People Politics and Power

The Ebola Crisis and the Global Response I watched with growing disbelief as the Ebola crisis unfolded in West Africa. I was in Sierra Leone in April of the year the country was declared Ebola-free. Despite extensive media coverage on prevention and identification measures, within five months, Sierra Leone was overwhelmed by the virus. The nation became synonymous with disease, poverty, and inefficiency—experiences that, as a Sierra Leonean, were deeply painful. Yet, my pride in my roots has only grown stronger. At the onset of the outbreak, the global response was slow, and many in the diaspora were dismissive of the situation's gravity. I knew first-hand that cultural beliefs, ignorance, and illiteracy could hinder efforts to contain the virus. However, the larger issue was the heavy reliance on outside intervention, particularly from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), whose guidance often appeared misdirected. Consider the decision not to close bord...

"Cumberbatch controversy is ridiculous" says Selma Star David Oyelowo   Benedict Cumberbatch recently made a mistake on the Tavis Smiley Show when he used the term "coloured" to refer to Black people. (By the way, I feel comfortable using the term "Black" myself, as I am Black.) His intention was to make a valid point, but the backlash was swift and severe. The point he was trying to make was drowned out by a wave of political correctness. I read about it in the news yesterday, and I couldn’t help but feel that the uproar overshadowed the real issue. Yes, he used the term "coloured," which many would consider outdated, but I began to wonder: What would have been the "politically correct" term to use, especially when trying to address a diverse group of ethnic minorities in the West? We can't be called "nigger," as it is extremely derogatory (and only Black people can reclaim that word, it seems). We can't b...

A Reflection on the Judicial System and Mortgage Arrears Over 10 years ago,  My Husband and I  found myself facing the court system for the first time due to mortgage arrears caused by unemployment. Despite numerous attempts to negotiate with my mortgage provider, they insisted on pursuing legal action. This experience gave me a first-hand look at how the judiciary functions, and I can't help but feel disillusioned by the way it unfolded. Upon arriving at court, the bank’s lawyer immediately attempted to rush through a deal that would have resulted in the repossession of our home within 56 days. When the case was presented to the judge, the decision was made based on our submitted financial position and the lawyer’s argument about our lack of payment. However, no one asked us about the circumstances behind the missed payments—why we couldn’t pay and what had led to the arrears. The judge simply ruled in favour of the bank. Walking out of the court, I felt an overwhelming sense...

Revised Proposal for a New Political System:  "Accountabilism" I watched a video recently that argued democracy, as a political system of governance, may be becoming obsolete. The presenter pointed out several reasons, emphasizing that the concept of democracy—specifically "one person, one vote"—fails to address a critical aspect of human behavior: the inherent desire for pleasure-seeking. This notion resonated with me, and I’ve long believed that pure democracy is a myth. The very advocates of democracy often manipulate elections through various means—whether by hacking computer systems, spreading misinformation, slandering opposition, or using fear and financial incentives to sway voters. In reality, political parties are more focused on winning elections than on genuinely serving the people. If democracy is truly “for the people, by the people,” it has failed because the people often make decisions based not on truth or facts, but on coercion, manipulation, or s...

Do you have a say in how your life is shaped by society, or are you simply following the trends of the moment? What would you speak out about if given the opportunity? Many of us have strong opinions on various issues, but are our voices truly heard? Do we have a genuine influence over the decisions that impact our lives, or are we merely passive participants in a system that often feels out of our control? Key Issues: Environment, Politics, Education, Health, Money, Law, and Religion Our opinions on the environment, politics, education, health, money, law, and religion shape the way we interact with the world. But, do these issues merely reflect the status quo, or are they actively shaped by our voices and actions? In a society where the rich and powerful often have disproportionate influence, it’s worth asking: Who truly decides? Environment – How do we balance economic growth with environmental sustainability? Are we doing enough to safeguard the planet for future generations? Poli...

The Two Faces of Pride: A Journey of Self-Realization There’s a feeling of grandeur that comes when you achieve your dreams: a sense of extreme importance, of having risen above, of being overqualified, overexposed, and indispensable. It’s the thrill of having an opinion in every conversation, of providing solutions to every dilemma. You revel in the adulation of your fans, and life feels like an unending celebration. Pride is an intoxicating feeling. You punch the air with satisfaction and dance your way to the bank, the pub, the hotel, the boardroom, the platform, even the throne. Life feels good—no, better than good—it feels great . The rush is contagious, and everyone wants a taste. If I could bottle this feeling and sell it, it would be worth more than Bitcoin. But then, what happens when it all goes south? When you become a nonentity, dispensable, criticized, and ignored? When your opinion no longer matters, the boardroom doors are closed in your face, creditors are at your door,...

