The leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Abdul Kargbo, has expressed deep concern over the government's proposed 2025 Supplementary Budget, warning that it may be used to obscure real spending cuts under the guise of fiscal adjustments.

During a recent parliamentary debate, Kargbo accused the government of overly depending on agencies like the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), a move he believes could negatively impact pensioners and weaken the broader economy. He described the budget as a concealed form of austerity and called for more transparency in its intentions.

Kargbo also pushed for stronger action to stabilize the national currency and align fuel prices with global standards. He urged the government to reduce travel-related expenditures and redirect resources to more critical sectors.

In defense of the budget, Hon. Francis Amara Kaisamba, Chair of the Finance Committee, praised the Ministry of Finance for responding to shifting economic realities. He noted positive developments like reduced inflation and increased revenue collection and emphasized the role of Parliament in ensuring fiscal oversight.

Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura explained that the adjustments were necessary due to global economic shifts and domestic challenges. He highlighted improvements such as falling inflation, a stronger exchange rate, and lower treasury bill rates, while also warning of external risks like rising tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and declining foreign aid.

The revised budget aims to trim the fiscal deficit slightly—from 3.9% to 3.8% of GDP—while reducing the government’s reliance on local bank borrowing, a move intended to help contain inflation and stabilize the economy. According to the Minister, inflation has dropped dramatically, from 54.5% in late 2023 to just 7.1% by June 2025.

The 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Act outlines a revised government expenditure of 14.46 billion leones for the second half of the year, marking a significant reduction from the initially planned 27.7 billion leones.

Wrapping up the debate, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, Leader of Government Business, acknowledged the contributions from all lawmakers and reiterated the government’s focus on curbing inflation and managing national debt—most of which, he noted, stems from obligations incurred under the previous administration.