By: Aminata Sesay
Parliament on Thursday approved the presidential nominees for the Ministry of Energy after a long and heated debate focused on Sierra Leone’s persistent electricity challenges, high energy costs, and the urgent need for sector-wide reforms.
The approval followed the presentation of the Committee on Appointments and Public Service report, led by the Majority Leader, Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma. The debate examined the nominees’ qualifications, their experience in the energy sector, and the expectations placed on them to address the country’s longstanding power crisis.
Hon. Nyuma emphasized that the energy sector remains central to the government’s development agenda, but noted that many intended reforms have yet to materialize. He outlined the technical, financial, and governance challenges facing energy institutions such as the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), and the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC).
Describing the crisis as “one of the most pressing concerns of the government,” he noted that heavy reliance on government subsidies, global financing, and costly emergency power arrangements continues to undermine progress.
The newly confirmed Minister, Mr. Grant, was commended for over a decade of technical leadership in the sector, particularly in his role as Executive Technical Adviser at EDSA from 2018 to 2025. During that period, he contributed to policy formulation, project supervision, private-sector engagement, and implementation of major donor-funded initiatives, including renewable energy projects supported by the World Bank.
Mr. Grant holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Temple University and a Master’s degree in Facility Management from Pratt Institute. Before returning to Sierra Leone, he worked extensively in the United States as a construction engineer, consultant, and project manager, including engagements with the United Nations.
Addressing Parliament, the incoming minister described the energy sector as “overstretched and underfunded,” revealing that government has invested more than $20 million in power generation over the past decade while still depending heavily on expensive thermal plants and emergency power contracts.
He pledged to combat energy theft which he estimates accounts for nearly 50% of overall system losses and committed to pursuing legal reforms to expedite prosecution of offenders.
MPs from both sides of the aisle expressed serious concerns about rising electricity tariffs, lack of rural energy access, and the sustainability of current power sources.
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma criticized the country’s continued dependence on high-cost emergency power, comparing the current tariff of more than 27 cents per kilowatt-hour to cheaper alternatives such as Bumbuna Hydro (14 cents) and the CLSG line (around 18 cents).
He highlighted the disparity between rural and urban consumers, noting that many rural residents still pay higher tariffs for solar mini-grid electricity than city dwellers pay for the national grid.
“Solar is supposed to be cheaper, yet rural communities are paying 18 to 21 Leones per kilowatt-hour,” he argued. “Most of the installed mini-grids are not even functioning because people cannot afford the tariffs.”
MPs urged the ministry to prioritize renewable energy sources such as Dodo Hydro and to expand the CLSG transmission line, stressing that these options offer more affordable and sustainable solutions.
Members also drew attention to the deteriorating transmission and distribution network much of which has not been rehabilitated since 1995. They warned that even with improved generation capacity, the country will not benefit unless the outdated lines, poles, and transformers are upgraded.
Hon. Kekura Vandi, Chairman of the Energy Committee, recalled going without electricity for four days due to a minor technical fault. He attributed the delay to poor response times and a lack of commitment from EDSA staff.
“You cannot give excuses when the people need service,” he emphasized. “Even with 1,000 megawatts, we will still be in darkness if the distribution system is failing.”
MPs also applauded the new leadership at EDSA for beginning the process of regularizing long-term contract staff. They urged the minister to accelerate this initiative to boost morale and improve efficiency within the workforce.
Parliament concluded by urging the newly approved minister and his deputies to work collaboratively, prioritize renewable energy, reduce system losses, stabilize tariffs, and revive long-abandoned rural electrification projects.
With the approvals now confirmed, Sierra Leoneans will be watching closely to see whether the new leadership can deliver the long-awaited transformation in the country’s energy sector.