Time Crisis in S/L: Culture of Delay and Its Consequences (Salone Time)

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Kamara (The Wise Thinker)

In Sierra Leone, the phrase “Salone Time” has become an accepted excuse for tardiness, inefficiency, and delays across multiple sectors of society. From government offices to private businesses, from social gatherings to public transportation, the chronic disregard for time management continues to hinder national progress.

This deep-seated cultural habit is not just an inconvenience; it is a silent economic killer. A country’s development is strongly linked to productivity, and productivity depends on effective time management. Unfortunately, in Sierra Leone, punctuality is often seen as optional rather than essential.

The Cost of Poor Time Management

One of the most affected sectors is governance. Government meetings often start late, leading to rushed decision-making or rescheduled discussions. This inefficiency trickles down to service delivery. Citizens spend hours sometimes days waiting for essential documents like passports, driving licenses, or business permits.

The private sector is no different. Many businesses fail to meet deadlines, leading to a loss of trust from investors and international partners. In a globalized economy where time is money, Sierra Leone cannot afford to keep operating on Salone Time.

Education also suffers. Many schools and universities start late, wasting valuable learning hours. This contributes to poor academic performance and a culture of indiscipline among students, who grow up believing that lateness is acceptable.

Even social events are not spared. Weddings, conferences, and community gatherings rarely start as scheduled, frustrating guests and discouraging participation. It has become so normalized that invitations often include an actual start time that differs from the official one.

The Role of Youth in the Crisis

Young people, who should be at the forefront of change, have unfortunately become part of the problem. Many Sierra Leonean youths struggle with time management, often showing up late for classes, meetings, and even job interviews. Some student leaders, activists, and event organizers set bad examples by failing to respect time, reinforcing the idea that lateness is acceptable.

Additionally, social media culture has influenced youth attitudes toward time. Hours are wasted on entertainment and unproductive online debates, while important commitments are ignored or delayed. Instead of using digital tools to enhance efficiency, many young people fall into the trap of procrastination, further contributing to the nation’s time management crisis.

However, the youth also hold the power to transform this culture. With proper mindset shifts, discipline, and mentorship, they can lead the charge in promoting punctuality and productivity in Sierra Leone.

A Call for Change

Fixing this national crisis requires a collective effort. The government, corporate institutions, civil society, and educational institutions must push for a culture of punctuality. Strict policies should be enforced yes in workplaces, schools, and public institutions to ensure that lateness is not tolerated.

Media outlets, including newspapers like Hope Times, have a crucial role in raising awareness about the impact of poor time management. Campaigns promoting punctuality should be integrated into national development strategies and emphasizing its importance for economic growth and also societal progress.

More importantly, young people must take responsibility. They must recognize that success in today’s fast-paced world depends on discipline and time consciousness. By adopting better time management habits, they can set the standard for future generations and help redefine Salone Time as a culture of punctuality and efficiency.

As Sierra Leone positions itself for global competitiveness, it must abandon the excuse of Salone Time and embrace a culture where time is respected and valued. The nation’s future depends on it.

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