By: Andrew Chokpeleh
Freetown, 27th October 2025– As part of his outreach to understand the daily struggles of ordinary citizens, Ady Macauley, one of the flagbearer aspirants of the All People’s Congress (APC) party, visited the Waterloo and Tombo markets. His goal was to engage with market women and community members to learn firsthand about the difficulties they face and to identify practical solutions that could be reflected in his manifesto if he becomes President.
During his address to the Waterloo market women, Macauley highlighted the severe economic challenges Sierra Leone is currently facing. He noted that many market women are finding it increasingly difficult to grow their businesses, with survival itself becoming a daily struggle. Macauley also expressed concern about the growing drug problem, particularly the widespread use of kush, which he said has destroyed the lives of many young people across the country. He promised that if elected as the APC flagbearer and subsequently as President, he would make tackling these issues a top priority.
At the Tombo fishing grounds, the Deputy Chairman, Foday Kanu, welcomed Macauley’s visit, saying it gave the fishermen a chance to express their concerns directly. Kanu explained that one of their biggest problems is the lack of proper storage facilities to preserve fish, which often leads to spoilage when sales are slow. He expressed hope that Macauley would address these challenges if he becomes President, pledging his full support and that of his fellow fishermen to
Macauley’s political ambitions.
In Waterloo, Market Chairlady Mabinty praised Macauley’s youthfulness, saying the country needs a young leader who understands the struggles of fellow young people. She showed him the current poor state of the market and appealed for improvements. Mabinty lamented that many politicians visit markets only when they are seeking power but disappear once they achieve it. She expressed hope that Macauley would be different. In response, Macauley assured the market women that he would continue visiting them even after gaining political power, reaffirming his commitment to maintaining a close relationship with the people.
In Tombo, the community’s youth chairman, Gibrilla Sesay, also spoke about the challenges facing young people. He explained that most of them depend on fishing for a living, but many lack their own boats and are forced to work for others. Sesay expressed deep concern about the high rate of drug abuse among the youth, noting that many young men die on the streets from kush consumption, often leaving community members to bury them. He said he regularly tries to advise them to quit the habit but believes that creating job opportunities would be the best way to help them. Sesay concluded by expressing optimism that if Ady Macauley becomes President, he will create employment opportunities for the youth in the Tombo community.
Macauley’s visit to Waterloo and Tombo was therefore both an act of listening and a show of empathy a chance to connect directly with those most affected by the nation’s current economic and social challenges, and to demonstrate the kind of leadership he promises to bring if given the opportunity to serve.
