Dr. Chernoh Alpha M. Bah: Crusader Against Neocolonialism and Corruption in West Africa”

By Julius T Jaesen II 

Managing Editor

Democracy Watch

juliusjaesen@gmail.com

In the annals of history, few figures shine as brightly as Dr. Chernoh Alpha M. Bah, a titan of intellect, activism, and unwavering dedication to the upliftment of his beloved Sierra Leone and the broader African continent. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a formidable force against neocolonialism and oppression is nothing short of extraordinary, marked by tireless advocacy, incisive journalism, and profound scholarship.

Born into a nation still grappling with the shadows of colonialism, Dr. Bah’s early years were imbued with a deep sense of injustice and a burning desire for change. His path intersected with journalism early on, as he recognised the power of the written word to expose truths and mobilise communities. As a journalist, he fearlessly tackled the entrenched structures of power, shining a light on corruption, exploitation, and the enduring legacies of colonial plunder.

It was in the crucible of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa that Dr. Bah’s voice rang loudest. His seminal work, “The Ebola Outbreak in West Africa: Corporate Gangsters, Multinationals, and Rogue Politicians (2015),” stands as proof of his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. In this groundbreaking exposé, Dr. Bah laid bare the intersecting forces of corporate greed, political negligence, and international indifference that allowed the epidemic to ravage communities with devastating consequences. Through meticulous research and piercing analyses, he illuminated the systemic failures that exacerbated the crisis, holding accountable those who prioritised profit over human lives.

But Dr. Bah’s intellectual prowess extended far beyond the pages of his acclaimed book. In “Neocolonialism in West Africa: A Collection of Articles and Essays” published in 2014, he dismantled the facade of progress propagated by neocolonial forces, revealing the insidious ways in which exploitation and domination persisted under new guises. With each essay, he challenged Eurocentric narratives and advocated for a reclamation of African agency, urging his avid readers to confront the legacies of colonialism that continued to shape their realities.

In the realm of academia, Dr. Bah’s contributions are equally profound. His seminal essay, “Eurocentric Epistemology: Questioning the Narrative on the Epidemic’s Origin,” published in Ibrahim Abdullah and Ismail Rashid’s “Understanding West Africa’s Ebola Epidemic: Towards a Political Economy,” challenged mainstream narratives surrounding the origins of the epidemic. Through meticulous analyses and rigorous interrogation of historical contexts, he unveiled the inherent biases embedded within Eurocentric epistemologies, offering a more nuanced understanding of the epidemic’s genesis rooted in colonial histories and structural inequalities.

As Editor-in-Chief of the Africanist Press, Dr. Bah wielded his pen as a mighty sword against oppression and injustice. Under his stewardship, the publication became a bastion of independent journalism, unafraid to confront power and amplify the voices of the marginalised. Through investigative reporting and incisive commentary, Dr. Bah and his team exposed corruption, human rights abuses, and the systemic inequities that plagued Sierra Leone and the wider African continent.

In every facet of his work, Dr. Chernoh Alpha M. Bah exemplified the highest ideals of courage, integrity, and intellectual rigour. His legacy endures as a pathfinder of hope for future generations, inspiring all who dare to challenge the status quo and envision a world free from the shackles of colonialism and oppression.