Sierra Leoneans, over the years, have come to a common understanding that elections and change of President and party do not bring them the much anticipated benefits of democratic rule by voting for this presidential candidate or that political party.
Generally speaking, what the majority of poor voters that queue patiently in lines across the country want is a better standard of living for them, their children and their loved ones. Since the return to democracy in 1996 when voters defied a brutal RUF to cast their ballots they have lamented that democracy has brought them more pains than gains.
Take for example what the value of the Leone to the dollar in 1996 was and what it is today and the effect of this on the living standards of the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans who eke out a bare living as subsistence farmers, stone breakers, daily wage labourers or belong to the vast pool of unemployed youths and adults that populate the urban areas. So for the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans, it no longer matters which President or party rules them but which can deliver them from economic underdevelopment and its attendant poverty and associated social ills.
Beyond the empty manifesto promises that they make to the people during elections, our leaders know that only robust sustained economic growth and development will result in increased individual and national income. Yet how much have Sierra Leone’s GDP and GNP grown since 2000, compared to over well governed developing countries like Botswana, Tanzania, Rwanda, etc.
By now, our political parties and leaders should know that the people are no longer captivated by their empty promises of deliverance from poverty. What the people want to see is cheap affordable food on the table, affordable public transportation, affordable housing, good health care that they do not have to pay through their noses for, schools that function well and most critically an economy that is growing dynamically capable of providing the jobs that enable people to earn their livelihood in decent respectable ways.
Any President and party that can prove adequately to the people that it is capable of delivering this can have the constitution changed for him to rule for as long as he wants like Kagame.
The CEO of Redeemer Media Network (RMN) Pastor Francis A. M. Mambu, on Thursday 29th September received the prestigious Global Humanitarian Leadership award from the African and Caribbean Faith-based Leadership Conference (ACFBLC).
He stands out as the only Sierra Leonean International Honoree at the 2022 African and Caribbean International Leadership Conference and Awards in Washington DC.
Receiving the award with delight at the awards gala Pst. Francis A. M. Mambu dedicated the award to all Sierra Leoneans stating that he feels very honoured and grateful to God for such an honour, “It means a lot not just to me but my country Sierra Leone.”
Speaking at the awards conference Pst. Mambu shares a perspective on what he does in health, education, farming as well as being a preacher and televangelist, and his experiences so far.
According to the President and Founder of the African and Caribbean Faith-based Leadership Conference, Dr. Agorom C. Dike this year’s event was for various categories, i.e. the Global Humanitarian Leadership award, the International Distinguished Leadership award and the United States Presidents Lifetime Achievement award.
Dr. Agorom. C. Dike stated that the honorees are being selected through the stakeholders in their communities collectively with the ACFBLC evaluation committee, because they truly serve and meet the criteria and not because of their beauty, fame or popularity.
Adding that “this year I personally visited the honorees in their various countries to see for myself their service to humanity which is why they meet the criteria.”
This didn’t come as a surprise as the fearless General Overseer of (F.H.B.C) and leader of the Sierra Leone for Jesus Great Redemption Crusade has made a mark for himself as not just as a preacher of the gospel, with a burden bearing ministry to nations, but also as outstanding change-maker, taking extraordinary steps in health, education and agriculture, championing and uplifting the most vulnerable in local communities.
The Global Humanitarian Leadership Awards program is rooted in ACFBLC’s mission, promoting transformational leadership and economic development through faith- based partnerships.
The event this year which was held in collaboration with the United States 51st Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) of the congressional black caucus convention brought together leaders across the globe to honour the accomplishment of diplomats, elected officials, civic leaders, faith and diaspora leaders, who are engaged in humanitarian work, advocate for social justice and religious liberty, people who are the pillars of society, making a difference in the diaspora and around the globe.
Members of Board of the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League on the 29th September, 2022 paid a courtesy call on the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio at her Goderich Office in Freetown.
Asmaa James, the Chairperson of the League’s inaugural board stated that it was fitting to introduce members of the Board and brief the First Lady of progress made thus far in the League, noting the substantial support they have received from the Government maintaining that the country wide awareness process has generated excitement with the theme being: “We dey play the game”.
Madam Asmaa used the forum as an opportunity to express appreciation to the Government for not only promoting female football, but for supporting the league that has created job opportunities for several young women across the country.
