Samuel Kallon 
By Ragan M. Conteh
At Tower Hill, MP Francis Amara Kaisamba of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), praises the deputy finance minister (1) on rapping up several developmental projects.
He represents a constituency in the east Kenema of district and he is the Chairman of the Finance Committee in the well.
His remarks celebrated the presentation of a pivotal document containing various agreements aimed at propelling development several projects across Sierra Leone.
The document outlines several significant agreements tailored to foster economic growth while improving living conditions in Sierra Leone:
The Financing Agreement for the Livestock and Livelihoods Development Programme, a notable partnership forged between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the International Fund for Agricultural Development on November 6, 2024.
The initiative seeks to enhance livestock production and will secure livelihoods of numerous families.
A Protocol of Agreement involves the Republic of Sierra Leone, the African Development Bank, and the African Development Fund (who are acting as administrators of the Transition Support Facility), was being established with the intent on creating job opportunities for youth and women in climate-smart agriculture value chains and waste management. This agreement, dated July 9, 2024, embodies a commitment to ensuring sustainable practices and economic inclusion.
Another key element is calls for Establishment of the Sierra Leone Climate Finance and Energy Innovation Hub grant agreement, signed between the OPEC Fund for International Development and the Republic of Sierra Leone, passed on June 24, 2024.
This initiative aims to catalyze innovative solutions in the climate finance and energy sectors.
The Financing Agreement for Sierra Leone Agricultural Market Infrastructure Project and a recent project to be implemented by National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA).
In his address, Honorable Kaisamba began by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all present, seamlessly transitioning into a discourse on critical national issues that require immediate attention.
He raised alarms about financial management practices, cautioning that an increasing dependency on external funding sources could lead Sierra Leone into a precarious debt situation.
He stressed the urgency of strategically allocating resources to spearhead sustainable development initiatives.
He brought forth the subject of “Alicoto,” referring to it as a significant institution with global implications in both India and Europe. He articulated its vital role within economic and developmental spheres, insisting that resources must be utilized with utmost care and efficiency. Honourable Kaisamba pinpointed out the troubling inefficiencies in the management of funds, particularly those earmarked for urgent projects like climate change mitigation and community development.
He championed the cause of transparency in fund allocation, advocating for diligent oversight to ensure that the resources granted to the government genuinely benefit the citizenry.
Shifting the focus to domestic concerns, he highlighted the pressing issue of unemployment plaguing Sierra Leone’s youth, and so lamented that countless qualified individuals from colleges remain without jobs.
He articulated the indispensable role of agriculture in the nation’s progression, thus emphasizing the necessity of empowering farmers by enhancing access to markets while improving vital infrastructure such as roads leading to market produce.
Honourable Kaisamba passionately called for increased scrutiny and accountability in the deployment of funds designated for development projects.
He underscored the critical importance of monitoring these resources, ensuring they reach their intended beneficiaries, particularly in community development and agricultural programs. He acknowledged that while notable strides have been made in the agricultural sector over the years, there remains an imperative need for additional efforts to yield substantial benefits for the majority of citizens.
