Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, on Monday April 28, 2025, called for people-centered leadership while delivering the opening reflections at the Salone Day National Symposium, marking Sierra Leone’s 64th Independence Anniversary. The event, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, was attended by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Ministers of Government and other dignitaries.

In her reflections, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted the complex legacy of independence from colonial rule, which often carries the assumption that colonizers prioritize their own interests over those of the colonized. With independence, she noted, comes the expectation that a nation’s resources should benefit its people and promote national prosperity.

At the time of independence, Sierra Leone’s GDP per capita was estimated at $140–$160 USD (based on 1960 prices), one of the highest in West Africa due to its rich mining exports, including diamonds and iron ore. The GDP per capita placed the country on par with nations like Singapore and Malaysia in terms of development.

However, the Mayor emphasized the stark contrast today. While the GDPs of Singapore and Malaysia have soared to over $500 billion and $407 billion respectively, Sierra Leone’s GDP remains under $9 billion.

Despite the challenges we face today, the Mayor proposed a roadmap for national development, drawing inspiration from the success of other nations. Key elements of this blueprint include a clear national vision that is not only articulated in plans and events but embraced and implemented through effective decentralization and community engagement. Leadership, she stressed, must inspire innovation and encourage homegrown talent, particularly in the private sector. Competence and professionalism should be prioritized across all sectors of society, and no nation can prosper without safeguarding the independence of all arms of government.

Civil society organizations, she emphasized, must operate free from government interference, and the press should have the freedom to hold leaders accountable and operate in an open space.

She went on to say that we must live in a Sierra Leone where transparent governance fosters trust, where health and social services uplift communities, along with inclusive and sustainable growth. Our national prosperity must be seen, felt and tasted by all citizens of Mama Salone

The path forward involves harnessing our rich human capital, investing in infrastructure, and fostering innovation and unity.

Concluding on an optimistic note, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr expressed confidence in Sierra Leone’s ability to overcome its challenges and emerge as a nation defined by progress; turning hope to reality.

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