By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Dr. Kaifala Marah stirred a renewed sense of hope and national awareness during a high-profile town hall event titled “The Nation at Crossroads,” held at the Bintumani Conference Centre. The gathering drew a diverse and engaged crowd, reflecting the widespread public concern over Sierra Leone’s economic future. Citizens from across the country came together to listen, learn, and contribute to a critical conversation about the path forward.
Widely respected for his expertise in economic governance and public finance, Dr. Marah received a warm welcome from the packed auditorium. His remarks quickly captured attention as he addressed the current state of the nation’s economy with frankness and urgency. “The Sierra Leone economy is under attack,” he declared, a statement that resonated deeply with many in attendance.
As a former Minister of Finance and former Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Marah’s words carried significant weight. He did not shy away from addressing the economic hardship facing ordinary citizens—from inflation and unemployment to declining investor confidence and fiscal mismanagement. Yet, his tone was not one of despair, but of determination. His speech offered a call to action anchored in the belief that Sierra Leone can overcome its challenges with visionary leadership and sound economic planning.
Throughout his address, Dr. Marah emphasized the urgent need for strategic, transparent, and accountable leadership. He criticized the existing economic framework, arguing that it has failed to meet the basic needs of the population. However, he also presented a roadmap for economic revival, outlining several preferred solutions aimed at stabilizing and eventually transforming the country’s economy.
Key among his proposals was the need to rebuild trust in public institutions through fiscal discipline and anti-corruption measures. He advocated for tighter controls on government spending, enhanced revenue generation strategies, and a more efficient tax system. He also stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for private sector investment, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, and small business development.
Another central theme in Dr. Marah’s message was the empowerment of Sierra Leone’s youth. He called for greater investment in education and vocational training to ensure the next generation is equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development. “Our young people are not a burden—they are the solution,” he stated, drawing applause from the audience.
Dr. Marah also highlighted the importance of citizen participation in governance. He urged Sierra Leoneans to hold their leaders accountable and to become active stakeholders in shaping the future of the country.
The town hall event closed with a spirited question-and-answer session, where participants voiced their concerns and hopes for the nation. Dr. Marah listened attentively, responding with clarity and conviction.
For many attendees, the evening felt like a turning point—a moment when the urgency of Sierra Leone’s economic crisis met a credible and thoughtful vision for change. Dr. Marah’s call for unity, responsibility, and reform has added new energy to the national conversation, reinforcing the belief that, despite its challenges, Sierra Leone still holds the promise of a brighter future.
