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RCBank Celebrates 5th Anniversary of Tree Planting Project, Emphasizing Environmental Stewardship


On Thursday, June 6th, 2024, RCBank celebrated the 5th anniversary of its Tree Planting Project at Petifu Kangalop, Masiaka, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The event, which drew hundreds of guests and community residents, was themed: “Plant More Trees, So That the Next Generation Can Get Air for Free.”

RCBank Limited has continually demonstrated its dedication to protecting and preserving the environment. The Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Emmanuel E. Borbor, highlighted the bank’s responsibility to integrate with and support the communities in which it operates. “Planting trees improves the air quality for humans to breathe and prevents heavy winds from causing destruction,” Borbor stated. “Tree planting is universal and the cleanest form of agriculture. Anyone can start tree planting as it requires minimal capital.” He encouraged the community to join the initiative, emphasizing the myriad benefits of tree planting. Borbor also appealed for additional land to expand the project further.



Neneh Tunis, CEO of Keeping Hope Alive, underscored the dual importance of planting and maintaining trees. “It is one thing to plant trees, but challenging to maintain them,” she remarked. “Tree planting also provides job creation for locals and mitigates the effects of climate change. We must all work together to create a sustainable and resilient environment.”

Paramount Chief of Petifu Kangalop, Masiaka, PC Bai Kompra Bomboli III, spoke about the origins of the project, initiated by his father in collaboration with RCBank. “We will never stop planting trees,” he affirmed. He addressed the challenges faced by local communities, including the demand for charcoal. “The demand for charcoal in the capital, Freetown, drives local deforestation. I urge the government to provide alternative fuel sources, like gas, to reduce reliance on charcoal.” He pledged continued collaboration with RCBank and vowed to educate the populace on climate change. He commended RCBank’s dedication and promised to allocate more land for the initiative.

Ambrose Bindi, head of Tree Crop at the Ministry of Agriculture, delivered the keynote address. Bindi commended RCBank for its contribution to environmental conservation. He underscored the importance of tree planting in supporting food security initiatives, urging widespread participation in the Feed Salone project. “The stomach does not belong to a party of color, so it is important that everyone supports the Feed Salone project,” he said. He praised RCBank and Neneh Tunis for their contributions to tree planting, a crucial element in combating climate change. Bindi highlighted that the initiative by RCBank is part of a global effort and stated, “It’s commendable for a bank to engage in such an important venture.”

Madam Shola Taylor Pearce, Executive Secretary of the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks, congratulated RCBank on behalf of all 13 managing directors. “Five years ago, I planted a tree here, and today it is taller than me. This symbolizes the power of a seed and the importance of roots, much like RCBank’s roots in this initiative,” she stated. “Together everyone achieves more, and that is what our association stands for.”

The celebration was climaxed by the planting of 30 trees by dignitaries and both senior and junior staff of RCBank, symbolizing their continued commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

The vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Mariama Jajua, Head of Marketing, Business Development, and Corporate Affairs, who acknowledged and appreciated all guests, community members, and staff of RCBank for supporting this wonderful initiative.

RCBank – The Bank of Choice!



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Orange Sierra Leone Celebrates Environmental Week With a Focus on Going Green


As part of its annual Environmental Week celebrations, Orange Sierra Leone (Orange SL) kicked off a week-long series of activities on Monday, May 27, 2024, themed “The earth is all we have…let’s go green.”

The launch event, held at the company’s Hill Station Head Office, was attended by Orange SL’s management team, staff, the Honourable Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jiwoh Abdulai, and members of the Fort estate community.

Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mimi Mugo, announced that the celebrations would focus on natural resource management and would involve various activities designed to educate and empower individuals on the importance of environmental preservation. Throughout the week, there will be awareness sessions across different departments, aimed at both organizational and individual levels. A beach cleaning exercise, organized in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will take place on Friday, demonstrating Orange SL’s commitment to environmental protection. Additionally, a special ceremony will commemorate the first anniversary of their tree planting site cleaning initiative.



Edward Sesay of Orange SL highlighted the detrimental effects of pollution, noting that many people, especially in Africa, are unaware of the damage their actions cause. He contrasted this with Western countries, where environmental harm is often a result of intentional developmental pursuits. Sesay warned of the dire consequences if environmental destruction continues unchecked, emphasizing the deadly impact of air pollution, which is often overlooked. He mentioned that countries like the UK have taken steps to combat air pollution, such as reducing the number of cars on the roads, and stressed the need for similar measures globally.

Sesay also pointed out the distinction between indoor and outdoor pollution, with indoor pollution being particularly hazardous due to confined spaces. He urged everyone to take proactive steps in protecting the environment, emphasizing that solutions to pollution are universal but that pollution itself varies by region.

Addressing the gathering, the Climate Change Officer emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, which serves as a reminder of the significant impact of our actions on the environment.

“It is crucial for us to recognize our collective responsibility to the environment, our well-being, and the well-being of future generations,” she said.

She highlighted their commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that in 2023, their renewable energy ratio was 20%, which has now increased to 72% of their sites being powered by solar energy. Additionally, they planted 3,000 trees at Mortormeh Community in Regent, where a mudslide occurred, to restore ecological balance.

