By Fatima Kpaka
The Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Energy, Honourable Momoh Bockarie, has expressed frustration over the failure of the Minister of Energy and his two deputies to attend a scheduled press conference on Sierra Leone’s electricity challenges and rising cases of power theft.
The briefing, set for Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at Committee Room One in Parliament, was postponed after none of the three ministers appeared. Officials from key energy institutions—including the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), and representatives from the renewable energy sector—were present.
Speaking to journalists, Honourable Bockarie described the ministers’ absence as “disappointing,” noting that the committee had intended to engage the political leadership of the ministry on the state of electricity supply before addressing theft. “Unfortunately, none of the ministerial leadership was present, making it impossible for us to proceed,” he said.
While agency heads honoured the invitation, Bockarie stressed that the absence of the minister and deputies undermined the purpose of the engagement, since they are responsible for policy direction and supervision of the sector.
Parliament’s Chief Whip, Honourable Dickson Rogers, acting on behalf of the leadership, moved a motion directing the Committee Clerk to write a strongly worded letter to the Secretary to the President, complaining about the ministers’ failure to honour Parliament’s invitation. The motion received unanimous approval from MPs present.
Bockarie warned that repeated failures by ministers to respond to parliamentary summons are becoming an unacceptable trend that threatens relations between the legislature and the executive. He said the issue had already been raised with the Leader of Government Business, Honourable Mathew S. Nyuma, and flagged by several committee chairpersons.
“It is very unfortunate and unacceptable. Parliament and the Executive should be seen as partners in development,” Bockarie stated, stressing that committees exist to collaborate with ministries, examine challenges, make recommendations, and strengthen service delivery through oversight and legislation.
On Sierra Leone’s electricity supply, Bockarie admitted the country has not yet achieved energy sufficiency but pointed to progress in expanding access. He referenced last week’s debate on the amendment of the Kongor Hydroelectric Power Project, noting that while investments have been made, more work is needed.
“The Government of Sierra Leone, under President Julius Maada Bio, has made considerable efforts to expand electricity access through grid extension, thermal generation and renewable energy, including solar power. We are not there yet, but we are gradually moving towards a sustainable and reliable energy sector,” he said.