It is a national disgrace to witness such appalling behaviour from Mr Kasho J. Holland-Cole, Chairman of the Western Area Rural District Council, who also serves as the Western Regional Chairman of the All People’s Congress (APC) party, as demonstrated during an interview broadcast on ECKO Media Television a few days ago. Kasho holds two important leadership positions: Western Regional Chairman of the APC Party and Chairman of the Western Area Rural District Council. (Photo: Useless 2028 slave Kasho).

These positions place him in a unique position of responsibility, enabling him to serve as a vital link between local government, political leadership, and grassroots party structures. Given the significance of these two offices, Kasho was expected to conduct himself with professionalism, dignity and respect during the interview. Unfortunately, his behaviour was highly unprofessional. The discussion centred on road rehabilitation projects within his region, an issue of considerable public interest.

However, rather than engaging constructively with the concerns raised, Kasho appeared agitated and confrontational. It was almost like watching a theatrical performance, with an agitated and shouting Holland-Cole seemingly unaware that everyone else, including his fellow interviewee, had chosen to remain calm and composed. The television host demonstrated credibility, confidence and professionalism. He remained assertive and refused to back down in the face of what appeared to be Mr Holland-Cole’s pre-packaged monologue of political talking points, seemingly intended to overpower both his fellow interviewee and the host.

On the other hand, Mr King Kapri Thaliay Bah, Executive Director of Road Safety Watch Sierra Leone, remained calm, composed and constructive throughout the discussion. He raised serious concerns about questionable road projects, including a 15-kilometre road rehabilitation project that reportedly remains incomplete. These concerns also highlighted allegations of corruption within the Waterloo Council.

Bah stood firmly by his statements despite Kasho’s attempts to challenge the accuracy of his claims. When politicians are confronted with difficult questions, they sometimes resort to rehearsed talking points, evasive responses and attempts to control the narrative rather than providing honest and straightforward answers. However, the host refused to allow Kasho to dominate the discussion or avoid public scrutiny.

Politicians lie! To varying degrees, political dishonesty has existed throughout history. However, in today’s Sierra Leone, it increasingly appears that this unfortunate reality has become more pronounced than ever during the 65 years since the country’s independence. Nevertheless, Sierra Leoneans are becoming increasingly aware of their democratic rights and the importance of holding political leaders accountable.

This interview also highlighted a much broader concern: the consequences of incompetent and corrupt leadership in Sierra Leone. Such leadership continues to undermine our country’s development and contributes to the declining standard of living experienced by ordinary citizens. Corruption causes severe economic, social and institutional damage. It weakens public institutions, undermines accountability, diverts resources away from essential services and erodes public confidence in government.

One example of the concerns surrounding public accountability is the reported 15-kilometre road rehabilitation project discussed during the interview. Incomplete infrastructure projects raise legitimate questions about the management of public funds, project oversight and the responsibility of elected officials to provide clear explanations to the people they serve. Rather than addressing these concerns directly, Kasho appeared to evade the host’s questions.

His responses gave the impression of a politician more concerned with protecting his political reputation, controlling the public narrative and avoiding potentially damaging admissions than providing transparent answers. The grassroots communities and ordinary citizens of Sierra Leone witnessed this political drama, and they are unlikely to forget it easily.

In today’s digital age, political leaders must understand that their words, actions and public conduct can be recorded, preserved and replayed repeatedly. Digital technology has transformed public accountability. What politicians say and do today can remain accessible for years, allowing citizens to revisit their statements, scrutinise their conduct and hold them accountable.

In Sierra Leone, many people struggle to earn even two dollars a day. Our country desperately needs competent, honest and incorruptible leaders who are genuinely committed to improving the lives of the people. When electing individuals to political office, voters must prioritise honesty, integrity, competence, and a genuine commitment to serving the public interest.

Furthermore, governments in power should not appoint civil servants or professionals based on political affiliation, party loyalty or tribalism. Appointments must be based on merit, competence, qualifications and integrity. Political parties must also prioritise selecting competent, honest and qualified citizens to serve as Members of Parliament, councillors and party officials.

Public office should be a responsibility entrusted to individuals who demonstrate integrity and a genuine commitment to national development, rather than a reward for political loyalty. Sierra Leoneans must put an end to the culture of corruption, political favouritism and incompetent leadership that continues to hold our nation back. The future of Sierra Leone is in the hands of its people. We must demand better leadership, greater accountability and genuine change. Voters, the ball is in your court! Electoral justice will continue to play a decisive role in ensuring the stability, credibility and integrity of our country’s political system.

The controversy surrounding the June 24, 2023 elections remains a significant concern for those Sierra Leoneans who believe their votes were stolen and who continue to demand electoral justice. Grassroots politicians, community organisers and ordinary citizens are increasingly recognising that the traditional political strategies and outdated practices that have dominated Sierra Leone’s political landscape cannot continue indefinitely.

The old political playbook is beginning to lose its influence as citizens become more politically aware, better informed and increasingly determined to demand accountability from those in positions of power. We are witnessing the emergence of a more strategic, organised and deeply rooted grassroots political movement.

Community power is gradually asserting itself across all four corners of the country, as ordinary Sierra Leoneans recognise the importance of collective action in shaping their nation’s political future. Grassroots political actors are evolving their strategies in several critical ways, despite the suppression and intimidation that some report experiencing. (Photo: Hopeless APC Chairman Osman Yansaneh).

Bloggers, political commentators and outspoken grassroots supporters have reportedly faced threats and intimidation, with some choosing to live in self-imposed exile in neighbouring countries, while others move from one location to another within Sierra Leone out of concern for their personal safety. Nevertheless, their voices will not be silenced.

Sierra Leone deserves a political system in which leaders are held accountable, public institutions operate with integrity, and every citizen can exercise their democratic rights without fear of intimidation or discrimination. Achieving this change rests not only with political leaders but also with the citizens who elect them. Sierra Leoneans must remain vigilant, informed and united in their determination to build a country founded on justice, transparency, accountability and respect for democratic principles. Justice, accountability and democracy must prevail. Victory is coming!