By Ragan M. Conteh

The Member of Parliament from Tonkolili District who doubles as the Deputy Leader of the opposition in Parliament, Hon Aaron Aruna Koroma has called on Parliament especially the Speaker to drag the Minister of Trade to Parliament to explain why inflation Is decreasing and exchange rate relatively stable but prices of food and other essential commodities keep increasing citing the prices of bag of rice and cement that have increased considerably.

He stressed that the Ministry of Finance has made frantic efforts to ensure that the exchange rate is stable while also the inflation is decreasing but the masses are suffering in the hands of business owners.

He therefore urged the Speaker to invite the relevant MDAs to explain to Parliamentarians how their electorates are suffering.

He said the country is facing economic challenges that have translated to high prices on basic commodities.

The Parliamentarian recalled that before now due to inflation and currency devaluation, citizens struggled to afford food, fuel, and other basic necessities.

“The situation has caused considerable burden on the people, and the government is struggling to find solutions,” he added.

As a result, he maintained the economy has been unstable, leading to inflation and currency devaluation.

It has left a devastating impact on the tourism sector in Sierra Leone, with major consequences for jobs and livelihoods, the sustainability of businesses, government proceeds, and even the informal economy.