FY 2024: Sierra Leoneans Are Unhappy and Disillusioned

It is no gainsaying the fact that the recent approval of the Finance Bill 2024 by Members of Parliament triggered widespread discontent among Sierra Leoneans, primarily due to the imposition of several new taxes, notably a 5% import duty on rice.

Sierra Leone, being a food-deficit country, relies heavily on rice as a staple food for most citizens. The imposition of a 5% import duty on rice is anticipated to escalate the price of rice, rendering it unaffordable for most Sierra Leoneans and consequently posing a significant threat to food security in the country and leaving Sierra Leoneans unhappy and disillusioned with the Government of President Julius Maada Bio.

One school of thought has it that the hurried passage of the bill is an indication that our Parliamentarians are failing and falling short in defending the interests of the people with expected diligence.

This is so when one looks at the swift passage of the Bill through all the legislative stages in a single day, prompting questions about the thoroughness with which our Parliamentarians examined the practicality and impact of these taxes on economic growth and the financial well-being of citizens.

This rapid approval of the Bill by MPs further raises doubts about the efficacy of these taxes in delivering on the budget’s promise of “restoring macroeconomic stability while protecting the poor and vulnerable.”

Social commentators and political analysts agree that the speedy process in passing the Bill limited opportunities for public engagement, feedback, and meaningful consultations with constituents, thus undermining transparency and accountability in the legislative process.

It appears as if the Sierra Leone economy is being steered into stormy waters by those who should be guiding it safely towards the ‘New Direction,’ prosperity, and the much-talked-about Feed Salone agenda.

It is unimaginable that rice, the staple food of the entire nation is now under the taxing gaze of the Government to raise much needed revenue for spending on essential public services.

In a country where more than half the population struggle to put food on the table, this move seems as insensible as sleeping on a busy highway.
But only time will tell!

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

| 2023-11-16 20:55:48

Politics and Politicians???? Sierra Leone is instead diseased with abundant kleptocracy and kleptocrats in its top tiers of government - Central, Local, and ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisations.
| 2023-11-16 17:52:13

This hardship is not only hitting salone. Listen to the news everywhere in Africa, is the same. We have tried many things. Including war over the cost of living. Not to talk about changing government. Yet the problem still persist. But one thing is clear, even during the war. Some hard working people made it. The same with every other time. It's time we forget about politics and politicians..
| 2023-11-16 17:42:04

The 5% tax imposition on rice is a clear indication of how our representatives are self centered. I really piety those who always hope on politician for their survival. Sierra Leone is on the brink of divide and loosing citizens, who may preferred to seek refuge in neighbouring countries. It is high time jobless youths cut down their family burdens and focus on immediate family rather than those longated lineages. This increase should have been 30% increment on the importation of harmful drugs: KUSH, Cocaine , etç. I am really hurried and frustrated as a young man in my twenties. The bright future may await us in heavens.