Deputy Opposition Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Tonkolili District, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, has urged the Speaker of Parliament to summon the Minister of Trade to explain why food and essential commodity prices continue to rise despite a stable exchange rate and declining inflation.

Hon. Koroma highlighted the increasing costs of key staples such as rice and cement, emphasizing that while the Ministry of Finance has worked to stabilize the economy, ordinary citizens continue to struggle under the weight of high prices. He argued that business owners are taking advantage of the situation, making life even more difficult for the people.

“The exchange rate has remained relatively stable, and inflation is reportedly decreasing, yet the masses are suffering due to unchecked price hikes. The government must intervene to protect consumers,” he stated.

The lawmaker further called on Parliament to summon relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to provide a clear explanation of the current economic situation and propose urgent measures to ease the financial burden on citizens.

Hon. Koroma also reflected on the broader economic challenges Sierra Leone has faced in recent years, noting that previous inflation and currency devaluation had already made it difficult for citizens to afford necessities like food and fuel. He warned that the ongoing crisis is not only affecting households but also harming key sectors like tourism, businesses, and the informal economy, leading to job losses and reduced government revenue.

As Parliament continues to deliberate on economic matters, the opposition MP insists that immediate action is needed to address the rising cost of living and ensure that economic gains benefit the people rather than just businesses.