House Reprimands Accord Logistics CEO
By Benjamin S Conteh
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has issued a stern warning to the Chief Executive Officer of Accord Logistics, Mr. Johny Kouza, following his appearance before the House over what lawmakers described as blatant disrespect and non-compliance with parliamentary procedures.
Mr. Kouza was summoned to appear at the Bar of Parliament after a complaint was formally lodged by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Industry, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, who accused him of showing disregard for the authority of the Committee and, by extension, Parliament itself.
Addressing the matter, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, delivered a firm reprimand, describing the CEO’s conduct as unacceptable and contrary to the principles that govern engagement with the legislature. The Speaker emphasized that Parliament would not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers against any individual or institution that undermines its authority.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker reminded Mr. Kouza that failure to honour the summons of any Standing Committee of Parliament constitutes contempt of Parliament, an offence punishable under the law. He further cautioned that Parliament reserves the right to detain any person who refuses to comply with its lawful directives.
“This Parliament will not tolerate disrespect,” the Speaker warned. “You are fortunate that this is the first and last time we will accept such behaviour from you. Should you reappear before this House for contempt, you will be imprisoned. We want to know what emboldens you to treat Parliament with such disregard.”
The Speaker stressed that parliamentary committees act with the full authority of Parliament and must be treated with seriousness and respect by both public and private sector actors. He underscored that no individual or organization, regardless of status or influence, is above parliamentary oversight.
Supporting the Speaker’s decisive stance, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, commended the Rt. Hon. Speaker for what he described as a bold and necessary action in “naming and shaming” the CEO of Accord Logistics. He urged the Speaker to apply the same level of firmness to officials of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who fail to honour parliamentary summons.
Hon. Kargbo noted that respect for Parliament is fundamental to democratic governance and accountability, adding that selective compliance weakens institutional authority.
The CEO’s appearance before Parliament has reignited discussions on the importance of cooperation between the legislature and the private sector in advancing transparency, accountability, and good governance. Lawmakers emphasized that parliamentary oversight is essential to safeguarding the public interest and ensuring responsible corporate conduct.
The strong warning issued by the Rt. Hon. Speaker sends a clear and unequivocal message: Parliament of Sierra Leone will uphold its dignity, enforce its rules, and protect the integrity of its processes without fear or favour.
