Parliament last Tuesday debated and passed into law the Bill entitled: “The Finance Act 2023″ but some MPs cautioned the timeliness of it.
The 2023 Finance Act, according to the Minister of Finance, is for the economic growth and development of the country and seeks to provide for the imposition and alteration of taxes to give effect.
During the debate in the well of parliament, Hon. Dr Mark-Mahmoud Kaloko said to run a State required resources but raised concerns that it was spelled in the Constitution that the sovereignty belonged to the people and their interest must be considered. “Tax mobilization is prudent, but the interest of the people is very paramount”, he stated. He made mentioned of ordinary citizens holding passports and paying high taxes at the Freetown International Airport.
Hon. Dr Mark-Mahmoud Kaloko appealed for some reduction of certain taxations on the people. “No Sierra Leonean is against tax mobilization, but due consideration be made”, he stated. He urged the House to approve the document with some considerations made by others.
In rounding up the debate the Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Hassan Sesay, said it was good to hear that the government was adding revenue to cater for some elements, but that the timing must be considered. He expressed serious concerns over the interest of the people, relating to the current economic burden.
Hon. Hassan Sesay described the Bill as additional taxation and would amount to an overburden on the people. Speaking on Corporate Taxation, he said it would discourage investments and reduce employment.
He also buttressed the previous speaker and denounced the payment of US$25 tax by people with diplomatic passports and disclosed to Parliament that people now travel through neighbouring Guinea due to the high price of air tickets.
Hon. Sesay continued that Bill of such nature would also affect the generation of tax on tourism and also increases the burden on the people.
In concluding the debate the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, advanced several clarifications in light of concerns raised earlier on by colleagues on the other side of the aisle. He informed the House that taxation had always created contentions and recalled the positive aspects of the expert presentation regarding the consultation on the Bill.
Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma spoke on the importance of tax collections, in ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsibility of the citizens as well as visibility and tangible developments.
He asked the Minister to make some waivers very clear, relative to past experience. Amidst previous waivers on some goods, he said prices were still shooting up and pointed out demand and supply chain in lieu of taxation levied.
He suggested awareness raising and other responsibilities. “Taxes are not always friendly, but must be paid to develop the country”, he revealed. The taxes, he reiterated, are not for the poor but for those who are in high Corporate Business. The Leader explained comprehensively the positivity of the Bill on tourism, economic growth and developments.