Immigration Department Should Be Independent, Says Deputy Speaker

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, Deputy Speaker of Sierra Leone’s sixth Parliament and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has called for the Immigration Department to become an autonomous body.

Speaking during the review of the 2021/2022 audit report on October 29, 2024, Conteh argued that autonomy would enhance the department’s ability to manage identity security and border control independently.

He noted that the Immigration Department had no issues with the audit report but emphasized the importance of managing identity documents, a critical aspect of national security.

Drawing on religious teachings, he underscored the sacredness of identity and encouraged the department to present legislative proposals to Parliament for ratification.

Conteh stressed that granting autonomy would allow the department to take full control of essential functions like issuing passports and residency permits.

He also highlighted the need to separate the department’s work from private partners like NETPAGE, ensuring a clear legal framework for its operations.

If Parliament approves, the department will manage all key identity documents and border security responsibilities, reinforcing its role in national governance.