Parliament threatens legal action and accuses the CEO of Accord Logistics of contempt

After being called to testify before the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Industry, Johny Kouza, the CEO of Accord Logistics, received harsh criticism from the Sierra Leonean Parliament. The Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas publicly chastised Kouza during an appearance in the Bar of Parliament, calling his behaviour toward the Committee and the legislature intolerable and possibly constituting contempt of Parliament.
Addressing Kouza directly, the Speaker made it clear that refusing to comply with any Standing Committee summons would constitute contempt and result in the full force of the law. He reminded the CEO that Parliament has the authority to compel attendance and, in extreme cases, detain those who willfully disobey its directives. “You are lucky, but this is the first and last time we will tolerate such behaviour from you,” the Rt. Hon. Speaker warned, adding that a repeat offence could result in imprisonment. “The next time you appear before this Parliament in contempt, we will imprison you. We want to know what motivates you to behave disrespectfully towards Parliament.”
The admonition followed Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, the chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Industry, who filed a formal complaint alleging that Kouza had behaved disrespectfully toward the Committee. The Speaker’s firm rebuttal demonstrates Parliament’s resolve to uphold its institutional honour and authority while enforcing the rules governing relations between the legislature and outside parties.
Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo strongly supported the Speaker’s action, praising the naming and shaming of the Accord Logistics chief for what he called “foolhardy behaviour” toward Parliament. Kargbo urged Speaker Thomas to apply the same strict standard to officials from any ministry, department, or agency (MDA) who fail to appear before parliamentary committees, arguing that consistent enforcement is critical to maintaining accountability in governance.
The occasionally tense relationship between the legislature and private sector organisations called to explain their operations or answer regulatory or oversight inquiries has been brought to light by Kouza’s appearance before Parliament. The purpose of Parliament’s intervention is to both chastise the offending individual and to make it clear that disrespect and noncompliance will not be accepted, regardless of one’s position or level of influence.
The incident has reignited debate about the importance of collaboration between Parliament and private-sector organisations in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, with lawmakers arguing that mutual respect and adherence to parliamentary processes are required for effective oversight.