By Sylvester Samai
Politicians are often at the center of Sierra Leone’s misplaced priorities. Instead of focusing on nation-building and addressing the pressing needs of the people, many prioritize personal enrichment and partisan loyalty. Public offices, which should be platforms for service, have been reduced to avenues for accumulating wealth and perpetuating cronyism. Grandiose projects like the much-touted Lungi Bridge or unrealistic promises of economic transformation take precedence over basic necessities such as healthcare, education, and food security.
The obsession with power retention has diverted attention from urgent issues like youth unemployment, rural development, and infrastructural decay. Politicians must shift their focus from political survival to genuine service delivery. Policies and programs should target the core needs of Sierra Leoneans, including affordable education, quality healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) have historically been the voice of accountability, advocacy, and change. However, in recent years, many CSOs in Sierra Leone have lost their way, becoming more reactive than proactive. Instead of holding leaders accountable and mobilizing communities to address systemic challenges, some CSOs have shifted their focus to donor-driven agendas that often lack grassroots relevance.
The misalignment of priorities within civil society weakens the democratic fabric of the nation. CSOs must return to their core mandate of championing human rights, good governance, and community empowerment. By majoring in their major — advocating for policies that address poverty, inequality, and corruption — CSOs can reignite their role as catalysts for sustainable development.
Sierra Leone has long prided itself on religious tolerance, a virtue upheld by the Inter-Religious Council (IRC). However, the council has, at times, been silent on critical national issues, failing to provide moral guidance in moments of political tension or social unrest. Religious leaders are uniquely positioned to influence societal values and priorities, yet their voices are often muted when addressing corruption, tribalism, and injustice.
The IRC must rise above its traditional role of ceremonial engagements and actively address the moral decay in society. By emphasizing the principles of justice, honesty, and compassion, religious leaders can inspire a cultural shift towards prioritizing the common good over selfish interests.
Traditional leaders, as custodians of Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage, wield significant influence over their communities. However, some have allowed their roles to be compromised by aligning with political elites, prioritizing personal gain over community welfare. This misplaced loyalty often undermines the development of rural areas, where the majority of Sierra Leoneans reside.
Traditional leaders must refocus their efforts on fostering unity, promoting education, and advocating for infrastructure and social services in their communities. By embracing their role as agents of progress, they can ensure that their constituents major in what truly matters — development and empowerment.
The youth of Sierra Leone, who constitute a significant portion of the population, are often described as the backbone of the nation. However, their potential remains largely untapped due to a combination of unemployment, poor education, and misplaced priorities. Many young people are drawn to transient distractions such as political violence, social media trends, and unproductive pursuits, neglecting opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
It is imperative for the youth to shift their focus from immediate gratification to long-term success; education, skills development, and active participation in governance.
Sierra Leonean women play a critical role in the nation’s socio-economic fabric, yet their contributions are often undervalued. Many women remain trapped in cycles of poverty and dependency, with societal norms discouraging their participation in decision-making processes. Furthermore, gender-based violence and discrimination continue to derail the empowerment of women.
For Sierra Leone to thrive, women must be prioritized in national development efforts. Investments in women’s education, healthcare, and economic opportunities will not only uplift families but also drive national progress. Women must also embrace their potential as agents of change, advocating for policies and practices that ensure equity and justice.
Children, the future of Sierra Leone, are often the most neglected in national planning. Despite the promise of free quality education, many children still lack access to basic educational resources, proper nutrition, and safe living environments. The prevalence of child labor and early marriage further compounds their vulnerability.
The nation must place children at the forefront of its priorities. Comprehensive policies that address child protection, education, and healthcare must be implemented and enforced. Investing in children today will yield a generation of empowered and productive citizens tomorrow.
The collective challenge for Sierra Leoneans is to recalibrate national priorities by focusing on what truly matters. This requires a conscious effort to major in the major and minor in the minor, both individually and collectively. Below are some steps that can guide this transformation:
National Dialogue: A comprehensive dialogue involving all stakeholders — politicians, civil society, religious leaders, traditional authorities, youths, women, and children — is essential to identify and agree on the nation’s most pressing priorities.
Civic Education: Raising awareness about the importance of prioritizing substantive issues over superficial ones can help shift societal values. Civic education programs should target schools, communities, and media platforms.
Accountability Mechanisms: Strengthening institutions that hold leaders accountable is crucial. This includes anti-corruption bodies, independent media, and active citizen participation in governance. Community Empowerment: Grassroots initiatives that empower communities to take ownership of their development will ensure that local priorities align with national goals. Youth and Women Engagement: Creating platforms for meaningful youth and women participation in governance and decision-making will ensure that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
Cultural Reorientation: A shift in cultural values is necessary to prioritize integrity, hard work, and community welfare over selfish interests and materialism.
Sierra Leone stands at a critical juncture in its history. To move forward, every Sierra Leonean must recognize the importance of aligning their priorities with the nation’s long-term goals. Politicians must prioritize service over self-interest, civil society must focus on grassroots advocacy, and traditional and religious leaders must champion moral and social progress. Meanwhile, the youth, women, and children must be empowered to take their rightful place in shaping the nation’s future.
It is only by majoring in our major and minoring in our minor that we can outsmart toxic situations and individuals, breaking free from the cycles of stagnation and regression. The time to act is now, for the future of Sierra Leone depends on the choices we make today. Let us collectively rethink, refocus, and rebuild.