Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has disclosed that he met with Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) President, Ms. Tuma Adama Jabbie Gento Kamara, ahead of the Association’s much-anticipated Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) scheduled for Thursday, 6th August 2026.
The meeting, which was announced by the Attorney-General through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday afternoon, comes at a crucial moment for the legal profession following weeks of internal disputes, governance concerns, and the postp…
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[8/5/26, 9:13:09 AM] Dictionary Debonair New Line: Greetings @dausino bangs Sierraeye haven’t seen the posts yet?
[8/5/26, 9:44:11 AM] Dictionary Debonair New Line: Parliament Demands Action as Mobile Money Fraud Cases Surge Across Sierra Leone.
Parliament has intensified pressure on authorities and mobile network operators to address the growing wave of cyber-enabled financial fraud affecting thousands of Sierra Leoneans, with concerns mounting over the increasing use of mobile money and digital platforms by fraudsters.
During proceedings on Tuesday, Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas called on the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Technology to provide Parliament with a detailed explanation of the problem and a clear action plan for tackling what he described as an alarming trend.
The Speaker noted that many complaints reaching Parliament appear to involve activities conducted through the Orange mobile network, prompting concerns among citizens about the safety of digital financial transactions. Consequently, he urged authorities to present practical measures capable of restoring public confidence and protecting users from financial losses.
Responding to concerns raised in the House, Minister of Communication, Innovation and Technology, Salima Bah, acknowledged that cyber-related financial crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread.
According to the Minister, criminals are now using fake WhatsApp accounts, cloned social media profiles, and impersonation tactics to deceive unsuspecting members of the public. In many cases, fraudsters pose as government ministers, Members of Parliament, senior public officials, business leaders, or relatives in distress in order to solicit money from victims.
She explained that common scams include fake customer care agents, fraudulent investment opportunities, phishing links, fabricated job offers, mobile money requests, and messages claiming that a family member urgently requires financial assistance.
However, the Minister stressed that Sierra Leone is not facing the challenge alone. Similar cases of impersonation, account hijacking, and digital fraud have been reported in countries including Ghana, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States.
To combat the growing threat, Government has adopted a three-pronged strategy focused on public education, stronger consumer protection mechanisms, and enhanced law enforcement.
Ms. Bah revealed that her Ministry, working alongside the National Communications Authority (NaTCA), the National Cyber Security Coordinating Centre (NC3), and mobile network operators, has already launched nationwide awareness campaigns through radio, television, newspapers, social media, and community outreach programmes.
Additionally, mobile operators have introduced public messaging campaigns encouraging customers to “pause and verify” before sending money or sharing sensitive information.
“No technological solution can eliminate fraud if citizens are unaware,” the Minister warned, urging Sierra Leoneans to verify requests independently before making any financial transaction.
Parliamentarians Demand Stronger Safeguards
Debate in Parliament reflected growing concern over the impact of fraud on ordinary citizens.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, described the issue as a national concern that threatens both financial security and public trust in digital services.
He argued that mobile network operators must take greater responsibility for protecting their customers and shared a personal experience involving a suspicious request for money. He also pledged opposition support for measures aimed at strengthening consumer protection and commended the Speaker for bringing the matter before Parliament.
Similarly, Leader of Government Business, Hon. Matthew Nyuma, called for urgent oversight hearings involving regulators and mobile network operators.
According to him, many citizens have lost confidence in digital financial services due to the frequency of scams and hacking incidents. He therefore urged Parliament to compel relevant institutions to explain existing safeguards and clarify what support is available for victims who lose money through fraud.
Meanwhile, Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara raised concerns about broader issues within the mobile money ecosystem. He questioned how unclaimed mobile money balances are managed and highlighted challenges families face when attempting to access funds belonging to deceased relatives.
He also called for improvements in network stability, stronger accountability measures, and updates on infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing service delivery nationwide.
Providing updates on regulatory efforts, NaTCA Director General Amara Briwa informed Parliament that a new phase of SIM card registration will begin next week, accompanied by a nationwide public sensitization campaign.
He acknowledged concerns about SIM card costs and disclosed that discussions are underway with the National Revenue Authority and telecommunications operators to explore ways of reducing prices.
Regarding network quality, Mr. Briwa stated that NaTCA continues to conduct nationwide drive tests and monitor operators’ performance. Where deficiencies are identified, directives are issued and financial penalties may follow if corrective action is not taken.
He cited recent power-related challenges affecting Orange’s network as one example of issues currently under regulatory review.
Mr. Briwa further revealed that NaTCA has been actively supporting investigations into cyber fraud by identifying suspects and handing them over to law enforcement authorities for prosecution.
Following extensive debate, Members of Parliament agreed that stronger oversight is needed to address both cyber fraud and broader concerns about telecommunications services.
As a result, the House tasked Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Boston Munda, with leading a detailed investigation into the matter.
The Committee has been directed to engage stakeholders, review existing safeguards, assess public concerns, and submit a comprehensive report to Parliament within one month.
With mobile money transactions becoming an increasingly important part of daily life in Sierra Leone, lawmakers, regulators, and telecommunications operators now face mounting pressure to strengthen consumer protection measures and ensure that citizens can use digital financial services with greater confidence and security.