On his part, the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Thomas Daddy Brima, made it clear that they have put in place organized female football premier league that is internationally recognized.
He pointed out that the 15th of October is the official date for the Inaugural kick-off which will be graced by FIFA officials and international observers.
It was highlighted that for the Female Premiere League to be profitable and sustainable they need support and that the Association is working closely with the Board to operationalize workable strategy in order to make the Female Premiere League commercially viable.
In her response, the First Lady, thanked the Board for investing so much time and energy in organizing the Female Football Premiere League adding that Football is a sport that is politically neutral and Sierra Leoneans love football.
She expressed elation that the Board has proved critics wrong as they have been able to successfully commence a league many thought would never materialize.
Known for her passion relating to issues that involve women the First Lady promised to do her utmost best to support the initiative further reiterating her love for football stating that the Premiere League is another channel to empower girls.
“We are proud of how well you have been able to manage the finances and every other activity and I would like to urge you to continue to serve diligently and make Sierra Leoneans continue to enjoy the beautiful game of football,” she noted.
The current Director of Research and Delivery at the Ministry of Finance in Sierra Leone, Dr. Yakama Manty Jones, was among a group of eminent personalities in a recent London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Environment Week webinar to discuss how rapid urbanization and the global climate change crisis are significant challenges that policymakers must urgently address if cities around the world are to contemplate a productive and sustainable future.
Other experts that took part in the discussion included the London School of Economics Associate Professor of Development Economics, Sandra Sequeira; London School of Economics Lecturer in Economics, Gharad Bryan; CEO of The Urban Unit, Muhammad Omar Masud; and Head of Cities that Work Initiative, Victoris Delbridge.
During the discussion, Dr. Jones drew from her experience as the Director of Research and Delivery at the Ministry of Finance in Sierra Leone to stress the importance of reliable research and effective institutions in the design of policy solutions that address the most urgent challenges of urban populations.
Developing countries, Dr. Jones argued, suffer the most from the impacts of climate change despite not being the main generators of greenhouse gases. Therefore, they must be supported in getting the resources needed to implement adaptation and mitigation solutions.
She also emphasized the crucial importance of the private sector and development partners in helping to secure such resources and to mainstream climate adaptation into fiscal policy and decision-making:
“If we don’t have the resources to implement all these approaches to policies, all of these conversations will just be like storytelling,” she maintained.
Asked about her vision for the future cities, Dr. Jones said that she sees the protection of natural resources, sustainability, and zero-waste living as central to city life in the future.
She added that she is confident that the future of cities will be bright as she believes “in the power of the human mind” and people’s ability to leverage the research opportunities available to them.
In a Press Release dated 29th September 2022, issued by the Ministry of Interior in The Gambia it was stated that on Wednesday, 28th September 2022, operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) attached to the Kanifing Municipal Command, seized a total of seven hundred and thirty-four (734) blocks of a substance believed to be Cocaine adding that the preliminary test conducted by their forensic experts suggests that the blocks are Cocaine positive.
Further stated was that the seizure is the result of a well-coordinated high-profile intelligence-led tactical operation starting with an initial seizure of one (01) block at West Field Junction, followed by the seizure of forty-four (44) blocks and subsequently, six hundred and eighty-nine (689) blocks were discovered in a store inside a private residence located near Paradise View in Salagi, Kombo North District, West Coast region.
According to the Release, Six (06) people have been so far arrested; including one (01) Gambian (Omar Fofana) and five (05) Sierra Leoneans namely (Junior Vandy, Jeremia Thomas, Alex Thomas, Alagie Suwareh and Joy Bangura- a lady).
It was also stated that three of the Sierra Leoneans are staying in the compound, while Omar Fofana is said to be the one in charge of the compound but does not live there.
Based on the content of the Release, the Director General immediately commissioned a comprehensive and detailed investigation into the case with due compliance with rule of law and human rights standards.
The Agency, it was said, will work closely with all national stakeholders and international partners to consolidate that achievement and hold perpetrators to criminal accountability.
It was highlighted that amidst desperate disinformation campaign against the Agency by groups and individuals who are serving nothing but the interest of criminals and criminal organizations, the Agency remained focused and resolute in discharging its mandate.
