One of Sierra Leone’s leading and fastest growing mobile telecommunication networks Africell, in its bid to bring the people closer, continue with its nation wide connectivity, past Wednesday, 31st May 2006 by linking the people of Lungi to the international telecommunications network.

A cross section of invited guests at the launching ceremony

The ceremony which attracted hundreds of people from across the general area was marked with jubilation as the people now know that they are to be connected to mobile communication’s own PRSP. Lungi houses the country’s International Airport, the gateway to Sierra Leone, which is why the intervention of Africell at this point in time cannot be over emphasised. This is more so when in particular it has to aid the local police in the area.

The Local Unit Commander (LUC) of ‘F’ Division in Lungi, Superintendent Abdul Karim Koroma described Africell during the launching ceremony as "pacesetters in mobile telecommunication business in Sierra Leone." He was speaking on behalf of Lungi police corp. which had received two brand new mobile phones with SIM packs including airtime to complement their local policing efforts.

Members of theSierra Leone Police Force receiving mobile phone from Africell Marketing Manager, Mr. Deigh

Supt. Koroma noted that Africell is the first mobile company to have donated mobile phones to the ‘F’ Division, and pointed out succinctly that other mobile companies are operating within his area of responsibility but have not done what Africell has done. He therefore thanked the management and staff of Africell for their kind gesture noting that the donation will go a long way in supporting police operations in the general area. He indicated that since the police rely on intelligence, the mobile phones offered by Africell will go a long way in coordinating security for the people of Lungi and its immediate environs and to as well bring the police and the people even more closely. "You did not really misplace your slogan which says; bringing people closer," Supt. Koroma stated.

The Lungi police boss therefore went on to announce the numbers of the two mobile phones to the public which could be called in times of need of police intervention. The numbers are: 077-564-322 (Targrin Police Post) and 077-5640323 (Lungi Police Post). He further announced that the Commanding Officers of the respective police posts will be in charge of the mobile phones. Superintendent Koroma appealed to the management of Africell to expand their network further to cover Lokomasama Chiefdom and to other areas.

Members of the high table at the launching ceremony

The Marketing Manager of Africell, Mr. Berlindo Percival-Deigh in his speech prayed for the good health of P.C .Komkanda II, who was unavoidable absent, due to illness. He said the day was a big day for both Africell and the people of Lungi, but stressed that the network actually belongs to the people.

Mr. Percival-Deigh explained to his audience how the Africell network was launched last year by His Excellency the President, Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Texans Kabbah, stating that since that time they have been carefully putting mechanism in place for the successful implementation of the network nation wide.

Mr. Deigh boasted that as of now, Africell has covered over 85% of the country in just a year. He therefore proudly stated, "We have done what others did in four years."

According to the Marketing Manager, because of their careful planning it gave rise to speculations by sceptics that the Africell network would die down. "But today here we are. We have proved them wrong," Mr. Deigh boasted. He went on to disclose that plans are underway to extend Africell’s network to the rest of the country, to include places like Port Loko (Africell will be launching there today Friday, 2nd June 2006), Makeni and Kono. He called on the residents of Lungi to promote and protect the Africell network.

Mr. Deigh went on to say that Africell is working in line with government’s policy of bringing development and fighting poverty in the country. He went on to relate it with Africell’s cheap tariff mechanism, which he said is a Poverty Reduction Strategy Policy (PRSP)" a replica of government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, a holistic national approach to the reduction of poverty.

He also spoke of several services which will be put at their disposal, services such as the conference call, call divert, call waiting etc.

Launching the Africell network in Lungi, Mr. John Richard Davies, who also served as the Chairman of the occasion in his statement, welcomed the Africell network in Lungi and expressed happiness for the laudable venture. Mr. J.R. Davies, quoting President Kabbah referred to Lungi as "the cradle of democracy" and that the people are friendly and therefore expressed optimism that Africell will have a memorable moment with them.

A goat was presented to the chiefdom as a gift by the management and staff of Africell.

In addition a number of dignitaries in the community were also presented with mobile phones loaded with SIM packs and airtime.