USL Dean Faculty of Accounting And Finance Ezekiel Duramany Lakoh has Chaired the 7th Session of Tax for Development Conference organised by the International Center for Tax and Development (ICTD) and Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) in partnership with the National Revenue Authority (NRA).

Lakkoh has described the presentations and discussions as solid and fruitful.

The meeting which brought together researchers, policy makers, taxpayers and accountability campaigners provided a platform to discuss tax collection for the country’s development. Advocates for tax justice made a case for enhanced revenue generation and their productive for national development.

The two-day event was organized by the International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD) and the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), in collaboration with the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and the Ministry of Finance. It comes at the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, which expert reports say has proven challenging for Sierra Leone, alongside the effect of the protracted Russia-Ukraine war. Collectively, they have led to high inflation, which has exacerbated food insecurity in the country.

Property Tax Reforms in Freetown: A new model and lessons learnt presentation was done by – Rosetta Wilson (Senior Lead, Revenue Mobilisation and Property Tax Reform Coordinator, Mayor’s Delivery Unit, Freetown City Council) and Emile Eleveld (Project Manager Intetnational Growth Centre (IGC) / ICID).

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone’s capital has long been hampered by limited tax revenues. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr recognised that in order to expand services, the Freetown City Council (FCC) would need to dramatically increase property tax collection.

Ezekiel Duramany-Lakkoh is the Managing Director of African Young Voices. He is a professional accountant and financial economist with more than 15 years .