Director Musa Koroma Under Scrutiny

By Mackie M Jalloh

In the heart of Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, lies the PWD Area Youth Development Organization, a beacon of hope for generations of young people seeking skills and opportunities. Established in response to the clarion call of the National Provisional Ruling Council in the 1990s, this organization has served as a sanctuary for hundreds of youths,offering training in welding and carpentry, nurturing talents, and empowering the community.

However, on the ominous day of January 6th, 2024, this sanctuary was shattered. The peace of the PWD youth training center was violently disrupted, not by an act of nature, but by the cold, calculated actions of individuals sworn to protect and uphold justice.

The Secretary-General, Mr. Mohamed Badamasi Cole, stood before the press, his voice trembling with indignation as he recounted the events leading to the destruction of their beloved training center. With unwavering resolve, he detailed the years of dedicated service the organization had provided, the legal ownership they held over the land, and the brutal manner in which it was snatched away from them.

At the heart of this betrayal stands Shalimar, an Indian businessman, whose greed knows no bounds. With the complicity of corrupt government officials from the Ministry of Lands, Shalimar orchestrated the demolition of the youth training center, leaving behind a trail of devastation and despair.

The story begins with a piece of land apportioned to the PWD youth organization by the National Provisional Ruling Council in the 1990s. This land, once a symbol of hope and progress, became the battleground for a gross miscarriage of justice. Despite possessing a conveyance granting them freehold ownership, the organization found itself at the mercy of Shalimar’s insatiable greed.

The destruction of the youth training center was not merely an act of vandalism; it was a calculated assault on the future of Sierra Leone’s youths. With the center reduced to rubble, over four hundred young individuals were left stranded, their dreams shattered, and their futures uncertain. The ripple effects of this heinous act extend far beyond the physical boundaries of the demolished structure; they permeate the very fabric of society, leaving a scar that may never fully heal.

The complicity of government officials, cannot be overlooked. By aiding and abetting Shalimar’s nefarious deeds, these officials betrayed not only their oath of office, but also the trust of the people they swore to serve. Their actions represent a grave miscarriage of justice and a blatant disregard for the rule of law.

As the dust settles on the ruins of the youth training center, the PWD Area Youth Development Organization stands defiant. They refuse to be silenced or intimidated, vowing to fight for justice through legal means. Their demand for accountability echoes through the corridors of power, a reminder that no one is above the law, not even those entrusted with its enforcement.

In the face of adversity, the resilience of the Sierra Leonean people shines through. The betrayal perpetrated by Shalimar and his cohorts will not deter them from their pursuit of a better future. They stand united in their quest for justice, unwavering in their determination to rebuild what was unjustly destroyed.

The destruction of the youth training center at the hands of Shalimar and Ministry officials, is not just a tragedy; it is a wake-up call. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked greed and corruption, and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

In the end, justice will prevail. The PWD Area Youth Development Organization will rise from the ashes, stronger and more determined than ever before. And Shalimar and his accomplices will face the full force of the law, their reign of terror brought to an end. For the youths of Sierra Leone, the struggle continues, but so too does the hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Amidst the allegations and accusations swirling around the demolition of the PWD youth training center, Mr. Shalimar, when approached via WhatsApp message, vehemently denied any involvement in the land dispute. He maintained his stance, adamantly asserting that he had no hands in the matter whatsoever. According to Shalimar, the land in question had been leased to an individual named Mohamed, who is currently in the process of constructing shops on the site.

Shalimar’s denial adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, casting doubt on the extent of his involvement in the demolition. His assertion raises questions about the true ownership status of the land and the validity of the claims made by the PWD Area Youth Development Organization. As the story unfolds, conflicting accounts from different parties involved deepen the mystery surrounding the destruction of the youth training center, leaving journalists and the public alike grappling with the truth, amidst a tangled web of allegations and denials.