Opposition members of parliament convened on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the All People’s Congress (APC) Headquarters in Freetown, Sierra Leone for their monthly press conference. Led by moderators Sidi Yayah Tunis and Hon. D. Unpha Sorie G. Koroma, the gathering focused on critical issues within the nation’s energy sector.
During the event, prominent figures such as Hon. Aron Aruna Koroma addressed pressing concerns, notably the escalating energy tariffs impacting vulnerable populations across Sierra Leone. Koroma, a vocal critic of the current administration’s handling of energy costs, lamented the significant rise in tariffs under their watch. He emphasized that previous APC policies had effectively managed these rates before the recent surge, which disproportionately affects lower-income families. Koroma advocated for the establishment of a “social bank” to assist disadvantaged households in managing their energy expenses, urging more robust measures to alleviate their financial burdens.
Mr. Abu Bakara Daramey, another key speaker at the conference, highlighted systemic inefficiencies within the energy sector. He stressed the urgent need for transparent policies and effective strategies to ensure reliable and affordable energy access nationwide. Daramey’s remarks underscored the necessity for comprehensive reforms to address longstanding issues hindering sectoral development.
In a broader political context, discussions also touched on recent controversies involving the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). The Secretary General of the APC criticized ECSL officials over concerns related to transparency and accountability in electoral processes, particularly highlighting issues surrounding disaggregated data. This critique reflects wider governance challenges and underscores the call for systemic reforms across various sectors in Sierra Leone.
The press conference effectively shed light on critical challenges facing the energy sector and advocated for immediate action to rectify these issues. Speakers stressed the imperative of implementing comprehensive reforms to ensure a sustainable and equitable energy future for all Sierra Leoneans, amidst broader calls for governance improvements in the country.
