Honoring Lives Lost. Supporting the Living. Strengthening the Future of Road Safety in Sierra Leone

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2025

Every year, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims calls the world to pause—to remember, to reflect, and to recommit.

Today, Marampa Times joins Sierra Leone and the global community in paying solemn tribute to the countless souls whose lives have been cut short on our nation’s roads. Behind every crash statistic is a grieving family, a lost dream, a community shaken, a future altered forever.

But today is also a day to recognize the courage of survivors, the resilience of families left behind, and the tireless efforts of those working daily to prevent more tragedy.

HONORING THE LEADERSHIP DRIVING CHANGE

Sierra Leone continues to make meaningful strides in improving road safety—and we must acknowledge the leadership guiding this transformation.

We commend the Government of Sierra Leone and its executive agency, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), for their commitment to a safer future for all road users. Under the dynamic leadership of James Baggison Bio, SLRSA has taken bold steps to strengthen institutional systems, enforce safety standards, and promote national consciousness on responsible road use.

We further celebrate the Executive Board Members of SLRSA, whose guidance and oversight continue to be a stabilising force in shaping the country’s road safety trajectory. Their work is not glamorous, but its impact is immeasurable—lives saved, tragedies prevented, families spared from grief.

THE UNSEEN HEROES: CIVIL SOCIETY AND THIRD SECTOR CHAMPIONS

Government action alone cannot conquer the scourge of road crashes. Sierra Leone has been blessed with dedicated civil society organisations that have refused to stand by while lives are lost.

We pay special tribute to:

• Drive Safe Alliance – Sierra Leone (DSA–SL)

• Road Safe Salone (RSSL)

These organisations continue to show extraordinary commitment—on the ground, in communities, in schools, at motor parks, and even at accident scenes.

Their advocacy, public education, and community outreach are saving lives every day. They have proven themselves dependable partners, standing firm through challenges and championing road safety when many others turned away.

We pray that the partnership between SLRSA and these Third Sector organisations continues to strengthen, for a united movement is the strongest weapon against road traffic tragedies.

A NATION IN MOURNING: REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS

Today, we bow our heads in reverence. Let us remember:

• The men and women who left home and never returned.

• The children—so innocent, so full of promise—whose lives were stolen on the roads they walk to school.

• The families forever changed: parents grieving children, children without parents, widows and widowers navigating life alone.

• The breadwinners whose deaths plunged households into poverty.

• The dedicated workers whose employers lost invaluable talent.

• The citizens whose contributions to the nation—economic, social, and civic—were abruptly silenced.

Each life lost is not just a personal tragedy but a national loss.

When a breadwinner dies, a family collapses.

When a skilled worker dies, an employer suffers.

When a tax-paying citizen dies, the state loses revenue and productivity.

When a child dies, Sierra Leone loses a future leader.

The ripple effect of road traffic incidents is deep, painful, and long-lasting.

A TIME FOR REFLECTION, A CALL TO ACTION

The memories of victims fuel the urgency of our collective mission. Their stories remind us that road safety is not a policy issue—it is a matter of life and death.

This year’s commemoration must inspire:

• Safer roads

• Stricter enforcement

• More awareness and education

• Stronger partnerships

• A national cultural shift toward responsible road use

Every life saved is a victory for Sierra Leone.

IN THEIR MEMORY, WE RISE

As we remember the fallen, let us honour them with action.

As we comfort the families, let us support them with compassion.

As we recognise the champions of road safety, let us empower them further.

As we strengthen our institutions, let us uphold accountability and collaboration.

Today, Marampa Times stands with the victims, the survivors, the families, the government, SLRSA, and the civil society champions who continue to fight this silent battle.

Let this not be a day of mourning alone, but a day of renewed commitment to protect every life on our roads.

May the souls of all who died in road traffic crashes rest in perfect peace. May those who mourn find comfort. And may Sierra Leone continue its march toward safer, more responsible roads for all.

A Marampa Times Feature – Informing, Inspiring, Advocating.