As he criticizes the inefficiency… Deputy Speaker Exposes Loopholes

By Abdul Rahman Bah

During a parliamentary sitting on the Sierra Leone Shipping Agency Act 2024, Deputy Speaker Hon. Ibrahim Tawah Conteh criticized the inefficiency of the national shipping agency in implementing policies under the National Carrier Act. He emphasized that despite the passage of the Act, little progress had been made, with the agency failing to execute its mandate. Hon. Conteh pointed out that the agency was unable to function independently due to financial constraints and reliance on external partners. He highlighted concerns over agreements that placed the agency in a weak financial position, limiting its ability to transport goods efficiently. He noted that the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) were now seeking indigenous companies to handle petroleum product shipments, but the outdated 2012 agreement had left the national shipping company unable to compete effectively. He urged Parliament to empower the agency to negotiate favorable agreements, particularly in joint ventures, to secure its position in the shipping industry. The Deputy Speaker stressed the importance of maximizing national revenue generation, reducing reliance on donor funding, and supporting economic growth. He called on Parliament to expedite the legislative process to enable the agency to invest and support government initiatives effectively.