By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has issued a final warning to Sierra Mining Company Limited to pay its outstanding license fees amounting to $450,000 by May 31, 2025, or face stiff legal and operational consequences.
The ultimatum was delivered during a high-stakes oversight session chaired by Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, under the authority of Section 8 of the Finance Acts of 2000 and 2022. The session focused on unpaid mining license fees declared publicly in government gazettes and national media outlets.
According to parliamentary records, Sierra Mining has paid only $50,000 of the $500,000 owed as of March 14, 2025. The PAC emphasized that such arrears are not just accounting discrepancies, but direct liabilities to the state, potentially hampering the government’s ability to fund critical public services.
“We are not here to intimidate anyone,” said Hon. Conteh. “This is a constructive engagement. But unpaid revenues to the National Revenue Authority (NRA) are debts owed to the people of Sierra Leone. We are obligated to ensure compliance.”
James John, the new Managing Director of Sierra Mining, acknowledged the debt during the hearing and committed to settling the remaining balance by the end of May. The PAC agreed to the extension, citing the company’s ongoing internal restructuring and current global market challenges.
“This extension is final,” Hon. Conteh warned. “If the full amount is not paid by May 31, we will be forced to recommend the suspension of operations and potentially freeze the company’s accounts.”
The Committee reiterated its commitment to transparency and pledged to publicly recognize companies that comply with their financial obligations. This move, they said, is intended to support corporate accountability and maintain public trust—particularly for firms listed on international stock exchanges.
As the deadline approaches, the PAC has vowed to intensify its monitoring and enforcement efforts, warning that further delays will result in swift and decisive parliamentary action.
