By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, has emphasized the urgent need for a mind-set transformation among young people in Sierra Leone, calling it a crucial step towards national development.
Speaking during an interview on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone program, Sannoh highlighted that changing how young people think about themselves and their potential is essential for building a better future.
“Since I took up office, I’ve noticed that one thing we young people need is a mind transformation – shifting our mind-set to think positively about our growth and contributing to building a better Sierra Leone,” the minister said.
The Youth Affairs Minister, who himself is among the youngest in the current government, believes that despite the country’s economic challenges, young Sierra Leoneans must embrace a new attitude — one focused on innovation, productivity, and civic responsibility. He noted that youth often represent both the strength and future of any nation; and without the right mind-set, opportunities for growth and progress can be easily lost.
Sannoh’s statement comes at a time when youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing issues in Sierra Leone. Many young people face limited job opportunities and lack access to skills training, leading to frustration and disengagement. However, the minister believes that before external conditions can change, young people must first shift how they see themselves.
“We cannot wait for perfect conditions,” he stressed. “We must begin to reframe how we view ourselves — not as victims of circumstance, but as agents of change.”
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, under his leadership, has been working on several programs aimed at youth empowerment, including skills development, entrepreneurship support, and community service initiatives. These efforts, Sannoh said, are not just about providing opportunities but also about instilling a sense of purpose and national pride among young people.
Commentators have praised the minister’s proactive stance and communication style, noting that his youth makes him more relatable to the demographic he serves. However, many also stress that transformation must be backed by concrete policies and sustained support systems.
During the interview, Sannoh also urged other government institutions, private sector players, and civil society organizations to join hands in reshaping youth engagement in Sierra Leone. “Changing mind-sets is not the job of one ministry. It is a national duty,” he noted.
He concluded by encouraging Sierra Leonean youth to take ownership of their future. “Our energy, creativity, and courage can be the engine that powers Sierra Leone forward. But it all begins with how we think.”
Sannoh’s call for a mind-set shift resonates with a broader vision of national transformation, where youth are not merely beneficiaries of development but key drivers of change.
As the country looks toward the future, the role of young people — and how they perceive their role — will undoubtedly shape the path ahead.
