In a passionate address to Parliament on Thursday, November 14, 2024, the opposition deputy leader, Hon. Daniel Koroma, revealed alarming findings from his research, stating that Bonthe District is the hardest-hit area by hunger in Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the debate on the Finance Bill, Hon. Koroma highlighted that Bonthe is not only grappling with severe food insecurity but is also one of the most disadvantaged districts in the country.

“Bonthe District is the most affected by hunger in Sierra Leone,” Hon. Koroma told fellow MPs, citing recent data that underscores the district’s dire situation.

He expressed concern that the proposed 5% tax increase on rice imports would only worsen the situation for residents of Bonthe and other vulnerable districts across the country.

Koroma referenced a World Food Programme (WFP) report, which revealed that seven of the 12 districts most impacted by hunger are in the South-East region, with Bonthe at the forefront.

He argued that increasing taxes on rice, a staple food for many Sierra Leoneans, would deepen the crisis and push more families into extreme hardship.

“People in Bonthe are already struggling to survive, and this tax will only make things worse,” Hon. Koroma stated. “Rice is a lifeline for many, and any additional cost will further weaken the ability of families to feed themselves.”

Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, the opposition Chief Whip, supported Koroma’s concerns, suggesting that instead of increasing taxes on rice, the government should consider imposing additional levies on imported beverages.

Kamara also proposed that the Ministry of Finance provide greater support to sorghum farmers, which would help boost local brewery production and create employment opportunities.

Hon. Aaron Koroma, Deputy Leader 2 of the opposition, also weighed in, warning that the proposed rice tax increase would have far-reaching consequences for the nation. He urged the government to explore alternative revenue streams rather than placing additional burdens on the country’s staple food supply.

The opposition’s collective stance was clear: taxing rice, particularly in a time of widespread hunger, would be a devastating blow to the most vulnerable communities.

As Bonthe and other districts continue to struggle with food insecurity, the MPs called on Parliament to reconsider the tax proposal and protect the livelihoods of the citizens who rely on affordable rice for survival.