In a firm show of commitment to public health and consumer rights, the National Consumer Protection Commission (NCPC) of Sierra Leone on 9th April 2026, supervised the destruction of a large consignment of expired and unsafe consumer items confiscated from various shops and business places across in Freetown.
The exercise, carried out at the Rokel Fire Training Ground, was conducted in full view of representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and with technical support from the National Fire Force (NFF). Using controlled incineration, officers safely destroyed cartons and packages of expired foodstuffs, beverages, canned goods, biscuits, and other expired goods that had been confiscated during recent market surveillance operations across the Western Area.
NCPC officials said the items posed serious risks to unsuspecting buyers, especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly. “These products had long passed their expiry dates and were no longer safe for consumption or use,” said Mrs Bernadette Fullah, Consumer Relations Manager at NCPC, who led the operation. “By destroying them openly and with witnesses present, we are sending a clear message that consumer safety is non-negotiable.”
Civil society representatives welcomed the transparent process. Mr Sonny Rogers, Head of the Consumer Watch, one of the CSOs invited to observe the destruction, told journalists on site: “We have been calling for stronger enforcement, and today we saw it in action. The presence of CSOs ensures accountability. No more backdoor deals—expired goods are being taken off our streets for good.”
The National Fire Force provided fire tenders, safety barriers, and trained personnel to manage the incineration, ensuring the operation was carried out without environmental hazards or risks to nearby communities. Assistant Fire Chief, Mohamed Sannoh, explained that the NFF’s role goes beyond firefighting: “When the NCPC calls on us for these public-health exercises, we respond immediately. Safe disposal protects both people and the environment.”
This is not the first time the NCPC has acted decisively. Similar destruction exercises were held in 2025, following routine raids on shops and warehouses where expired stock was found on shelves. These operations form part of the Commission’s ongoing mandate under the Consumer Protection Act of 2020 to monitor markets, confiscate dangerous goods, and educate the public.
Shoppers in Freetown markets expressed relief when they heard the news. “I have young children at home,” said Aminata Conteh, a mother of three, who sells vegetables at the Big Market. “Sometimes you don’t even notice the expiry date until it’s too late. Knowing the authorities are watching and destroying these things, gives me peace of mind.”
NCPC’s Mrs Fullah urged consumers to remain vigilant, and encouraged members of the public to check expiry dates on every product before buying and to report suspicious products through the Commission’s hotline (+232 30 080 527) or its growing network of market monitors.
The Commission also reminded traders that repeated offences could lead to heavier fines, business closures, or court action. “We are not against business—we are against cheating the people of Sierra Leone,” the Madam Fullah reiterated.
As the last flames died down under the watchful eyes of CSO observers and NFF officers, the message from the exercise was unmistakable: in Sierra Leone, the rights of ordinary consumers are being defended—one destroyed carton of expired goods at a time.
NCPC Communications Unit