The Parliament of Sierra Leone has strongly cautioned the Chief Executive Officer of Accord Logistics, Johny Kouza, over what it described as disrespectful behaviour toward Parliament and its Committee on Trade and Industry.
Kouza was summoned to appear before Parliament following a complaint from the Chairperson of the Committee on Trade and Industry, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay. She accused the CEO of failing to show due respect to the committee during its work.
Addressing Kouza at the Bar of Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, issued a stern warning. He said any refusal to honour a summons from a standing committee of Parliament amounts to contempt and would attract serious consequences under the law.
The Speaker reminded Kouza that Parliament has the legal authority to detain individuals who ignore or undermine its committees. He stressed that such behaviour would not be tolerated, regardless of a person’s position or influence.
“You are lucky this time, but this is the first and last time we will accept such behaviour,” the Speaker warned. “The next time you appear before Parliament for contempt, you will be imprisoned.”
The warning, the Speaker explained, was meant to protect the dignity, authority, and independence of Parliament. He made it clear that Parliament expects full cooperation from both public officials and private sector leaders when they are summoned.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, praised the Speaker’s action. He said the decision to publicly reprimand the Accord Logistics CEO sent a strong message about accountability. Hon. Kargbo also urged the Speaker to take similar action against officials from ministries, departments, and agencies who fail to respect parliamentary summons.
Kouza’s appearance before Parliament has drawn public attention to the importance of cooperation between Parliament and the private sector. Lawmakers say respect for parliamentary processes is essential for transparency, accountability, and good governance in Sierra Leone.
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Parliament’s firm stance, according to observers, shows its determination to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no individual or organisation is above legislative oversight.
