By Nasratu Kargbo
Parliamentarian Sahr Charles of constituency 028 has asked that stakeholders responsible for telecommunications in the country explain the reason behind the increment in data tariff.
Charles on the 26th January 2023 called on the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA) to provide the rationale behind the increment.
He explained that the stakeholders should give the relevant details for the increase in tariff through the Chairman of Information and Communications Committee in Parliament, Boston Munda in order for him to present it to parliament, that will help determine what should be done as a nation.
He said the over 150% increment in tariff has affected the masses.
Responding to his colleague’s concern, Munda promised to investigate the reason for such a decision and to report to parliament at the next sitting.
Speaking on the issue, Chief Whip for the Opposition in Parliament from constituency 050 Hassan Sesay explained that the reason behind the increment will be tied to the dollar exchange rate.
He called on the Speaker of Parliament, Chernor Abass Bundu to summon the Bank Governor Kelefala Kallon to parliament to explain the monetary policies, noting that they should try to fix the problem from the root instead of fixing the surface.
Sesay added that the prices of goods and services have skyrocketed as a result of the exchange rate. “Let us sit together and find a common solution to this problem” said the MP.
Responding to Sesay’s concerns about the exchange rate, the Speaker recalled that last time the governor was summoned to parliament where he argued that if the country wants to regulate, control and stabilize the exchange rate, the country should produce more and export more.
The Speaker added that the governor had clearly stated that he does not have the authority to control the exchange rate, and that the power lies with the Ministry of Finance.
The Deputy Leader of Government Business Bashiru Silikie stated that the issue of the exchange rate is a global problem, highlighting different countries that are experiencing the same problem.
Copyright © 2023 Politico Online (27/01/23)
