By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone – January 20, 2026: The Parliament of Sierra Leone has issued a stern caution to the Chief Executive Officer of Accord Logistics, Johny Kouza, after he was summoned and reprimanded for contemptuous behavior toward the Committee on Trade and Industry.
During Tuesday’s sitting, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, addressed Kouza in the Bar of Parliament, warning that his conduct was unacceptable and would not be tolerated. The Speaker stressed that failure to comply with the summons of any Standing Committee amounts to contempt of Parliament, which carries serious consequences under the law.
The Speaker reminded Kouza that Parliament has the authority to detain individuals who disregard its directives. He cautioned that this was Kouza’s final warning, and any future acts of disrespect would result in imprisonment.
“You are lucky, but this is the first and last time we will accept such behavior from you,” the Speaker declared. “The next time you appear before this Parliament for contempt, we will imprison you.”
The reprimand followed a complaint by Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, Chairperson of the Committee on Trade and Industry, who alleged that Kouza had shown blatant disrespect to the Committee.
The Speaker’s remarks underscored Parliament’s determination to uphold its authority and dignity, sending a clear message that no individual or organization will be allowed to undermine its processes.
Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo praised the Speaker’s decisive action, urging him to extend similar measures to officials of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who fail to honor parliamentary summons.