Stakeholders Advocate for Inclusive Panguma District

By Amadu Daramy in Maryland, USA

Stakeholders in Panguma, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District, recently concluded a successful redistricting meeting, which brought together a broad cross-section of the community. The gathering was attended by Paramount Chief Alimamy Farma, local chiefs, students, women’s and youth groups, commercial motorbike riders, and other key stakeholders.

Among the dignitaries present were the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Mr. Tamba Lamina, representatives from Statistics Sierra Leone, and the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone.

Described as a resounding success and deeply inspirational, the meeting marked significant progress—thanks to the active, candid, and patriotic contributions of attendees. Many lauded the gathering as a step toward creating lasting unity, development, and love in the chiefdom.

Upon their arrival in Panguma, the high-level delegation paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief and other elders of the chiefdom. However, notable political figures such as Hon. Francis Konowa, Hon. Dr. Bernadette Lahai, Yusuf Kekotoma Sandy (Press Secretary at State House), Hon. Timothy Kabba (Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation), Hawa Foray, Mohamed Mustapha, and Hon. Rugiatu Tarawalie were conspicuously absent.

Despite underlying political tensions and interference in the activities of the Lower Bambara Descendants Association (LoBDA), the meeting was well-attended, with participants setting aside differences in pursuit of shared development goals. Concerns were raised over attempts by certain politicians to hijack LoBDA for personal gain—an agenda the people vowed to firmly resist, affirming the association’s grassroots and diaspora-driven foundation.

The central focus of the meeting was the recent government announcement designating Panguma as a new district—a longstanding dream of both residents and diaspora indigenes. Participants were commended for their selfless efforts and sacrifices to realize this deeply cherished aspiration.

Speakers emphasized that the contributions of those who championed the district status for Panguma would be remembered and honored in the history of the chiefdom for generations to come.

In a show of unity and determination, the meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution: if the current spirit of cooperation and love continues, the sky will be the limit for the chiefdom’s development.

Special thanks and appreciation were extended to Aunties Matti and Jenneh, Memuna Garba (the dynamic chair of Genesis), Mohamed Plato Koroma, Tony Quee, and Bob Conteh for their unwavering commitment and demonstration of community spirit.

Key stakeholders, including LoBDA Chairman Fryston Bockarie, Mohamed Gbassa, Dr. Minah of Panguma Government Hospital, Youth Chairman Swarray Balema, and Section Chief Lowoma Balema Samba of Sei, advocated for the inclusion of Dodo, Malegohun, and Simbaru Chiefdoms in the proposed Panguma District. They strongly argued that Panguma is best suited to serve as the district headquarters, citing historical and cultural significance—particularly the origins of Dodo, which was established by Chief Fabba, father of King Nyagua, as a central base for the secretive Bondo Society.

For these reasons, stakeholders firmly maintained that Dodo must be part of the envisioned Panguma District.