By Ragan M. Conteh

The leader of the opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has delivered a passionate address on national governance, accountability, and critical sectorial reforms.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, Hon. Kargbo emphasized the need for transparency in diplomatic appointments, energy infrastructure improvements, immigration reforms, and financial discipline in state institutions

Addressing the issue of diplomatic representation, Hon. Kargbo called for greater accountability in the actions of ambassadors, stressing that reputational damage to the country must not go unpunished. He argued that merely recalling an ambassador accused of misconduct was insufficient and urged the government to take legal action against those who tarnish Sierra Leone’s international image.

“This should serve as a lesson for all ambassadors. You have a moral obligation to uphold the dignity of our country wherever you serve. The former ambassador should not just be recalled quietly—he should face legal consequences for his actions,” Hon. Kargbo stated.

He encouraged the newly appointed Ambassador Mohamed Foday Yumkella to serve with integrity, emphasizing that his actions would shape how Sierra Leoneans are treated abroad.

Turning to the Ministry of Energy, Hon. Kargbo highlighted the devastating impact of unregulated electricity supply, citing multiple cases of homes catching fire due to power fluctuations. As a professional engineer, he expressed frustration over the failure to modernize the country’s energy infrastructure and recommended voltage regulators to prevent damage to electrical appliances.

“I have seen over 30 homes destroyed because of poor electricity supply. Just last week, a brand-new phone I bought for my nephew exploded due to a power surge. Many Sierra Leoneans face similar challenges daily,” he lamented.

Hon. Kargbo also criticized exorbitant electricity tariffs, stating that citizens were being forced to pay service charges even when they received no power supply for months. He urged Parliament to intervene and demand reforms from the Ministry of Energy.

On the issue of immigration, the opposition politician warned against the reckless issuance of Sierra Leonean passports to foreigners. He revealed that individuals with non-African features were found carrying Sierra Leonean passports, using them for criminal activities while protecting their actual national identities.

“I have seen passports issued to foreigners with Chinese faces. These people use our passports to commit crimes while safeguarding their real nationality. We must tighten our immigration processes to prevent this abuse,” he stressed.

He called on the proposed Chief Immigration Officer to prioritize national security and ensure that only genuine Sierra Leoneans obtain passports.

Hon. Kargbo also addressed financial mismanagement in the banking sector, accusing political elites of securing massive loans without repayment. He argued that state banks were reluctant to take action against powerful individuals, fearing political repercussions.

“The banks are afraid to act because they don’t want to lose their jobs. Political figures and civil servants are taking huge loans and failing to repay them, leading to financial instability,” he said.

He further highlighted that the latest audit report revealed over 300 billion leones unaccounted for, yet the government had done little to address the issue.

Discussing road safety, Hon. Kargbo called for stricter driver’s licensing regulations to reduce road accidents. He criticized the licensing system, claiming that people were being issued licenses without proper assessments.

“I have seen people who cannot drive being granted licenses. Some even apply for licenses while selling tomatoes in the market! This must stop,” he said.

He urged the newly appointed Director of Road Safety to implement reforms and ensure proper road regulations are enforced.

Hon. Kargbo concluded his speech by urging Parliament to prioritize the interests of ordinary citizens over political considerations. He called for transparency, accountability, and reforms in all key sectors to improve governance and protect national resources.

“As leaders, we must always remember that we were elected to serve the people. If we fail to act now, posterity will judge us,” he said.

His address resonated with many in the House, sparking discussions on how to implement some of his recommendations. The parliamentary session underscored the urgent need for institutional reforms and stronger oversight mechanisms in Sierra Leone.