By NATCOM’s Communications unit
The Sierra Leone House of Parliament has today 19th September 2019 approved Alhaji Mohamed Fouad sheriff as Chairman of the Board of the National Telecommunications Commission, NATCOM.
Mr. Alhaji Mohamed Fouad Sheriff, Chairman, NATCOM
Mr Sheriff, who was appointed by His Excellency the President of the republic of Sierra Leone Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, received a resounding approbation by Honourable members from both sides of the political aisle who were present at well.
During the debate leading to his confirmation, the Acting Minority Leader of the All peoples Congress party (APC), Hon. Ibrahim Ben-Kargbo said as the main opposition party in parliament they welcomed Mr. Sheriff’s appointment, adding that Mr Sheriff’s outstanding experience in both academia and in governance would be of immense value to the work of the Commission.
Hon. Kargbo said the Director-General of NATCOM, Mr Maxwell Massaquoi and his Deputy, Daniel B. Kaitibi have provided the required leadership in managing the affairs of the institution, encouraging Mr. Sheriff to tap into that expertise after his approval.
In his contribution, the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House of Parliament, Hon. Matthew Nyuma said he was confident that the appointment of Mr. Sheriff could bring along some major policy initiatives aiming at addressing major regulatory challenges.
Maxwell Massaquoi, Director-General NATCOM (left) Alhaji M. Fouad Sheriff(right)
In his closing statement, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Dr Abass Bundu congratulated Mr. sheriff and he described him as one of those Sierra Leoneans who have immensely contributed towards national development.
The Speaker further noted that the position of “chairman” is a nonexecutive one as prescribed by the 2006 Telecommunications Acts as amended.
He further noted that previous holders of the position, had wrongfully assumed executive powers in the discharge of responsibilities as opposed to what is provided for in the statute, adding that the House of Parliament would not be entertaining such going forward.
Having served as a lecturer and researcher in the University of Sierra Leone, a director in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and as policy analyst, Mr. Sheriff is bringing along a wealth of professional and administrative experience, which is expected to add value to the work of the Commission.