1% Tariff Reduction Criticized as Insufficient by Parliament

By Abdul Rahman Bah

In a passionate address to Parliament, Deputy Speaker Hon. Tawah Conteh condemned telecommunications giant Orange Sierra Leone for “predatory pricing tactics” and “blatant exploitation” of citizens. His remarks followed a meager 1% tariff reduction by the company, which he described as inadequate and a mere facade.

Conteh asserted that the telecom giant has been overcharging Sierra Leoneans, turning essential services into luxuries that low-income families cannot afford. He highlighted the excessive cost of the Orange MiFi device, stating that Sierra Leoneans pay significantly more than consumers in neighboring West African countries.

The Deputy Speaker criticized the ineffective oversight of regulatory agencies, accusing them of failing to protect citizens from corporate abuse. He called for greater accountability, proposing a parliamentary investigation into Orange’s pricing structures and service quality.

Conteh’s remarks resonated with the public, sparking widespread frustration on social media. Many citizens echoed his call for regulatory reforms and fair pricing standards. In concluding, Conteh declared that Sierra Leoneans deserve affordable telecommunications services without exploitation, vowing to hold Orange accountable for its practices.