In a remarkable show of solidarity, workers across Sierra Leone, grappling with the non-payment of April salaries, have rallied around Dr. Ibrahim Bangura’s powerful address delivered on International Workers’ Day.
Dr. Bangura’s compelling vision for the future of Sierra Leone’s labour force has drawn widespread acclaim, as he outlined a bold commitment to improving working and living conditions for all Sierra Leoneans.
The leading aspirant for the APC national leader and 2028 flagbearer position addressed the nation’s workers in a heartfelt message that struck a chord with many.
He highlighted the daily challenges confronting Sierra Leonean workers, including inadequate wages, salary delays, rampant job insecurity, and a troubling rise in youth unemployment.
Dr. Bangura proposed a transformative social contract aimed at tackling these issues head-on. Central to his proposal is a commitment to fair wages, ensuring every worker earns a living wage that reflects the cost of living.
He advocated for significant investment in education and vocational training, recognizing their critical role in equipping the workforce with competitive skills.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for stronger labour unions to effectively champion workers’ rights and secure better conditions.
“With April salaries still unpaid, many workers are struggling to afford basic necessities. Dr. Bangura’s message is more than just words—it brings hope to empty stomachs and reassurance to weary hearts,” said Mohamed Jalloh, a civil servant in Freetown.
Access to health insurance and pension security also featured prominently in Dr. Bangura’s vision, addressing the urgent need for a safety net that protects workers during and after their careers.
“We feel seen and valued,” expressed Fatmata Kamara, a teacher in Bo. “Dr. Bangura’s unwavering commitment to fair wages and improved working conditions, along with his emphasis on investment in education, ignites our hopes for a brighter future.”
Abdul Sesay, a miner from Kono, echoed this sentiment: “For the first time, we have seen a leader who genuinely understands the daily struggles we face. His call for prioritizing equity over exploitation resonates deeply with what we, as workers, desperately need as a nation.”
Dr. Bangura’s focus on youth employment and the cultivation of digital skills prompted an enthusiastic response from job seekers. “As a recent graduate facing difficulty in securing a job, his vision for job creation and skills development fills me with hope,” shared Mariama Conteh, a young woman from Makeni.
Her words reflect the aspirations of many youths striving for meaningful employment opportunities.
The impact of Dr. Bangura’s address transcends rhetoric; it has fostered a renewed sense of unity and purpose within Sierra Leone’s workforce.
Workers from all walks of life are coming together, inspired by his message and strengthened by a collective desire for dignity, opportunity, and progress.
As the nation reflects on the invaluable contributions of its workers, Dr. Bangura’s call to action serves as a beacon of hope and a rallying cry for a more equitable future for all.
