My experience during four weeks in Sierra Leone – Sanpha Sesay

Since Ernest Bai Koroma took over the reins of government in 2007, nearly everyone was called upon, at one point or the other, directly or indirectly, to make available their talent and expertise towards the socio-economic development of Sierra Leone.  After eleven years away from Sierra Leone, I was delighted to go back home and witness firsthand, the developments that have taken place under the Ernest Bai Koroma’s administration.  (Photo: Honorable Alimamy P. Koroma and Sanpha Sesay)

It was a great pleasure, honor and privilege to meet with veteran journalist Ibrahim Ben Kargbo and his deputy Mr. Sheka Tarawallie who served our country diligently.  I have no doubt that the rise of these two media professionals was a result of dynamism, leadership, and entrepreneurial ability in the dispensation of good governance.

Upon my arrival from the United States, I made frequent visits to the Ministry of Information and Communication to observe the performance of the ministers, Mr. I.B. Kargbo and his deputy Mr. Sheka Tarawallie.  I am pleased to note that these two fine gentlemen are committed to the people of Sierra Leone with inspiration and have responded with outstanding performance to the call of President Koroma.  Almost daily, I saw people entering the offices of these two ministers, back and forth with less protocol, if any at all, to ask questions and share their experiences.  As for me, it was with no difficulty to meet with the minister and his deputy at all times.

One thing that I noticed during my visits to the media and communication headquarter at You-Yi building in Freetown is that many activities have brought us together as a nation in terms of media and communications network.  Despite the fact that critics of the minister and his deputy will say the opposite, I saw that they have always demonstrated maturity, patience, tolerance, compassion, and patriotism – qualities that are very much needed for any proactive minister, especially in the administration of President Koroma.  In the execution of their duties, Mr. Kargbo and Mr. Tarawalie have earned dignity and respect for many of us in the Diaspora.

From You-Yi building where I saw most of the ministers and their deputies, I went to the Ministry of Labor and Employment where I was fortunate to meet with my former teacher and mentor at the Sierra Leone’s Muslim Brotherhood, the minister himself, Mr. Hindolo Tyre.  During our meeting, we discussed a lot of issues ranging from migrant labor force to work permit issues.  These are important areas in the ministry that Diasporas are interested in addressing.  Also, we spoke about the issue of distorted stories dished out by many unpatriotic Sierra Leoneans on the internet with the hope of satisfying their political will which according to him was absurd.

The minister’s main concern about migrant labor to the Middle East was about safety, welfare , and the overall benefit to the people who are anxious to travel to the Middle East where migrant’s labor force are needed.  He said that conditions are not favorable for someone leaving his county to work for only two hundred dollars with no other benefit added to it especially if the risks were enormous.  Even though people are desperate to move out to search for greener pastures, the act of migrating to the Middle East is particularly troublesome.  Mr. Hindolo said, “It is in my own responsibility to give out guidelines to the people about the prevailing conditions of migrating to the Middle East.  As for work permits, Mr. Hindolo Tyre said, that there must be a distinction between citizens of this country and foreigners who intend to work in the country.  It is also a privilege for migrant labor force to obtain a work permit that gives them mandate to work in the country.

Prior to my visit to the Labor and Employment Ministry, I was interested in learning about the challenges as well as achievements associated with the Ernest Bai Koroma’s free medical care initiative launched in April 2011.  I observed that the initiative is a huge plus for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under the age of five years.  It was good meeting with a woman of substance like Haja Zainab Hawa Bangura.  She has worked so hard with Health development partners in providing quality, accessible and affordable health care delivery services to Sierra Leoneans.

At New England Ville where several ministries are located, I visited the ministry of works which is also a very important area for me.  During my visit, I did interviews about the ongoing infrastructural development and road construction projects that seem to be presently crisscrossing the nation.

My first impression was the interaction between the minister, honorable Alimamy P. Koroma and myself.  I saw that in the minister’s office, there was an air of diversity or pluralistic societal bridge designed to link all tribes regardless of their political affiliations.  The right to meet ministers of government should not be a difficult task to the people because communication with the people you represent in a nation is an important role in an efficient and well-functioning government.  Like President Ernest Koroma, Honorable Alimamy Kargbo is another tower of strength and strong force for progressive and efficient APC government.

I also met with the Chief of Protocol, Mr. Alimamy Daramy at State House.  My first visit to State House was an informal visit to book an appointment to see the President but that wasn’t achieved due to the fact that the President was overloaded with foreign trips.  When my appointment was finally scheduled, it coincided with my return to the USA.  However, on several occasions at the State House, I saw the Chief of Protocol performing a very pleasant duty despite the enormous stress.

Despite all the criticism from the opposition, I have to say that President Ernest Bai Koroma’s administration has raised the bar higher with integrity and hard work as its mantra.  Although, time and space does not really permit me to give an analytical picture of all to the accomplishments of the EBK administration but I am sure that many of us can testify to the development of the nation. I will be handling the different segments of his administration in subsequent publications. Stay tuned.

By Sanpha Sesay, Texas Chief Correspondent

Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!

© 2012, https:. All rights reserved.