Prominent lawyer and former Anti-corruption commissioner Ady Macauley has raised alarm over the escalating cost of living in Sierra Leone.

The legal expert, who has been an influential figure in the fight against corruption, emphasized that the prices of essential commodities have surged by over 500% in the last five years, painting a grim economic reality for the citizens.

Macauley directly addressed the government, stating that the current administration led by President Bio has failed to present a clear pathway out of this economic crisis. Describing the situation as a “dead end,” the lawyer urged both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) to fulfill their duty to the people.

According to the legal expert, the government and the opposition share a responsibility: the government should alleviate the burden of poverty on the already struggling citizens, and the opposition should hold the government accountable while presenting workable alternatives.

Emphasizing the importance of functional governance, the lawyer highlighted that a country’s economic development relies on a solid foundation of good governance from both the ruling and opposition parties.

The statement called for a constructive debate between the government and the opposition on pressing issues affecting the citizens. These issues include the reasons behind constant power cuts, concerns over proposed toll gate fee increments, and rumors surrounding the use of the country’s natural resources as collateral for a substantial investment from the far east, amounting to over $40 billion.