During the inaugural press conference of the All People’s Congress (APC) Members of Parliament, held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the party’s headquarters in Freetown, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, the opposition leader, launched a scathing attack on the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government led by President Bio.

At the heart of his criticism was the government’s handling of the country’s finances, particularly its management of the wage bill, which he argued was spiraling out of control, pushing the nation deeper into external debt. Kargbo expressed outrage over what he perceived as reckless recruitment practices amidst a looming economic crisis.Pointing to stark figures, Kargbo highlighted the exponential increase in the wage bill under President Bio’s administration.

He referenced the 2018 wage bill of Le 1.9 trillion during the Koroma administration, which was criticized by the then opposition SLPP as inflated. However, under President Bio’s tenure, the wage bill surged from Le 2.4 trillion in 2019 to an alarming Le 5.2 trillion in 2023, with projections indicating a further rise to Le 6.5 trillion in 2024.Kargbo’s remarks underscored deep concerns about the government’s fiscal management practices and its failure to address the country’s economic challenges effectively.

He emphasized the need for prudent financial stewardship and called on the government to prioritize sustainable economic policies that alleviate rather than exacerbate the burden on citizens.

As Sierra Leone grapples with mounting external debt and economic uncertainty, Kargbo’s critique resonates with many who question the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and its ability to navigate the country towards stability and prosperity.