By Forum staff writer
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, has questioned President Julius Maada Bio’s assessment of Sierra Leone’s economy, saying the government’s claims of economic stability must be measured against the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
Speaking to the media after President Bio delivered his State Opening Address in Parliament on Friday, 7 August 2026, Hon. Kargbo challenged the government to demonstrate how the reported economic gains have translated into better living conditions for Sierra Leoneans.
President Bio told Parliament that the economy is stabilising despite global challenges, including the effects of wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. He pointed to economic growth, declining inflation, increased domestic revenue, improved private sector lending and a reduction in public debt as evidence of progress.
But Kargbo questioned whether these figures are being reflected in the daily lives of citizens.
The opposition leader’s concerns come at a time when many households continue to face pressure from the cost of food, transportation, electricity and other basic necessities.
While President Bio said stabilisation must now translate into more affordable food, transport and electricity, more jobs and improved public services, Kargbo questioned why citizens are still struggling to meet their daily needs if the economy is performing as strongly as government claims.
President Bio reported that Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.6 percent in 2024 and 4.8 percent in 2025. He also said inflation dropped to 4.4 percent in December 2025 before rising to 10.8 percent in April 2026 due largely to increased oil prices.
Government responded with temporary fuel support and electricity tariff subsidies, which the President said helped protect households from the impact of external shocks.
However, the opposition is expected to argue that temporary measures cannot replace long term solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
Kargbo’s intervention places greater focus on the difference between macroeconomic statistics and the experiences of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
The President also highlighted an increase in domestic revenue to 18 billion Leones, a narrowing of the trade deficit and a decline in public debt as a percentage of GDP.
He further pointed to international support through the International Monetary Fund and other development partners, including major financing commitments for energy, infrastructure, agriculture, health and education.
For the opposition, however, the central issue remains whether these investments and economic improvements are producing tangible results for citizens.
Kargbo’s comments are likely to add to the wider public debate over the government’s economic record as Sierra Leone approaches another important period in its political and economic development.
The opposition maintains that economic recovery should be judged not only by figures presented in Parliament but also by the cost of living, employment opportunities, household incomes and access to essential services.
As government celebrates what it describes as economic stabilisation, Hon. Abdul Kargbo and the opposition are demanding a clearer answer to one key question: If the economy is truly recovering, when will ordinary Sierra Leoneans begin to feel the difference?
