By Ragan M. Conteh

Hon. Abdulai Kamara, commonly called “Best Guy,” has delivered a compelling and thoughtful speech during the debate on the 2025 Budget Statement in Parliament.

As a passionate advocate for sustainable development, Kamara underscores the government’s commendable focused on critical sectors such as agriculture, food security, fisheries, marine resources, and water supply.

His speech shone a spotlight on the forward-thinking measures in the budget, while also offering constructive solutions for addressing pressing challenges.

Best Guy began his address by expressing gratitude for the growing spirit of bipartisan collaboration in Parliament.

He noted that, although the opposition had initially expressed concerns regarding the budget, the overall atmosphere of constructive dialogue had led to meaningful debate on issues that matter most to the people of Sierra Leone.

“I hope that this House will continue to engage in this bipartisan approach, especially when it comes to sensitive matters that directly affect the welfare of our citizens,” BestGuy remarked.

He recognized the opposition’s role in holding the government accountable while acknowledging the positive impact of their scrutiny.

Turning hustaha focus on agriculture, one of the most pivotal sectors of Sierra Leone’s economy, Best Guy commended the government for its 16 million Leones allocation to Agriculture sector meant to enhance food production, particularly through the development of agro-ecological zones in Torma Bum and other areas. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in ensuring that Sierra Leone becomes self-sufficient in food production, thus reducing reliance on imports and improving the nutritional standards of the population.

Best Guy also praised the government’s plan to the rehabilitate critical roads leading to agricultural areas, with an allocation of 135.8 million Leones for road construction.

“Improving access to agricultural regions is vital. It ensures that farmers can bring their goods to the markets efficiently, thereby reducing post-harvest losses while contributing ensuring food security,” Best Guy said.

However, he cautioned that a significant challenge remains in the purchasing power of the average Sierra Leonean.

“As this budget outlines grand plans, we must not ignore the reality of the people’s ability to access food, especially when wages remain stagnant at 800,000 Leones,” he noted. Best Guy stressed the need for a holistic approach that would ensure wages align with the cost of living of the people to truly make the government’s food security objectives a reality for all citizens.

Hon. Abdulai Kamara also called for increased investment in green house farming, which he believes could revolutionize Sierra Leone’s agricultural output.

“Green houses allow for year-round production of high-quality crops, free from the limitations of seasonal weather patterns. This could make food be available throughout the year, by lowering prices on rice and other foods while maximizing production,” Kamara explained. He advocated for partnerships between the government and the private sector to expand this type of agriculture, thus highlighting the need for sustainable, environmentally-friendly farming practices.

Shifting his focus to Sierra Leone’s maritime sector, Best Guy expressed his firm belief in the vast potential of the country’s blue economy. “Sierra Leone has one of the richest marine resources in the world, and so it’s high time we tapped into this to boost our economic growth and create sustainable jobs for many,” he asserted. Despite the steady revenue growth in the fisheries sector, Best Guy noted that the cost of fish remains prohibitively high for many Sierra Leoneans.

He called for greater investment in port infrastructure, maritime transportation, and human capital development to fully capitalize on the blue economy. Kamara also highlighted the importance of international cooperation to enhance Sierra Leone’s maritime industry, fostering partnerships that will benefit both the economy and the global food chain.

Best Guy concluded his address by acknowledging recent improvements in water supply, particularly in the peninsula areas. “Access to water is essential for public health, and it is encouraging to see  government’s efforts on providing uninterrupted flow of water supply in certain regions,” Best Guy noted. However, he urged the government to replicate these efforts in the hillside communities of the Western Area, including Wilberforce, Tengbe Town, Spur Loop, Hill Station, Hilltop, and New England Ville, areas that still struggle with inadequate water supply.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Best Guy underscores the need for a budget that is both ambitious and achievable, one that is rooted in the realities of Sierra Leone’s economic challenges.

“This budget reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of our people, but we must continue to focus on the practical steps that will turn these plans into lasting results,” he concluded.

Honourable Abdulai Kamara’s speech stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to Sierra Leone’s future, advocating for balanced, realistic, and sustainable policies that promise to shape the nation’s growth for years to come.