Uncertainty Looms Over $34.1 Million Torma Bum Rice Project
ByJKM
The future of Sierra Leone’s $34.1 million Torma Bum Rice Project is uncertain, as Parliament becomes a battleground of accusations, defenses, and demands for accountability over what was once hailed as a transformative agricultural investment.
Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Torma Bum initiative was launched under the government’s Big Five Agenda to support the Feed Salone campaign — an ambitious plan to achieve rice self-sufficiency and reduce import dependence. Yet, two years into implementation, the project now faces intense criticism over its management and results.
During a parliamentary debate on President Julius Maada Bio’s address, Hon. Daniel Koroma, an opposition lawmaker, cast doubt on the project’s performance, alleging that millions have been spent with little to show.
“This is not just about having food; it’s about ensuring safety and nutrition,” Hon. Koroma argued. “We cannot afford to waste $34.1 million while food insecurity continues to threaten our people.”
He described the project as “going down the drain,” calling for an independent investigation into alleged corruption and weak oversight.
Government officials, however, insist that progress is being made. Hon. Christopher Keikura Vandy of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party countered that the investment is already paying off, pointing to a 13% decline in rice imports and an 18% rise in domestic production.
“The President’s vision for agriculture is taking shape,” Vandy said. “We are seeing evidence of resilience and improved productivity across several districts.”
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, defended the project in an interview with Truth Media, stressing that agricultural transformation takes time.
“We remain optimistic about the outcomes,” Dr. Kpaka affirmed. “The project is set to conclude in December 2026, with a harvest target of five tons of rice by January 2026. This is a long-term investment, not a quick fix.”
Despite these assurances, public confidence remains divided. Critics argue that the government’s narrative of success does not align with the lived reality of farmers still struggling with limited access to irrigation, inputs, and markets.
Hon. Koroma insists that transparency and proper evaluation must take precedence over political defense.
“We owe it to the people of Sierra Leone to ensure every dollar counts,” he maintained.
As the debate rages on, the Torma Bum Rice Project stands as a test case for Sierra Leone’s agricultural reform agenda — balancing between hope for national food security and rising skepticism over how public funds are being managed.
