By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
Members of Parliament (MPs) has on Tuesday 10th February 2026, ratified an agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Jolaks Manufacturing Company Limited, following extensive debate that underscored the need for strict compliance with corporate social responsibility, local content, environmental laws, and fair employment practices.
Leading the debate, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Trade and Industry, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, reminded the company that the agreement is governed by the laws of Sierra Leone and will be subject to continuous parliamentary oversight.
She warned that Parliament would not hesitate to revoke the agreement if the company fails to comply with its obligations, particularly in the areas of corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental protection, and community development.
“This is not a private arrangement; it is an agreement between two parties. If you do not comply, Parliament will cancel it without cost,” Hon. Sesay cautioned.
She emphasized that communities hosting the project must benefit through investments in schools, health facilities, and other social infrastructure, while also stressing the importance of training local youths rather than relying heavily on expatriate labour.
Adding to the debate, Deputy Leader of Government Business II, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, explained that the Constitution requires all major agreements entered into by the Executive to be ratified by Parliament, describing the process as an essential safeguard for national interest.
Hon. Lamina highlighted several clauses in the agreement that prioritize local employment, indigenous suppliers, periodic progress reports, gender-sensitive human resource planning, and environmental compliance under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act of 2010.
He further noted that while the agreement grants the company tax concessions and duty waivers for up to five years to stabilize operations, these incentives do not exempt the company from paying income tax, withholding tax, and corporate tax as required by law.
“Tax holidays are important to attract investment, but compliance with our income tax laws and anti-corruption standards is non-negotiable,” he said.
Speaking from the opposition benches, Hon. Dr. N’fa Koroma welcomed the agreement, praising Jolaks Manufacturing for its plan to add value to palm oil and palm kernel products, boost exports, and create employment.
However, he stressed that the protections and incentives granted to the company must translate into tangible benefits for host communities, including skills training, employment protection, improved health facilities, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
“Protection for the company must also mean protection for the people of Sierra Leone,” Hon. Koroma said, expressing concern over what he described as weak collaboration between the company and local stakeholders in his constituency.
He called for full implementation of clauses relating to employment, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility, urging the company to work closely with Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, farmers, and youth groups.
In response to concerns raised, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, assured Parliament that government would closely monitor the implementation of the agreement to ensure full compliance with environmental, social, and labour standards.
He stressed that supporting local manufacturing is critical to reducing import dependency and strengthening national economic resilience.
“The only way we can succeed as a country is to support companies that produce what we consume,” the Minister said.
Minister Sesay also acknowledged concerns raised by MPs representing affected communities, pledging to urgently improve engagement between the company and local stakeholders. He emphasized that capacity building, local skills transfer, and job creation remain central to government policy.
“Nothing is more painful than setting up a company in a community and seeing the primary beneficiaries come from outside,” he noted.
The Minister further called on Members of Parliament to actively monitor the company’s Human Resource Plan, ensuring that employment opportunities at all levels from management to operational staff meaningfully include local residents.
Concluding the debate, Parliament resolved to ratify the agreement, noting that it aligns with national goals of industrialization, job creation, value addition, and sustainable development, while reaffirming its commitment to oversight to ensure promises made are fulfilled.
“The credibility of this agreement rests on implementation,” the Speaker emphasized, urging all parties to honor their commitments.
