By Hassan Osman Kargbo
A member of the All People’s Congress (APC) Communications Team, Minkailu Koroma, has raised concern over what he describes as the government’s unsustainable wage bill, arguing that the resources used to maintain diplomats abroad could be redirected to support struggling Sierra Leoneans at home.
Speaking during a discussion on Liberty Online TV on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, Mr. Koroma said the monthly wage bill under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration continues to swell because of what he called ‘unnecessary appointments that add little or no value to national progress. According to him, the salaries of diplomats and other political appointees are not only burdensome but also symbolic of misplaced priorities at a time when the country is facing what he described as the worst economic crisis in its history.
“The money being spent on diplomats’ salaries could pay the wages of many Sierra Leoneans who are struggling to survive in this economy,” Koroma noted, stressing that while the role of diplomats cannot be completely dismissed, the large number of appointments and the financial strain they impose on the country do not justify their relevance.
Mr. Koroma went further to say that the government’s growing appetite for political patronage has worsened the nation’s financial challenges, making life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens. He accused President Bio of prioritising personal and political interests over national needs, citing the rising cost of living, high unemployment rates, and poor access to essential services as clear evidence of mismanagement.
“The president is doing appointments that are not important,” he insisted. “They are a waste of scarce resources at a time when the people are hungry, when parents cannot afford school fees, and when hospitals do not have medicines. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the government continues to create positions that only benefit a few.”
Koroma’s remarks come against the backdrop of heightened public frustration over inflation, fuel shortages, and currency depreciation, issues that have sparked frequent debates about the direction of Sierra Leone’s economy. He warned that unless urgent measures are taken to address the economic downturn, the situation could deteriorate further and erode public trust in state institutions.
He urged the government to review its spending patterns and reallocate funds to sectors that directly benefit the people, such as education, health care, and agriculture. According to him, Sierra Leone’s development requires prioritising investment in productive areas rather than sustaining what he termed “bloated political structures.”
The APC Communications Team member also reminded citizens that holding the government accountable is key to safeguarding the nation’s democratic future. He encouraged the public to speak up against policies that undermine national growth, and to demand transparency in the use of public funds.
“This is the time for the government to focus on improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans, not on enriching a privileged few. The country deserves better, and the people must not continue to suffer while resources are wasted,” he concluded.