The seizure, it was included, was yet another demonstration of the Agency’s capacity, resolve and commitment to the fight against transnational drug trafficking.
“We are determined in ensuring that The Gambia remains a hostile ground for drug traffickers and no amount of intentional distraction will wither us from this path,” the Interior Ministry stated.
The Agency said it is inviting all well-intentioned people in The Gambia to cooperate and support the Agency in its investigation and further invite residents of The Gambia to share with the Agency any information that may come their way regarding drug trafficking activities in the country.
“We acknowledge that the fight against drugs is a shared and collective responsibility and no amount of law enforcement effectiveness can deliver the desired goal without community cooperation and support,” it was stated.
Concluding was that the Board, Management and Staff commend and congratulate the officers of the KM Command for that remarkable performance.
It has been established that the NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) sheds a ray of hope for Sierra Leonean businesses. It epitomizes that any determined group of Sierra Leoneans, with good intensions and initiatives, can make meaningful achievements when they come together and invest solidly.
Today, the company is the leading petroleum marketing company in the country and even beyond simply because some ambitious 35 Sierra Leoneans were shrewd enough to plough their end of service benefits into the formation of the company. This example, if emulated by forward-looking and ambitious individuals that make meaningful investment plans, will change the development trajectory of this country.
Though NP-SL Ltd is an indigenously owned company, however its shareholders and Management are not afraid to take risks into venturing into various parts of the country. NP-SL Ltd believes in breaking new grounds and this has been the driving force behind its expansionist drive.
The company’s services that it rolls out are not only limited in the capital city but are replicated nationwide. Everywhere they operate, they offer the same services, effectively providing those qualitative services to its esteemed customers.
To make the purchase of fuel very simple, NP-SL Ltd introduced the NP Smart Card, which enables organizations and individuals to purchase fuel at ease without using physical cash. By introducing this latest technology, it avails its customers the convenience in conducting transactions at Filling Stations as long there is credit in their NP Smart Cards.
Established by some 35 Sierra Leoneans years back, NP-SL Ltd has grown to become one of the most successful indigenously owned companies in this country. Because of effective management initiatives, the company is vibrantly operating in Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and The Gambia. With NP-SL Ltd, Customer Care is always taken paramount as Management ensures that customer satisfaction is prioritized. The company truly deserves commendation in that direction. With well-motivated members of staff, who know how to efficiently treat customers, NP-SL Ltd has become very endearing to many. In all the five countries where it is operating, the company always ensures that petroleum products, in terms of fuel and other lubricants, are available in order to avoid scarcity.
It has been established that using charcoal and wood for cooking purposes poses health hazards and depletion of our forests. Against such a backdrop many have commended the company for making it possible to get access to NP gas cookers, which are indeed safe and friendly for domestic use. Gas is as well available at the company’s filling stations which individuals can purchase at affordable prices.
The company is one of the few business entities in this country that strictly adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy by strictly offering jobs to Sierra Leoneans except in situations when expert knowledge and skills are outsourced. This has helped in providing jobs and reducing poverty.
NP-SL Ltd is a major tax payer to the National Revenue Authority and is contributing to Government’s revenue which is used for the implementation of various development programmes.
The company has truly made Sierra Leone proud as it continues to fly the Green, White and Blue high in West Africa with the story of how serious minded and ambitious individuals can become successful business entrepreneurs.
During a well-attended ceremony held on Friday 30th September, 2022 at China House on Old Railway Line Brookfields in Freetown, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has commemorated the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
In his address, the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Hu Zhangliang, said that over the past 73 years, under the staunch leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have united as one, overcome all kinds of challenges and forged ahead unswervingly in creating the two miracles of rapid economic growth and enduring social stability for a long period of time.
She added that the Chinese spirit, strength and wisdom has been widely praised by people around the world and China’s propositions, solutions and contributions to global affairs have been widely recognized by the international community.
He maintained that facing the complex situation at home and abroad, China has been focusing on managing its own affairs well, mitigating the instability of the world by maintaining its own stability, and providing gravity and impetus for the global economic recovery by boosting its domestic development.
This year, he said, under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core and based on the historical achievements already made the Chinese Government and people have embarked on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects.
China is setting foot on a new development stage, implementing the new development philosophy and accelerating the establishment of a new development paradigm to drive high-quality development.
