November 17, 2021
National Council for Civic Education and Development (NaCCED) concluded nationwide media and community civic engagement on the Citizens Finance Act 2021, on November 10th to 12th, 2021, in the Northeast and Northwest regions of the country. These engagements increased media and public understanding of relevant aspects of the Act, especially government tax considerations for small, medium, and corporate businesses intended to cushion effects of the economic crisis imposed by the global pandemic (COVID-19). Some of the tax breaks and considerations include 0% tax on rice, flour and educational materials, 6.5% gender PAYE tax credit for companies with female Managers, and 25% Corporate Tax relief on money spent for Corporate Social Responsibility, among many others.
Addressing the media in Makeni on November 11, Mr. Kalilu Totangi, NaCCED Chairman, highlighted the benefits of the Act to the general public and the enormous opportunities for the Sierra Leone business community. He further noted that “the Ministry of Finance and the National Revenue Authority (NRA) are aware of the global challenges businesses face, from increase in cost of production to transportation”. He stressed that these are a few of the numerous reasons government removed income and GST tax on rice, flour, and educational materials. He shared a copy each of the Act and the Budget, and encouraged journalists to help inform the public.
Following this press briefing was a radio simulcast program in each region. SLBC Makeni (TV and radio) and Advocacy Radio in Port Loko respectively, hosted NaCCED team for a one-hour radio simulcast program – other radio stations connected to the two host radios. During each program, the stations aired a recorded interview with the Commissioner General of NRA, Dr. Samuel Gibao explaining benefits of the tax reductions/deductions and a video animation explaining the Act.
It could be recalled that on October 23, 2021, NaCCED Chairman launched this public education endeavour in Kenema in the Eastern region, and in Bo in the South the following day, targeting residents of the two regions. Like the engagements in the Northeast and Northwest, the activities included press briefing, radio simulcast, and outdoor community engagement sessions.