NatCa Champions Religious Tolerance with Generous Food Donation
By Abdul Rahman Bah
On a bright and tranquil Friday, March 21, 2025, the National Communications Authority (NatCa) headquarters in Hill Station, Freetown, became the focal point of a remarkable act of generosity and unity. The Director General of NatCa, Amara Brewah, led a significant donation drive, distributing over 60 large bags of 25kg rice to mosques and churches across the city.
The initiative was aimed at providing much-needed support to religious communities during the sacred fasting period, a time of spiritual reflection and devotion observed by both Muslims and Christians in Sierra Leone.
Beneficiary Religious Institutions
The donation extended across multiple religious centers, ensuring that both Islamic and Christian communities benefited from this humanitarian effort. Among the mosques that received the food supplies were:
- Masjid Ilmo Zikre Mosque – Hill Station
- Masjid Muqadas – Wilberforce Barracks
- Masjid Fatima – Rogbangba
Simultaneously, several churches were also beneficiaries, including:
- Saint Paul’s Major Seminary Catholic Church – Regent
- Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church – Lumley
- Saint Luke’s Catholic Church – Wilberforce
Beyond Rice: A Holistic Support Package
In addition to the large bags of rice, NatCa provided each religious institution with a comprehensive package of essential food items, further ensuring that their communities were well-supported during this important period of fasting and reflection. Each recipient received:
- One gallon of cooking oil
- Two bags of flour
- Two bags of sugar
- Two boxes of Maggi seasoning
- Two bags of onions
This well-rounded donation was designed to ease the financial burdens faced by many families during the fasting season and to strengthen the spirit of interfaith unity and cooperation.
Amara Brewah’s Message on Religious Tolerance
At the heart of the donation ceremony, Director General Amara Brewah delivered an inspiring speech, underscoring the importance of religious tolerance in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the progressive steps the nation has taken in fostering interfaith harmony, particularly in recent years, where Muslims and Christians have demonstrated unity by fasting together and supporting one another.
“Sierra Leone is a beacon of peaceful coexistence where people of different faiths pray side by side, celebrate together, and extend their hands in support during times of need. This donation is not just about providing food—it is about reinforcing the deep-seated values of compassion, unity, and shared humanity that define our nation,” Brewah remarked.
He further emphasized that NatCa remains committed to supporting religious communities, recognizing their role in promoting social cohesion and moral guidance within society.
Expressions of Gratitude from Religious Leaders
The event was graced by a diverse gathering of religious leaders representing the beneficiary mosques and churches. Many of them expressed profound gratitude for NatCa’s timely and generous contribution.
They commended NatCa’s leadership for its awareness of the needs of worshippers, noting that this initiative was a testament to the organization’s commitment to fostering unity among different faiths.
One of the religious leaders, Sheikh Ahmad Kamara of Masjid Muqadas, praised the inclusive nature of the donation:
“This act of kindness is a reflection of the love and unity we share as Sierra Leoneans. It is heartwarming to see that our Christian brothers and sisters are also being supported, just as we are. This is how a nation grows—through shared values and mutual support.”
Similarly, Reverend Father Michael Conteh of Saint Paul’s Major Seminary Catholic Church expressed his appreciation:
“NatCa’s generosity reminds us that the essence of fasting—whether in Christianity or Islam—is about discipline, selflessness, and giving to those in need. We are truly grateful for this support, which will go a long way in helping our community.”
A Tradition of Giving and Strengthening Community Bonds
The donation drive organized by NatCa is part of a larger corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at giving back to the community. As Sierra Leone continues to be a model of religious harmony, initiatives such as this serve to reinforce bonds between different faith groups and inspire others to engage in charitable acts.
The ceremony concluded with prayers of blessings for Amara Brewah, NatCa, and the people of Sierra Leone, reinforcing the message that acts of generosity and goodwill transcend religious boundaries and unite communities in shared humanity.