He continued that, “this year, China remains on the track of seeking progress while maintaining stability. In China, effective investment has continued to expand, market potential has been gradually released, household consumption has steadily increased, industrial production has further recovered, employment and prices have been stable, and technological advances have been fastened.”
He revealed that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of the African Union and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the African Union and that China and Africa have continued to deepen their relationship and cooperation in the spirit of “sincere friendship and equality, win-win for mutual benefit and common development, fairness and justice, progress with times, openness and inclusiveness”.
“This year marks the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone. In July, H.E. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister Honorable David Francis, exchanged ideas in depth on the implementation of the important consensus reached by H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, and injected new energy into the further deepening of the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between China and Sierra Leone,” he maintained.
The outgoing Ambassador stated that this year China-Sierra Leone cooperation in all areas such as education, human resources development, mining, agriculture, infrastructure construction, fight against COVID-19 pandemic, health and sanitation, peace and security has yielded laudable results, adding that new batches of testing kits and COVID-19 vaccines donated by China have been delivered to Sierra Leone.
He underscored that China- aid mobile clinics have been put into use and benefiting tens of thousands of Sierra Leoneans across the country and the reconstructed Wilberforce barracks has been commissioned of which he also said that the rice aid, agricultural machinery, water bowsers, fire engines, engineering equipment and traffic boat donated by China have been transported to Sierra Leone.
“Under the Chinese Government assistance programs, the construction of the Foreign Service Academy is to be completed soon and the overhaul of the National Stadium is making smooth progress. Many more community development projects have been carried out for the well-being of the Sierra Leonean people,” he stated.
The Outgoing Ambassador said he firmly believes that on the journey toward our respective goals, China and Sierra Leone will continue to treat each other with sincerity and mutual trust, work hand in hand for common development, and support each other in good faith.
“I’m convinced that the future of China-Sierra Leone friendship will be more shining and promising,” he expressed optimism adding that:
“I wish to take this opportunity to reluctantly bid farewell to all of you, my Sierra Leonean brothers and sisters, dear friends from other countries, and my Chinese compatriots. Following the instruction from my headquarters, I will be leaving Sierra Leone today as I end my tenure of my duty here. I thank you for all your generous support and profound fraternity accorded to me. I will miss you all. I will cherish each and every moment I spent in this beautiful country. I wish you greater success, prosperity and happiness!” he concluded.
On her part, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mamadi Gobeh Kamara congratulated China on its 73rd National Day and the country’s desire to achieve greatness, for having one of the largest economies in the world, reducing poverty in addition to deepening its influence globally and emerging in technology, trade and science.
She furthered that the friendship between China and Sierra Leone is complementary, that Sierra Leone is grateful for the support that the Chinese Government have been giving to the country, adding that during the 73 years China’s journey to Global Leadership in the fields of trade, and investment, peace, security and development can be best described as magnificent and a show of extraordinary resilience.
Mamadi Gobeh Kamara said Sierra Leone has enjoyed cordial and special relationship with China spanning over 50 years and recalled the last visit of President Julius Maada Bio to China where the two leaders held fruitful discussions and also the visit of the Chinese President’s Special Envoy to Sierra Leone in 2019 further increasing trust and mutual respect between the two countries.
Madam Gobeh Kamara ended by stating that Sierra Leone and China will continue to work together for the prosperity and socio-economic development of the two countries.
The Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DoFA) will today 3rd October, 2022 clock two years since the organization was launched on Saturday 3rd October, 2020 with the aim of utilizing advocacy and revenue mobilization to promote the welfare of the Aged in the country.
Speaking to this medium, the Chief Executive Officer of the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DoFA), Doreen Barrie revealed that old people usually suffer neglect and abandonment because of the cost of caring for them, both in physical human efforts and resources.
She pointed out that caring for them sometimes is very challenging and that it takes a lot of patience, tolerance and resilience to accommodate them.
According to her, old people are still part of society and therefore caring for them should be a priority that individuals, organizations and Governments around the world should treat seriously.
“In Sierra Leone, there are 301,095 persons above the age of 64. We have 133, 000 (male and 167,871 female – representing 2.5% of our population, according to a 2022 demographic survey. Not every one of these vulnerable people has someone to care for him or her,” she disclosed.
