President Bio’s Big Five Agenda Promising & Encouraging
A Citizen’s Assessment of President Bio’s Big Five Agenda
“Development is freedom. The freedom to think, to act, to participate, and to shape our own destinies.” — Amartya Sen
You might wonder why a diplomat would take time to assess any government policy agenda. For me, civic responsibility goes beyond any title or role. It is a daily commitment. Whether representing Sierra Leone abroad or engaging at home, I believe every citizen has a duty to thoughtfully engage with our nation’s future. For nearly two years, I have studied the Big Five’s impact by reviewing MDAs’ engagements with the policy, listening to citizens’ praise and critique, and reflecting on its broader civic purpose.
This essay is not about politics; it is a citizen’s honest reflection on our progress and the work ahead. With that perspective, the question remains: are the Big Five delivering on their promise? Let us examine each pillar to understand where we stand and what lies ahead for all of us.
Free Quality Education stands out as a foundational achievement. The abolition of school fees and expanded support for students and teachers have opened classroom doors to thousands of children, who might otherwise have been left behind. Enrollment rates have climbed, and initiatives such as school feeding, and enhanced teacher training have gained real momentum. Yet, despite these advances, disparities in educational quality remain, particularly in rural communities where resources are stretched, and some basic needs go unmet. The groundwork is encouraging, but only through sustained investment and creative solutions can we ensure that every child receives not just access, but an education that truly transforms lives.
Building on this, Human Capital Development acknowledges that a nation’s future is anchored in the health, skills, and livelihoods of its people. There have been meaningful strides as youth programs, maternal health initiatives, and vocational training centers have expanded opportunities for many. However, the reach of these programs remains uneven, and more effective coordination between agencies is needed to maximize their impact. Budgetary constraints and service gaps continue to pose obstacles. Nevertheless, the trajectory is positive, and with scaled-up efforts and better integration, the potential for broader, lasting impact is considerable.
Turning to the digital realm, Digital Governance has emerged as a key pillar in the country’s modernization drive. The creation of the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Communication signaled a clear commitment to transparency and efficiency, with progress evident in the digitization of public records and the nurturing of tech hubs. However, the benefits of these advances are not yet universal. Digital literacy and access in rural areas lag, and concerns about data privacy remain unresolved. For digital governance to reach its full promise, inclusivity and security must be at its core, ensuring that technological progress uplifts all citizens, not just those in urban centers.
Equally important is the ongoing battle against corruption. Anti-Corruption and Institutional Reform efforts have produced some measurable results, from more rigorous audits to procurement reforms, and heightened oversight. These steps have helped raise public awareness and set, possibly, a higher bar for integrity in public service. Still, corruption endures as a systemic challenge, one that demands unwavering, transparent enforcement. Building a culture of accountability is not a quick fix, but a generational task, requiring vigilance from both government and citizens. Progress in this area is essential, as public trust in institutions forms the bedrock for all other reforms.
Finally, the pursuit of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment continues to shape the national conversation. The passage of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act represents a significant legislative milestone. Women’s representation in leadership is increasing, and legal protections are stronger than before. Yet, obstacles to economic participation and other rights persist, and shifts in societal attitudes have been increasing. The real test now lies in translating legal advances into daily reality, ensuring that equality is not just written into law, but experienced by women in every community.
Taken together, these pillars illustrate both the ambition of the Big Five and the complexity of translating vision into reality. Progress is evident, but so too are the challenges that remain. The path forward demands not only continued government commitment, but active, informed engagement from all Sierra Leoneans.
Beyond these core pillars, the establishment of new ministries has opened further avenues for governmental coordination and progress. The creation of the Ministry of Civic Education and Information, alongside the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Communication, has filled longstanding gaps in our governance architecture. Civic education is essential for nurturing informed and active citizens, while technological innovation is crucial for economic competitiveness. When managed effectively, these ministries can foster greater trust and opportunity. However, their success depends on remaining lean, efficient, and responsive to the evolving needs of the public.
Naturally, no reform agenda is without obstacles. Infrastructure deficits, economic pressures, and the complexities of inter-agency coordination continue to test the resilience of these reforms. Such challenges should not be seen as reasons for resignation, but rather as calls to collective action and perseverance. Obviously, this is not a comprehensive outlook on the documented successes, nor the ongoing challenges of this visionary mandate by President Bio; however, it gives a worthy reflection of citizens’ engagement and promise of its potential national impact.
President Bio’s Big Five agenda deserves recognition for its ambition and its steadfast attempt to address some of the nation’s most pressing needs. The vision is commendable, and the progress made in several areas is both promising and encouraging. Yet, the journey is far from complete. The ultimate measure of success will not be in the promises made, but in the tangible improvements experienced by citizens in every corner of the country.
For Sierra Leone to realize the full potential of the Big Five, all stakeholders including government, opposition, civil society, and ordinary citizens must engage constructively. Constructive criticism, civic participation, and a willingness to work across divides are essential. The challenges are real, but so too is our capacity for collective progress. Let us move forward with honesty, unity, and determination, ensuring that the Big Five become not just a symbol of hope, but a lived reality for all Sierra Leoneans.
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