By Mackie M. Jalloh
On Friday, 4 October 2024, the National Grand Coalition (NGC) party officially welcomed 100 new members from across the country during a ceremony held at their headquarters at 14 Naimbana Street, Freetown. The event was significant not only because of the diversity of the new members, who represent various professions and communities, but also due to the major political shift announced by the party leadership.
NGC Chairman and Leader, Foday Suma, addressed the gathering and made a critical announcement regarding the party’s future trajectory. In his speech, Suma revealed that the NGC is no longer part of the alliance signed with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). The alliance, originally intended to foster cooperation between the two parties and push for reforms in governance, had become unworkable. Suma stated that “all that was agreed upon in good faith has been neglected by the ruling party. The government has failed to honor its commitments, and as a result, the NGC is officially withdrawing from the alliance.”
The partnership between the NGC and SLPP, forged after the 2023 elections, was built on the promise of national unity, good governance, and political inclusivity. The NGC had hoped to influence government policies by holding the SLPP accountable for reforms related to economic stability, anti-corruption measures, and social justice. However, according to Suma the alliance has been marred by broken promises and political stagnation. The NGC leadership believes that their values and objectives are not being reflected in the current administration’s actions.
Foday Suma emphasized that the party’s decision to pull out of the alliance was not made lightly but had become necessary. He accused the SLPP of sidelining NGC proposals and failing to implement any meaningful changes that would benefit the citizens of Sierra Leone. This strategic withdrawal is likely to shake up the political landscape, with the NGC now preparing to establish itself as a strong independent opposition party in the lead-up to the next general elections.
The endorsement of 100 new members from all walks of life signifies a major step forward for the NGC as it seeks to expand its influence beyond the alliance. Among the new members were teachers, health professionals, business owners, and community activists—each eager to contribute to the party’s mission. The symbolic gesture of handing out membership cards to this diverse group highlighted the NGC’s commitment to inclusivity and grassroots support.
In his closing remarks, Suma encouraged the new members to actively participate in shaping the party’s future and ensuring that the NGC remains the voice of the people. “We are building a movement that transcends alliances of convenience. Our focus is on the people, and we will fight for their rights, even if it means standing alone,” he affirmed.
The dissolution of the alliance will likely have significant implications for both parties. For the SLPP, it could mean losing a crucial ally, while for the NGC, it marks a turning point as they seek to assert their independence and regain the trust of their base. As the political landscape shifts, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the country’s broader political dynamics, but for now, the NGC is focused on its renewed commitment to advocate for the Sierra Leonean people on its own terms.
