Plein Tok
Moonlighting in Sierra Leone
By Joe Sawan
Jun 4, 2008, 01:21

A few days ago, an analysis was made about the impact of double dipping on the Sierra Leone, economy.  It was observed then, that, double dipping is a “situation which an individual proactively seeks and accepts two full-time jobs at the same time”.  The negative consequences of double-dipping were clearly identified.

On the other hand, “moonlighting”, which is the situation in which an individual who already has full time employment opts to seek and accept part time employment usually at the end of his/her regular full time working hours.Moonlighting is prevalent in almost all of the global economy and the more interdependent and seamless the economies are, the more grounded moonlighting will become.

Individuals who engage in moonlighting activities do so because of the additional income they receive which, invariably, will supplement their full time employment income.  The extra income received will generate additional consumption of durable and non-durable goods.  This creates the opportunity for employment creation in the organizations and industries where the goods demanded are produced.

In addition to the above, the savings created from the income generated from the moonlighting economic activities will lead to more investment in equipment and other materials needed for production.

In an economy like Sierra Leone young graduates are the potential beneficiaries of moonlighting opportunities.  A significant number of graduates, who are employed as teachers, also work part-time in the service industry.  They are therefore, able to acquire valuable experiences that would serve them well later when they apply for jobs where relevant knowledge and experience are key requirements.

While the employment and experience created and gained from moonlighting economic activities boost the confidence of the employed, it also promotes the growth and development of the country.  The confidence that emanates from the aforementioned activities will have positive spillover benefits that external investors will find extremely useful and compelling.

The demand for additional staff by employers coupled with the awareness that the newly employed will be part-time and that no other benefits will be paid creates the environment for a quick response to business fluctuations.  The new employees can be let go at any time there is very little demand for their services.

In light of the above observations, it is incumbent on the National Revenue Authority (NRA) to authorize the preparation of a handbook for ALL business organizations and establishments in the country.  This will enable the NRA to identify all the full and part-time employees for tax and other assessment purposes.  Taxes are involuntary payments and nations that have developed have all had effective and efficient tax collection institutions.

In cash strapped and undeveloped Sierra Leone, it is absolutely necessary for revenue to be collected to aid in the development process.  This will eventually limit the dependence of Sierra Leone on external funding.

While the positive aspects of moonlighting have been analyzed, the behaviour of some Sierra Leoneans in what is referred to as, “MAMMY KOKER” is perceived to be blight on economic activities and development.

MAMMY KOKER involves the clandestine, unauthorized and illegal use of the resources of an individual or organization.  For example, public vehicles, equipment, space and private vehicles and equipment constitute some of the items that are in the arsenal of the MAMMY KOKERS.

It is relatively easy to see government vehicles being used as commercial vehicles, computers used for commercial purposes and public buildings used for private meetings.  Large numbers of government quarters are also rented out to private individuals or companies.  In all of these alleged flagrant violations and illegality, the police and other law enforcement agencies turn a blind eye.  The government and people of Sierra Leone are the losers.

While moonlighting is positive, MAMMY KOKER is negative with some serious and unfavourable effects on both the economy and society.