01/08/2026
Not APC, But National Interest
The Member of Parliament representing the people of Bombali District, Hon. Salieu Osman Sesay (SOS), delivered a thoughtful and nationally focused contribution during the debate on the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill in the Chamber of Parliament, declaring that his intervention was not motivated by partisan politics but by patriotism.
Opening his address with the powerful statement, "I am not speaking as APC; I am speaking as Green, White and Blue," Hon. Sesay emphasized that his remarks were made in the supreme interest of Sierra Leone and its people, urging Members of Parliament to place national development above political affiliation.
Although speaking from the Opposition benches, Hon. Sesay began by commending the Minister of Finance for presenting what he described as a comprehensive Supplementary Budget. He acknowledged the enormous responsibility of managing Sierra Leone's economy amid global economic uncertainty, noting that the task requires competence, discipline and sound judgment.
Responding to public curiosity about the Minister's economic performance, Hon. Sesay remarked that there was no secret formula behind the Ministry's work.
«"Many people ask what the Minister's magic is. In my view, there is no magic. The only magic is competence, hard work and commitment to managing the country's finances under extremely challenging circumstances."»
Despite his commendation, the Bombali lawmaker highlighted several economic concerns that, in his view, deserve urgent government attention.
A major focus of his contribution was the declining level of domestic revenue mobilisation. Hon. Sesay argued that no country can achieve genuine economic independence without generating sufficient revenue from its own domestic resources. He reminded Parliament that during the presentation of the 2026 National Budget, the Opposition had expressed reservations about several new tax measures introduced by Government.
Drawing from economic theory, Hon. Sesay referred to the Laffer Curve, explaining that excessive taxation can become counterproductive by discouraging investment, reducing business activity and ultimately lowering government revenue instead of increasing it.
According to him, many importers are already struggling with the high cost of taxes and import duties, forcing some businesses to scale down operations while others have stopped importing certain goods altogether because the costs have become unsustainable.
He warned that although income tax collections may remain relatively stable because they are deducted at source, other forms of taxation depend heavily on active business transactions, which continue to decline under the weight of excessive taxation.
Looking ahead to the preparation of the 2027 National Budget, Hon. Sesay advised the Minister of Finance to undertake a careful review of the country's tax regime. He recommended policies that would broaden the tax base, stimulate investment and encourage business expansion rather than placing heavier burdens on existing taxpayers.
The MP also raised serious concerns about the delayed payment of government obligations to domestic contractors and suppliers. He observed that substantial outstanding payments contained in the Supplementary Budget involve Sierra Leonean businesses whose operations depend on timely government settlements.
According to him, delayed payments create a ripple effect throughout the economy by preventing businesses from paying workers, expanding operations or creating new employment opportunities.
Hon. Sesay argued that prompt payment of legitimate government debts would strengthen the private sector, increase employment, stimulate domestic production and ultimately generate higher tax revenues for the state.
Turning to the country's foreign exchange reserves, the Bombali legislator welcomed the Minister's report that Sierra Leone's import cover had improved. However, he cautioned that the country's reserves remain below internationally accepted benchmarks for developing economies.
He explained that maintaining reserves equivalent to at least three months of imports is generally regarded as prudent economic management because it strengthens confidence in the economy, supports exchange rate stability and improves the country's ability to withstand external financial shocks.
Hon. Sesay encouraged the Ministry of Finance to continue prioritising sound macroeconomic management while addressing these structural weaknesses.
Concluding his address, he stressed that the observations raised by Members of Parliament should not be interpreted as attempts to frustrate Government but rather as constructive recommendations aimed at improving national economic governance.
He urged the Minister of Finance to carefully reflect on the issues raised during the debate as preparations begin for future budgets, emphasizing that Parliament's responsibility is to strengthen public policy and ensure that economic decisions ultimately benefit every Sierra Leonean.
Hon. Salieu Osman Sesay's contribution was widely viewed as a balanced intervention that combined recognition of Government's efforts with constructive criticism and practical policy recommendations. His declaration that he was speaking not as an APC politician but as "Green, White and Blue" underscored his appeal for unity and patriotism in addressing Sierra Leone's economic challenges.
