Is Signing an MOU a Deal? State House House Comms Director Disagrees With Journalist

In recent times, there has been a controversy between prominent AYV Journalist, Amadu Lamrana Bah and State House Communications Director Myk Brewa over a shared report that Sierra Leone didn’t sign a deal at the US African Leadership Summit.

According to Journalist Bah, he stands by his report that Sierra Leone didn’t sign a deal at the main summit but a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines, at the hotel where the president was staying. He added that the MOU is for the construction of a Cancer Treatment Centre by a U.S.-based company, Varian.

However, he accused the state House Communications Director attempt to refute his report has caused him serious harassment and abuse online Just for reporting the fact.

“I have written several reports about the Summit starting with an interview with Ambassador Wai to the statement by President Bio at the Youth and Diaspora Forum and I have done my best as a journalist to report the facts and I will continue to do just that without fear or favor.”  Bah stated.

According to Myk Brewa, he believes that what the AYV Journalist is not understanding is that on a point of understanding an MOU is a deal.

However, Research has proven that A memorandum of understanding is an agreement between two or more parties outlined in a formal document. It is not legally binding but signals the willingness of the parties to move forward with a contract.

The MOU can be seen as the starting point for negotiations as it defines the scope and purpose of the talks. Such memoranda are most often seen in international treaty negotiations but also may be used in high-stakes business dealings such as mergers.

How an MOU Works

An MOU is an expression of agreement to proceed. It indicates that the parties have reached an understanding and are moving forward. Although it is not legally binding, it is a serious declaration that a contract is imminent.

Is an MOU enforceable?

An MOU is enforceable in some instances. Ultimately, whether an MOU is enforceable hinges on whether elements of a contract are found under the MOU. In addition, an MOU is likely to be interpreted as enforceable where the wording of the MOU expressly specifies that the MOU shall be binding upon the parties.

Where an MOU is intended not to be enforceable, MOU parties must ensure that the wording of the MOU appropriately reflects that intention.