The National Communications Authority (NatCA) recently fined Orange Sierra Leone, one of the leading telecom providers, $1 million for gross negligence and poor leadership. This fine comes after widespread public outcry over the company’s persistently poor services, including dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and unresponsive customer service.
Orange Sierra Leone’s CEO, Sekou Amadou Bah, has been under fire for failing to meet service quality benchmarks and missing critical deadlines set by NatCA. Despite repeated engagements and assurances of improvement, the company has not delivered on its promises, leaving customers frustrated and disillusioned2.
The telecommunications crisis in Sierra Leone is not just a technological failure but a glaring deficiency in leadership. NatCA’s decision to impose the hefty fine sends a clear message: substandard service delivery will no longer be tolerated2. The authority has also issued directives for Orange Sierra Leone to implement significant network enhancements by February 2025. Failure to comply will result in further sanctions, which could cripple the company’s operations2.
This situation highlights the broader issue of accountability and the need for strong leadership in critical sectors. For years, Sierra Leoneans have endured poor network quality, which has disrupted businesses, hindered communication, and frustrated efforts to digitize essential services. In a world where connectivity is crucial for progress, Orange Sierra Leone’s incompetence is not just inconvenient—it is a barrier to national development2.
The question remains: how long will Sierra Leoneans continue to suffer under such negligent leadership? The blame for Orange SL’s shortcomings rests squarely on the shoulders of its management, and it is time for them to step up and deliver on their commitments