Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Members of the All People’s Congress (APC) in Parliament have strongly criticized the government’s handling of the economy, warning that the country’s current inflation rate and growing budget deficits are driving away foreign investors and deepening economic stagnation.
During a heated debate on the Sub Appropriation Supplementary Budget Act 2025, the deputy parliamentary Leader of the APC, Aaron Aruna Koroma, argued that the government’s claim of progress is unfounded.
He strongly asserted that if the inflation rate had genuinely decreased, there would be visible improvements in the economy, such as increased wages and enhanced public services.
Koroma also criticized the supplementary budget, describing it as a plan made “for posterity” rather than addressing present realities. He noted that school subsidies had not yet been disbursed and that essential learning materials remain unavailable in both government and government-assisted schools nationwide.
The Parliamentary Leader of APC, Abdul Kargbo, raised further concerns about the budget’s credibility and structure. Citing issues related to fiscal discipline, he stated, “A healthy economy does not dip into its reserves unless in extreme circumstances.” He said Sierra Leone’s reserve has dropped to 1.8, calling it an alarming figure that reflects poor financial management.
Kargbo also emphasized that some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are receiving significantly less than what Parliament approved, undermining the credibility and effectiveness of the budget. He described the budget as “a textbook of posterity,” accusing the government of borrowing not to invest in goods and services, but to service existing debt.
In defense of the government, Amara Kaisamba, Chair of the Committee on Finance, praised the Finance Ministry’s efforts, claiming it had successfully reduced inflation to single digits.
He thanked President Julius Maada Bio’s administration for presenting the supplementary budget and noted that the country’s economic conditions have improved despite global inflationary pressures.
Kaisamba called on MDAs to enforce stricter financial policies to ensure fiscal prudence. He also urged Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura to guarantee that funds approved by Parliament are fully and promptly disbursed.
Supporting Kaisamba’s position, Leader of Government Business, Sahr Mathew Nyuma highlighted progress made in financial discipline and revenue collection under the current administration.
Despite the heated exchanges, Parliament unanimously approved the Sub Appropriation Supplementary Budget Act 2025, signaling cross-party consensus on the need for supplementary fiscal measures, though major concerns remain unresolved.
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