By Ragan M. Conteh

In a bold address to Parliament this week, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has called for the urgent suspension and thorough investigation of Sierra Leone’s controversial “Go for Gold” Investment Visa Programme.

He expressed deep concerns that the initiative, which reportedly allows foreign nationals to obtain residency or even citizenship through substantial financial investments, poses grave risks to national security and undermines the integrity of the country’s citizenship laws.

Hon. Kargbo criticized the government for implementing the programme without proper legislative oversight, suggesting that the lack of transparency could enable the exploitation of Sierra Leone’s legal and political systems. He further warned that such schemes, if left unchecked, might open doors to individuals with unclear backgrounds, potentially jeopardizing the safety and sovereignty of the nation.

The Opposition Leader’s statement has sparked intense debate within parliamentary circles and among civil society actors, many of whom are demanding full disclosure of the programme’s terms, the number and nationality of beneficiaries, and its legal basis. There are also growing calls for a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry to examine the broader implications of selling citizenship and residency for cash.

Hon. Kargbo concluded by urging the government to prioritize the interests of Sierra Leoneans and ensure that national policies reflect the principles of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.