Alpha Kanu Defends President Bio’s Development Agenda on National Radio
By: Osman Marah
Presidential Spokesman Alpha Kanu has publicly defended President Julius Maada Bio’s development efforts, highlighting key achievements in education, agriculture, and local production during an appearance on the Epic Morning Show on Tuesday.
Kanu praised President Bio’s commitment to national transformation, stating that education remains central to the government’s agenda. “Education is central to the president’s vision,” Kanu said. “He believes that only an educated society can truly develop.”
He cited progress in agricultural production, including the cultivation of over 30,000 hectares of rice in 2024. According to Kanu, some of the harvest is now being preserved as seed stock, reducing Sierra Leone’s reliance on rice imports. He contrasted this with the policies of the previous All People’s Congress (APC) government, which he said failed to prioritize food self-sufficiency.
Kanu also pointed to advancements in local manufacturing, noting the domestic production of cooking oil and onions, and plans to begin iron rod manufacturing. These efforts, he said, are part of a broader initiative to grow the country’s industrial base and lessen dependence on imported goods.
Encouraging citizens to engage in agriculture and entrepreneurship, Kanu said more than 70% of Sierra Leoneans are already self-employed, particularly in the informal sector.
On international affairs, Kanu revealed that he led negotiations with former Guinean President Alpha Condé over the disputed border town of Yenga during the tenure of former President Ernest Bai Koroma. However, he expressed concern that agreements reached during those talks have since been suspended by Guinea’s current military government.
Addressing ongoing education sector challenges, Kanu acknowledged the importance of teacher qualifications but emphasized that systemic issues predate President Bio’s administration. “President Bio should not be blamed for longstanding problems,” he said.
Kanu’s comments come amid increased scrutiny of the Bio administration’s handling of economic pressures and public services, as Sierra Leone navigates post-pandemic recovery and global market disruptions.
