Hon. Dr. Unpha Koroma Urges Economic Reforms Focused on Food Security and Poverty Alleviation

On November 4, 2024, the Sierra Leone Parliament gathered to express gratitude to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio during a Motion of Thanks introduced by Hon. Mathew S. Nyuma. This session quickly evolved into a robust dialogue on governance and national concerns, prominently featuring the perspectives of opposition member Hon. Enfa Koroma.

Hon. Dr. Unpha Sorie Gbassay Koroma initiated the debate by emphasizing the importance of leadership integrity, urging members to evaluate leaders not just on policies but also on their treatment of others, including political adversaries and family. This moral framework set the tone for the discussions on governance, highlighting ethical conduct as a priority in political leadership.

As the debate progressed, Hon. Dr. Enfa Koroma raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of Sierra Leone’s electoral process. He pointed to unresolved issues from past elections and unfulfilled agreements, which he claimed have deepened divisions among political factions. Opposition members stressed the urgent need for implementing resolutions that promote national unity and transparency, aiming to rebuild trust in the political system.

A key issue was the recent approval of a $253 million loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Parliamentarians expressed their worries about the management of these funds. Hon. Dr. Enfa insisted that the loan should be directed towards poverty alleviation, economic stabilization, and combating inflation. He underscored the importance of initiatives like the “Feed Sierra Leone” project in addressing food insecurity directly.

Hunger emerged as a focal point during the discussions, with Hon. Dr. Enfa criticizing the government’s decision to raise taxes on staple goods, particularly rice. He argued that such policies hinder the fundamental goal of ensuring food availability for citizens. Comparisons were made to neighboring countries that have successfully reduced hunger rates, advocating for the adoption of their effective strategies.

The debate also stressed the necessity for significant investments in education and job creation as essential for developing Sierra Leone’s human capital. Hon. Dr. Enfa was vocal in his critique of current policies, calling for actionable investments in education and skills training to foster sustainable national development.

Hon. Dr. Unpha Sorie Gbassay Koroma acknowledged past healthcare initiatives, such as the free healthcare system established by previous administrations, which significantly contributed to reducing infant mortality. He illustrated how progress in health and welfare builds on the legacies of former governments.

Throughout the debate, there was a strong emphasis on the need for bipartisan acknowledgment of effective programs initiated by previous administrations. Both Hon. Enfa and his colleagues urged the ruling party to recognize the successful initiatives inherited from their predecessors, advocating for a collaborative approach to governance that is essential for the nation’s collective advancement.