By Sulaiman Aruna Sesay

The National Grand Coalition (NGC) recently issued a press release highlighting the pressing socio-economic challenges faced by the nation with particular emphasis on the vulnerability of the youth population. The press release claimed that the increasing number of young people succumbing to the allure of substances like Kush is a cause for concern for the country. While this issue is indeed significant and deserves attention, the press release’s overall message leaves much to be desired in terms of critical analysis and potential solutions.

This call to action encourages sustainable initiatives that foster job creation, strengthen education, improve healthcare systems, and inspire hope for a brighter future. While this message is certainly timely and important, it is important to critically analyse its potential impact and limitations.

One of the key points of the NGC’s call for proactive leadership is the focus on sustainable initiatives. This is an important aspect of any plan to address social and economic problems, as it ensures that solutions are designed for the long-term. By promoting initiatives that are environmentally sound and economically feasible, the NGC is ensuring that any improvements made to our systems are not only good for people, but good for generations to come.

It is important to remember that sustainable initiatives are not always enough. While they may help to address symptoms of the problems we face, they do not always get at the root causes of those problems. For example, improving access to education and healthcare can certainly make life better for many people, but if underlying inequalities in income, race, and other factors are not addressed, vulnerable populations may continue to struggle. “It is time to move beyond mere social media commentary from government officials. President Bio and his administration demonstrate the urgency and determination that the gravity of the national crisis warrants”, stated in the release.

The NGC assured the public that, they remain committed to supporting a concerted nation effort to eliminate the scourge of Kush and restore the societal foundations for prosperity of all Sierra Leoneans. As a political entity devoted  to transformational change, the NGC remains steadfast in its dedication to responsible governance, accountability, and the sustainable advancement of Sierra Leone.