Amadu Lamrana Bah, a respected journalist working for Africa Young Voice (AYV) Media in Sierra Leone, has spoken out against the government’s allocation of funds for international travel at a time when the nation’s universities are grappling with a lecturers’ strike.

Bah’s concerns shed light on the apparent disparity in priorities between addressing domestic issues and funding overseas engagements for high-ranking officials.

The journalist highlighted the recent travels of First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and President Julius Maada Bio, who have embarked on lecturing engagements abroad while the University of Sierra Leone remains closed due to the ongoing strike. According to Bah, the government has footed the bills for these trips, drawing criticism for seemingly neglecting pressing matters at home.

“First Lady Fatima Maada Bio is returning home from lecturing students in the U.S., and the government paid for that trip,” Bah stated. “His Excellency Julius Maada Bio will also be leaving soon for the U.S. again for a lecture on all expenses paid by the government. While our President and his wife travel out to lecture, students of the University of Sierra Leone don’t know if their exams will go ahead tomorrow as planned.

Bah underscored the frustration felt by students and educators alike as uncertainty looms over academic schedules and exams due to the strike. Lecturers are demanding improved working conditions and resolution of their backlog, yet their concerns remain unaddressed amidst the government’s prioritization of international engagements.

“We are one of the poorest countries in the world with over 40% inflation, but our government spends on flying like they don’t even care about what’s happening with their people,” Bah lamented. “But they say we are a resilient nation.”

The journalist’s remarks highlight the deep-seated issues of resource allocation and governance in Sierra Leone, where socioeconomic challenges persist despite the government’s professed commitment to national development. While the nation grapples with poverty and inflation, the expenditure on international travel for presidential engagements raises questions about fiscal responsibility and accountability.

The situation underscores the need for effective communication and collaboration between the government and civil society to address pressing issues facing the country. By prioritizing the needs of its citizens, particularly in the realm of education, Sierra Leone can strive towards a more equitable and prosperous future.

As the University of Sierra Leone remains paralyzed by the ongoing strike, students and educators alike are left in limbo, uncertain about the fate of their academic pursuits. The government’s handling of the situation has sparked debate and criticism, underscoring the need for urgent action to address the root causes of the crisis and restore normalcy to the nation’s educational institutions.

In the face of these challenges, journalists like Amadu Lamrana Bah play a crucial role in holding the government accountable and advocating for the interests of the people. Through their investigative reporting and fearless commentary, they shed light on issues that impact the lives of ordinary citizens and demand accountability from those in power.