By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The National Consumer Protection Commission (NCPC) of Sierra Leone on Tuesday 23rd January, 2024 organized a workshop to discuss the implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Competition framework. Held at the New City Council Conference Hall, 3rd Floor in Freetown, the event brought together key stakeholders and featured discussions on the importance of competition laws, consumer protection and collaboration between national and regional bodies.
In his opening remarks, Lawrence Bassie, the Chief Executive Officer of NCPC, outlined the mission and vision of the Commission. He emphasized the necessity for a competition law in Sierra Leone, underscoring the importance of shielding consumers from unfair market practices. He discussed the pivotal role the NCPC plays in monitoring the consumer market, educating consumers about their rights, and investigating non-compliance with consumer protection laws.
Despite acknowledging challenges such as budget constraints, he regarded them as opportunities for growth. He expressed gratitude towards the Ministry of Trade and Industry and ECOWAS for their support, particularly highlighting the signing of a grant agreement between ECOWAS and Sierra Leone to develop a competition framework and law as a significant milestone.
He urged the Minister to engage with the Ministry of Finance to secure the necessary funds for the Commission to effectively carry out its responsibilities.
In his statement, Aruna Musa, the ECOWAS representative, focused on the collaborative efforts to develop competition and consumer protection in Sierra Leone within the ECOWAS framework. He expressed gratitude to participants and emphasized the significance of promoting fair trade within the ECOWAS region. Aruna highlighted the intention to support Sierra Leone in taking ownership of the regional framework and working towards domestic implementation.
He underscored the importance of cooperation between national and regional stakeholders and the need for capacity building to strengthen the competitive environment in West Africa.
The ECOWAS representative emphasized commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in establishing a national competition authority, contributing to the broader regional integration process within ECOWAS.
Simeon Kofi, a representative of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), stressed in his presentation the importance of competition in promoting economic prosperity, innovation, and trade development.
He highlighted the 2008 framework aimed at promoting, maintaining, and encouraging competition in the region while prohibiting anti-competitive practices and protecting consumer welfare.
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Fatmata Wurie, in her address, highlighted the pervasive nature of competition in life and its necessity for growth. She sees the workshop as a crucial step in tackling monopoly and promoting fair trade and investments in Sierra Leone.
She attributed exorbitant prices and exploitation of consumers to monopolistic practices and expressed optimism that the Competition Act would benefit all citizens.
She emphasized the Government’s commitment to ensuring fair trade and healthy competition, applauding the role of the National Consumer Protection Commission in implementing this vital policy. She called for open and meaningful discussions to achieve the shared goal of realizing a competitive and consumer-focused Sierra Leone.
In conclusion, the Deputy Minister officially declared the workshop open, expressing hope for fruitful deliberations and a positive outcome. She highlighted the potential for the competition law to bring about significant changes in the market, benefiting both consumers and businesses.
The workshop is seen as a crucial milestone in advancing Sierra Leone’s economic development through fair trade and healthy competition.