Doreen Barrie further dilated on some of the challenges old people face every day ranging from health problems, lack of sufficient and nutritious food, lack of appropriate shelter among others.
She said it is for those and many other reasons that the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged, commonly referred to as DOFA, was formed and since inception the organization has stepped up its effort to identify, engage and to provide care for old people, adding that over the last two, DOFA with the help of its membership as well as support from few individuals and organizations has been able to open its first centre for the aged in Sierra Leone, adding that the organization is facilitating the conduct of free medical tests on the aged every first Wednesday of
the month.
The Founder continued that they are currently operating in Freetown, Kono, Bo, Makeni and Kenema and that they are championing the cause of providing special preferential treatment to the aged during the ongoing Voter Registration exercise as they are part of the Electoral Commission Disability Group (ECDG) established to ensure that older persons are not disenfranchised
She further added that the organization has been organizing beauty contests for the aged to showcase their God-given beauty regardless of their ages.
“We have constructed and rehabilitated over three houses for the aged at Kroobay and Grafton communities and we have provided foodstuffs to the aged across various communities. We also undertook visitations and distribution of diapers to elderly patients in hospitals and their various homes and we have also signed an MOU with Legal Aid Board to ensure free legal services for the Aged,” the Founder also revealed.
She also highlighted that the organization organized recreational trips for the aged to places like the 4-Star Radisson Blue Hotel in Freetown, and Roy Restaurant at the beachside to give them an opportunity to experience the dynamics of life in a modern world.
Commenting on the challenges of the organization over the past two years, she said that even as they try to fulfill their moral obligation to that category of people they are faced with many challenges, for which they need individuals, organizations, and the Government of Sierra Leone to step in and support their endeavours.
Dorren Barrie added that finance and fundraising, getting key institutions like NASSIT to support DoFA, fuel, medication, food, and access to legal professionals are some of their biggest challenges as an organization.
“As the organization clocks two years today, I want to reaffirm our commitment towards utilizing our advocacy and revenue mobilization to promote the welfare of the Aged in the country. I want to express our warmest appreciation to individuals and organizations that have been supporting our work over the years. I want to also call on other individuals and organizations to support the organization,” she concluded.
Many old people whom this medium contacted to comment on the two years anniversary of the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) commended the work of the organization.
Yusuf Bangura, seventy years old, applauded the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) for their continuous support towards the development of old people in the country.
He called on other organization to emulate the footprints of the Dorwontony Organization for the Aged (DOFA) in order to promote the welfare of the Aged in the country.
Angels To Angels Sierra Leone, a US based non-profit entity, established by a group of visionary women with the avowed aim of providing educational opportunities for girls particularly in Sierra Leone and Africa in general has on Friday 30th September, 2022 paid a courtesy call on the Office of the Mayor of Freetown at the Freetown City Hall on Wallace-Johnson Street in Freetown.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, the Founder of Angels 2 Angels, Fatu Quinie Sesay stated that the courtesy call paid to the Office of the Mayor of Freetown was for the two entities to meet and briefly discuss towards girls empowerment in the country.
She noted that her organization seeks to equip young girls with skills and tools that will empower them to put them at a vantage position to have a better and brighter future, adding that the organization has been empowering girls by providing them with educational scholarships and funding their educational pursuits in order to go through the primary school and tertiary levels.
Fatu Quinie Sesay intimated how they are keen on making girls become confident to pursue their dreams and become role models for others to emulate further pointing out that her organization is aware of the fact that some girls drop out of school at the primary school stage before proceeding to the secondary school level stressing how the chances of re-entering the educational system could be very slim.
Commenting on the organization’s support to girls in the country, she pointed out that in a bid to educate and support disadvantaged girls in Sierra Leone, the organization every year continues to donate school items worth millions of Leones to disadvantaged girls and that the donated items comprise Text and Exercise Books, Uniforms and Bags of Rice, furthering that the donation of the school items to the beneficiaries every year is geared towards supporting them to pursue their education.
The Founder admonished the girls to believe in and see themselves as very important people in society regardless of challenges they might be encountered with in their lives and also encouraged them to be aware of their roles and responsibilities towards their success in life.
