By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Politics was never meant to be a shortcut to wealth or personal comfort. It was designed as a service, a calling rooted in sacrifice, empathy, and responsibility to the people, especially the poor and vulnerable. Yet today, the political space tells a different story. Increasingly, many have decided to join politics not out of conviction or concern for society, but as a calculated move for money making, influence, and personal gain.
Growing up, many were taught that leadership comes with duty. Our parents reminded us that if you had nothing meaningful to contribute, silence was better than empty talk. That wisdom feels lost in the current political climate, where loudness is often mistaken for leadership and ambition is confused with service. Politics now attracts individuals more interested in contracts, allowances, and status than in the daily struggles of ordinary people.
The reality on the ground exposes this shift clearly. Communities continue to battle poverty, unemployment, rising living costs and poor access to basic services. Yet some politicians appear disconnected from these hardships. Campaign promises are made with passion, but once power is secured, attention shifts away from the poor toward personal networks and financial opportunities. For many citizens, hope turns into disappointment as their leaders pursue comfort instead of change.
Within political parties, this mindset has created internal decay. Games are played within games. Loyalty is traded for favors, and principles are sacrificed for advantage. Trust has weakened because motives are no longer clear. People align not around ideas or shared values, but around who controls resources. In such an environment, genuine commitment is often overshadowed by greed.
One troubling aspect of this trend is how it deepens inequality. When politics becomes business, those without money or connections are pushed further to the margins. Decisions are made to benefit a few, while the majority continue to struggle. The poor become tools during elections and statistics after victories. Their voices are heard only when votes are needed.
Despite this discouraging reality, there are still individuals who believe politics should serve a higher purpose. They remain committed not because of what they can gain, but because of what they can give. These are people who understand that leadership is about lifting burdens, not accumulating wealth. Their presence is often quiet, but their impact is lasting.
For them, the spirit of the party and the movement is not for sale. They hold the line, even when integrity is tested and pressure mounts. They believe that politics must return to its original purpose, serving the poor, defending the vulnerable, and creating opportunity for all, not just the privileged few.
True political commitment is measured by action, not lifestyle. It is seen in policies that reduce suffering, in structures that empower communities, and in leaders who remain accountable. When politics forgets the poor, it loses its soul.
As the nation looks ahead, the challenge is clear. Politics must be reclaimed from those who see it only as a business venture. It must be redirected toward service, unity, and genuine development. Only then can it truly reflect the hopes and needs of the people it claims to represent.
