In a landmark move to safeguard consumer rights and promote public welfare, Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh officially launched the National Consumer Protection Commission (NCPC) on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing long-standing issues of consumer protection in Sierra Leone.
The commission, created by law in 2020 and operationalized last year, represents the culmination of efforts dating back to 2005. At the launch, Chief Minister Sengeh celebrated this achievement, emphasizing the role of strong governance and leadership under President Bio.
“This commission is an example of what governance and leadership are,” Chief Minister Sengeh stated. “Thank you, President Bio, for doing what many before you couldn’t. We de don di game.”
Sengeh highlighted his personal dedication to consumer protection, recounting his participation in field inspections earlier this year following complaints about expired products being sold on the streets.
“We found and engaged businesses and petty traders, even fining those found wanting,” he said. “This is what good citizen action looks like.”
The Chief Minister also issued a stern warning against seeking leniency for those violating consumer protection laws.
“Don’t beg for your relative who has broken the law by stocking expired products,” he warned. “Because when you do, it might be your own child who unknowingly buys the next counterfeit product.”
Chief Minister Sengeh underscored the commission’s alignment with Sierra Leone’s democratic values and its role in the nation’s broader development agenda, including President Bio’s Big Five priorities.
“At the heart of consumer protection is democracy—government for the people,” he noted. “What will make it have an accelerated impact is when we all come together as one government and one people to support the president and the government’s focus.”
The launch of the NCPC is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering accountability, safeguarding public health, and empowering citizens to demand quality and fairness in the marketplace. It highlights the administration’s proactive approach to ensuring that consumer rights are protected and that businesses operate responsibly.
With the NCPC now fully operational, citizens are encouraged to support its mission by reporting consumer issues and upholding the principles of fairness and accountability in their communities.
