By Alpha Amadu Jalloh, (The Fox)
Sierra Leone, once known as the Athens of Africa, has tragically lost its claim to intellectual and moral authority. The nation’s educated elites, entrusted with guiding its progress, have instead become architects of chaos and exploitation, betraying the very people they were meant to serve.
Institutions that should be bastions of impartiality and public interest have been tarnished by the self-serving actions of those within them. Take, for instance, the recent Toll Gate Saga, which threatens to burden the populace with increased fees for vehicular traffic. If allowed to proceed unchecked, this measure will ripple through the economy, exacerbating hardships for ordinary citizens who are already struggling to make ends meet.
The medical sector, too, stands accused of prioritizing profit over the welfare of patients, with the pervasive “Pay before you are treated” system perpetuating inequality and suffering. Despite longstanding grievances, government inaction has left Sierra Leoneans at the mercy of unscrupulous businesses and indifferent authorities.
Meanwhile, the promise of education has soured for many. Graduates, armed with prestigious degrees, find themselves adrift in a sea of unemployment and disillusionment, burdening their families with dashed hopes and financial strain. The gap between expectation and reality has widened, leaving many to question the value of higher education in a society where meritocracy seems a distant dream.
But perhaps most disheartening is the betrayal of trust by Sierra Leone’s educated elite. Once revered as beacons of progress and integrity, these individuals now stand accused of self-enrichment at the expense of the common good. The pervasive attitude of “Wi Nor Wan Kno Nor To Wi Born Poe” epitomizes a culture of entitlement and indifference that pervades every stratum of society.
From politicians to civil society activists, from business magnates to university professors, the hunger for personal gain has eclipsed any sense of collective responsibility. The refrain of “Na Wi Nor Mor Fo Bete” rings hollow in a nation where moral decay has become the norm rather than the exception.
It is time for introspection. Sierra Leoneans must confront the uncomfortable truth that their country has lost its way. Only by acknowledging the failings of the past can they hope to chart a course towards a brighter future. The road ahead will be difficult, but the resilience and spirit of the Sierra Leonean people offer a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.
In the end, true progress can only be achieved when the educated elite abandon their self-serving agendas and recommit themselves to the service of the nation. Until then, the promise of a better Sierra Leone will remain elusive, overshadowed by the greed and indifference of those who should know better.
