Opposition Leaders in Parliament Calls for Action on Consumer Rights

By Abdul Rahman Bah

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, the illustrious halls of the Sierra Leone Parliament in Tower Hill, Freetown, hosted a significant gathering led by Honorable Aaron Koroma, the Leader of the Opposition. Before an audience of nine presidential nominees, including esteemed figures such as Mr. Gibril Saccoh, Chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission SL, and Chief Mathew Young JP, Deputy Chairman of the National Consumer Protection Commission SL, Koroma delivered a compelling and urgent address.

His speech emphasized a pressing imperative: the need for these individuals to embrace their roles with unwavering diligence and a deep commitment to the welfare of the citizens they serve. As both the Leader of the Opposition and the Deputy Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Koroma expressed deep concern about the state of consumer protection in Sierra Leone. He pointed out that, despite legislative progress—most notably the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act in 2020—the public remains largely unaware of their rights under this vital legislation.

Koroma painted a stark picture, revealing that the Consumer Protection Agency has struggled to educate and defend the populace, leaving many vulnerable to various challenges. He highlighted the distressing reality of unreliable communication services, frequent power outages, and the alarming presence of expired goods in local markets, all contributing to a climate of consumer anxiety and distrust.

Delving into specific issues, Koroma began with the unacceptable inconsistencies in communication networks, particularly in regions such as Makeni, Kambia, and Mile 91. Here, residents endure frequent service interruptions while being charged full prices, leading to frustration and feelings of betrayal. He urged the Consumer Protection Agency to mobilize communities and advocate for improved service standards.

Shifting his focus to the utility sector, he lamented the common plight of Sierra Leoneans facing erratic electricity supply. Households often pay for power that is unreliable, resulting in inconsistent service that disrupts daily life and damages appliances, creating unexpected financial burdens for consumers.

Koroma also expressed concern over the troubling prevalence of expired and overpriced goods in the marketplace. He voiced disappointment at the continued presence of outdated products on store shelves and blatant price discrimination that exploits consumers based on their perceived economic status or negotiation skills. He asserted that every consumer deserves fair pricing and access to quality goods, regardless of their background.

As his address drew to a close, Koroma’s passion intensified as he implored the Consumer Protection Agency to adopt a more proactive and assertive stance in its duties. He advocated for enhanced efforts to educate citizens about their rights, empowering them to hold service providers accountable. By prioritizing consumer education, he envisioned a future where individuals could confidently report violations and demand fair treatment in a marketplace that often leaves them feeling vulnerable and unprotected.