Hon. Aruna Papay Larkoh, an opposition MP from Tonkolili District, has called for a more realistic approach to parliamentary discussions, urging members to “lower their temperatures” when debating political issues.

In a recent address to the Sierra Leone House of Representatives, Larkoh expressed concerns that the government’s priorities do not align with the everyday realities faced by citizens, particularly amid escalating living costs.

Larkoh emphasized that the role of the opposition is not to seek victory but to expose societal issues and propose solutions. He criticized the current Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government, suggesting it is out of touch with the challenges facing ordinary Sierra Leoneans. “It seems the current government is taking Sierra Leoneans, especially people from the South-East, for granted,” he remarked.

The MP pointed specifically to the recent presidential speech, asserting that it misrepresents the nation’s economic situation and the hardships faced by the masses. He highlighted the projected price hikes for staple foods, particularly rice, which he said will likely increase drastically next year. This, he argued, would counteract the objectives of the government’s “Feed Salone” initiative, intended to reduce food insecurity.

Criticizing the inconsistencies in government policy, Larkoh noted that while rice prices have surged to unprecedented levels, wages have remained stagnant. “Today, a bag of rice costs nearly one million leones in old currency, while the minimum wage is too low to even cover this essential item,” Larkoh said. He compared the current situation to the administration of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, noting that the minimum wage during that period was sufficient to buy two bags of rice, leaving extra money for other expenses.

He further criticized the Tormabum rice project, describing it as a “failure” and urging the government to move beyond empty promises and focus on delivering substantive results. Larkoh called on the government to take a transparent approach in addressing the economic struggles facing Sierra Leoneans, stressing that the “jargons in speeches” do not resonate with the daily reality of food insecurity and poverty.

In closing, Hon. Larkoh appealed for a more collaborative and truthful approach to national issues, advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of Sierra Leone’s citizens over political rhetoric.