By Abdul Bero Kamara. Chief

The proposed budget for 2026 allocates a staggering 241 billion Leones to the Office of the President, which is more than the combined budgets of three key ministries: the Ministry of Agriculture, which receives 95 million Leones; the Ministry of Education, with 25 million Leones; and the Ministry of Water Resources, allocated just 9.6 million Leones.

When adding the budgets for the Fire Force and NASCA—9 million and 4 million Leones respectively—the total for these three key ministries and the two important agencies still falls far short of the funding designated for the President’s office.

This disproportionate allocation highlights a troubling reality: the SLPP government, under President Bio, appears to be more focused on self-enrichment than on improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

While the citizens struggle to access basic needs like water, food, and education, the budget priorities suggest otherwise.

Ironically, during President Bio’s first term, education was his flagship program. In his current second term, agriculture (through the “Feed Salone” initiative) has taken centre stage as the flagship program.

Yet, it is troubling to see that these essential institutions are grossly underfunded to benefit the President’s office, which has diminished in effectiveness since President Bio came to power

It is not surprising that the free quality education program has failed and that the education system under Bio is nothing to write home about
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Furthermore, the current “Feed Salone” initiative at the Ministry of Agriculture appears to be a scam, given the clear indications from the 2026 budget allocations.

This serves as a clear reminder that President Bio is not serious about governance and has taken the people of Sierra Leone for granted.

The president is not good for our country, and even to the members of his SLPP party.