President Julius Maada Bio second set of cabinet ministers, comprising mostly young individuals, has been sworn in at a ceremony in State House on Wednesday. This diverse group, consisting of civil rights activists, medical doctors, and academics, is likely the youngest cabinet in Sierra Leone’s history.
For a long time, young people have expressed their dissatisfaction with their lack of representation in the government and have blamed the older generation for the country’s current state. However, now they have the opportunity to find solutions to their problems. I congratulate and wish these ministers well in their endeavors. It is important for these ministers to remember the constituency they are representing – the youth. Sierra Leone has a young population, with 80% aged 35 and under. Unfortunately, 70% of this group are underemployed or unemployed, and 50% are illiterate and unskilled.
The long-lasting effects of the 11-year civil war, where young people were forced to take up arms and commit atrocities, still affect them today. Young people have suffered for too long in Sierra Leone. I urge these ministers to prioritize the needs of the young. This is not about political parties; it is about the youth. It is about the struggling graduate who has been searching for a job for years, the young women resorting to prostitution due to poverty, and the drug abusers among the youth. This is the constituency that they are representing. I implore them to engage with young people, irrespective of their political affiliations, and listen to their ideas and concerns. Collaboration with the youth will lead to success for all.
These ministers have impressive CVs and the opportunity to leave a positive legacy for themselves after leaving office. Chief Minister David Sengeh, who is himself under 40, assured that the young people in the cabinet are ready, determined, and committed to serving the country. However, we hope that these words will be translated into actions. They must not fail the young people of Sierra Leone.All of them have impressive CV’s, they have the option to leave a legacy or mess up themselves when they leave office.
About the Author:
Murtala Mohamed Kamara is a correspondent for German International broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) in Sierra Leone. Kamara is the publisher of SaloneJamboree, Sierra Leone’s leading arts and entertainment newspaper, and EyeWitnessNews, a news outlet covering politics, health, sports, and podcasting. He’s the founder of SaloneAdventures, a tour company, and Jamboree Consult, and IT consultancy company.
