BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In a decisive move to enforce consumer protection standards, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Customer Protection Commission, has taken action against three building material shops in Waterloo. The shops, identified as ABM (SL) Limited ‘Jaisiya Ram’, Marco Construction, and Yasser Building Material, were found to be in violation of government-mandated standards for the sale of goods.
The press release, issued on Friday, April 12th, 2024, detailed the suspension of operations for the aforementioned businesses due to their failure to comply with the standards outlined in the Consumer Protection Act of 2020. The decision was made following a hearing attended by key officials, including the Acting Minister of Trade and Industry, Madam Fatmata Kargbo, and Lawrence Bassie, Chief Executive of the National Consumer Protection Commission of Sierra Leone.
During the hearing, evidence of violations was presented, notably concerning a significant deviation in the length and diameter specifications of iron rods, which are commonly sold by the affected shops.
Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, the Adjudicator of the National Consumer Protection Commission, announced fines to be imposed on the owners of the three entities. “A.B.M SL Limited is to pay one hundred and fifty thousand New Leones, Marco Construction one hundred and fifty thousand New Leones, and Yasser Building Material one hundred thousand New Leones,” stated Dr. Abdulai.
All fines are mandated to be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone, as per Section 25 subsection (1) and (5) of the Consumer Protection Act of 2020. Moreover, business owners affected by the decision have the right to appeal, as outlined in Section 30 subsection (1) of the Act. However, failure to succeed in the appeal process could result in substantial penalties, with Section 41 subsection (1) stipulating fines not exceeding one billion New Leones for appellants who are unsuccessful in their appeal.
The government’s swift action underscores its commitment to upholding consumer rights and ensuring compliance with established standards within the commercial sector.
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