APC’s Richard Conteh Promises Nationwide Tax Cuts to Reduce Cost of Living

APC flagbearer aspirant Richard Conteh has pledged to introduce broad tax reductions if elected President, saying the move would help reduce the cost of living, increase workers’ disposable income, and improve the standard of living for Sierra Leoneans.

Speaking on AYV’s Wake Up Salone programme, Conteh said his proposed administration would review taxes across various sectors, including import-related charges and deductions on salaries, as part of efforts to ease financial pressure on citizens and businesses.

“If I become President, I will reduce taxes across the board, including the cost of importation and other taxes levied on salaries. If these taxes are reduced, it will increase your disposable income, and that will mean a better standard of living,” Conteh said.

He explained that reducing taxes on imported goods would lower the cost of bringing products into the country, which he believes would eventually lead to reduced prices of commodities in the market.

“Because when you reduce taxes across the board, including the cost of importing goods into the country, then you’ll reduce the cost of commodities on the shelves,” he added.

Conteh further argued that lowering salary-related deductions would allow workers to retain more of their earnings and have additional resources to meet their daily needs.

Beyond tax reductions, the APC flagbearer aspirant said his economic plans would also focus on addressing government revenue leakages and reviewing the country’s economic model.

He stated that improving public resource management and strengthening revenue systems would be critical to building a stronger economy while reducing the burden of taxation on citizens.

Conteh’s comments come amid ongoing national discussions on rising commodity prices, household income pressures, taxation, and the affordability of basic goods in Sierra Leone.

As political actors continue to present their policy proposals, economic management and measures to improve living conditions are expected to remain key issues ahead of future elections.