Following parliamentary summons by the Public Accounts Committee, chaired by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, to the contractual parties for the supply of rice to the Sierra Leone Police on Friday 6th November 2026 in Parliament, a resolution was reached where VIP agreed to continue to supply rice to the Sierra Leone Police, even though they are being owed by the government.
The engagement in Parliament was graced by the Financial Secretary, Sierra Leone Police and VIP Sierra Leone Limited with the aim of addressing the stalemate surrounding the supply of rice to the police. The following resolutions were reached in light of the existing contract with the Government of Sierra Leone:
- The Public Accounts Committee has been reassured by VIP Sierra Leone Limited to supply rice to the Sierra Leone Police for the month of August 2026, after understanding the delay in the receipt of payments for the seven months of rice supplied in 2026: January to July;
- The Committee recognized the respect demonstrated by VIP in honouring the supply of rice to the SLP in tight fiscal situations. The contractor is, however, assured by the chairman to follow-up with the Ministry of Finance for settlement of outstanding payments payable for the period January to July 2026;
- The Committee is made aware of the contractual price per bag of Nle 900, and after deductions of withholding tax, the contractor receives Nle 840, whereas the prevailing market price per bag is Nle 750; and
- The Public Accounts Committee, concerned about the welfare of the Sierra Leone Police under the said contract, has assured the contractor of following up with the Ministry of Finance for purposes of amicable settlement of the outstanding payments.
The contractor has assured the Public Accounts Committee of supplying rice to the Sierra Leone Police for the month of August 2026, costing approximately Nle 20 million Leone.
Parliamentary and Public Relations Department
Parliament of Sierra Leone
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