Shop owners in Freetown have gone on strike in response to a significant increase in the tax rate for clearing containers, with the government raising the clearance fee from Le130,000/140,000 to Le240,000.

The increase has sparked widespread discontent among local business owners, who argue that the hike in fees is putting undue strain on their operations and pushing up the cost of goods for consumers.

The decision to increase the clearance fee has sparked a wave of protests, with many shop owners questioning the fairness and timing of the hike. “We are already struggling to keep our businesses afloat, and now the government is raising costs that we simply cannot afford,” said Ibrahim Kamara, a local shop owner in Freetown. “This increase will force us to either reduce our stock or increase prices, which will hurt our customers the most. It’s a lose-lose situation for everyone.

Another shop owner, Mariama Jalloh, expressed her frustration, saying, “We rely on imports to stock our shelves, and these extra charges are just too much for small businesses like mine. How are we supposed to compete when we can barely cover our basic expenses?” She added that many shop owners had no choice but to pass on the increased costs to consumers, raising concerns about the further strain on low-income households.

The government, however, has defended the increase, stating that the new tax rates are necessary for boosting national revenue and improving public infrastructure. However, it remains to be seen how long the strike will last and whether the government will reconsider the increase or offer a compromise to alleviate the impact on the business community.

Shop owners have called for dialogue with the government to find a more reasonable solution. “We are not against paying taxes, but the increase should be gradual, not something that happens overnight,” said Musa Kamara, a small business owner. “If the government wants to help us grow, they need to create a more favorable environment for businesses to thrive.”

The protest continues, and it remains unclear whether the government will reconsider the hike or offer any compromise. With shop owners urging the government to engage in further discussions, the situation is developing, and the outcome of this protest could have significant consequences for businesses and consumers alike in Sierra Leone’s capital city.