By Momoh Moriba
Sierra Leone’s Gender Adviser Isata Mahoi Kabba has drawn attention to the rising cost of luxury items in personal relationships, warning that such spending can create financial pressure for men in leadership positions.
Kabba cited the example of human hair extensions, which she said can cost up to 8,000 leones, and suggested that some men prioritise spending on girlfriends while their wives and families struggle financially.
Her comments have sparked discussion about the broader intersection of personal relationships and political power in Sierra Leone. Kabba’s own background has been referenced in the debate: before becoming First Lady, she had a relationship with the late president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, whom she later married while she was reportedly still a university student.
Some analysts say that history adds context to her observations about the expectations and pressures placed on men in positions of influence, while others argue that her experience informs her perspective on broader social norms and financial behaviour among public figures.
Observers note that Kabba’s remarks highlight ongoing conversations in Sierra Leone about accountability, social norms, and the responsibilities of men in positions of authority.
