A Sierra Leonean model, entrepreneur and student leader, Mariama Mubanatu Kamara, has shared how her view on politics changed over the years, leading her into leadership and public service.
Kamara said she once had no interest in politics, describing it as a space filled with broken promises and disappointment. She noted that she used to dislike politics and politicians, as she felt many leaders failed to deliver on their promises.
However, her perspective began to change during her time at university. She recalled conversations with a lecturer, E’moh T Gbondo, who shared important insights about governance.
She also highlighted a statement from her classmate, Ibrahim Sorie Kabia, which she said had a lasting impact on her thinking. According to Kamara, he told her that if good people avoid politics, leadership will be left in the hands of the wrong people.
Kamara said those words stayed with her and gradually influenced her decisions. From her first year to graduation, she became more involved in leadership roles, serving in different capacities both on campus and beyond.
She explained that through these experiences, she developed a strong interest in governance, leadership and public service. As an economist and someone passionate about development, she said she believes that problems should not only be identified but also solved.
Kamara also expressed her growing belief in Pan-African ideals, noting that many of Africa’s challenges go beyond national borders and require collective solutions.
She referenced the words of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, who once said: “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.”
Kamara is currently in Liberia, where she has joined other young leaders from across the continent at the Young Political Leadership School Africa. She said she is looking forward to learning, engaging in discussions, and building connections that will help young people move from participation into real influence and action.
She described the opportunity as the beginning of an important journey focused on growth, learning and leadership.
