By Emma Black
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has issued a stern warning to Mr. Johny Kouza, chief executive officer of accord logistics, following allegations of disrespect and non-compliance with the Parliamentary committee on trade and Industry.
Mr. Kouza was summoned to appear at the Bar of Parliament, where the Rt. Hon. speaker, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, strongly rebuked him for conduct described as an affront not only to the Committee on trade and Industry but to Parliament as an institution.
Addressing the matter, the speaker emphasized that failure to honour summonses issued by any Standing committee of parliament constitutes contempt of parliament, an offence punishable under the law, he warned that parliament would not hesitate to exercise its full constitutional powers, including detention, against individuals who disregard its authority.
The Speaker’s intervention followed a formal complaint by the chairperson of the Parliamentary committee on trade and industry, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, who alleged that Mr. Kouza had acted disrespectfully towards the Committee during its proceedings.
Describing the incident as unacceptable, the Speaker cautioned Mr. Kouza that Parliament would treat any future misconduct with the utmost severity.
This is the first and last time such behaviour will be tolerated, the Speaker warned. If you appear before this House again for contempt, Parliament will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law, including imprisonment.
The Speaker further questioned the basis upon which the CEO felt emboldened to act in a manner deemed disrespectful to Parliament, reiterating that no individual or corporate entity is above parliamentary oversight.
The Leader of the opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, commended the speaker for taking decisive action, describing the move as necessary to protect the integrity of parliament, he urged the Speaker to apply similar measures to officials of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) or any other entities that fail to honour parliamentary summons.
The incident serves as a strong reminder of Parliament’s resolve to uphold its authority and enforce accountability across both the public and private sectors, parliamentary leaders stressed that cooperation with legislative oversight is essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 26th January 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
