By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Dr. Richard Konteh, a prominent flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), has firmly rejected the widely held notion that Sierra Leone suffers from a scarcity of resources. Speaking in an exclusive interview on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone on Monday 21 July 2025, Dr. Konteh stated that the country’s underdevelopment is not due to a lack of resources, but rather a failure to effectively manage the wealth already available. “I do not share the view that there is scarcity of resources in Sierra Leone,” Dr. Konteh said. “We are endowed with many natural resources, human capital, and our natural landscape. With all of these resources we have and my years of experience, I believe I can transform Sierra Leone into a better nation.”
Dr. Konteh’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among many Sierra Leoneans who feel that the country’s economic potential has been stifled by poor governance, mismanagement, and a lack of visionary leadership. His statement comes at a critical time, as the APC prepares to select its presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2026 general elections.
A seasoned public servant and development expert, Dr. Konteh has served in key government and advisory roles, including as Chief of Staff under the administration of former President Ernest Bai Koroma. His campaign for the APC flagbearership emphasizes a technocratic and results-driven approach to governance, underpinned by accountability, institutional reform, and sustainable development.
“Sierra Leone is not poor—it is poorly managed,” he continued. “We have gold, diamonds, bauxite, fertile land, tourism potential, and a vibrant youthful population. The problem is not what we have. The problem is how we use it.”
Dr. Konteh criticized successive governments for failing to create policies that harness the country’s natural and human resources in ways that benefit ordinary citizens. He outlined his vision to restructure key sectors such as agriculture, mining, education, and infrastructure, noting that transparency and data-driven policies would be central to his leadership.
“If given the opportunity to lead, I will focus on building institutions that work for the people, ensuring that our natural wealth translates into jobs, better healthcare, and quality education,” he said.
During the interview, Dr. Konteh also addressed the need for national unity and a break from politics-as-usual. He appealed to APC delegates and the wider public to look beyond slogans and support candidates with proven records and clear development strategies.
“I have no illusions about the challenges ahead,” he admitted. “But I also have no doubt that with the right leadership, Sierra Leone can rise above its current limitations. I am ready to lead that transformation.”
His remarks were met with strong engagement from viewers and sparked conversations online, with many praising his realistic yet optimistic outlook on the country’s future.
As the APC’s internal flagbearer race heats up, Dr. Richard Konteh continues to position himself as a pragmatic reformer—someone who blends political experience with technical knowledge. His focus on resource management, institutional reform, and inclusive growth could resonate strongly with voters seeking a new direction for Sierra Leone.
With the 2026 elections drawing closer, Dr. Konteh’s message is clear: Sierra Leone has what it takes to succeed—it only needs leadership that can unlock its true potential.
