Tuesday 20th August 2024
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s press conference held on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, provided critical updates on several national initiatives aimed at fostering peace, enhancing consumer protection, and boosting Sierra Leone’s manufacturing sector. Host, Minister Chernor Bah, highlighted the Ministry’s upcoming National Town Hall on Peace and National Cohesion, alongside key developments in the trade and industry sectors, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans through strategic partnerships and regulatory measures. The following are the key highlights:
♦ National Town Hall on Peace and National Cohesion
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, announced that the Ministry, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, will host a National Town Hall on Peace and National Cohesion to commemorate Sierra Leone’s historic Presidency of the United Nations Security Council. The event, themed “What can we do together to cultivate the culture and future of peace and cohesion in Sierra Leone?”, is scheduled for the 27th of August 2024 at the New Brookfields Hotel at 2:00 pm. It will feature high-level political leaders, traditional and religious leaders, intergenerational conversations, as well as women and youth leaders.
♦ Boosting Sierra Leone’s Manufacturing Sector
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Fatmata Kargbo, announced that the Odhav Multi Industries (SL) Ltd., an iron rod manufacturing company located in Songo, will be commissioned by the end of this year. This initiative aligns with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s vision to reduce the country’s reliance on imported iron rods, thereby boosting Sierra Leone’s manufacturing sector.
♦ Consumer Protection and Quality Assurance Initiatives
Deputy Minister Fatmata Kargbo emphasized President Bio’s commitment to consumer protection, which led to the establishment of the National Consumer Protection Commission in 2020. The Commission serves as a platform for citizens to voice complaints about substandard products or services. Additionally, the Ministry’s Directorate of Standards and Compliance monitors agencies under the Ministry to ensure adherence to quality standards.
Addressing concerns about the importation of substandard iron rods, Deputy Minister Kargbo revealed that the Ministry has engaged importers, resulting in the cessation of substandard iron rod imports. To further ensure compliance, the Ministry has closed 10 shops selling substandard iron rods and has implemented mechanisms requiring importers to obtain certification from the Ministry before importing iron rods. Monitoring will also be conducted at ports to ensure that only iron rods that meet the correct specifications enter the country.
♦ Sierra Leone Standards Bureau’s Role in Quality Control
Jogor Bah, Deputy Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, highlighted that over 500 standards have been developed to ensure the safety and security of products in the market. While the Bureau’s food lab is fully functional, Bah noted the challenge of limited facilities for testing non-food items, aside from fuel products. To address this, the Bureau plans to launch the Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment Program in 2025, as approved in a recent Cabinet paper. This program will require importers to obtain certificates from designated international labs, thereby reducing the prevalence of substandard goods in the country by 20% with a long-term goal of reaching 0%.
♦ Clarification on Standard Iron Rod Specifications
Jogor Bah provided the following measurements for standard iron rods:
• Quarter Rods: Length 40ft, Diameter 6mm, 377 pieces per ton.
• 1/2 Inch Iron Rods: Length 40ft, Diameter 12mm, 94 pieces per ton.
• 5/8 Iron Rods: Length 40ft, Diameter 16mm, 53 pieces per ton.
These measurements represent the exact specifications for standard iron rods.
♦ National Consumer Protection Commission (NCPC) Updates
Lawrence Bassie, Chief Executive Officer of the National Consumer Protection Commission (NCPC), elaborated on the Commission’s mandate under Section 3(1) of the Consumer Protection Act of 2020. The NCPC is dedicated to creating an environment where businesses can thrive while ensuring that consumers are central to decision-making processes regarding their choices. CEO Bassie encouraged citizens to report poor services or low-quality goods to the Commission through the following channels:
• Mobile Number: +23230080527
• Email: nationalconsumerprotectioncom@gmail.com
The Commission assured the public that defaulters would face legal consequences under the law.
©MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND CIVIC EDUCATION
