By Abass Jalloh
In a general assessment of the government in 2020, Sierra Leoneans across Freetown have called on the government of Sierra Leone to work on improving the prevailing economic situation in the country.
Their dissatisfaction revolves around the economic situation of the country especially with the high cost of food stuff and other basic commodities. This has been made worse by COVID19 that has seriously impacted businesses.
Figures published by the ministry of Finance shows that the country was on a growth trajectory until the COVID-19 pandemic struck. However, many think that did not reflect on the lives of ordinary people.
Jaitu Kamara who works at the Sustainable Environment and Development Action (SEDA) organisation said the economic situation of the country got worse in 2020, considering the fact that the pandemic could not let the world do things on a normal basis.
“We already know that Sierra Leone is standing still. If we could move, we would move backward, not even front. Last year we expected some changes, but it looks like the change we expected came out worst,” she told Politico.
She called on the government to pay more attention to improving the economy if it should succeed going forward.
“I suggest that they work more on the economy because it is really slow and bad. It affects us all,” she concluded.
Speaking to Politico, a student of Fourah Bay College, Ibrahim S. Mansaray described Sierra Leone as “a mending nation that is trying to heal her from the ills of the past”.
Like Jaitu, Ibrahim said Sierra Leone had many lapses including the deplorable economic situation but commended the government for efforts made to fight against corruption in 2020.
“I think if we have a government that is so serious about fighting corruption, like they are proving, they should be able to control the monetary system within the country,” he said.
Ibrahim suggested a system to ensure that Sierra Leone produced its own food for its people and stop importing food which he said undermined state security was very expensive.
“People are really hungry and people are dying because we know that food is a great security that needs not be tampered with, and we are seeing a nation where we are still begging, so much importation of rice and other food stuff that we should be able to control,” he concluded.
Sheku Putka Kamara, a journalist and communication consultant in his assessment noted that Sierra Leone in 2019 to 2020 could be likened to any other nation around the world taking into consideration the coronavirus pandemic that had prevented many policies and development.
“In Sierra Leone, governments are almost always generally constrained and with the coming of the global pandemic, things became even more worrying,” Kamara said, adding: “This is not to mean that we lost it all. The MCC compact is a plus. This was achieved as a result of gains made over the years. So yes, 2020 has the story of mixed feelings on the one hand, and hope and despair on the other.”
He went on: “Surely, there have always been lapses in the governance structure of Sierra Leone. Be it food, telecommunications, energy, water, etc. There are still obvious challenges and it is tormenting that citizens are yet to fully and soberly enjoy some, if not all, of these faculties in 2020”.
Like Mansaray, Kamara believes that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had done well but their work must not be limited to pursuing members of the former administration but also members of the current government.
“The ACC did well even where there is need and room for improvement. Our country’s conviction rate is on a higher note than ever,” he said, noting that Sierra Leone’s global and regional ratings had also improved for the good of Sierra Leone.
Mohamed Mahmoud Turay, a social activist believes that the Sierra Leone government had both the human and material resources required to fix our economy.
He also frowned at the current justice system in the country, alleging that bias is the order of the day.
However, Mohamed commended the ACC and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, noting that both parties tried in their own capacities as “honest and patriotic citizens” to serve the people of Sierra Leone well and diligently.
“We have seen how much the ACC Commissioner has prosecuted as compared to the past regime. No commissioner had ever done what he has done so far in Sierra Leone,” he said.
“Dr. David Moinina Sengeh also did very well. He does not sit comfortably in his office giving command or orders. He moves from school to school and makes sure the activities of the Ministry go well,” continues Mohamed. He adds: “As a Minister, he never puts the burden on his subordinates. He walks to every part of the country and also tries to digitalize the system”.
Dissatisfaction over the economy is reflective of the last Afro Baromter survey report which shows a low approval rating for how the Sierra Leone government is handling the economy.
“The government receives lower approval ratings on its economic performance than on other issues. Fewer than two in10 respondents say the government is doing a good job of handling the economy (19%), improving living standards of the poor (15%), narrowing income gaps(10%), creating jobs (10%),and keeping prices stable (7%),” the report reads in part.
This is Sierra Leone over the years. It’s been challenging for those who feel challenged by it and rewarding for those who can see the opportunity in the challenge. This is the basic rule of lives game.
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