The New Direction! A Never-Ending Saga as Prices of Essentials Continue to Soar

Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) increased the Driver's License tariff

Effective Monday, April 22, 2024

“UPDATE: October 21, 2024: Kenema Boys released a new song about the economic struggles faced by the masses under President Bio and his ‘New Direction.’”

— GREEDY SYSTEM

In a powerful and emotional call for change, the youth of Kenema—recognized as a stronghold for the SLPP—released a powerful song that highlights the struggles faced by the community and Sierra Leone at large under President Bio’s “New Direction.”

The song expresses growing frustration and disappointment with the government.

'GREEDY SYSTEM ....any man way survive Salone na superman,' meaning anyone who has endured the conditions in the country under this administration is a hero.

How can a leader or political party be so disconnected from reality? The “Mis—Direction.”

Public outcry increases as President Bio signs the Finance Act 2024, which imposes new taxes on essential goods. The Finance Act 2024 was officially signed into law on Monday, October 20, 2024.

Above all, there is a 5% Import Duty tax on rice, the country's staple food, which is set to increase to 10% in 2025. With the current price of a bag of rice between Le 1,020,000 and Le 1,250,000, many fear the new tax will make it even less affordable.

Additional taxes imposed by the Finance Act on various commodities include a 20% tax on cement, 5% on cooking gas, and 10% on iron rods—key materials for construction and household use. Additional provisions include a 10% tax on gambling and a 1% education levy imposed on companies.

As the prices of essential goods continue to rise, the disparity between policy and the harsh realities faced by ordinary people grows.

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While other African nations stride confidently into the future, the Bio-led SLPP government promises of a ‘New Direction’ remain nothing but hollow echoes, leaving the populace mired in poverty, hunger, and despair.

With the average monthly salary of the citizens of about NLe800/- or US$35/-, they continue to see prices for necessities, food, and energy spiral out of control.

SLRSA in a Press Release on Saturday, April 20th, announced an increment in the various categories in the driver's license tariffs, effective Monday, April 22, 2024. 

How much more financial hardship are You Willing to Inflict on Your People?

Related

The Rising Cost of Living, Especially Food and Energy

Tin tranga! That is the new national anthem as hardship grips the motherland

Click here

The approximate US$ total the Bio administration spent on overseas travel since taking office in 2018

Data image below shows overseas travelling costs incurred by the government of Sierra Leone since 2018. In USD terms, here are the figures:
2018—USD 3,484,000
2019—USD 4,235,000
2020—USD 2,825,000
2021—USD 2,201,000
2022—USD 6,254,000
2023—USD 8,920,000
In total, the government… pic.twitter.com/FIYYmO2kxw

— Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah (@SoeMarrah) April 21, 2024

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Level of Deceit

The Tragic Story of Sierra Leone Under the Bio, SLPP

“The SLPP Administration needs to apologize to the citizens of Sierra Leone.”

— Commentary in the local dialect Krio by Concord Times Newspapers (SL) former editor, Atomic Pen:

Comments expressed do not reflect the opinion of YAME: Disclaimer.