In a passionate and impactful contribution to the Parliamentary debate, Honorable Memunatu Jalloh (fondly known as Mems) directed her focus on critical issues impacting Sierra Leoneans, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), food security, and the dire socio-economic challenges faced by women and children. Her address was both a commendation of progress and a call to action, urging the government to address systemic challenges hindering national development.
Opening her statement, Honorable Memunatu Jalloh expressed profound gratitude to her fellow Parliamentarians for the dignified farewell accorded to her late brother, Hon. Saidu Baba Kamara. She described his legacy as one of service and patriotism, reflecting on his contributions to Sierra Leone’s governance. She extended her appreciation to the finance minister and his team for the comprehensive budget document presented to the House, emphasizing its significance for Sierra Leone’s future.
Turning her attention to SMEs, Honorable Jalloh lauded the government’s 2024 support for 102 SMEs, with 50% of the support directed toward women-led enterprises. While she praised the emphasis on women’s economic empowerment, she did not shy away from pointing out the challenges crippling the sector. She highlighted the inability of SMEs to access loans due to stringent collateral requirements and the exploitative practices of micro-credit institutions.
“Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, these high interest rates are tearing families apart. Women are fleeing their homes, leaving children behind to suffer unimaginable consequences. These children often end up on the streets, falling prey to crime and prostitution. Is this the Sierra Leone we envision for our people?” she asked, her voice laden with urgency.
Shifting to food security, Honorable Jalloh lamented Sierra Leone’s disheartening status as the second poorest nation in food production, according to recent IMF rankings. She noted that the country’s decline from a stronger position under the previous administration reflects a pressing need for transformative agricultural reforms.
She underscored the theme of the year’s budget— “Improving the Well-being and Quality of Life of Sierra Leoneans”—and questioned how the country could achieve this goal while food insecurity persists. She passionately called for investments in agriculture, stating, “The wealth of any nation begins with its ability to feed its people. Without food, there can be no sustainable progress.”
In conclusion, Honorable Memunatu Jalloh urged the government to prioritize policies that uplift the most vulnerable, enhance food production, and empower SMEs. “Let us act now to change this narrative and improve the well-being of our people,” she implored.
Her address resonated as a clarion call for bold leadership, reminding Parliament of its duty to ensure that policies deliver real change for Sierra Leoneans.
