By Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray
One of the greatest resources available to any country is not its minerals, forests, or rivers, but its people. Across the world, nations are making deliberate efforts to attract investments from their citizens both at home and abroad. These citizens are seen as development partners and nation-builders.
Unfortunately, the situation in Sierra Leone presents a different picture.
There are countless Sierra Leoneans who have sacrificed their time, resources, and expertise to contribute to national development. Many have invested in businesses, agriculture, real estate, education, and community projects with the hope of creating jobs and improving the lives of fellow citizens. Yet, instead of being celebrated and supported, many have become victims of frustration, uncertainty, and disappointment.
In recent years, concerns have grown regarding the investment climate in Sierra Leone. Many Sierra Leoneans living abroad have reported losing substantial sums of money due to land disputes, fraudulent transactions, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and weak institutional protection. Some have returned home with dreams of investing in their communities only to encounter endless challenges that ultimately force them to abandon their projects.
The consequences are far-reaching. Every abandoned investment represents lost jobs, reduced economic growth, and missed opportunities for local communities. Investors who suffer losses often discourage others from investing, creating a cycle that damages the country’s reputation among Sierra Leoneans abroad.
The vision behind the establishment of the Office of Diaspora Affairs during the administration of President Ernest Bai Koroma was to strengthen the relationship between Sierra Leone and its citizens abroad. The objective was to create confidence and provide a platform through which diaspora Sierra Leoneans could safely participate in national development. While the vision was commendable, many investors continue to express concerns about the protection of their investments and property rights.
The recent controversy surrounding the fate of Union Trust Bank, founded by the late Dr. James Sanpha Koroma, has further fueled debate about indigenous investment and the treatment of local entrepreneurs. Dr. Sanpha Koroma dedicated much of his life to building one of Sierra Leone’s most significant indigenous financial institutions. Regardless of differing opinions surrounding the circumstances that led to the bank’s takeover, many citizens view the situation as a reminder of the challenges faced by local investors and the need for stronger support mechanisms for indigenous businesses.
Across Africa, countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia have adopted policies aimed at encouraging diaspora participation in national development. In Ghana, diaspora remittances reached approximately US$7.8 billion in 2025. These countries actively court diaspora investments through dedicated agencies, investment incentives, legal protections, and recognition programmes. Their governments understand that diaspora citizens are not merely sources of remittances but strategic partners in economic transformation.
Sierra Leone must adopt a similar approach. The nation cannot achieve sustainable economic growth while discouraging the very people who are willing to invest their resources, knowledge, and experience in its development. Stronger land governance systems, improved investor protection, transparent regulatory frameworks, and efficient dispute-resolution mechanisms are essential if confidence is to be restored.
Patriotism should not only be measured by political participation or public service. It should also be measured by the willingness of citizens to invest in their country despite the challenges they face. These investors are among Sierra Leone’s forgotten patriots. They deserve protection, recognition, and encouragement rather than frustration and disappointment.
If Sierra Leone is serious about development, it must create an environment where both local and diaspora investors feel secure. The future prosperity of our nation depends not only on attracting foreign investors but also on empowering Sierra Leoneans to invest confidently in their own country.
