Dr. Kaifala Marah was, on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, a proud recipient of the Kono Heritage Outstanding and Leadership Commitment Award for his “Outstanding contributions to the socioeconomic and political development of modern-day Kono District.”
The event, held at the Fillie-Faboe Hall in Koidu City, was graced by all thirteen Paramount Chiefs and the only Regent Chief, along with the crème de la crème of Kono District society. Dr. Marah’s award citation reads:
“Among the outstanding National Presidents of the Kono Students Union (KONSU), he championed the delivery of much-needed humanitarian supplies of food, medicine, clothing, and other essentials to thousands of stranded and displaced Kono people at NGO Town, marking the end of a nerve-wracking blockade of Kono District by the RUF and SOBELS during the NPRC’s reign. He served as a youth leader, prolific playwright, director, and lead actor in many plays. He was Deputy Town Clerk and Acting Town Clerk of Koidu New Sembehun Town Council, working alongside his revered mentors and benefactors, F.D. Konomanyi and A.J.P. Lebbie. Together, they planned the central market’s architectural layout and reconstructed roads in Koidu City, among other projects.
Dr. Kaifala Marah was also the mastermind behind the establishment of the Kono Council of Paramount Chiefs, the first of its kind in Sierra Leone, which later served as a national template for the National Council of Paramount Chiefs. A Kono Paramount Chief would eventually serve as its first National Chairman.
As a native son of the soil, he became the first Chief of Staff in the Office of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and later served as Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. During his time in government, he provided moral and financial support to many initiatives in Kono, mostly behind the scenes.
Before receiving his award and plaque of recognition, Dr. Marah was one of two keynote speakers at the event.
He paid profound tribute to the founding fathers of Kono District, recalling their perilous journey from the then-disintegrated Mali Empire, driven by a determination to establish their own dominion and identity. He recounted the wars they fought, including the defeat of Samory Touré’s Sofa Warriors, which ultimately granted their dominion recognition and allowed Kono to become an independent district. He emphasized that everyone has a duty to uphold the spirit of self-esteem and confidence inherited from these great warriors. Dr. Marah also paid tribute to the fallen Chiefs and recognized their bravery in forming the Donso, a local defense militia, during the civil conflict in the 1990s.
He called on everyone to practice peace, not merely to be messengers of it. Communities, he said, thrive in a peaceful environment. He thanked the Kono Heritage—organizers of the event—the Paramount Chiefs, district, and city council officials – and pledged his continued support to Kono.