By Alfred Koroma
Hon.Tawa Conteh is Concord Times Personality of the Year
The year 2024 has been eventful, marked by a blend of challenges, progress, and pivotal moments across various sectors. In our continued commitment to highlighting leadership excellence and impactful service, Concord Times undertook a rigorous evaluation of individuals who have shaped the national landscape through exceptional public service. After thorough deliberation and a spirited debate, we are proud to recognize the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, as our Personality of the Year 2024 for his exemplary leadership, unwavering integrity, and dedication to advancing parliamentary democracy.
The MP’s recognition comes as no surprise given his transformative leadership as the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Under his watch, billions of Leones in public funds have been recovered, setting a new benchmark for transparency and good governance in the country.
First elected to Parliament in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, Hon. Tawa has actively served the legislative house in various committees as one of the top debaters representing the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party(SLPP), rising rapidly to the position of Deputy Speaker.
He was elected to the Deputy Speaker position and became the Chair of the PAC in May this year, a rise that reflects not only his exceptional debating skills but also his fearless stance against corruption.
Since his first term, the MP has stood out for his eloquence, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to holding public officials accountable. His contributions during parliamentary debates are marked by his ability to distill complex issues into clear, actionable insights.
He was one of the staunch opponents of corruption in the Fifth Parliament, at some point, speaking publicly about corruption in the tightly controlled legislative house. He is fearless and outspoken and often commands attention during Parliamentary debate.
A Champion for Accountability
Taking the position of Deputy Speaker in a Parliament which trust has been wavering, Hon. Tawa embraced his role with resolve and integrity.
His few months as Chair of the PAC has been marked by relentless pursuit of justice for public funds, holding MDAs to account for misuse and mismanagement of public resources.
Through meticulous scrutiny of audit reports and rigorous questioning of officials, the PAC under Hon. Tawa recovered over forty million Leones (40 billion old Leones) in tax arrears relating to the 2021 and 2022 audit periods between May and August this year.
From that amount, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recovered 30 billion old Leones from the National Revenue Authority, 10.5 billion old Leones from mobile network operators and internet service providers, and over 1 Million old Leones from small and medium-scale businesses, along with micro-tax contributors, with other business entities.
Career outside Parliament
Outside Parliament, Hon. Tawa is deeply involved in community initiatives, an attitude that may have also contributed to his stay in Parliament, representing the Western Area. Before entering the legislative house, he had served as Head, Human Capital Management Admin and Protocol at Skye Bank Limited between 2008-2012. He continued his banking career at Ecobank where he served as Head Regional Corporates and later Head, Multinational Corporates and Deputy Head of Corporates Bank between 2012 and 2017.
As a young MP, the Deputy Speaker represents a new wave of young, energetic, and outspoken leaders determined to redefine governance in Sierra Leone.
