By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, here we are again today. Like yesterday, I find myself wondering if you have fully recovered from your cold. It is my hope that you are in good health as you lead our nation through these challenging times. Yet, Mr. President, I must admit that I come to you not as an opponent or loyalist but as a Sierra Leonean deeply invested in the well-being of our beloved country.
Perhaps you may perceive me as someone aligned with a political party. Let me disabuse you of that notion. I belong to no party. In fact, my first-ever vote was cast for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). I missed the 2007 election in which former Vice President Solomon Berewa was a candidate because I was abroad in Sweden. Upon my return, there was a runoff, but I did not get to vote. I share this with you, Mr. President, to illustrate one thing: “Mi Ar Nor Dae Support or Woke fo Any Wan.”. My allegiance lies solely with Sierra Leone.
Our National Pledge binds me: “I pledge my love and loyalty to my country, Sierra Leone. I vow to serve her faithfully at all times. I promise to defend her honor and good name, always work for her unity, peace, freedom, and prosperity, and put her interests above all else. So help me God!” This pledge is my compass, and I speak today, not for personal gain but for the nation’s benefit.
Mr. President, I want to draw your attention to the plight of the people, especially our rice traders. Not long ago, your Chief Minister made a sensational statement, promising a reduction in the price of rice. It was declared that the cost of this staple would soon come down. Mr. President, did your government consider the implications of such a pronouncement? Did you consult with petty traders, who sell rice by the bag, before making that announcement?
Traders are now struggling because customers have stopped buying from them, believing your promised cheaper rice would soon flood the market. But to date, nothing has happened. The traders have stock they cannot sell, losses are mounting, and trust is eroding. Mr. President, these are the unintended consequences of policy decisions that fail to consider the realities on the ground. I implore you to engage with those affected by your policies before making such sweeping declarations.
Mr. President, another issue that demands urgent attention is the condition of our police and military. These institutions, which should be pillars of national stability, are crumbling under the weight of neglect. At the top, the system is geared toward survival, while the majorities at the bottom suffer. They lack proper uniforms, adequate medical facilities, fair promotion processes, and support for their social and educational well-being. How can these brave men and women serve with pride and efficiency when their basic needs are unmet? They deserve better, Mr. President. Their welfare must be prioritized.
Mr. President, let us turn to the economy, the lifeblood of our nation. Investment is fleeing, and businesses are reluctant to establish themselves here. Why? Because we have failed to create an enabling environment. Bureaucracy is a significant barrier. On paper, starting a business takes less than a week. In reality, it takes over six months, thanks to the bottlenecks entrepreneurs face.
Instead of fostering growth, your government has inadvertently made politics the most lucrative business in the country. This is not sustainable, Mr. President. We need policies that attract investment, streamline processes, and ensure security for all. The private sector must thrive if Sierra Leone is to prosper.
Mr. President, our educational system is in dire straits. While your government has made strides with initiatives like the Free Quality Education Program, much more needs to be done. Our students are graduating as what I can only describe as “educated illiterates.” They cannot construct simple sentences or engage in critical thinking.
Have you monitored the trends among our youth? A glance at social media reveals their struggles. This is a crisis that threatens our future. We need an urgent overhaul of the curriculum, better teacher training, and infrastructure improvements. Our youth deserve a chance to compete on the global stage, but they cannot do so without a solid foundation.
Mr. President, sports are a source of unity and joy for our people, yet they too are in disarray. What is happening with our national soccer team, the Leone Stars? Who is our coach? What progress is being made on the refurbishment of the Siaka Stevens Stadium? These are questions that remain unanswered.
Despite millions of dollars reportedly spent on sports, we see little to no progress. Why are we not excelling in any discipline? Transparency and accountability are needed to ensure that funds are used effectively. Sports have the power to inspire and bring people together. Let us not squander this opportunity.
Mr. President, the issues I have raised today are not new. They reflect the daily struggles of Sierra Leoneans, struggles that demand urgent solutions. We cannot afford to wait any longer. The trust of the people is waning, and it is up to you to restore it. Here are a few suggestions:
Engage Stakeholders, before implementing policies, consult with those who will be most affected. Their insights are invaluable. Equip and support our police and military. A secure nation is a prosperous nation. Reduce bureaucracy and create a business-friendly environment. Attracting investment should be a top priority. Focus on quality over quantity. Equip our youth with the skills they need to succeed. Ensure transparency in the allocation and use of funds. Give our athletes the resources they need to thrive.
Mr. President, Sierra Leoneans are resilient and hopeful, but they need leadership that listens, understands, and acts. I urge you to rise to the occasion and address these issues head-on.
Mr. President, as always, my commitment remains to Sierra Leone. I speak not for myself but for the voiceless masses who yearn for a better tomorrow. May God guide you as you lead, and may He bless our beloved nation. So help us God.
