The Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) has revealed that Sierra Leone spent a staggering Le191.8 million (new Leones) on overseas travels in 2023, prompting heated debates during the ongoing 2025 budget discussions in Parliament.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, a Member of Parliament representing the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), brought this issue to light while addressing Parliament on November 27, 2024. According to Hon. Kargbo, this massive expenditure could have been redirected to critical areas such as the Free Health Care program, ambulance services, and much-needed allocations to ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). “If just half of this amount is reduced, it can address pressing national priorities,” he stated.
The MP further criticized the government for prioritizing expenditures on international trips while the nation struggles with domestic challenges. He highlighted that 38% of domestic revenue is consumed by interest payments on debt. “This situation is unsustainable,” Hon. Kargbo remarked. “If the government reduces borrowing, we can cut back on these crippling interest payments, which are frustrating national development.”
Additionally, Hon. Kargbo addressed the sharp rise in the country’s debt servicing obligations, which now accounts for 99% of total revenue. He criticized the government for neglecting pressing domestic projects and failing to achieve tangible outcomes despite high spending. “How can we claim progress when only 1% of revenue is left for development?” he questioned.
Highlighting another issue, he pointed out that the country’s wage bill, combined with debt servicing, amounts to Le7.5 billion, leaving minimal fiscal space for economic growth.
The Budget Advocacy Network and opposition parties are now calling for a reduction in non-essential expenditures like overseas travel to free up resources for development and social services. As the budget debate continues, the public awaits government responses to these pressing financial concerns.
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