What Should We Boast Of Now?
By: Yusuf Ibrahim Kamara
At sixty-five years of independence, Sierra Leone stands at a defining crossroad caught between the promise of its past and the pressing realities of its present. Independence, achieved with hope and pride in 1961, symbolized the beginning of self-determination, growth, and national identity. But today, many citizens are asking a difficult yet necessary question: what do we truly have to boast of?
This reflection is not rooted in pessimism, but in a desire for honest evaluation and meaningful progress.
Electricity remains one of the most visible challenges confronting the nation. In a world driven by energy and digital transformation, reliable electricity is no longer a luxury it is a necessity.
Yet across urban and rural communities, erratic power supply continues to define daily life. Businesses struggle to survive under the burden of fuel costs for generators, hospitals face risks in delivering critical care, and students are often left to study in darkness.
At 65, a country rich in natural resources should not still be grappling with basic energy access. Sustainable investment in renewable energy hydro, solar, and thermal must become a national priority, not a political talking point.
Education is meant to be the foundation upon which nations build their future. However, the state of education in Sierra Leone tells a troubling story.
While access to schooling has improved in some areas, the quality of education remains deeply concerning. Overcrowded classrooms, underpaid teachers, lack of learning materials, and outdated curricula continue to hinder meaningful learning outcomes.
Graduates enter the workforce with certificates but often without the practical skills needed to compete in a modern economy. This gap between education and employability weakens national development and fuels youth frustration.
A country cannot progress if its human capital is underdeveloped. Reforming education must go beyond policy announcements it requires investment, accountability, and innovation.
Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth, and roads are its lifelines. Unfortunately, Sierra Leone’s road network still reflects decades of underdevelopment.
Many communities remain isolated, especially during the rainy season when roads become nearly impassable. Farmers struggle to transport goods to markets, increasing post-harvest losses and reducing income. Transportation costs soar, affecting the price of goods and services nationwide.
While some improvements have been made in major cities, rural connectivity remains largely neglected. True national development cannot be urban-centered; it must reach every corner of the country.
Transportation in Sierra Leone is not just inconvenient it is often chaotic and unsafe. From overcrowded public vehicles to poorly regulated transport systems, citizens face daily challenges just to move from one place to another.
The absence of a structured, efficient, and affordable public transportation system places a heavy burden on ordinary people. Traffic congestion in urban areas like Freetown further compounds the problem, wasting productive hours and increasing stress levels.
Modern transportation is a sign of national progress. At 65, Sierra Leone must begin to rethink and redesign its transport systems to match the needs of its growing population.
Despite these challenges, Sierra Leone is not without hope. Its greatest strength lies in its people resilient, resourceful, and determined. From the vibrancy of its youth to the richness of its culture and natural resources, the potential for transformation is undeniable.
But potential alone is not enough.
What Sierra Leone should strive to boast of is not just its history, but its progress:
A stable and reliable electricity supply
A functional and competitive education system
A well-connected and accessible road network
A safe, efficient, and affordable transportation system
These are not unrealistic dreams they are achievable goals with the right leadership, policy direction, and citizen engagement.
As Sierra Leone marks 64 years of independence, celebration must go hand in hand with reflection. Patriotism is not only about waving flags and singing the national anthem it is about demanding better and working collectively toward national growth.
The question is no longer what we have been through, but what we are becoming.
At 65, Sierra Leone must move from promise to performance.