By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a highly anticipated engagement meeting held on Friday 20th October, the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, and his team of Government officials met with representatives from the Sierra Leone Association of Local Manufacturers (SLAM) to address concerns over a proposed draft bill that could have had detrimental effects on local manufacturing companies.
The proposed bill, which aimed to increase tax incentives for local producers as compared to importers, had raised significant alarm among members of SLAM who feared its potential impact on their operations and survival. Local manufacturers, who play a vital role in providing direct employment opportunities to Sierra Leoneans, supporting the country’s GDP, paying substantial taxes to the Government and contributing to community development, were apprehensive about the potential consequences of such legislation.
However, the Minister of Finance reassured the local manufacturers during the engagement meeting that the Government would not allow the bill to become law. He emphasized that the Government is committed to protecting local industries and acknowledged the vital role they play in the development of Sierra Leone.
Furthermore, the Minister pledged that going forward, the Government would actively engage with local manufacturers before formulating any laws or policies that could impact their businesses. Stressing the importance of a strong partnership between the Government and the private sector, he emphasized that both entities share a common goal – the advancement of Sierra Leone’s economy.
The assurance and commitment from the Minister of Finance and his team have been met with resounding applause and appreciation from the local manufacturing community. This demonstration of support and partnership has been declared a positive step towards fostering a conducive environment for the growth and sustainability of Sierra Leonean industries.
Indeed, it must be noted that the recent engagement meeting between the Minister of Finance and local manufacturers has provided a glimmer of hope for the Sierra Leonean manufacturing sector. With the Government’s commitment to safeguarding local industries and the promise of continued partnership, the stage has been set for a mutually beneficial relationship that will contribute to the overall progress of Sierra Leone’s economy.
“However, the Minister of Finance reassured the local manufacturers during the engagement meeting that the Government would not allow the bill to become law. ” The Calabash
This is confusing when juxtaposed with the preceding sentence in the first paragraph, that is “Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, and his team of Government officials met with representatives from the Sierra Leone Association of Local Manufacturers (SLAM) to address concerns over a proposed draft bill that could have had detrimental effects on local manufacturing companies.”
Personally I would have loved to ask as to who drafted the Bill in the First place? Are Bills not drafted by the Country’s Draftsmen which is a unit in the Ministry of Justice , and after instructions from the Government?
So is the Minister economical with the truth or maybe some things are left out in this article, things that would have given a clear information about what is said or done regarding the proposed Bill?
Writing that the Government would not allow the bill to become a law is making it look like the Bill came from the Opposition or from some foreign aliens and presented to the government. Unless we are made to understand that every Jack and Jill in this government can wake up one day a proposed Bills without the government and cabinet first deliberating on the issue concern.