By John Kelly Marah
At the weekly press briefing hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on August 20, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room, at Tower Hill, Freetown a featured key statements from Lawrence Bassie, the National Executive Officer of the National Consumer Protection Commission (NCPC).
Lawrence Bassie affirmed that the NCPC is a transformative initiative launched under President Bio’s administration, aligning with the government’s broader Human Capital Development agenda. He emphasized that consumer protection is essential for achieving sustainable economic growth. “Any country that does not prioritize consumer protection will struggle to get its economy right, which is why the consumer is at the heart of our mission,” Bassie stated.
Bassie explained that the NCPC was established under the Consumer Protection Act of 2020, with Section 3, Subsection 1, creating the commission as a corporate entity. He added that since its formal establishment in 2020, the commission has been actively working to fulfill its mandate. The NCPC’s primary responsibilities include monitoring the consumer market for unfair trade practices and ensuring that these issues are addressed through the Ministry of Trade. The Commission also oversees consumer protection policies and educates consumers about their rights.
One of the NCPC’s notable achievements, as highlighted by Bassie, was the interception of a truck carrying substandard building materials, adding that the Commission successfully prevented these materials from entering the local market, thereby safeguarding consumers from potential harm. Additionally, he said the NCPC has conducted spot checks in supermarkets to identify and remove expired products, ensuring that only safe and compliant goods are available to consumers.
He also touched on the issue of substandard materials being used in construction. He stressed the importance of involving technical experts, such as engineers, who have the capability to test and verify the quality of these materials before they are used in building projects. ‘’This proactive approach is crucial in preventing structural failures and ensuring the safety of buildings,’’ Bassie stressed.
The National Executive Officer noted that consumers have the right to return faulty mechanical products, such as televisions, within 30 days if they encounter any issues, noting that this right extends to purchases made at restaurants and other business establishments. He urged consumers to report any grievances to the NCPC, ensuring that their rights are protected and that businesses adhere to fair practices.
The NCPC under Lawrence Bassie’s leadership is making significant strides in promoting consumer protection and enhancing product quality in Sierra Leone. The commission’s work is not only protecting consumers but also contributing to the overall economic stability and growth of the country.
Lawrence Bassie A Beacon of Hope
