Parliament Issues Stern Warning to Accord Logistics CEO Over Contempt
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has issued a strong caution to the Chief Executive Officer of Accord Logistics, Mr. Johny Kouza, following what lawmakers described as acts of disrespect and non-compliance toward the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Industry.
Mr. Kouza was summoned to appear at the Bar of Parliament, where the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, severely reprimanded him for conduct deemed contemptuous of Parliament and its Standing Committees.
Addressing the matter, the Rt. Hon. Speaker made it unequivocally clear that failure to honour or comply with the summons of any Standing Committee of Parliament constitutes contempt, an offence punishable under the law. He stressed that Parliament possesses the constitutional authority to detain or imprison any individual who deliberately disregards its directives.
The Speaker’s intervention followed a formal complaint submitted by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Industry, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, who alleged that Mr. Kouza had shown blatant disrespect to the Committee during its proceedings.
“This is your first and final warning,” the Rt. Hon. Speaker told the CEO. “The next time you appear before this Parliament for contempt, you will be imprisoned. We want to know what gives you the audacity to behave disrespectfully toward Parliament.”
The Speaker emphasized that Parliament will apply the full force of the law against any individual or institution that undermines its authority, processes, or dignity, regardless of status or influence.
The matter also drew reactions from Members of Parliament, including the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, who commended the Rt. Hon. Speaker for what he described as a bold and necessary action in “naming and shaming” the CEO of Accord Logistics. Hon. Kargbo further urged the Speaker to apply the same firmness to officials of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who fail to honour parliamentary summons.
Observers say the incident underscores Parliament’s resolve to enforce accountability and strengthen respect for democratic oversight. Mr. Kouza’s appearance serves as a reminder of the critical role cooperation between the legislature and the private sector plays in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Sierra Leone.
