In a significant press conference held by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025, various pressing national concerns were brought to the forefront, notably the critical need for effective parliamentary oversight in enhancing vital services.

At the helm of this dialogue was Honourable Boston Munda, the esteemed Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Technology, and Innovation, who passionately reiterated Parliament’s unwavering commitment to the improvement of telecommunications services throughout the nation.

Honourable Munda provided a comprehensive overview of his committee’s recent initiatives, showcasing the establishment of a specialized sub-committee designed to embark on an extensive nationwide tour. This initiative aims to conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of network services across diverse regions. The subcommittee’s primary goal is to pinpoint the myriad of challenges citizens face in accessing reliable and affordable telecommunications services. By engaging directly with a variety of stakeholders—including service providers and users—this on-the-ground assessment seeks to gather invaluable insights into the systemic issues plaguing the telecommunications sector.

With a sense of urgency, Honourable Munda expressed his deep apprehensions regarding the enduring problems of inadequate network quality and connectivity disruptions that have been undermining both social interaction and economic progress in Sierra Leone. He articulated a compelling argument, emphasizing that the accessibility and reliability of telecommunications services are fundamental drivers of innovation and vital for fostering digital inclusion and stimulating economic expansion. Munda stressed that it is imperative for every citizen, irrespective of their geographical location, to have access to affordable and efficient telecommunications services. Such access is essential for enhancing livelihoods, promoting education, and narrowing the digital divide that persists in society.

Moreover, Honourable Munda called upon the National Telecommunications Commission (NaTCA) to take decisive action by instituting stricter accountability measures for service providers. He advocated for NaTCA to heighten the imposition of significant fines and penalties on companies that fail to uphold the agreed-upon service standards.

This, he argued, would serve as a vital incentive for telecommunications companies to invest in essential infrastructure upgrades, thereby ensuring consistent and reliable service delivery to customers. Reinforcing his position, Honourable Munda urged NaTCA to function as a vigilant protector of the public’s interests, ensuring that telecommunications services are not just available but are also aligned with the needs and expectations of the populace.

He further emphasized the pivotal role of Parliament in overseeing and shaping the telecommunications landscape, pointing out that his committee would persist in its diligent monitoring of sector developments.

Munda reaffirmed Parliament’s steadfast resolve to cooperate closely with NaTCA and other relevant stakeholders in addressing existing inefficiencies, refining regulatory frameworks, and fostering accountability across the board. He also promised to advocate for additional resources and support aimed at bolstering NaTCA’s capacity to effectively fulfil its mandate.

The press conference served as a crucial platform, not only to highlight the urgent necessity for comprehensive reforms in Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector but also to reiterate Parliament’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that its citizens receive the high-quality services they rightfully deserve. In conclusion, Honourable Munda extended a heartfelt invitation to all stakeholders—telecommunications providers, regulatory bodies, and the government—to prioritize the well-being of the citizens by collaboratively addressing the long-standing issues in the sector and nurturing a more connected and digitally empowered society.