A recent Afrobarometer survey finds many Sierra Leoneans are worried about the government’s work on creating jobs and reducing poverty.

The survey, conducted by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), asked people about key government services and the economy.

While most people said the government is doing well with security, education, and health care, many gave low marks on job creation and helping poor people improve their lives. Since 2022, opinions have dropped in these areas, showing growing concern. But more people now think the government is doing a better job controlling the cost of living and prices.

The report also shows fewer than half of citizens believe the government is fighting corruption well. Nearly three out of four said police officers are corrupt, and about half said the same about business leaders, members of Parliament, and tax officials.

When asked about the country’s direction, 58 percent said Sierra Leone is moving in the wrong direction, although this is an improvement from 67 percent in 2022.

The survey found that only three in 10 people feel safe reporting corruption. Most believe doing so could lead to problems.

Andrew Lavali, Executive Director of IGR, said the survey is part of ongoing efforts to track how people feel about governance and the country’s future.

The survey results show that job creation and poverty reduction remain key concerns for many Sierra Leoneans as they assess the government’s performance.

Most of Sierra Leonean youth depend on government for job creation thereby leading to a shortage of jobs in the market. Experts have advised that the government should encourage private sector investment to boost job creation in the West African nation.