On today’s edition of the Liberty Online TV Breakfast Show, the spotlight was on Sierra Leone’s 2025 National Budget, themed “National Welfare for the Wellbeing of the People.” APC Flagbearer Aspirant, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), who recently authored a strong critique of the budget, joined the program to expand on his arguments. His focus was on what he described as the government’s “misaligned priorities and weak fiscal policy.”
Citizenship and Leadership Awareness
JFK began by stressing the importance of citizens—particularly aspiring leaders—understanding the state of the economy. He explained that his commentary came from carefully observing how the economy is being managed and how government programs are being delivered. According to him, one does not need to be an economist to recognize the glaring gaps between promises and delivery.
A People’s Budget in Name Only
While the budget was introduced as a plan for the people’s welfare, Kamara argued that the actual figures tell another story. He pointed out that allocations for the President, Vice President, and Chief Minister have increased significantly, while ordinary citizens continue to struggle. “The President has no real connection with the people,” he said, questioning how the government’s spending reflects the daily realities of citizens.
Empty Promises and Poor Implementation
Kamara criticized the government’s claims of prioritization as nothing more than “empty promises.” He explained that even when funds are allocated, ministries often wait months before receiving them—and sometimes only receive half of what was promised. Such delays, he argued, make budget implementation weak both on paper and in practice.
Inflation, Debt, and a Stagnant Economy
Addressing Sierra Leone’s broader economic situation, JFK highlighted soaring inflation, a high cost of living, and unsustainable debt levels. He questioned the purpose of continued borrowing when citizens see no visible benefits. “We are loaning and not paying. After servicing debts, how will we even pay salaries?” he asked, warning that the country risks collapse if it continues to run the economy “on propaganda rather than sincerity.”
Charting a Better Path
Looking ahead, Kamara emphasized the need for budgets that are not only immediate but also forward-looking. He called for people-centered budgeting, with policies that directly impact citizens’ lives in meaningful ways. He admitted that even under his party, economic challenges contributed to electoral defeat, but he argued that the current administration has performed even worse.
Democracy and Governance Concerns
Beyond the economy, JFK raised alarm about the shrinking democratic space in Sierra Leone, warning that the country is slowly sliding into dictatorship. He criticized the government’s push for the Proportional Representation system, suggesting it could be misused to entrench power. While not opposed to PR in principle, he stressed that its application must be transparent and realistic.
Accountability and Closing Remarks
JFK insisted that accountability should focus on the present government’s responsibilities, not excuses tied to the failures of past administrations. He accused the current leadership of being more focused on fighting the opposition than on building the economy and improving lives.
- Concluding, he declared: “Whether people like it or not, we will hold this government accountable, and we will remain standing until the right thing is done.” He further urged government officials to cut their salaries and redirect resources to the health sector, particularly to confront the growing Kush drug crisis.
