By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, the Deputy Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Parliament and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, has publicly praised the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) for its ongoing financial support to parliamentarians during difficult times. This commendation came during a recent Public Account Committee hearing on the Auditor General’s report on the country’s 2022 accounts.
Hon. Conteh underscored the critical role SLCB plays in providing loans to parliamentarians, especially after the substantial expenses incurred during election campaigns. “Commercial Bank is doing very well. During our trying moments, after we spent all our money on campaigning, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank is among the banks that normally gives us loans for us to be able to upkeep ourselves,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker highlighted that these loans are crucial for parliamentarians to manage personal expenses such as wardrobe updates and car maintenance, enabling them to effectively represent their constituents. Despite receiving a government salary of twenty-one million Leones and a fuel allowance, Hon. Conteh stressed that the financial benefits are not as substantial as often perceived. “We are not making millions as people are claiming. We don’t have enough seating accommodations, our office space is not enough, but yet we make laws that will suit the interest of our people,” he explained.
Hon. Conteh also reflected on personal sacrifices made for public service, noting that he left a better-paying job to serve in Parliament. “I was at a job with better opportunity, but I believe that my presence here is a calling, and in as much as we are doing our job, we need to be given a human face,” he reflected.
Additionally, he appealed to SLCB for leniency in loan repayments, emphasizing that parliamentarians are diligent in meeting their financial obligations. “Most of the cars we are using are on loan. We are appealing to SLCB to please be easy on us because we are complying when it comes to loan payment and our loan is not a risk to the bank,” Hon. Conteh urged.
This appeal highlights the financial strains faced by Sierra Leone’s lawmakers and underscores the essential role of supportive financial institutions in maintaining their ability to serve effectively. As the nation continues to navigate economic challenges, the relationship between parliamentarians and banks like SLCB remains vital for sustaining the functions of governance and public service.
