By: Aminata Sesay
Parliament is expected to launch investigations into alleged illegal charges imposed on importers at Sierra Leone’s ports, as well as the persistent rise in cement prices across the country, following concerns raised by the Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie.
Addressing Parliament, Hon. Silikie questioned the legality of additional fines allegedly being imposed on importers by companies involved in container tracking and shipping services at the ports, including African Global Logistics and Express Services.
According to him, importers already pay a mandatory fee of Le5,000 for container tracking services but are reportedly being compelled to pay additional charges of up to US$1,000 for late payments without any clear legal justification.
He warned that the situation is placing an additional financial burden on businesses and contributing to the rising cost of goods and services across the country.
“There is no existing law that authorises such fines,” Hon. Silikie stated, adding that he intends to table a motion calling on the Parliamentary Committee on Transparency and Accountability to investigate the matter.
The lawmaker further alleged that the increasing charges have frustrated many importers and shipping agents, with some reportedly abandoning their containers due to the excessive costs involved. He suggested that any monies collected through unlawful fines should be refunded to affected importers if investigations confirm the absence of a legal framework supporting the charges.
Hon. Silikie also expressed concern over the continued increase in cement prices despite government concessions previously granted to importers and manufacturers operating within the sector.
He reminded Parliament that agreements had earlier been approved granting companies a one-year grace period to establish cement manufacturing plants in Sierra Leone, with the aim of reducing dependence on imports and stabilising market prices.
However, he noted that despite these concessions, cement prices continue to rise, raising concerns about whether beneficiary companies are complying with the terms and conditions of their agreements.
As a result, Hon. Silikie called on the Finance Committee, together with the Public Accounts Committee, to investigate all agreements involving cement companies operating in Sierra Leone.
According to him, the proposed investigation should determine whether companies benefiting from government incentives are fulfilling their obligations while continuing to import cement and increase prices.
He informed Parliament that formal motions on both matters would be submitted for debate during the next parliamentary sitting.
The planned investigations are expected to spark broader national discussions surrounding transparency in revenue collection, import regulations, and the rising cost of essential commodities in Sierra Leone.