On October 31, 2024, the Sierra Leone Parliament approved eight presidential nominees to serve on the National Revenue Authority (NRA) Board and the Consumer Protection Commission. This approval came after rigorous vetting in the Parliament’s chamber in Freetown. The nominees, who were lauded for their qualifications, are expected to address critical issues in their respective roles.
The approved members include Chief Mathew Younge as Deputy Chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission, Mr. Andrew Pessima, Madam Koloneh Sankoh, Mr. Francis Gbondo, Mr. Mamoud Ruskin Kabbah, and Madam Susan Williams as members of the Consumer Protection Commission; Madam Memunatu Rogers and Dr. John Arouna Karimu were appointed as members of the NRA Board.
The Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, initiated the approval process, highlighting the committee’s support for the nominees. Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, Deputy Opposition Leader, endorsed the nominees, urging the Consumer Protection Commission to take proactive steps to prevent the sale of expired goods and address other consumer issues, including network quality from mobile providers and price discrimination. He further emphasized the need for NRA innovation in tax collection, noting the impact of the Finance Act on citizens.
Hon. Mustapha Sellu from Moyamba District criticized the Consumer Protection Agency for its limited visibility and effectiveness, urging board members to rigorously enforce the Consumer Protection Act. He pointed out issues such as the lack of enforcement around substandard goods and poor sanitation in the water industry. Sellu and others underscored the NRA’s financial challenges, specifically its reliance on rented offices, which costs approximately half a million dollars annually. He recommended that the NRA invest in permanent office spaces.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara from Kambia advocated for better standards enforcement and more effective consumer protection. He expressed concern over the Standards Bureau’s inefficacy in upholding product quality standards, describing it as a financial drain and a public health risk. He also urged Mr. John Karimu to address NRA inefficiencies.
Hon. Lolu Tongi from Kailahun praised the female representation among the nominees, thanking President Bio for upholding a 30% quota for women in public roles. She expressed confidence in Mr. Karimu’s ability to bring positive changes to the NRA, particularly in generating additional revenue.
Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Emerson Lamina from Kono, expressed optimism in the nominees’ capacity to perform well. He urged the Consumer Protection Commission to enhance its national presence and called for collaboration with the Standards Bureau to safeguard consumer interests.
Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo echoed calls for a more proactive Consumer Protection Commission, criticizing its inaction in handling expired and counterfeit goods, which he described as a public health hazard. He attributed food safety issues to a lack of regulation and enforcement by consumer agencies. Kargbo highlighted the NRA’s weaknesses in tax collection, stressing that improved efficiency could reduce Sierra Leone’s reliance on debt financing.
Concluding the debate, Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie commended President Bio’s commitment to appointing qualified individuals. However, he urged the nominees to maintain open communication with MPs and stressed the importance of their role in supporting the President’s “Big Five” agenda for national transformation.
Acting Speaker Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh congratulated the nominees, reiterating the critical role of the NRA in advancing the President’s vision. He also urged the Consumer Protection Commission to take greater accountability for safeguarding consumer interests.
This parliamentary approval marks a pivotal moment for both agencies, with high expectations placed on the newly appointed board members to drive substantial reforms in consumer protection and revenue generation across Sierra Leone.
