Journalist Thomas Dixon Criticizes President Bio’s Frequent Foreign Travels
Sia Lucy Kannah Thomas Dixon, a seasoned journalist, has criticized President Julius Maada Bio for his frequent travels abroad, noting that the president is doing what he previously condemned the past government for.
Speaking in an interview with Truth Media, Dixon explained that presidential travel falls into two categories: statutory and discretionary. Statutory travel occurs when the president represents the country at international bodies such as the UN or ECOWAS, while discretionary travel is undertaken at the president’s personal discretion.
While the government maintains that the president’s trips bring more benefits than costs to Sierra Leone, Dixon argued that many deals signed during such trips remain unimplemented. He cited the example of a contract with singer Akon to install streetlights during Bio’s first term, saying that eight years later, no streetlights have been installed.
Dixon also claimed that President Bio spent over $28 million on travel just last year, adding, “We have a president who travels twice a month.”
His comments reignite debate over the necessity and effectiveness of frequent presidential travel, and the transparency of government expenditure in Sierra Leone.
Pa na so the game dae oooway man dae na bench na so them kin tok but as tin turn so dem don forget all Mortal man na weather bra