During a lively session of Parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday March 25, 2025, at Tower Hill, Freetown, Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawally, the opposition Whip II, expressed deep concerns over the proposed State-Owned Enterprises’ and Governance Act 2025 especially the closure of state-owned institutions. With a steady tone, she addressed her fellow lawmakers, questioning the underlying rationale for repealing the National Commission for Privatization (NCP) Act. Tarawally demanded that the Ministry of Finance provide a clear and detailed explanation of what systemic issues warranted such a drastic legislative overhaul.

Hon. Tarawally expressed her skepticism regarding the management and operational effectiveness of state-owned enterprises, citing prominent institutions such as Sierratel, the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, and the Postal Services. She highlighted their untapped potential to generate significant revenue for the country, arguing that instead of dissolving the existing framework, the focus should be redirected toward strengthening and reforming these vital institutions to enhance their contributions to national development and economic stability.

She also raised concerns about the proposed leadership structure outlined in the new bill, particularly noting what she deemed inconsistencies in the qualification requirements for key positions. Hon. Tarawally found it troubling that the legislation allowed for a degree holder to assume a leadership role, while a deputy minister position necessitated a Master’s degree. This perceived discrepancy led her to describe the approach as flawed and indicative of a lack of a coherent governance strategy.

With determination in her voice, Hon. Tarawally made it abundantly clear that Parliament would not hastily approve the bill without conducting a thorough examination of its potential implications. She emphasized that lawmakers would carefully evaluate every detail, ensuring that the proposed reforms genuinely serve the best interests of the people of Sierra Leone. Urging the Finance Ministry to revisit the legislation, she stressed the importance of presenting well-founded justifications for the proposed changes, asserting that any alteration to the governance of state-owned enterprises must be substantiated by clear evidence of necessity and accompanied by a solid plan for implementation.