the Immigration Department.

The CIO ended up assuring them that he will give his support to them to have a better working environment and also warned them to stop taking tokens from travelers. "There are a lot of complaints out there asking travelers to give money. It has to stop from this moment, henceforth anyone here reported of asking travelers for money will be dealt with accordingly"

Head of Immigration, Freetown International Airport, Henry Cowan thanked and appreciated the CIO for visiting them. He said the strength of the permanent immigration staff at the airport is not encouraging, disclosing that the airport only has 26 permanent immigration staff of which 4 are seriously ill and no assurance of them reporting back to work.

"I have 37 volunteers that have been working at the airport and I am pleading to you sir to see how you can be able to absorb them into the institution" he pleaded.

Director of Administration and Finance, Immigration Department, Alie Bakar Conteh outlined successes achieved by the current CIO in less than five months in office. He revealed that since the Chief Immigration Officer took over office, the Immigration Department has achieved a lot of positive things and some of the positive reports are out there.

He said since the CIO took over, he realized that the institution has less than three 300 staff nationwide to address immigration issues across the country.

He further said that with the sincere and visionary leadership from the CIO, they are working with the Human Resource Office to see how they can recruit more staff to be part of the transformative drives of Hon. Alusine Kanneh.

He however reminded all of them that they would not be able to employ everyone at the same time, but also called on them to be professional and stop embarrassing themselves to travelers.

For more enquiries:
Communications Specialist,
Office of the Chief Immigration Officer