During the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Miatta Conference Hall in Youyi, Freetown, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Hon. Mustapha M. Sellu, Deputy Chairman of the Finance Committee in the Sierra Leone House of Parliament, provided an in-depth analysis of the newly proposed 2025 Finance Act.

He emphasized that the act does not introduce any new tax measures but focuses on strengthening compliance and performance clauses.

Notably, for land taxpayers, the new act will impose severe penalties for tax evasion, giving authorities the legal power to enforce fines if taxpayers default within a specific time frame.

Hon. Sellu further clarified that the Finance Act aims to provide a better platform for taxpayers by tightening enforcement measures while also encouraging compliance.

He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the country’s revenue generation system, including the development of stronger linkages with international partners and local institutions. These linkages are crucial for addressing pressing social and economic issues through effective revenue collection.

A key point in Hon. Sellu’s speech was the progress made towards achieving a more centralized and digital revenue collection system.

He stressed the importance of transitioning to cashless transactions, noting that the move would reduce the risks associated with physical cash handling and improve the efficiency of tax collection.

Hon. Sellu also praised the government’s success in achieving a 50% progress rate in their revenue generation goals, while acknowledging the continued push for further improvements.

He reiterated the critical role of the Parliament in overseeing tax collection activities as outlined in the Constitution, and emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the government and its partners to ensure financial sustainability.

Hon. Sellu expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders for their ongoing efforts, thus promising that Parliament will continue to support initiatives that drive revenue generation and fiscal responsibility in the country.