After a week of intense discussions, Sierra Leone’s Parliament wrapped up the 2025 national budget hearing on November 29, 2024. Leaders from both the ruling SLPP and opposition APC delivered their closing remarks, highlighting contrasting views on the fiscal plan’s impact on the nation.
Opposition leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo commended the government for stabilizing the exchange rate and advancing infrastructure projects, like the Bumbuna electrification. However, he criticized discrepancies in expenditures, inadequate parliamentary oversight, growing debt, and low foreign exchange reserves. He also raised concerns over the limited 9% healthcare budget allocation and called for accountability in government spending.
Acting leader of government business, Hon. Emerson Lamina, praised the “Sutra Budget” as a blueprint for national development. He highlighted progress in infrastructure, debt management, and local production, while emphasizing initiatives to boost revenue, education, and youth employment. Lamina announced funding for an 18-kilometer tarmac road in Kono, addressing historical neglect in his constituency.
The budget bill now proceeds to parliamentary committees for further review, as both sides urge focus on effective resource allocation to tackle the country’s economic challenges.
