By: Mr. Felix B. Khonte
Sometimes, I feel pity for my Country, looking at the way we have been reduced to nothingness by our so-called Political elites.
By their actions, this class of People has turned this great nation into a laughing stock from our West African neighbours especially among English-speaking Countries including Nigeria and Ghana. On a critical look at events since we gained Independence in 1961, I begin to ask my self a few questions: Why has this Country fallen so low in terms of infrastructural developments? we can’t feed ourselves even though we have vast fertile lands, if properly utilized, can produce enough rice for our domestic consumption. No improved medical facilities to look after very critical diagnosis are flown to Ghana for proper medical attention as they have one of the most advanced laboratories in West Africa.
Even educational institutions have lost their high morals in terms of proficiency and excellence in academic output.
Sierra Leone was nicknamed “Athens of West Africa” in her glory days as the Country was fortunate to establish the first University in the sub-region, Fourah Bay College, on 18th February 1827. In March 1845, Sierra Leone Grammar School was opened, followed by the Annie Walsh Memorial School in 1849.
These institutions were established by the Christian Missionary Societies to persuade the indigenes to embrace Christianity and promote education at the same time. Fourah Bay College became a bastion of Prominent Scholars, within English-speaking countries, who earned their degrees in various academic disciplines.
How can we address some of these shortfalls as we go into the new year? What has befallen us so dearly as a Nation? Where have we lost concentration? Where have we made tremendous mistakes that are hitting us hard in terms of infrastructural development and economic growth? How can we regain our Independent/ Republican successes?
Let me just give a brief background of how Ghana became a success story in West Africa. During the late 70s and early 80s when the country was hard hit by inflation and a near economic collapse, and the local currency lost its value in the exchange rate market.
Ghanaians then started to come to Sierra Leone to purchase basic commodities as they were not available in their own country. On 31st December 1981, Flight Lieutenant John Jerry Rawlings staged a coup that over threw Akuffo’s regime. He led the Country through the difficult years of economic recovery, and succeeded in giving back to Ghanaians their national pride.
Rawlings saw his leadership to be that of a ‘watchman’ for the ordinary people, and he addressed problems of incompetence, injustice and corruption codenamed ‘Holy War.’
Today, Ghana stands as a living testimony for all to see how their Country comes first above any political Party or individual.
As we enter the New Year, 2024 and beyond, let us do away with the things that have been tearing us apart these past sixty years plus, and inculcate the spirit of love, oneness, togetherness, unity, freedom, Justice, fair play, humility gratefulness, uprightness, cohesiveness, truth, mercy, Hospitality, unbias, trust integrity, ethics, reconciliation and hope for the good of our beloved Nation.
To that end, the CHIEF EXECUTIVE should be seen setting the pace as he is the embodiment of Unity, Freedom and Justice. The JUDICIARY who are interpreters of the law should be upright in performing their duties. Then, the LEGISLATIVE branch be mindful of passing obnoxious bills into laws at Citizens’ detriment.
Next in line are the Human Rights Activists, who are our moral guarantors: The Inter-Religious Council, Independent Commission For Peace And National Cohesion, Institute For Democratic Initiative and Governance Reform, Centre For Accountability and Rule Of Law, National Commission For Democracy, Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, Office of National Security, Armed Forces, Sierra Leone Police, Correctional Center, Fire Force, Political Parties Regulatory Commission, the two main Political Parties and their supporters and sympathisers, smaller political parties, men and women in the street, we all must change our ways of doing things.
Political bloggers sending incendiary messages of hatred and venom are advised to stop and begin to communicate messages of love and good will. Print and electronic media broadcasting or printing slanderous information must ceasefire so that we can begin to build a peaceful and cohesive nation.
As I try to conclude this endless piece, let us all as People of one nation, governed by our national motto:UNITY, FREEDOM, JUSTICE try to embrace and promote JUSTICE in its entirety as there can never be PEACE without justice.
Its application and implementation in this our present state of affairs can have a profound impact on building a better Sierra Leone for all regardless of tribe, region and political affiliation.
GOD BLESS MAMA AND PAPA SALONE IN 2024 AND BEYOND….