The National Consumer Protection Commission (NCPC), established under the Consumer Protection Act of 2020, was officially launched on November 22, 2024, at the Bank Complex, Kingtom. This milestone marks the operational commencement of the Commission, which is fully constituted and poised to enhance consumer rights and welfare across Sierra Leone.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to safeguarding citizens from harmful products and substandard services. He emphasized the importance of balancing support for the private sector with ensuring compliance with best practices in service delivery. Highlighting the government’s economic diversification policies, Dr Sengeh noted significant GDP expansion and called for leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost regional trade, particularly with neighbouring Liberia.
Dr. Sengeh also encouraged citizens to actively support the Commission by reporting counterfeit and expired goods, while cautioning against malicious intentions. “Citizens must take responsibility for fixing the country and uphold ethical business practices. Unethical behaviours, such as reducing measurements to exploit consumers, must stop,” he stated. He pledged the government’s unwavering support to the Commission, ensuring its work is carried out impartially and effectively.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, underscored the Ministry’s commitment to a fair and equitable trade system. He cited the introduction of the metric system by the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, as a critical measure to combat unethical practices in the market. Minister Sesay charged the NCPC to rigorously regulate product safety, particularly in local manufacturing industries, to enhance quality standards and safeguard Sierra Leone’s reputation in international trade.
“It’s imperative to ensure that goods produced locally meet export standards to protect the country’s image and promote consumer confidence,” he stated.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NCPC, Lawrence Bassie, assured the public of the Commission’s resolve to deliver on its mandate. He highlighted the recruitment and deployment of 30 regional staff members, who will operate under the principles of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and transparency. CEO Bassie noted the Commission’s collaborative efforts with key statutory bodies such as the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, the National Telecommunications Authority, and the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission.
“Our priority is to eradicate fake, substandard, and expired goods from the market, ensuring consumers receive value for money,” he asserted.
United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, commended the launch of the NCPC, describing consumer protection as a moral imperative for all nations. She pledged the UN’s continued support through technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives to establish a robust, inclusive, and adaptive Commission capable of addressing consumer challenges.
The establishment of the NCPC signals a significant step towards enhancing consumer welfare and ensuring market accountability in Sierra Leone. With strong governmental backing and international support, the Commission is well-positioned to uphold its mandate for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans.
