Deputy Environment Minister Applauds TENN for Promoting Clean Cooking

By Archibald James Cole

Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mima Yama Mimi Sobba Stephens, has commended The Energy Nexus Network (TENN) for promoting clean cooking initiatives aimed at improving household health, protecting the environment and restoring the dignity of women.
The Minister mentioned the statement during the distribution of 60 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cooking systems to 60 households in the Portee and Rokupa Wharf communities in Freetown.
She described the initiative as an important step towards helping households transition from traditional cooking methods to cleaner and safer method.
She stated, the initiative would help restore the dignity of women, particularly those who continue to bear the burden associated with traditional cooking methods, adding that Sierra Leone was moving away from what she described as the “dark ages” of cooking.
The Deputy Minister said the platform was also aligned with President Julius Maada Bio’s agenda to protect and restore the environment through sustainable and climate-friendly practices.
She further noted that President Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio had placed women and girls at the centre of the country’s development agenda, with particular attention to initiatives aimed at improving their welfare and creating greater opportunities for them.
Hon. Stephens encouraged beneficiaries to observe all necessary safety precautions as they transition from traditional cooking methods to LPG. She stressed the importance of responsible use, proper handling and regular maintenance of the cooking equipment.
TENN’s Operational Manager and Chief of Operations, Dr. Paul T. Yillia, said the organisation was supporting women and small businesses in coastal communities through clean energy initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting environmental sustainability.
Dr. Yillia made the statement during the distribution of LPG cooking facilities to households in Portee and Rokupa Wharf.
He said TENN had provided Integrated Energy Centres, solar energy facilities and refrigerators in communities including Forgbo, Tokeh, Old Wharf, Portee and Rokupa, with plans to expand the initiative to other communities across the country.
Dr. Yillia explained that the intervention formed part of TENN’s contribution to Sierra Leone’s Blue Economy, which seeks to promote sustainable economic activities and livelihoods linked to the country’s coastal and marine resources while protecting the environment.
He further mentioned that access to clean and reliable energy was important for coastal communities because it could support small businesses, reduce pressure on natural resources and improve household livelihoods.
According to the Dr. Yillia , promoting clean cooking also complemented broader efforts to protect coastal ecosystems by reducing dependence on charcoal and firewood.
The platform is therefore expected to contribute to efforts to reduce deforestation, land degradation and other environmental challenges associated with the unsustainable use of traditional cooking fuels.
During the meeting, community members also raised concerns about LPG safety, stove maintenance, refilling arrangements, cylinder capacity and gas usage.
TENN assured beneficiaries that continued community education and follow-up would be provided to promote safe and sustainable use of LPG stoves and other clean energy facilities.
The organisation stated that it would continue collaborating with coastal communities to expand access to clean energy while supporting women, small businesses and sustainable livelihoods under the broader Blue Economy agenda.
Project Officer and Manager for the Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) Project, Kadiatu Sajodu Bangura, outlined the activities undertaken by TENN in various coastal communities across Sierra Leone.
She mentioned TENN had empowered women through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) established in different communities where the organisation operates.
She further stated that, TENN had also provided solar energy systems, refrigerators and LPG cylinders to support women and households in embracing clean energy cooking and improving their livelihoods.
According to her, the initiatives were aimed at promoting clean energy, strengthening women’s economic empowerment and improving living conditions in coastal communities.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Isata Ramadan Bangura School, expressed appreciation to TENN for empowering women and supporting small businesses in her community.
She mentioned, she had previously benefited from a Solar Home System (SHS) installed by TENN, which had helped her improve the way she preserved her fish.
“I used to use mangrove wood to smoke my fish, but since I benefited from the Solar Home System, I have moved from using wood to preserve my fish to using a refrigerator. This helps me to keep my fish fresh,” mentioned by the beneficiary.
Mr. Bangura also disclosed that she was among 10 women who received Le10,000 each as cash-based start-up support to strengthen their small businesses.
Under the clean cooking initiative, 30 households in Tokeh also received LPG cylinders, with beneficiaries also receiving training on the safe and proper use of the facilities.