By Musa Paul Feika
The Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, has redirected parliamentary scrutiny over concerns surrounding Orange Sierra Leone (OSL) towards the National Communications Authority (NaTCA), while the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Salima Monorma Bah, defended the role of telecommunications operators in combating cyber-enabled financial fraud.
The development came during Tuesday 4th August, 2026 in the Well of Parliament, when lawmakers raised concerns over issues affecting the telecommunications sector, including service delivery, regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and the increasing cases of digital fraud involving mobile platforms.
Hon. Nyuma argued that although ministers have constitutional responsibility to provide direction and oversight over government departments, technical and regulatory matters involving private operators, fall within the mandate of specialized regulatory institutions.
Citing constitutional provisions on ministerial responsibility, Hon. Nyuma explained that ministers exercise general direction and control over government departments assigned to them, but regulatory agencies established by law have specific responsibilities within their respective sectors.
He therefore maintained that issues concerning the operations, performance, and obligations of Orange Sierra Leone (OSL), should be addressed through the appropriate regulatory framework, particularly through NaTCA, which supervises telecommunications operators in Sierra Leone.
“Where any minister has been charged with responsibility for any department of government, they shall exercise general direction and control over the department,” Hon. Nyuma told Parliament, stressing that oversight must be exercised within the limits of the law.
His intervention effectively shifted the focus of the debate from Orange Sierra Leone’s operations to the responsibility of the telecommunications regulator to ensure compliance, monitor service providers, and protect consumers.
The Leader of Government Business said government’s responsibility is to ensure that institutions perform effectively, while technical agencies must provide explanations and enforce standards within their respective sectors.
However, responding to a separate parliamentary summons on cyber-enabled financial fraud, the current Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah defended the role of telecommunications operators, particularly Orange Sierra Leone, in addressing the growing threat of online scams, WhatsApp account takeovers, and digital financial deception.
The Minister told lawmakers that the increase in cyber fraud should be viewed against the background of Sierra Leone’s rapid digital transformation, which has expanded internet access, mobile money services, and digital public infrastructure.
She explained that while digital technology has created opportunities for communication, financial inclusion, and economic growth, criminals have also exploited these platforms to deceive citizens and steal money or personal information.
According to her, the Government, through the Ministry, in collaboration with the National Communications Authority, the National Cyber Security Coordinating Centre, the Sierra Leone Police, financial institutions, and mobile network operators, has been working to strengthen the national response to cybercrime.
She said many cyber fraud cases do not involve advanced hacking methods but rely mainly on social engineering tactics, where criminals manipulate victims through trust, urgency, and impersonation.
“Technology enables these crimes, but they are fundamentally crimes of deception,” the Minister stated.
She identified WhatsApp account takeover as one of the common methods used by fraudsters, explaining that criminals often trick users into sharing verification codes, allowing them to access accounts and request money from the victims’ contacts.
Minister Bah also highlighted the role of mobile network operators in responding to fraud complaints, stating that companies such as Orange Sierra Leone have systems to receive reports, investigate suspicious transactions, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies through established legal procedures.
She disclosed that Orange Sierra Leone has received hundreds of fraud-related complaints and has continued to support investigations where necessary.
The Minister, however, warned that recovery of stolen funds remains difficult if victims delay reporting incidents, as fraudsters often move money quickly after successful transactions.
“Every minute matters,” she told Parliament, emphasizing the importance of immediate reporting to increase the possibility of tracing and recovering funds.
She further noted that the Government is strengthening subscriber identification systems through National Identification Numbers and SIM card registration to improve the ability of security institutions to trace individuals involved in cyber-related crimes.
Madam Bah said the fight against cyber fraud requires a coordinated approach involving public awareness, stronger institutions, and effective law enforcement.
She announced plans for a National Cyber Fraud Response Workshop involving telecommunications companies, regulators, security agencies, financial institutions, and justice sector actors to develop a comprehensive framework for responding to cyber-enabled crimes.
The Minister maintained that building public trust remains essential to the success of Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda.
She assured Parliament that government would continue working with private sector operators and regulatory bodies to protect citizens while promoting a safe and reliable digital economy.
As Parliament continues its oversight role, attention is now expected to turn to NaTCA and its effectiveness in regulating telecommunications operators, ensuring quality services, and safeguarding consumers in Sierra Leone’s growing digital space.