AYV News, April 25, 2025
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Sierra Leone’s Parliament has issued formal summons to 20 mining companies over unpaid license fees owed to the National Minerals Agency (NMA), totaling hundreds of thousands of leones.
The defaulting companies are expected to appear before the Committee on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Administrative Building of Parliament, Tower Hill, Freetown.
Citing Section 8 of the Finance Act 2022 and relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act 2000, the PAC stressed that tax debts constitute legal obligations.
“Income that is due and payable shall be the debt owed to Sierra Leone and shall be payable to the Commissioner General,” the Act states.
PAC Chairperson Hon. Lahai Marah emphasized the seriousness of the matter.
“This is about accountability and ensuring that the government receives the revenues it is duly owed. These funds are vital for national development,” he said.
The PAC’s action follows its mandate under Order 70(6) of Parliament’s Standing Orders and Section 93 of the 1991 Constitution, which empower the Committee to investigate financial matters and summon individuals or institutions as necessary.
According to documents reviewed by PAC, some of the most significant outstanding amounts include Le 500,000 from Cheng Li Trading Mining Company Limited, Le 99,761 from Sierra Sand Mining Investment Company Ltd., and Le 99,460 from WGT Minerals Company Limited.
Other companies named include Dayu Mining Company Limited, Dojo Res
ources (SL) Limited, Sierra Minerals Holdings Ltd. No.1, and J.M. Mining Kenema (SL) Limited, among others.
Failure to comply with the summons could result in further legal actions or sanctions, the PAC warned.
This development signals a renewed effort by the Sierra Leonean Parliament to tighten oversight on revenue collection in the extractive sector, which is crucial to the country’s economy.
