By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
What a difference it would make if Sierra Leone actually looked like Sierra Leone if the reality matched the potential of this blessed land. Today, however, we find ourselves in a nation that seems almost unrecognizable when we consider its abundant gifts. Sierra Leone is blessed with a natural beauty that could make it a paradise on earth. From the lush, arable land capable of feeding not just its people but also much of the world, to the vast mineral wealth beneath our soil diamonds, gold, rutile, bauxite, iron ore, potassium, and more this country should be a beacon of prosperity.
Yet, despite all these blessings, we remain impoverished, not just economically but in spirit and vision. Sierra Leone’s vast potential is being squandered by leaders who are deaf, dumb, and blind to the needs of the people they are supposed to serve. Time and again, they have failed to build on the credibility and trust bestowed upon them by the populace. It is a betrayal that has left our people disillusioned and our nation in a state of arrested development.
Our leaders, for all their grand rhetoric, seem to have no belief in the power of unity or the necessity of working together to build a better Sierra Leone. They have become islands unto themselves, pushing only for their personal gain while the rest of the nation languishes. This myopic self-interest has fostered a culture of corruption and incompetence that has kept Sierra Leone chained to the bottom of the development ladder.
Sierra Leoneans must begin to vet our leaders with the utmost seriousness. It is no longer enough to simply vote for someone based on party loyalty or empty promises. We must demand leaders who believe they owe a duty to the people, leaders who are honest with themselves and guided by a moral compass that puts the nation’s interests above their own. We need leaders who understand that Sierra Leone is too rich and too small in population to remain in its current state. With the right leadership, this nation could easily provide modern infrastructure that meets international standards, create a sovereign wealth fund for future generations, and offer opportunities that would allow every Sierra Leonean to live a life of dignity and possibility.
Imagine a Sierra Leone where every child has access to free education up to the university level, with government-sponsored scholarships available for those who aspire to build our middle class. Picture a country where public housing is not a pipe dream but a reality, with homes built to withstand the test of climate change and provide safe, affordable shelter for all. Envision a Sierra Leone where its citizens can aspire to become millionaires, where travel and leisure are within reach, and where the dream of prosperity is not limited to a select few but is a national reality.
What do countries like Seychelles, Mauritius, and Botswana have that Sierra Leone does not? These nations have understood the value of their natural and human resources, and they have harnessed them to create vibrant economies and a high quality of life for their citizens. Sierra Leone has everything it needs to surpass these nations except, it seems, the leadership that can turn potential into progress.
Sierra Leone should be a destination that the world dreams of visiting. Our natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality could make us the jewel of West Africa. Tourism alone could be a major industry, drawing visitors from around the globe to our pristine beaches, historic sites, and vibrant cities. Yet, the state of our infrastructure, the instability of our political system, and the reputation for corruption and mismanagement keep us from realizing this dream.
In essence, Sierra Leone is heaven on earth, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the current state of our nation. We are blessed with everything we need to succeed, yet we are cursed with leaders who cannot see past their own greed and ambition. It is time for Sierra Leoneans to demand better. It is time to hold our leaders accountable, to reject those who have failed us, and to support those who have the vision and integrity to lead us into a brighter future.
Sierra Leone can look like Sierra Leone again, but it will take all of us united in purpose and committed to the common good to make that vision a reality. The change starts with us, and it starts now. Let us rebuild our nation so that Sierra Leone can finally become the heaven on earth that it was always meant to be.