If Mandel left a letter to all world leaders and potential world leaders this is what it will say. Dear Leader, "I am leaving now. Goodbye. It is your turn. My hope for you is that you will stand on my shoulders, walk taller, see farther, speak clearer, and do greater things than I have done as I go the way of all things. I have shown you that with passion, determination, and vision, you can accomplish anything. Dream bigger. Do not let your inhibitions shackle you, and do not worry about what others will say. Live life to the fullest. If you do, even a prison cell can become a palace—a place of transformation, enlightenment, focus, and redirection. It can become a turning point for global change. Let your dreams be bigger than yourself, outlasting your lifetime and showing humanity a better way. Do not be afraid of anything. If death comes, accept it—it will never come a day sooner than destined. Look at me: I am proof of this. Fight for what you believe in. Do not settle f...

Africa, a continent of immense talent and creativity, is paradoxically also one of the most imprisoned and misunderstood places on Earth. It is a continent deeply entrenched in traditions, bound by religion, and riddled with internal struggles over identity. Many African nations hold a pervasive belief that foreign goods, systems, and cultures are superior to what they already possess. Yet, beneath this surface lies a continent slowly awakening to its vast potential. Can democracy thrive in such a complex environment? To any enlightened observer, the answer might be “no.” Western political systems, particularly democracy, are often imposed on African nations as the ideal governance model. Leaders who stray from this prescribed system are swiftly branded as dictators. However, it is worth critically examining the concept of democracy itself and its practical application in both the West and Africa. A Closer Look at Democracy In the West, democracy is championed as a system of governan...

The Common Wealth: A Reflection What is the Commonwealth? This morning, I woke up with a persistent thought ringing in my mind: What is the Commonwealth? Taken at face value, the term feels promising, even idealistic. If I’d somehow fallen asleep in the 1600s and woken up in 2024 to hear the phrase "the Commonwealth," I’d probably imagine something like: "Wealth for the common people." "A shared pool of resources distributed equitably." Or perhaps, "a collective fund to which everyone has an equal claim." But is that what the Commonwealth actually is? Understanding the Commonwealth From what I’ve gathered, membership in the Commonwealth supposedly brings several benefits: Political and diplomatic influence Member states have a platform to discuss global issues, advocate for their interests, and influence international policies—particularly useful for smaller nations. Economic cooperation The Commonwealth fosters shared trade opportunities, invest...

Women in Politics: A Vision for a Better Future Photo credit:ghanaweb.com Reflections on Women’s Political Leadership and Ghana’s Historic Milestone Many years ago, I had the privilege of attending the National Women’s Conference in Abuja. Organized to inspire women to participate in politics, the event was hosted by the then Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anini. The distinguished guest of honour was the then first lady of the republic of Nigeria Her Excellency, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, and in attendance were the wives of governors, senators, and other legislators. As a foreigner married to a Nigerian, I was struck by the sheer level of protocol at the event. Coming from a background far removed from politics, I found it both fascinating and overwhelming. My own tribe—the Creoles of Sierra Leone—believes that academics should steer clear of politics, a notion deeply ingrained in my upbringing. Yet, I’ve always held a personal belief that anyone with a genuine h...

Security Versus Education, Healthcare and Employment reforms Photo Credit: fairobserver.com Are We All on the Same Page, Just Approaching This from Different Perspectives? I was listening to the news many years ago about Colombia's election and the first-round results. As the newscaster discussed the various manifestos of the contenders, I found myself reflecting on the perspectives presented. The leader in the first round focused on security, while the runner-up emphasized healthcare, employment, and education. Let’s delve into these two perspectives in more detail. Security: A Deep Concern for Colombians Security is a critical concern for Colombians, particularly those displaced by drug wars. The first-round winner proposes continued use of force to stabilize the situation and promote security. However, in my opinion, this approach is akin to putting a plaster on a wound without addressing its underlying cause. Imagine a wound caused by a thorn. Covering the wound with a plaster...

Who owns the Earth? Photo credit:countercurrent.org Do you know the answer to that? I’ve been wondering myself. When you were born, did you come into the world with a piece of the Earth, like a spaceship that landed in your place of birth? Does that mean you have no free choice as to where you can live? It seems like every person is born with restrictions they have no say over. For example, if you're born in the USA or Russia, does that automatically grant you the right to own the country? Isn’t this the root of the problem? The Earth is filled with beautiful places, rich in natural resources and skilled people. We’ve created a global economy, but we still get jittery when someone wants to move to our country. The Historical Context of Global Power Your side became economically stable by forcibly demanding embassies in my side, fighting and killing to gain control. At that time, it wasn’t considered dictatorship or totalitarianism to impose your will on another nation. It was...