By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Dr. Kelfala Marrah, a flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), has called on the government to address the country’s growing economic challenges through responsible financial management and collaborative national development efforts.
Speaking during an interview on Africa Young Voices (AYV) television’s Wake Up Sierra Leone program, Dr. Marrah expressed concern over the current economic direction under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, arguing that the government is spending far more than it earns, which he believes is a core reason the economy is not improving.
“The economy is not improving because the government spends more than it earns, which I proffered a solution for. Not all politicians will do that, but I did,” Dr. Marrah stated confidently during the interview.
Dr. Marrah, a former Minister of Finance and a seasoned economist in the country, emphasized that Sierra Leone needs leaders with not only ideas but experience in managing national resources. He reminded viewers that he has previously been part of a government that stabilized the economy and introduced key reforms that contributed to growth.
“I have been there before, and I know how to restore the economy. What the country needs is disciplined financial leadership and a clear development strategy,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of national unity and collaborative efforts in rebuilding the country. According to him, Sierra Leone deserves better, and development should not be left solely to politicians. He called on citizens, technocrats, and international partners to work together to design and implement practical economic solutions.
“The country deserves better,” Dr. Marrah said. “We need to align with development partners, mobilize local resources effectively, and cut down on wasteful spending. If we do not correct our financial priorities, growth will remain a dream.”
Dr. Marrah noted that the current administration has failed to make the kind of impact Sierra Leoneans hoped for, particularly in key sectors like education, infrastructure, and job creation. He criticized the government’s failure to adhere to sound fiscal principles and warned that unchecked spending without proportional revenue generation could drive the country deeper into debt.
Offering his vision for economic reform, Dr. Marrah proposed a multi-pronged approach that includes public sector reform, improved revenue collection, enhanced transparency, and strategic investment in human capital.
He said his experience both in government and international financial institutions gives him the right background to steer Sierra Leone in a more stable economic direction. “What is missing is leadership that understands the system, knows how to fix it, and has the courage to make hard decisions,” he added.
As the APC prepares for its upcoming convention, Dr. Marrah’s statements have positioned him as a contender who blends practical experience with a clear vision for Sierra Leone’s economic recovery. His message resonates with citizens and party members seeking credible alternatives to the current economic trajectory.
The former finance minister closed his interview by reaffirming his commitment to service and reform. “I’m not here just to criticize; I’m here to offer real solutions. Sierra Leone can rise again — but we need the right leadership with the will to act,” he concluded.
With the political season heating up, Dr. Marrah’s remarks are likely to add pressure on both the ruling government and other aspirants to clearly articulate their own economic strategies for the country.
