Sierra leone: Parliament, Thursday 9 July 2026, ratified amendments linked to the 120MW Bekongor III Hydroelectric Power Project power purchase agreements, marking fresh momentum for national electricity expansion and economic growth.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the House ratified three key instruments: an amendment to the Power Purchase Agreement for the 120MW Bekongor III Hydroelectric Power Project between the Government of Sierra Leone, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority, and OHDAV Power and Minerals (SL) Limited; an amendment to the Implementation Agreement relating to the Bekongor hydroelectric project between the Government and OHDAV Power and Minerals (SL) Limited; and an Interconnection Agreement involving the Government, the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company, EDSA, and OHDAV Power and Minerals (SL) Limited.
Presenting the agreements to Parliament, Energy Minister Cyril Arnold Grant described them as an important step toward expanding Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure. He stated that the amendments aim to improve operational efficiency, increase electricity generation, and address the country’s persistent power deficit. The package includes an electricity tariff adjustment of about 9.6 cents per kilowatt hour.
Parliamentary Committee Chairman on Energy, Hon. Momoh Bockarie of Kenema District, noted that the agreements had previously been presented to Parliament and that ratifying the amendments would facilitate broader energy expansion. He highlighted the increased demand for reliable electricity due to growing business activity and investment, adding that the project could create approximately 1,500 jobs for Sierra Leoneans.
Hon. Bernadette Wuyattaa Songa of Kailahun District asserted that the agreements reflected Parliament’s effective work and underscored the urgent need for energy in the country. She encouraged the government to continue attracting investors who can support national development and raised concerns over weak energy infrastructure in Segbwema, calling for swift intervention.
Hon. Tamba Kellie of Kono District expressed concern over the tariff component, arguing that any added burden on EDSA could eventually affect consumers. While supporting the broader agreement, he called for further review of the tariff structure to alleviate pressure on the public.
Hon. Musa Fofanah, also of Kono District, emphasized that the agreements are vital to national development and noted that energy remains a central priority under the Mid-Term National Development Plan. He highlighted ongoing supply challenges and appealed for improved electricity access for hospitals, police stations, and other essential institutions in Kono.
Hon. Rebecca Yei Kamara of Kono District said Sierra Leone’s natural resources should translate into greater benefits for communities hosting electricity and hydro projects. She urged the Ministry to ensure that people living in those areas directly benefit from the power generated there.
Hon. Dr. Unpha Sorie Koroma of Western Urban District described energy as a key driver of development, stating that the agreements must produce real benefits for citizens. He pointed to struggling institutions that need stronger government support and maintained that the opposition’s concerns were meant to strengthen implementation, not obstruct it.
Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo, closing the debate for the opposition, questioned why the parent agreement had not been fully presented to Members of Parliament ahead of ratification. He also asked about the financial implications for the government and argued that an agreement ratified in 2023 should already be in implementation rather than returning for further amendment. He further raised concerns about the agreement’s no-transfer mechanism and the committee’s ability to monitor implementation effectively.
Responding for the government, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma rejected claims that the agreements were unavailable, stating that Members could access the documents through their digital tablets. He clarified that the operational period is 25 years, not 28, and agreed that Parliament must exercise stronger oversight throughout implementation. He said the agreements clearly define the responsibilities of EGTC, EDSA, and other sector institutions and concluded that Sierra Leone needs a National Energy Plan to address long-term electricity challenges.
A motion earlier moved by Opposition Leader Abdul Kargbo, requesting full details of the agreements before ratification, was later withdrawn.
In his closing remarks, Minister Grant thanked Parliament for ratifying the agreements and pledged to work with relevant agencies to address concerns raised during the debate.
In a separate development, Parliament also approved the Bill entitled The State-Owned Enterprises and Governance Act on Thursday, 9 July 2026. The legislation establishes a framework for the effective ownership and governance of state-owned enterprises, promotes transparency and accountability, strengthens the government’s role as shareholder, and supports better economic management, fair competition, and public trust.