Ibrahim Alpha, Sesay Trade Minister Henry Musa Kpaka, Agriculture Minister
Domestic food price inflation remains high. Inflation higher than 5% is experienced in 52.4% of low-income countries, 88.6% of lower-middle-income countries, and 61% of upper-middle-income countries and many experiencing double-digit inflation. In addition, 67.3% of high-income countries are experiencing high food price inflation. The most affected countries in Africa are North America, Latin America, South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia. In real terms, food price inflation exceeded overall inflation by 76% in 166 countries. Ten countries with the highest food price inflation are: Egypt: 36%, Lebanon: 31%, Rwanda: 15%, Argentina: 12%, Ghana:12%, Türkiye: 11%, Sierra Leone: 10%, Belgium: 9%, Malawi: 9%, Suriname: 9%.
Amidst this food price inflation, the government has again imposed a tax on imported goods, thereby exacerbating the plight of the ordinary man. Most unfortunate is the fact that Parliament gave the Budget the green light, infuriating the masses, as the cost of living continues to rise beyond a bearing point. Many concerned Sierra Leoneans are wondering how the government is going to actualize its Feed Salone agenda when there is no money.
Experts say you can’t tax your way out of the current economic crisis, as it will only bring more burden on the people, making them poorer.
