Freetown, July 13 — Sierra Leone’s Parliament has ratified a set of amended agreements relating to the proposed 120-megawatt Bekongor Hydroelectric Power Project, with lawmakers debating the project’s potential to improve electricity supply, create jobs and the financial implications of the revised arrangements.
The agreements, approved during Thursday’s parliamentary sitting, amend the existing power purchase and implementation agreements for the Bekongor Hydroelectric Power Project and include an interconnection agreement involving the Government of Sierra Leone, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), and OHDAV Power and Minerals (SL) Limited, formerly Nokorko Resources (SL) Ltd.
Presenting the agreements to Parliament, Minister of Energy Cyril Arnold Grant said the amendments are intended to improve operational efficiency and support efforts to expand electricity generation in Sierra Leone, where electricity demand continues to outstrip supply.
“The amendment agreements are to provide power for our people,” Grant told lawmakers, adding that the revised arrangements include an electricity tariff of about 9.6 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour.
Chairman of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Hon. Momoh Bockarie, welcomed the amendments, saying they would help pave the way for expanded electricity generation to support growing businesses and investment. He said Sierra Leone currently generates about 157.17 megawatts of electricity and estimated that the project could create around 1,500 jobs.
Several Members of Parliament, while supporting the agreements, urged the government to ensure that communities hosting energy projects benefit from improved electricity access.
Hon. Bernadette Wuyattaa Songa called for greater investment in electricity infrastructure in Kailahun District, particularly in Segbwema, while Hon. Musa Fofanah urged the government to prioritise electricity supply to hospitals, police stations and other essential public institutions in Kono District.
Hon. Rebecca Yei Kamara also appealed for host communities to benefit directly from electricity generated in their areas, describing it as an important consideration for local development.
Opposition lawmakers, however, questioned aspects of the agreements.
Hon. Tamba Kellie raised concerns over the proposed tariff arrangement, arguing that the additional cost could ultimately place a heavier burden on electricity consumers. While describing the project as beneficial overall, he urged further review of the tariff structure.
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Abdul Kargbo questioned why Members of Parliament had not been provided with the original agreement alongside the amended documents during the debate. He also sought clarification on the cost implications for government, queried why amendments were being introduced to an agreement ratified in 2023 before implementation had progressed further, and called for stronger parliamentary oversight of the project.
Responding during the debate, Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma rejected claims that Members lacked access to the relevant documents, stating that the agreements were available through Parliament’s digital document system. He clarified that the project’s operational period is 25 years, not 28 years, and said the agreements clearly define the responsibilities of the country’s electricity institutions.
Nyuma also stressed the need for sustained parliamentary oversight during implementation and called for the development of a National Energy Plan to help address Sierra Leone’s longstanding electricity challenges.
Following the debate, Hon. Abdul Kargbo withdrew an earlier motion seeking the presentation of additional documentation before ratification.
Minister Grant thanked Members of Parliament for approving the agreements and said his ministry would work with relevant agencies to address concerns raised during the debate.
During the same sitting, Parliament also enacted the State-Owned Enterprises and Governance Act, 2026, establishing a legal framework to strengthen the governance, accountability and oversight of state-owned enterprises.
