Sierra Leone Information Minister Hosts Gambian PURA in Freetown

The Minister of Information and Communications Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, on Wednesday 14th March 2012, played host to the Gambian Public Utility and Regulatory Authority (PURA) at his Youyi Building Office in Freetown.

The Gambian’s Director of Consumer Affairs, Solo Sima, said the purpose of their visit was to share experience with their Sierra Leonean counterparts on telecom regulations. He said this is vital because both Sierra Leone and The Gambian are working on similar projects. Mr. Sima noted that Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia are landing the Submarine Fiber Optic Cable for the very first time in their respective countries. He said it is important that these countries relate with each other to share experiences on the project.

Responding, the Minister of Information and Communications Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, revealed that the National Telecommunication (NATCOM) in Sierra Leone was established with the mandate to regulate telecommunications in the country. He furthered that the Government intends to give more powers to NATCOM, so as to enable them carry out their mandate effectively and meet the expanded needs of the telecommunication sector.

The minister stressed that telecommunications regulatory functions are left entirely in the hands of the regulators.

Minister Kargbo went on that, his ministry is working towards the creation of a landscape that will ensure the involvement of more people into the board. He further revealed that his ministry also intends to liberalize the gate-way and to encourage the private sector to be part of the development of ICT in the country. He underscored the need for telecommunication, whilst adding that it is pivotal in the development of the country.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Sheku A Tamu, informed the Gambian delegation about the different projects undertaken by the ministry and impact it is making towards national development.

March 15, 2012

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