On Friday, 5 December 2025, Opposition Chief Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara addressed Parliament during the national budget debate, raising concerns over government spending and budget allocations. Kamara accused the administration of presenting budgets that do not reflect the real needs of citizens.
During his presentation, he criticized the government’s handling of the energy sector, highlighting the payment of NLe 480 million in subsidies to EDSA, excluding anticipated bills from Karpowership, C.I. Energy, CLSG, and Transco. He noted that over the past three years, the government has spent $120 million on Karpowership, despite the ship itself costing nearly $400 million, and suggested that the amount spent on rent could have purchased three such machines. Kamara asked: “Who is collecting the kickbacks?”
Kamara also compared government expenditures across ministries and offices, noting that the Office of the President received NLe 297.89 million in 2024, representing 7% of GDP, while allocations for Tertiary Education (NLe 48 million), Basic Education (NLe 79 million), Health (NLe 172 million), and Agriculture (NLe 40 million) were considerably lower. He emphasized that the combined allocations for these critical sectors were equivalent to that of the Office of the President. The 2024 budget, he added, carried a deficit of nearly NLe 9 million.
Referencing the 2026 budget, Kamara questioned the feasibility of the government’s plan to allocate NLe 792.9 million for road construction, citing an estimated cost of $750 million per kilometre, which would allow for the construction of no more than 40 kilometres of roads. He argued that such unrealistic planning explains the delay of infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges in Kambia District.
Kamara further criticized the government for rising corruption in the supply of rice to the police, military, and prisons. He pointed out that while a 50kg bag of rice costs between NLe 650 and 700 on the market, the government pays contractors NLe 1,200 per bag. He described this as exploitation and suggested that the funds could have been used to improve salaries for security personnel.
The Opposition Chief Whip also questioned the government’s claim that the 2026 Finance Act is a pro-poor budget, arguing that rising fuel prices, water taxation, and increased cement costs could negate any perceived benefits for ordinary citizens.
In conclusion, Kamara highlighted that funds allocated to the Office of the Chief Minister from 2021 to 2026 could have been used to procure ambulances, fire engines, construct WASH facilities in schools, and provide additional medical services to underserved communities.
