Hon. Best Guy Champions Agricultural and Economic Growth in FY2025 Budget

By Mackie M. Jalloh

Honourable Abdulai Kamara, known affectionately as “BestGuy,” delivered a compelling and thoughtful speech during the debate on the 2025 Budget Statement in Parliament. As a passionate advocate for sustainable development, Kamara underscored the government’s commendable focus on critical sectors such as agriculture, food security, fisheries, marine resources, and water supply. His speech shone a spotlight on the forward-thinking measures in the budget, while also offering constructive solutions for addressing pressing challenges.

BestGuy began his address by expressing gratitude for the growing spirit of bipartisan collaboration in Parliament. He noted that, although the opposition had initially expressed concerns regarding the budget, the overall atmosphere of constructive dialogue had led to meaningful debate on issues that matter most to the people of Sierra Leone. “I hope that this House will continue to engage in this bipartisan approach, especially when it comes to sensitive matters that directly affect the welfare of our citizens,” BestGuy remarked. He recognized the opposition’s role in holding the government accountable while acknowledging the positive impact of their scrutiny.

Agriculture and Food Security: A Path to Self-Sufficiency

Turning to agriculture, one of the most pivotal sectors of Sierra Leone’s economy, BestGuy commended the government for its 16 million Leones allocation to enhance food production, particularly through the development of agro-ecological zones in Tuma Bum and other areas. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in ensuring that Sierra Leone becomes self-sufficient in food production, reducing reliance on imports and improving the nutritional standards of the population.

BestGuy also praised the government’s plan to rehabilitate critical roads leading to agricultural areas, with an allocation of 135.8 million Leones for road construction. “Improving access to agricultural regions is vital. It ensures that farmers can bring their goods to market efficiently, reducing post-harvest losses and contributing to food security,” BestGuy said.

However, he cautioned that a significant challenge remains in the purchasing power of the average Sierra Leonean. “As much as this budget outlines grand plans, we must not ignore the reality of the people’s ability to access food, especially when wages remain stagnant at 800,000 Leones,” he noted. BestGuy stressed the need for a holistic approach that ensures wages align with the cost of living to truly make the government’s food security objectives a reality for all citizens.

Greenhouse Farming: A Key to Maximizing Food Production

Hon. Abdulai Kamara also called for increased investment in greenhouse farming, which he believes could revolutionize Sierra Leone’s agricultural output. “Greenhouses allow for year-round production of high-quality crops, free from the limitations of seasonal weather patterns. This could ensure that we have food available throughout the year, lowering prices and maximizing production,” Kamara explained. He advocated for partnerships between the government and the private sector to expand this type of agriculture, highlighting the need for sustainable, environmentally-friendly farming practices.

Harnessing the Potential of the Blue Economy

Shifting his focus to Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, BestGuy expressed his firm belief in the vast potential of the country’s blue economy. “Sierra Leone has one of the richest marine resources in the world, and it’s high time we tap into this to boost our economic growth and create sustainable jobs,” he asserted. Despite the steady revenue growth in the fisheries sector, BestGuy noted that the cost of fish remains prohibitively high for many Sierra Leoneans.

He called for greater investment in port infrastructure, maritime transportation, and human capital development to fully capitalize on the blue economy. Kamara also highlighted the importance of international cooperation to enhance Sierra Leone’s maritime industry, fostering partnerships that would benefit both the economy and the global food chain.

Water Supply: A Call for Equitable Distribution

BestGuy concluded his address by acknowledging recent improvements in water supply, particularly in the peninsula areas. “Access to water is essential for public health, and it’s encouraging to see the government’s efforts to provide uninterrupted flow of water in certain regions,” BestGuy noted. However, he urged the government to replicate these efforts in the hillside communities of the Western Area, including Wilberforce, Tengbetown, Spur Loop, Hill Station, Hilltop, and New England Ville, areas that still struggle with inadequate water supply.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

In his closing remarks, Hon. BestGuy underscored the need for a budget that is both ambitious and achievable, one that is rooted in the realities of Sierra Leone’s economic challenges. “This budget reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of our people, but we must continue to focus on the practical steps that will turn these plans into lasting results,” he concluded.

Honourable Abdulai Kamara’s speech stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to Sierra Leone’s future, advocating for balanced, realistic, and sustainable policies that promise to shape the nation’s growth for years to com