By Juliana E.P. Kabba
On November 22, 2024, Sierra Leone achieved a historic milestone with the official launch of the National Consumer Protection Commission (NCPC). The event, held at the Bank of Sierra Leone Staff Recreational Complex in Kingtom Barracks, marked the operational commencement of a commission established by law in 2020. Government officials, stakeholders, and international partners gathered to celebrate the initiative, which aims to enhance consumer rights and enforce accountability in the marketplace.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NCPC reflected on the commission’s journey, highlighting its roots in consumer protection efforts initiated in 2005. He emphasized the NCPC’s dual mandate: enforcing regulations and sensitizing the public on consumer rights, including awareness about expired and counterfeit products.
“The commission is committed to safeguarding consumer health and collaborating with regulatory bodies to build robust frameworks,” the CEO stated. He also announced the opening of regional NCPC offices and the launch of an efficient complaints system to address grievances promptly. Recent achievements include a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Standards Bureau and plans for market monitoring, town hall meetings, and private-sector projects to promote consumer welfare.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh underscored the NCPC’s vital role in fostering fairness and accountability. Citing Sierra Leone’s regional trade challenges, he echoed Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s call for collaborative economic strategies between neighboring countries with small markets.
Chief Minister Sengeh encouraged citizens to demand higher standards from businesses and hold them accountable for the quality of goods and services. He praised the NCPC’s efforts to engage traders and enforce consumer protection laws, including imposing fines on violators.
“Good citizen action means not tolerating expired or counterfeit goods,” Sengeh remarked. “Don’t plead for relatives caught breaking the law by stocking harmful products. Protecting consumers means protecting everyone, including your family.”
The event also featured remarks from UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana, who emphasized the global significance of consumer protection, and from the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Ibrahim Alpha Sesay. Both reiterated their commitment to supporting the NCPC’s objectives.
The NCPC’s launch signifies a transformative step in Sierra Leone’s consumer advocacy efforts. By promoting fair practices and ensuring the safety and rights of consumers, the commission is poised to contribute significantly to the nation’s development and economic growth
