Opposition Urges Broader Revenue and Youth Empowerment
By Musa Paul
In a passionate address to Parliament on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the Leader of the Opposition in Sierra Leone’s Second Republic, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, called on the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) to urgently expand the country’s revenue base. His remarks came during the parliamentary approval of six presidential nominees.
Hon. Kargbo criticized the government’s ongoing struggles with revenue mobilization, stating that despite years of effort, financial challenges persist. He also expressed concern over the reluctance of many Sierra Leonean businesspeople to pay taxes, emphasizing that consistent tax compliance is essential for national development.
He reminded the House that those appointed to high offices must be held accountable for delivering real results that improve the lives of ordinary citizens. With young people making up over 60% of Sierra Leone’s population, Hon. Kargbo urged the government to create more innovative and sustainable opportunities for youth empowerment moving beyond short-term or informal employment options like car washes.
The Opposition Leader also raised alarm over the growing drug abuse crisis, particularly the impact of “kush” on Sierra Leone’s youth. “Victims of drugs come from all political parties, and some are relatives of Members of Parliament,” he said, stressing the need for urgent, non-partisan action.
On institutional matters, Hon. Kargbo highlighted the underfunding of the Office of the Ombudsman, arguing that such financial neglect hampers its effectiveness. He called on the government to allocate adequate resources to ensure the office fulfills its mandate.
While affirming that the competence of the nominees was not in question, Hon. Kargbo urged them to perform with excellence and prioritize national development.
Responding on behalf of the government, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, defended the nominees, saying they were selected based on their qualifications and commitment to public service. He praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, noting his unprecedented support for women’s empowerment and economic stabilization.
Hon. Nyuma claimed that prices of key commodities like rice and fuel have significantly dropped nationwide and stressed the government’s efforts to manage inflation. “For over ten years, we didn’t experience any major inflation now we are seeing its effects, and we are acting accordingly,” he said.
He encouraged all Members of Parliament to work together for Sierra Leone’s progress and reminded the appointees of their duty to serve effectively under Section 62 of the 1991 Constitution, which grants the President the authority to appoint and dismiss officials.
In addition to the debate on appointments, the House also ratified several agreements on Tuesday, including the Concession Agreement for the Bulk and Break-Bulk Terminal at Queen Elizabeth II Quay, originally signed on November 28, 2017.
Both ruling and opposition MPs welcomed the ratification as a step forward for national growth and unanimously endorsed the agreements to support Sierra Leone’s continued development.
