Impact News Blog

 The Paraphrasing VT (Message to Sierra Leone) Today one of Sierra Leone’s biggest cancers is that for whatever reason the people seem insistent to elect leaders who have built nothing and we wonder why they build anything. But because of their words and ability to speak well, sing a song and hold a verse, their ability to pack the stadium and litter the streets with poor people on the promise of NLE10 and T-shirt; we vote for them. And we are surprised that they are unable to balance a budget, lower crime, and operate an administration that is honest and people-centric. [end of phrasing] We put people in strategic positions just because they speak foreign or have schooled overseas even when they lack the administrative know-how to lead. And we are surprised when all they do is use phonetics and wield their experience overseas and awards (most of which they paid for) in our faces as we challenge their failures. We continue to fight ourselves for people whose children own foreign pa...

Even the allocation of polling stations is problematic. Why do Bo and Kenema have more polling stations than Western Urban?  We used the botched 2021 midterm census to allocate resources. Expect extra long lines in Western Area. Kenema has more people than Freetown? For where?

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE OF THE SIERRA LEONE BAR ASSOCIATION Dear Madam President, I had decided to refrain from active activism during this period leading to the general elections. It is time for politicians to canvass support, articulate their manifestoes, and convince the electorates to vote them into office or extend their mandate as the case may be. My two decades of activism from the incipient years as an accountability ambassador for the outreach section of the Special Court for Sierra Leone would not permit me to be silent in the face of the rising tides of tensions around the pending general elections which pose a serious threat to our consolidated peace and democracy. I have decided to do an open letter to you and your executive to call your attention and urge immediate action given the accusations and counteraccusations being traded between the incumbent and the leading opposition parties. And forgive me if you and your executive had plans to arbitrate in...

  Dear fellow party members and supporters, Tomorrow 18 June 2023 is the final campaign day for the APC in the Western Urban region, and I am calling on all of you to come out in full force and join us in this crucial moment. As the presidential candidate, I am counting on your support to help us win the upcoming election. The success of our campaign largely depends on the level of support we receive from our party members and voters. This is why I urge you to put aside any other engagements and make it your top priority to join us tomorrow Sunday 18 June 2023 for the final push. Your presence at the campaign rally will not only boost our morale, but it will also send a powerful message to our opponents that we are a united front, ready to fight for the betterment of our country. It will also be an opportunity for us to engage with one another, exchange ideas, and discuss the issues that matter most to our communities. Remember, the fate of our country is in our hands, and the deci...

The SLPP supporters are throwing stones at my motorcades, sending projectiles, and setting up barricades. SLPP supporters have blocked the exit route and my motorcade is prevented from leaving the town. I urge for free, fair, and peaceful elections.

My heart is heavy as I mourn the loss of Gasimu Koroma, a key member of our APC party and a staunch supporter of my candidacy. His unwavering dedication to our cause and his selfless service to our community will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Gasimu. You will be dearly missed." #GasimuKoroma #RIP

  I've followed the electoral process and the campaign with keen interest. I note the brewing tension and threats to Sierra Leone's hard-earned democracy, peace and security. I have therefore made this attached statement, urging reason over emotions.

  The youth, elections, and peace are all interconnected and play a crucial role in the stability and progress of any society. The youth are the future of a nation, and their participation in the electoral process can have a significant impact on the overall peace and development of a country. Elections provide an opportunity for the youth to participate in the decision-making process of their country. By casting their vote, they can influence the outcome of an election and ensure that their voices are heard. The youth can also actively participate in the electoral process by volunteering their time and resources to political campaigns, organizing voter registration drives, and monitoring the election process to ensure it is free, fair, and transparent. The peaceful conduct of elections is critical to maintaining stability and avoiding conflict. When elections are conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, it strengthens the democratic process and promotes trust in the governm...

The history of Western practices against African norms is a complex and contentious topic that has been the subject of much debate and scrutiny. Over the centuries, Western powers have imposed their cultural, economic, and political systems on African societies, often at the expense of local customs, traditions, and beliefs. One of the most significant examples of Western practices against African norms is the legacy of colonialism. For centuries, European powers colonized much of Africa, imposing their systems of government and economy on local populations. This often involved the suppression of traditional African cultures and customs, as well as the imposition of European languages, religions, and social norms. Another example of Western practices against African norms is the spread of globalization. In recent decades, Western companies and institutions have expanded their reach into African markets, often with little regard for local customs and traditions. This has resulted in the...

Transforming a community as a stranger can be a daunting task. As an outsider, it can be challenging to know where to start, how to gain trust, and how to bring about meaningful change. However, with the right approach and mindset, it is possible to create positive and lasting change in a community. In this article, we will discuss some steps that can help you transform a community as a stranger. 1. Build Relationships One of the most important steps in transforming a community as a stranger is building relationships. Take the time to get to know people in the community and show interest in their lives. Ask questions about their culture, traditions, and history. Attend community events and meetings to demonstrate your commitment to the community's well-being. Building relationships is critical to gaining trust and respect within the community. 2. Listen to the Community To bring about meaningful change, it is essential to listen to the community's needs and concerns. Take the t...

One person who has shown that they understand that Freetown is for all is @yakisawyerr. Last year’s Freetown Day Celebrations were beautiful and inclusive.  I was sad to miss it. All ethnic groups are represented and celebrated. We need more of this.

Ernest Bai Koroma served as the President of Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018. During his presidency, Sierra Leone experienced some significant changes and developments. One of the major accomplishments of President Koroma's regime was the improvement of infrastructure in the country. His government invested heavily in road construction, energy production, and water supply, which improved the living conditions of many Sierra Leoneans. Another major achievement was the introduction of free healthcare for under-five children. The government also implemented policies aimed at reducing poverty, including the Smallholder Commercialization Program, which aimed to increase agricultural productivity and improve the income of rural farmers. President Koroma's government also made strides in improving health care, including the construction of new hospitals and clinics, and the implementation of policies aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rates. However, the Koroma regime was a...

The response of Dr. Samura Kamara, the APC Presidential candidate, to a legitimate question about price control was deeply regrettable.  It is vital for every presidential candidate to carefully consider their choice of words and the tone they use. The condescending and disrespectful manner in which he addressed his constituent and women, in general, is truly concerning.  The question regarding price control deserved a thoughtful and respectful response, which unfortunately was not provided. All candidates must demonstrate sensitivity towards the economic struggles faced by the majority of women who bear the responsibility of managing household finances in our country. Let us prioritize empathy and understanding as we engage with the concerns of our fellow citizens.

Malaria is a major public health challenge that affects millions of people around the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Particularly my country Sierra Leone. Despite significant progress in malaria control in recent years, the disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world. One of the key challenges in malaria control is the development of effective community-based solutions. Community-based solutions are interventions that are designed to address the specific needs of local communities and are often implemented by community members themselves. These solutions can be particularly effective in areas where access to healthcare is limited, and where cultural and social factors may affect the effectiveness of traditional approaches. In recent years, there have been several innovative community-based solutions that have shown promise in the fight against malaria. One such solution is the use of community health workers (CHWs) to provide malari...