The Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone has disclosed that the Central Bank has worked hard and ensured that the Old Leone is now a history.
Dr Ibrahim L. Stevens Wednesday 31 January 2024 made the disclosure whiles updating the Public Account Committee, in Speaker’s Conference Room, at the House of Parliament, Tower Hill Freetown.
Dr Stevens among other key issues informed the Committee that though Bank of Sierra Leone is a non-profiteering institution, yet perform public functions very well.
He vividly reflected on problems caused to the during the global COVID-19 pandemic, pointing out that the Bank of Sierra Leone recorded huge loss, which continues to affect the national economy with challenges of fears by the public and investors to save in the banks.
The Bank Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone informed that there are more New Leones in the vaults in Freetown and other parts of the country. He added that the Bank has finished so many economically programmes and projects while others are ongoing.
On concerns raised by Audit Service Sierra Leone 2022 Audit Report, the Chairman of the Public Account Committee, who also dubs as the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Segepoh Solomon Thomas referred to the BSL as the country’s Central Bank.
A member of the Committee, Hon Dickson Rogers profusely backed Dr Stevens’ presentation to the Public Account Committee saying; “what the Bank Governor describing it as factual”. Hon Dickson recalled during his visit to the United States of America, amid COVID-19 global pandemic, there were no commodities on the shelves of stores.
He praised the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr Ibrahim L. Stevens and his team for their good works. The lawmaker however encouraged Dr Stevens and team to always be in compliance as in line with best practices.
