By Josephine W. Lagawo
FREETOWN, Nov. 5 (SALONE TIMES) – Members of Parliament on Monday discussed the National Investment Board Bill 2021. Deputy Leader of Government Business Hon Bashiru Silikie said that the reason for the pre-legislative meeting is for members of parliament to get an insight of the bill.
Hon Hassan Sesay Opposition Whip said they have the parent act to replace and repeal which is the Sierra Leone Export and Promotion Investment Agency (SLEPIA) Act, so he wants the people to speak on it for them to understand the bill.
Chairman Finance Committee Hon Francis Kaisamba pointed out that it is for members of Parliament to listen to the bill and made their input.
The Deputy Minister of Finance 2 Sheku Mahdi Bangura said that the bill will attract investment and that the investment board will be one stop shop.
The Executive Director of NIB Dr. Marda Mustapha said this bill will be a game changer for Sierra Leone and it will make the private sector the biggest employer instead of government.
Dr. Mustapha pointed out that Sierra Leone was ranked 163 out of 183 in terms of doing business and that if they do not act now before the end of Covid-19, it will be problem, noting that many investors have bowed out due to the current investment land scape but that with this bill will protect investors.
He emphasized that they would be working and promoting investment in the country as well as protecting investors from being duped.
The Leader of opposition Hon Chernor R.M. Bah said the investment board in Ghana is doing marvellous job.
Hon Hassan Sesay said that the fact that the Board will be composed of the President, Vice President, Ministries of Lands, Trade among others will make the board more political and that they will prevent investors that the opposition will bring.
Hon Amadu Alpha Bah asked what is the rationale behind the ministry of finance piloting the bill which has to do with trade and investment instead of the ministry of trade.
Hon Daniel Koroma said the drafter of the said bill should be in parliament or else he moved a motion for the bill to be put on hold.
Dr. Mustapha responded that the composition of the board is not being politicized while the Minister stated that they are presenting the bill for the transformation of investment climate.
