By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – August 4, 2026 — The Parliament of Sierra Leone has ordered the immediate freezing of all accounts linked to the Joint Venture Agreement between the Sierra Leone State Lottery Company and Accord Logistics, following serious concerns over contract breaches and mismanagement of state assets.
The ruling was delivered by the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, during Tuesday’s sitting at around 7:00 PM. He directed that:
- Joint venture accounts be frozen to safeguard public funds pending investigations.
- Audit Service Sierra Leone conduct a full audit of the accounts and report findings to Parliament.
- The decision came after debate and adoption of the Trade and Industry Committee report on the expired Joint Venture Agreement.
Committee Findings
Presenting the motion, Hon. Dr. Unpha Sorie G. Koroma revealed that the Committee had engaged the National Commission for Privatisation (NCP), Accord Logistics, and other stakeholders. The inquiry uncovered serious lapses in contract performance and management of state assets.
Seconding the motion, Hon. Ing. Fallah Tengbeh condemned Accord Logistics for repeatedly ignoring parliamentary summons and noted that significant sums remained unpaid to the State.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay described the contractor’s actions as a “direct affront to Parliament,” stressing that workers had not been paid despite directives. She urged regulatory and legal action against Accord Logistics.
Lawmakers’ Reactions
Hon. Bernadette Wuyatta Songa called the contractor’s conduct “unprecedented” and urged that the expired contract not be renewed, instead recommending competitive re-advertisement.
Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawallie raised concerns over unpaid workers and mismanagement of public funds, insisting Parliament must uphold its oversight mandate.
Hon. Momoh Bockarie recommended precautionary measures, including instructing banks to block unauthorized transactions.
Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina reminded the House that the contract was originally awarded through international competitive bidding and urged corrective measures.
Concluding the debate, Hon. Dr. Koroma emphasized that evidence showed clear breaches of the agreement, justifying Parliament’s decisive action in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone.