Contrary to His Misleading Statement…
By Day Break
In a shocking revelation that has sparked nationwide outrage, credible data has confirmed that over 70% of Sierra Leone’s youth remain unemployed — a grim statistic that directly contradicts recent public claims made by the Presidential Spokesman, Alhaji Alpha Khan. The discrepancy has fueled public distrust and intensified scrutiny of government efforts toward addressing youth empowerment and job creation.
Just weeks ago, the Presidential Spokesman confidently stated during a televised interview that the youth unemployment rate had drastically dropped due to several ongoing government initiatives. He claimed that, “the government has created thousands of jobs” and that “youth unemployment is no longer a national crisis.” However, independent reports from civil society organizations, labor market analysts, and youth advocacy groups paint a very different picture.
According to findings from a recent nationwide survey conducted by the Sierra Leone Labour Observatory in partnership with international agencies, over 70% of young people between the ages of 18 and 35 remain jobless or underemployed, surviving through informal work, petty trading, or not working at all. The report highlights a lack of sustainable job opportunities, inadequate skills training, and widespread corruption as key contributors to the crisis.
Many young citizens have taken to social media, calling out what they now label as “government propaganda.” One user wrote, “We are hungry, jobless, and desperate. Stop lying to the world. Come to the ghetto and see for yourself!” Another lamented, “If 70% of us are jobless, where are the jobs you say you created?”
In a recent report presented to President Bio at State House by the Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, he pleaded with President Bio for the need for more consolidation of youth development efforts across sectors and the creation of a National Youth Wealth Programmes. Minister Sannoh said, ‘’I am confident we can build a Sierra Leone where every young person has the opportunity to strive.’’
Mr. Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager and representative of international donor partners emphasized the importance of expanding vocational and skills training for young people.
The government’s youth-related projects, including skills training programs, entrepreneurship funds, and public works schemes, have been criticized for lacking transparency and failing to reach the intended beneficiaries. Some initiatives, such as the Youth in Fisheries Project and Youth Farm Schemes, have either stalled or been marred by allegations of mismanagement.
Opposition parties have not remained silent. The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament described the situation as “a betrayal of trust and a mockery to the youth of this country.” He further called for an urgent parliamentary probe into the effectiveness and accountability of all government-funded youth employment projects.
Meanwhile, youth advocacy organizations have begun mobilizing for what they describe as a “National Youth Reality March”, to peacefully protest and demand a clear roadmap for sustainable employment. The organizers say the march aims to pressure the government into establishing a Youth Employment Emergency Task Force that includes representatives from youth groups, civil society, and the private sector.
With the country’s future resting heavily on its young population, experts warn that if this crisis remains unaddressed, it could lead to widespread disillusionment, and increased migration.
As the truth comes to light, the government is now under immense pressure to come clean, reassess its strategies, and provide real solutions to the pressing youth unemployment crisis — not just promises and public relations spin.
Day Break Newspaper will continue to track this developing story and bring you updates on the youth-led movement and government response.