Fatu Quinie Sesay concluded by applauding the United States of America Board members namely: Dr. Kathy Forlenza and her daughters Kate and Stefanie, Mrs. Stephanie Pangia and her daughter Sarah and Michaela and all those that have been supporting the organization over the years.
Speaking on behalf of the Office of the Mayor, the Team Lead for the Mayor’s Delivery Unit at the Freetown City Council, Manja Kargbo, commended the move by Angels To Angels Sierra Leone towards seeking to discuss girls empowerment in the country.
She further expressed appreciation to the organization for the relentless support they have been giving to girls as highlighted by the Founder, describing such supports as very important towards the development of girls.
Manja Kargbo maintained that human development is one of the four clusters of Transform Freetown Initiatives of which he pointed out that the Human Development cluster seeks to equip young people, including girls, with the right skills for them to become job takers and job creators and that it will also require providing opportunities for skills development for those who do not have any formal education.
“At the end of the day, it is the development of Freetown human capital that will truly transform the city,” she maintained.
She admonished beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity given to them by Angels To Angels Sierra Leone as many children want such underscoring that education is the key to success and they should take their studies serious, adding that with education they will achieve their dreams and become great people in society.
Manja Kargbo further encouraged them to believe in themselves that what men can do they can do it better.
To increase the ability of women, girls and all who go through menstruation with the objective to live life fully without interruption in the discharge of necessary activities like schooling and going for work and to increase access to safe period products, the St. George Foundation has on the 30 September 2022 launched the period poverty innovation project at the St. Theresa School Hall in the East End of Freetown.
The Program Manager for St. George Foundation, Yayah Kamara, stated that the purpose of launching the project is geared towards empowering women by equipping them with tailoring skills in the community in order for the beneficiaries to able to prepare sanitary pads that are eco-friendly that will not affect the environment.
He added that what led them to embark on the project was that they noticed that many school girls skip classes three or more days when they are experiencing their menstrual cycle.
Yayah Kamara further stated that the Foundation will also target children living on the streets with the objective of reintegrating them into their families and by sending them to school.
He stated that some sanitary pads are expensive to procure and according to him the project will teach young girls and women how to make their own sanitary pads adding that during the pilot phase they will train ten women.
Mabinty Sesay, a community resident, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for bringing the project to the community and assured members of the Foundation that they will not disappoint them.
Chairlady of the Kissy Bomeh Community, Mariatu Conteh, thanked the Foundation for their good work maintaining that she would want to assure members of the Foundation that what they have done for them will not only be of good use to them but could also be a conduit of generating money for them and their families underscoring that the skill training which will be rolled out and imbibed will not only be limited to making sanitary pads.
Which President Or Party Rules Doesn’t Matter… What Matters Is Delivery…
By Ranger
Sierra Leoneans, over the years, have come to a common understanding that elections and change of President and party do not bring them the much anticipated benefits of democratic rule by voting for this presidential candidate or that political party.
Generally speaking, what the majority of poor voters that queue patiently in lines across the country want is a better standard of living for them, their children and their loved ones. Since the return to democracy in 1996 when voters defied a brutal RUF to cast their ballots they have lamented that democracy has brought them more pains than gains.
Take for example what the value of the Leone to the dollar in 1996 was and what it is today and the effect of this on the living standards of the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans who eke out a bare living as subsistence farmers, stone breakers, daily wage labourers or belong to the vast pool of unemployed youths and adults that populate the urban areas. So for the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans, it no longer matters which President or party rules them but which can deliver them from economic underdevelopment and its attendant poverty and associated social ills.
Beyond the empty manifesto promises that they make to the people during elections, our leaders know that only robust sustained economic growth and development will result in increased individual and national income. Yet how much have Sierra Leone’s GDP and GNP grown since 2000, compared to over well governed developing countries like Botswana, Tanzania, Rwanda, etc.
By now, our political parties and leaders should know that the people are no longer captivated by their empty promises of deliverance from poverty. What the people want to see is cheap affordable food on the table, affordable public transportation, affordable housing, good health care that they do not have to pay through their noses for, schools that function well and most critically an economy that is growing dynamically capable of providing the jobs that enable people to earn their livelihood in decent respectable ways.
Any President and party that can prove adequately to the people that it is capable of delivering this can have the constitution changed for him to rule for as long as he wants like Kagame.