Dr. Kaifala Marah

By Emma Black

As Sierra Leone marked its 64th Independence Anniversary, one man stood out in the town of Port Loko  Dr. Kaifala Marah. He celebrated this important day with the people in grand style and shared a strong message of unity, development, and New Hope.

Dr. Marah, who once served as Minister of Finance, Bank Governor, Chief of Staff, and Foreign Minister, was warmly welcomed by chiefs, youth, women, and even traditional society members. Many people came out in large numbers to celebrate with him. Okada and Keke riders also joined the event, proudly showing their support for his leadership.

The town was full of music, dancing, and smiles. People wore red and white, the national colors, to show pride in the country, the atmosphere was lively, and it was clear that the people saw something special in Dr. Marah’s message.

Speaking to the crowd, Dr. Marah reminded everyone that Independence Day is not just about remembering the past, but about working for a better future, our future is in our hands,” he said. If we choose unity instead of fighting, and hard work instead of laziness, we can make Sierra Leone better.”

He promised that if given the chance to lead the country as President, every Sierra Leonean young or old, rich or poor  would benefit from equal rights, justice, and opportunities.

Dr. Marah’s speech focused on his New Hope vision. This plan, which he launched in Falaba and later in Freetown, aims to create jobs, reduce poverty, and help young people succeed. Many Okada and Keke riders across the country are already supporting this idea, they say the plan speaks to their daily struggles and gives them real hope for the future.

Dr. Marah is not just talking  he understands our problems, said Mohamed Kamara, an Okada rider in Port Loko, his New Hope vision is for all of us.

Dr. Marah has a long history of public service. He started as a student leader in Kono, later worked in local government, and then moved into international and national roles. He served as Sierra Leone’s first State Chief of Staff and also worked at the Commonwealth Secretariat as a budget adviser. In President Ernest Bai Koroma’s government, he held four important ministerial positions  something no one else has done before.

His wide experience in managing government, the economy, and international affairs gives many people confidence that he can lead the country well.

As Sierra Leone celebrates another year of freedom, Dr. Marah’s visit to Port Loko gave people something more than just a party it gave them hope. Hope that things can change. Hope that young people can find jobs. Hope that unity can overcome division.

In his Independence Day message, Dr. Marah said let us renew our faith in Sierra Leone. Let us stand together for a country that belongs to all of us, equally and proudly.

The people of Port Loko heard that message loud and clear  and many say they are ready to walk the path of New Hope with him.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 5th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)