She also disclosed that last year, Orange Company was recognized as the Carbon Zero Champion Mobile Company of the Year for its sustainable efforts to reduce environmental impact.

She concluded by stating that despite these achievements, there is still more work to be done, and they are stepping up their efforts and setting more ambitious environmental goals for the future.

CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, Sékou Amadou Bah, emphasized the importance of environmental protection, stating, “We need to protect the environment more than protecting ourselves because we need the environment more than the environment needs us.” He highlighted common environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation, noting that a small percentage of humanity is responsible for a significant portion of the damage. Bah called for a collective effort to reduce our carbon footprint by minimizing waste, utilizing renewable energy, supporting sustainable agriculture, and advocating for robust environmental policies.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, commended Orange SL for supporting government efforts to raise environmental awareness. He stressed the importance of community engagement in addressing environmental issues, as local stakeholders are crucial in implementing effective strategies. Abdulai detailed the government’s initiatives, including policy implementation and community sensitization, aimed at mitigating harmful human activities. He praised Orange SL for their compliance with environmental regulations and underscored the importance of such events in promoting environmental awareness.



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Notification for Public Disclosure on the Environmental Social Health Impact Assessment Report for Long Lush (SL) Ltd in Bambatok and Senehum Villages Upper Banta and Bagruwa Chiefdoms Respectively, Moyamba district, Southern Sierra Leone.


This advert serves to notify interested and/or affected persons/parties of the Environmental Social Health Impact Assessment was conducted for the Long Lush (SL) LTD, Freetown Sierra Leone.

In conformity with the Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency Act 2008, the LONG LUSH (SL) LTD Project needs to be planned and designed in a manner that minimizes potential negative social and environmental impacts.

This is expected to be achieved through the ESHIA Process that was undertaken by Geomining Consultancy (SL) Ltd.



The Environmental Social Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) report has been presented to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-SL) to be presented to the affected and interested stakeholders during the public disclosure processes for discussion.

Geomining Consultancy, EPA – SL and Long Lush Group (SL) Ltd, propose to conduct stakeholder engagement process at the following locations and dates:
Babatok Village, Upper Banta Chiefdom, Moyamba District on 12th January 2024

Senuhun Village, Bagruwa Chiefdom, Moyamba District on 13th January 2024

The report is now available for reference purposes at any time at the following locations:

The Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) office, 92 Dundas street, Brookfield, Freetown;

Long Lush (SL) Ltd, 65 Siaka Steven Street Freetown

Geomining Consultancy at 33 Victoria Street Freetown.

Stakeholders and/or interested person/parties are invited to participate in the consultation process for the Public Disclosure processes at the above-mentioned locations.

Your input and any issues or insights that you may have regarding the projects will be valuable.

Comments can be submitted verbally at the Stakeholder’s workshop or written format. Written comments must be sent to the following contacts below.

We look forward to your participation in the consultation and disclosure process.



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Rokel Commercial Bank and MD Honored With Prestigious Environmental Care Awards for 2023


Rokel Commercial Bank and its Managing Director were honored with prestigious environmental awards by Shout Climate Change Africa on November 24, 2023.

The bank received the title of Environmental Excellent Bank of the Year, while the Managing Director was named Climate Champion CEO of the Year 2023.

The bank, known for its exceptional banking services and dedication to corporate social responsibility, was honored with this prestigious Excellence Bank of the Year award.



This recognition is a testament to Rokel Commercial Bank’s unwavering efforts in integrating sustainable practices into its operations. From implementing energy-efficient technologies to promoting responsible lending practices, the bank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.

The esteemed title to the MD & CEO highlights the exceptional leadership skills and visionary approach of the Managing Director in driving sustainable initiatives within the organization.

Under the Bank’s guidance, Rokel Commercial Bank has implemented various innovative strategies to mitigate climate change risks and promote environmentally friendly practices. These include tree planting site, investing in renewable energy projects, supporting green businesses through tailored financial solutions, and actively engaging with stakeholders to raise awareness about environmental issues.

The Climate Champion CEO of the Year award not only recognizes the individual achievements of the Managing Director but also acknowledges Rokel Commercial Bank’s overall commitment to sustainability under the Bank’s leadership. It serves as a testament to the Bank’s dedication towards creating a greener future for Sierra Leone’s banking industry.

By receiving these prestigious awards, RCBank and its Managing Director have set an inspiring example for other financial institutions and business leaders across Sierra Leone. These successes demonstrate that it is possible for banks and other financial institutions to prioritize environmental care while maintaining excellence in their core services.

Moving forward, Rokel Commercial Bank remains committed to upholding its reputation as an environmentally conscious institution. The bank will continue to work towards implementing sustainable practices throughout its operations and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among its stakeholders.

Through this initiative and other sustainable practices; the bank continues to maintain its tree planting site at the rural district of Sierra Leone and also embarks on raising awareness, empowering local communities, and inspiring collective action towards building a greener future for generations to come.
RCBank – The Bank of Choice!!!



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