The National Consumer Protection Commission of Sierra Leone (NCPC-SL) on 29th May, 2026 held a successful Public Awareness and Education Programme on the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 2020 at the Makeni City Council Hall in Makeni, bringing together key government officials, traditional leaders, business stakeholders, and members of the public from across the North East Region. The engagement formed part of the Commission’s nationwide campaign aimed at increasing public understanding of consumer rights and responsibilities under the Consumer Protection Act 2020, while promoting fair trade practices and accountability in the marketplace.
The programme attracted high-level participation, including the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Madam Fatmata Kamara, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone.
In her statement, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring a fair and competitive business environment across the country. She emphasized that the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act 2020 represents a significant milestone in safeguarding citizens from unfair trade practices, counterfeit goods, misleading advertisements, and unsafe products. She further encouraged consumers to become more vigilant and report violations through the appropriate channels established by the Commission.
The event was also graced by the Chairman of the Board of the National Consumer Protection Commission, Mr Ibrahim Saccok, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr Lawrence Landi Bassie, both of whom highlighted the importance of public education in strengthening consumer confidence and improving service delivery in Sierra Leone. The CEO noted that many consumers remain unaware of their legal rights and remedies under the law, making continuous sensitization crucial to the Commission’s mandate. He assured participants that the NCPC remains committed to working closely with local councils, traditional authorities, traders, and civil society organizations to ensure that consumers across the country receive adequate protection.
Also present at the programme were the Resident Minister for the North East Region, the Deputy Chief Administrator of the Makeni City Council, the Deputy Chairman of the Bombali District Council, representatives from trade unions, business communities, market associations, civil society organizations, youth groups, and Paramount Chiefs from various chiefdoms within the region. The broad participation demonstrated a collective commitment toward promoting consumer welfare and responsible business conduct within the North East Region.
During the engagement, participants received detailed presentations on the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2020, including consumer rights, obligations of suppliers and service providers, mechanisms for lodging complaints, and penalties for violations of the law. Interactive discussions were held, allowing participants to raise concerns affecting consumers within their communities, particularly issues relating to expired products, false labeling, price manipulation, and poor service delivery.
The awareness programme concluded with a renewed call for collaboration among government institutions, local authorities, traditional leaders, and the private sector to strengthen consumer protection mechanisms nationwide. Participants commended the National Consumer Protection Commission for extending the sensitization campaign to the regions, and expressed optimism that increased public awareness would contribute significantly to protecting consumers and promoting ethical business practices throughout Sierra Leone.