Civil Society Group Demands Transparency on Billions Collected from Rice Import Tax

The Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), a prominent civil society organization, has called on the government to provide clarity on the billions of Leones collected as a 5% import tax on rice.

This demand comes in the wake of an in-depth analysis by BAN of the proposed 2025 budget presented by Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura to Parliament.

BAN highlighted that in the 2024 budget, the government reinstated a 5% import duty on rice and a 10% duty on iron ore and cement, with the revenue intended to support critical national initiatives. Specifically, these taxes were to fund the Feed Salone Initiative and the Infrastructural Development Fund, aimed at bolstering agriculture and infrastructure development. However, ten months into the implementation of these taxes, BAN noted that the government has failed to report how much revenue has been collected and how these funds have been utilized.

The organization expressed concerns over the socio-economic impact of the rice tax. “These taxes, especially on rice, have exacerbated economic burdens, increased poverty, and widened societal inequalities,” BAN stated. They cited a recent World Food Programme Food Security Monitoring System report indicating that 82% of Sierra Leoneans are food insecure, with 68% of households spending 75% of their total income on food.

BAN also drew parallels to the 1% education levy introduced in 2024, which was a withholding tax on contracts for goods and services. While this levy was earmarked for investments in education, the government has yet to disclose how the funds have been spent or what specific education programs have been financed.

BAN urged the government to ensure greater transparency and accountability by reporting quarterly on tax revenues and their intended use. “Transparency will build trust between taxpayers and the government, ensuring compliance with these provisions,” the organization emphasized.

This appeal underscores growing public demand for fiscal responsibility amid rising economic challenges in Sierra Leone.