The Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Technology and Innovation, chaired by Hon. Boston Munda, conducted a two-day oversight to Line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the Communications, Technology and Innovation Sectors in Freetown. The oversight visit commenced on Thursday the 21st to Friday the 22nd of August 2025. The constitutional objective of the Committee was to assess progress made in those institutions, identify challenges and ensure accountability in Sierra Leone’s Digital and communication space.
At the Ministry of Communication, Honourable Munda raised concerns about the gap between advertised 4G/5G services and the reality in many rural communities. He confirmed that many communities are still operating on outdated 2G and 3G networks. He called for stricter enforcement of service standards.
Responding in one of the serial engagements, the Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah highlighted key developments, including the launch of Sierra Leone’s first open-access 5G network, rural connectivity programs, centralized government email, cybersecurity advancements, and ICT training for 1,500 youth. However, she acknowledged institutional challenges, particularly at Sierratel and SALPOST, as well as gaps in digital legislation.
At Africell, CEO Shadi Gerjawi emphasized the company’s market leadership and readiness for 5G, alongside its contributions to education, health, and youth empowerment. MPs commended Africell’s affordability and reach but urged improvement in rural service quality.
At Orange Sierra Leone, CEO Sekou Amadou Bah updated the committee on the detailed upgrades across all sites to 4G, 5G readiness, and efforts to solarize operations. MPs praised Orange’s technological progress and staff conditions but stressed the need for a better customer experience.
At SALPOST, MD Brima Katta reported progress on salary arrears, promotions, and wage restructuring. She also highlighted the ongoing financial strain due to lost bulk mail contracts and new international postal restrictions. He called for government support to reposition SALPOST as a national logistics partner.
Chairman Munda in his serial statements urged the various institutions to align their operations with current laws and show tangible progress.
At the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC), Cyber Risk Manager Alex Williams outlined successes under the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021, including the establishment of a CSIRT, a digital forensics lab, and international cooperation. However, he flagged funding shortages, low public awareness, and the lack of a Data Protection Act as ongoing barriers.
Chairman Munda emphasized the need for clear, structured reporting and warned that vague responses would not be tolerated
Director General Amara Brewah of the National Communications Authority discussed the difficulty of balancing investor confidence with consumer protection, especially with emerging technologies like Starlink. He noted enforcement challenges and joint efforts with the Bank of Sierra Leone to co-regulate mobile money.
The oversight tour was concluded at Sierratel, where the Acting Director, Edward Kamara described the company’s collapse in core services, mounting debts, and inability to pay salaries for staff and retirees He said revenue remains under NLe 500,000 per month—insufficient to sustain staff.
Chairman Munda blamed mismanagement and dismissed claims of past profitability, vowing that the Committee would summon management to Parliament with full financial records. He condemned the unauthorized leasing of company assets and reiterated the importance of salvaging Sierratel’s
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