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On January 20, 2025, traders from across Freetown gathered at the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau Headquarters for a demonstration of new standard measuring cups.
The event aimed to encourage market women and traders to embrace the national metrication process. Items such as bags of rice (50 kg) and 5-liter vegetable oil were weighed and measured to highlight the benefits of the new standard measurements.
The Sierra Leone Standards Bureau’s Executive Director, Dr. John Paul Kaisam, emphasized the importance of adopting the new metric system, which started in Freetown last year and will expand nationwide. He encouraged traders to use standard scales and measure items correctly for fair trade. The Manager of the Bureau’s Metrology Department, Frank Martin, assured traders and consumers that the new measurements would instill trust and eliminate the use of illegal measurement systems.
The Director of the Consumer Protection Commission, Mr. Lawrence Bassie, noted that while Sierra Leone had previously used the imperial system, the metric system would bring fairness to trade. Moses Kaikai, Deputy Director of Compliance at the Ministry of Trade, pledged the Ministry’s full support for the new system.
Despite some concerns from traders about the potential impact on prices, particularly rice, Dr. Kaisam clarified that his Bureau doesn’t regulate prices and advised traders to adjust prices based on official purchase prices. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Trade was reviewing rice prices to make them more affordable by the end of 2025.
Market leaders, including Lumley Market Chairlady Serray Menu and Tombo Market Chairlady Alimatu Sesay, expressed support for the metric system, highlighting its success in neighboring Guinea.
The National Chairlady of Market Women, Haja Marie Bob Kandeh, reassured traders that she was working with the government to address concerns, particularly regarding rice pricing.
Overall, the demonstration received praise from traders who were previously unfamiliar with the new measurements, as the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and Ministry of Trade continue their efforts to standardize trade practices across the country.
