The National Tourist Board (NTB), a key agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, is facing a serious allegation of breach of contract, a situation which has the tendency of ruining its reputation. The controversy stems from a contract awarded in January 2024 to Isam Design, an indigenous Printing and Design company owned by Ivan Johnson and situated on 23 Bailey Street in Freetown.

According to sources, the National Tourist Board, under the leadership of its General Manager, Fatmata Abie Osagie, engaged Isam Design to produce 500 branded T-shirts for an event that was about to be held by the Agency. The agreement stipulated that Isam Design would receive a total payment of NLe 85,000 for the supply of the T-shirts. The contract terms were clear: full payment was to be made upon delivery of the T-shirts.

Isam Design fulfilled its end of the bargain by promptly supplying the T-shirts. However, despite assurances, the National Tourist Board only made a partial payment of NLe 42,500 in April 2024, leaving an outstanding balance of NLe 42,500. This partial payment, made three months after the event, marked the beginning of a protracted effort by Isam Design to recover the remaining amount.

Ivan Johnson, the Proprietor of Isam Design, has reportedly made multiple attempts to recover the outstanding balance. His efforts have been met with repeated delays, with the NTB claiming that payment will only be made once they receive their Third Quarter allocation from the Government. This condition, however, was not part of the original contract, leaving Ivan Johnson frustrated and financially strained.

The breach of contract has had a severe impact on Ivan Johnson’s business. In order to complete the T-shirt order on time, he had to source some of the required materials on credit from other business owners. With the outstanding payment from the NTB, Ivan Johnson has been left in a difficult financial position, unable to fully repay those from whom he borrowed.

The Proprietor has described the situation as one of increasing pressure. The business owners from whom he sourced materials have been consistently demanding payment, with some even resorting to harassment as they try to recover their money. Ivan Johnson has been forced to seek alternative funding sources to settle part of the debt, but a significant portion remains unpaid.

“As a small business owner, this delay has crippled my cash flow. I met my obligations in good faith, but the lack of payment has left me in a dire situation,” he lamented. “I borrowed materials from other businesses and now I’m being hounded to pay them back while the National Tourist Board keeps delaying my payment.”

The failure of the NTB to honor its contractual obligation raises concerns about the integrity and financial management of the agency, which plays a crucial role in promoting tourism in Sierra Leone. The breach has the potential to damage the NTB’s credibility, especially in its dealings with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are vital contributors to the country’s economy.

Ivan Johnson is calling on the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that the National Tourist Board makes the outstanding payment. He argues that the NTB’s inability to meet its contractual obligation sets a bad precedent for other Government agencies and undermines trust in public sector contracts.

As of now, the National Tourist Board has not provided any formal response to the allegations. The tourism sector in Sierra Leone, like many other industries, relies heavily on the trust and cooperation of local businesses. Breaches of contract, such as this one, could discourage future collaborations and harm the reputation of the National Tourist Board, potentially deterring businesses from participating in future projects.

Ivan Johnson and his suppliers are left waiting, hoping for a resolution that will not only salvage the business but also restore confidence in Government contracts.

The outcome of this situation will likely be watched closely by other business owners who may have had similar dealings with the NTB and other Governmental agencies. If not addressed promptly, this case could serve as a cautionary story for small businesses engaging in contracts with public institutions.

More on this as things unfolds…