NRA still Committed to President Koroma’s Agenda for Change

On inception to power, President Ernest Bai Koroma was quick to make plain his political development agenda for Sierra Leone. Indeed any value oriented and productive manager would first have a realistic, marketable, achievable, measurable and realistic plan which guides his or her overall targets. In his victory speech to the American People, president Barak Obama on several occasions reminded the American people of his promise of “change” which he firmly believed was a ‘need’ and which must not be sacrificed on the altar of US dominance in global politics. This change encompasses forging new alliances; fighting terrorism and a new approach in American foreign policy. It also includes a “change” in all areas of American Life that needs a new approach and direction.

Like the US president, Dr. Ernest Koroma when coming to power was persuaded that the greatest need of Sierra Leone as a nation in this era is “Change”. Changes that will usher in a new kind of approach and strategy in our development aspirations and one that will concretely enable us meet the millennium development goals. This ‘agenda for change’ which the president has so much talked about, encompasses focusing on certain key areas in the country’s development and which are believed to be key and strategic in fast tracking our development process. They include energy, agriculture, education and infrastructure. Added to this is the concept of attitudinal change which is an overriding factor on the broader development initiatives.

‘Attitude is everything’ president Koroma will often remark. Indeed, it remains a major issue when dissecting our national psyche. Nationalism, commitment, sincerity, honesty, a keen sense of purpose, selflessness and a positive disposition to development , one that is devoid of prejudice, sentiment and emotion are the encompassing elements that constitute this much talked about phenomenon. Tailored to the responsibilities of government institutions in general, it presupposes that such institutions be they the civil service, corporations, the police or Military, NASSIT or the NRA, these must take willful steps for the maximization of the countries progress and in meeting the needs of especially the disadvantaged people.

The National Revenue Authority stands right in the middle of the agenda for change as propagated by Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma. Being the organ responsible for consolidating the direly needed revenue for development, it goes without saying that every aspects of it work must be shrouded with accountability, reliability, transparency and confidence by majority of the populace.

The NRA has in recent time come under the spotlight for issues which do not otherwise enhance the credibility of the institution as one that work towards meeting the expectations of the people. Effort are however been made to see that sanity prevails in this institution. In a country where corruption had become the byword for most people whether in the public or private sector, stamping out corruption should not be perceived from the perspective of a one in all approach but from a systematic standpoint which will take some time.

Many people alleged to have committed acts of corruption have actually been proved guilty yet many more are still been roped. In other words regardless of the examples that have been made some people are yet to accept the change that is required of them if Sierra Leone should move a step forward. The NRA has a huge stake in this and though some ugly scenarios have occurred, majority of it officials are still committed to the agenda for change. From Freetown to Kambia, from Kono to Kailahun RA officers are in the field, working to meet the targets set the fiscal year.

The GST which was introduced in January is performing excellently in the midst of the difficulties in getting businesses comply with their GST return obligation. Monitoring of such businesses has become an apparent necessity as it is obvious that many businesses are apprehensive of this tax regime. The young and dynamic staffs at the GST unit are poised committed and robust, ensuring that all that needs to be done for the GST to succeed is done. The assistant Commissioner of GST Alfred Akibo Betts sweats it out on a daily basis with owners of businesses especially in getting them to pay their returns plus penalties for failing to do their returns on time. Currently, staffs of the income tax department and the public affairs unit of the NRA are in the provinces sensitizing the public on the quarterly returns of income tax. Steadily, and progressively, the NRA is pushing one step at a time. The nature of the Authority’s work is sensitive, and though majority of the work force are committed, focused and honest, doing their best to produce positive results, few others as is the case in all other institutions are actually committing acts that often bring the authority into disrepute. However, the good work of the NRA should not be slaughtered on the altar of the misdemeanors of few others.

The issue of the Commissioner General is pending and he is innocent until otherwise proven guilty by the court of judicature. The general public should continue to believe in the NRA and valued stake holders especially the business community should continue to comply with the laws of NRA. NRA is committed to the agenda for change and that change is certainly here.          

Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!

© 2010, https:. All rights reserved.