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All People’s Congress (APC) presidential aspirant Richard Conteh has outlined plans to reduce taxes nationwide, arguing that lower fiscal burdens would increase household income and improve living standards for Sierra Leoneans.
Conteh made the remarks during an appearance on AYV’s Wake Up Salone program, where he said his proposed economic reforms would focus on reducing import-related charges and easing payroll deductions.
The presidential hopeful argued that the current tax system places excessive pressure on citizens and businesses, limiting consumer spending and slowing economic growth.
“If I become President, I will reduce taxes across the board,” Conteh stated. “By lowering the cost of importation and reducing the taxes levied on salaries, we can directly increase the disposable income of our citizens. This shift is fundamental to ensuring a better standard of living.”
Conteh said reducing taxes on imported goods would help lower the cost of essential commodities by reducing expenses faced by importers before products reach the market.
“When you reduce the cost of importing goods into the country, you inevitably reduce the cost of commodities on the shelves,” he explained.
He also called for reforms to personal income tax, arguing that current deductions from workers’ salaries leave employees with limited resources to cover daily expenses.
According to Conteh, allowing workers to retain more of their earnings would increase spending power and stimulate economic activity.
However, he acknowledged that tax reductions would need to be accompanied by measures to protect government revenue. He said a future administration under his leadership would focus on improving revenue collection systems and addressing financial leakages.
“Improving the efficiency of our revenue collection and protecting our public funds are critical steps toward building a stronger economy while reducing the burden on our citizens,” Conteh added.
Conteh’s economic proposals come amid growing public concern over rising living costs, increasing commodity prices, and pressure on household incomes in Sierra Leone.
As political parties prepare for the next electoral cycle, economic policies and candidates’ approaches to addressing affordability challenges are expected to remain key issues in public debate.
While Conteh’s proposal centres on tax relief, implementing such reforms would require adjustments to government revenue planning and expenditure priorities.
