By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter
The Deputy Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Sixth Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, has accused Socfin Agricultural Company Sierra Leone Limited of significant contract breaches and unlawful land encroachment in Pujehun District. This revelation came during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing on November 13, 2024, held at the New Administrative Building in Parliament.
Chairing the session, Hon. Conteh stressed that Socfin must compensate the government for illegally occupying land beyond its original concession. Findings from the PAC, based on the Auditor General’s reports for 2021 and 2022, indicate that Socfin unlawfully utilized over 200 acres of land—more than ten times the area initially allocated by the government.
“Socfin Agricultural Company has exceeded the boundaries of the land granted to them, occupying over 200 acres beyond what was agreed. They must pay for the extra land they have occupied,” Hon. Conteh asserted.
The Deputy Speaker further criticized Socfin for failing to meet its investment commitments while continuing to exploit the country’s resources. “Socfin claims they have exhausted their investment funds and are unwilling to inject further capital,” he noted.
Hon. Conteh also pointed out that the company’s agreement with the government, signed in 2012, expired in 2022. Despite the expiration, Socfin continued operations without a valid contract for a year, and the agreement was irregularly renewed in 2023 under then-Minister of Trade and Industry Ibrahim Sesay.
“The agreement was not ratified retrospectively, and Socfin operated for a year without legal authorization. This is a serious breach that needs immediate rectification,” he remarked.
In light of these violations, the Deputy Speaker directed the National Revenue Authority (NRA) to withhold any corporate tax benefits from Socfin. “The company is not eligible for any tax relief or government incentives, especially given their contract violations and failure to invest further,” he asserted.
Hon. Conteh’s strong stance underscores the government’s commitment to holding companies accountable for contract breaches and ensuring compliance with obligations to Sierra Leone. His revelations have sparked renewed calls for stricter oversight and enforcement of agreements with foreign investors.
The PAC is expected to pursue these issues in future sessions to ensure accountability from all stakeholders involved.
