Sylvia Blyden Calls for Fair Taxation on Proposed Minimum Wage

Sylvia Blyden Calls for Fair Taxation on Proposed Minimum Wage

Senior All People’s Congress (APC) member Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden has engaged the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security regarding what she describes as unfair taxation on Sierra Leone’s proposed new minimum wage, seeking assurances that the increase will genuinely benefit workers.

In a statement posted on her social media on Friday, 2 January 2026, Blyden said she personally met with Labour Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray to discuss taxes applied to the proposed NLe 1,200 monthly minimum wage, up from the current NLe 800 and set to take effect in April 2026. She confirmed that both the Labour and Finance Ministers will work with Parliament to address the taxation issue.

“I will continue to keep the issue in view,” Blyden said, signaling her commitment to ensuring the minimum wage reform benefits workers as intended.

The proposed wage increase has sparked national debate, with concerns that existing taxes could reduce take-home pay. By engaging the Ministry, Blyden aims to make certain that the new wage is not undermined by deductions.

The Labour Ministry has confirmed plans to collaborate with the Finance Ministry to present a proposal to Parliament addressing the taxation issue. Stakeholders are awaiting updates to see whether amendments will protect workers from unfair deductions and ensure the minimum wage delivers its full benefit.

Blyden’s intervention highlights the role of politicians and party members in holding government institutions accountable on issues directly affecting citizens’ livelihoods, within the constitutional framework that gives Parliament authority to amend tax measures associated with wage policies.