A prominent political figure from the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, has raised concerns over the current tax levied on the proposed Minimum Wage in Sierra Leone.

In a statement made on Friday, January 2, 2026, Blyden emphasized that only Members of Parliament (MPs) have the constitutional authority to remove the existing “unfair taxes” from the proposed wage increase.

According to Blyden, the Labour Minister was informed during her engagement with him that both the finance minister and the Labour Minister will work together to get Parliament to address the issue and remove these taxes. Blyden expressed her commitment to keeping the matter under close scrutiny.

“The issue of taxes on the proposed Minimum Wage is one that affects the livelihoods of many Sierra Leoneans, and it is my duty to ensure that such concerns are not overlooked,” Blyden said.

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“The constitutionally mandated MPs are the only ones who can lift these unfair taxes, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that it is resolved,” she added.

The taxes on the proposed Minimum Wage, which have drawn public criticism, are seen as a burden on workers who are already struggling with the high cost of living in the country.

As it stands, the increase in the Minimum Wage, which was introduced to alleviate poverty and improve living standards, is being undermined by the tax deductions.

Blyden’s statement comes as pressure continues to mount on the government to address these concerns and ensure that the wage increase, which is seen as a vital policy for economic improvement, reaches the workers without unnecessary financial deductions.

The Finance and Labour Ministers have reportedly agreed to work together to bring the issue to Parliament, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will lead to the swift removal of the taxes.

Blyden’s affirmed continued advocacy on the issue highlights the ongoing political attention and pressure surrounding the Minimum Wage and its implementation. She has pledged to keep the public informed on any developments, vowing to ensure that workers’ rights are prioritized in the final decision-making process.