Dated 20th -22nd January, 2026
- Introduction
This report documents the coordination, reception, lodging, and initial operational activities of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) Electrical Team from Freetown to Kamakwie and its surrounding communities within the Sella Limba Chiefdom. The report also highlights the collective efforts of traditional authorities, political leaders, religious institutions, families, and community stakeholders whose sacrifice and unity ensured the success of this historic intervention.
2. Initial Contac t and Communication
On Tuesday, 20th January 2026, I received a telephone call from Mr. Chernoh Kamara, who identified himself as a staff member of EDSA. He informed me that my contact details were provided to him by Mr. John Edwin Turay (Esq.), and he officially notified me of the EDSA team’s planned visit and activities in Kamakwie. Immediately upon receipt of this information, I initiated a series of consultations in keeping with custom, protocol, and responsible community leadership.
3. Engagement with Chiefdom and District Authorities
My first point of contact was the Chiefdom Speaker of Sella Limba Chiefdom, Mr. M. J. Kamara, and his wife Madam Mbaluza M. J. Kamara. The Chiefdom Speaker informed me that Elder Chernoh G. Bangura had earlier communicated similar information to him. Regrettably, the Chiefdom Speaker indicated that he would be out of town during the arrival of the team, but graciously conveyed his blessings and goodwill for the success of the activities.
Subsequently, attempts were made to reach the Karene District Council Chairman, Kandeh Turay, but these were initially unsuccessful due to his demanding official schedule.
4. Lodging and Local Preparations
In the early hours of Wednesday, 21st January 2026 (around 1:00 AM), I received a call from Elder Chernoh G. Bangura, who briefed me on ongoing preparations and identified community members who had voluntarily offered accommodation for the EDSA team.
The following homes were confirmed at that stage:
1. Mr. Samuel Dilito Turay – 2 Rooms
2. Mr. Kebbie Turay 4 Rooms and a Compound
3. Mrs. Yeanoh Kargbo (wife of Dalton Foday Kargbo) 2 rooms
In my response, I further updated Elder Bangura with additional contributions from other stakeholders who willingly opened their homes and resources:
4. Mrs. Adama Issa Bangura-2 Rooms
5. WCSL Wesley Street Church Parsonage 1 room
6. Mummy Alice Bombor Turay – Provided two (2) mattresses
7. Mr. & Mrs. Nancy Shaknas Conteh- 2 rooms.
That same night, Elder Kebbie Turay contacted me to affirm his readiness to support the visiting team. Through him, I engaged his younger sister, Mrs. Alice Thanpo Bravo Kamara, whose family not only provided rooms but generously offered their entire compound, which subsequently became the main operational base for the EDSA team.
5. Logistics and Final Coordination
At 11:45 AM on Wednesday, 21st January 2026, Mr. John Edwin Turay (Esq.) contacted me to confirm his logistical engagement with the team and informed me that operational clearance had been secured for activities in Kamakwie. He encouraged continuous coordination with Elder Chernoh G. Bangura, his elder Brother Mr. Samul Dilito Turay, the District Chairman, and Mrs. Mabinty Adonis Mansaray.
In line with this instruction, I made a call to Mrs. Mansaray and a Section Chief from Kathumph Kamakwie to formally inform and seek blessings from the Regent Chief of Sella Limba Chiefdom, Pa Mallay Conteh. Upon arrival at his court, we were received among other stakeholders and observed all traditional courtesies. Elder Abu Eric Turay served as the lead spokesperson.
A closed-door engagement was held with the Regent Chief, during which the purpose of the EDSA visit was clearly explained. The Regent Chief expressed his full approval, blessings, and readiness to receive updates upon the team’s arrival.
Prior to this visit, I successfully reconnected with the District Council Chairman, Mr. Abdul Karim Turay, briefed him on all behind-the-scenes arrangements, and received his official blessings, noting that Elder Chernoh G. Bangura had already reached him earlier.
6. Arrival and Reception of the EDSA Team
At approximately 1:50 PM on Wednesday, 21st January 2026, I received a call from the EDSA Officer informing me that the team was around Kamawanka heading to Kamakwie.
After alerting key stakeholders, the EDSA team arrived in Kamakwie at exactly 2:24 PM, just as I was preparing to depart for Makeni.
I personally received the team and escorted them to the Regent Chief’s residence, while also informing the District Chairman of their safe arrival. Though not all stakeholders were physically present, the Regent Chief again pronounced his traditional blessings.
Thereafter, we proceeded to inspect all designated lodging facilities. The visiting team expressed deep appreciation for the warmth, organization, and hospitality, especially noting that while they were prepared to manage feeding and logistics independently, the traditional generosity shown particularly the provision of food went beyond expectation.
7. Immediate Impact and Sacrifice
Within thirty (30) minutes of settling into their accommodations, the EDSA team commenced work. And Electricity was restored to all the houses providing lodging on the very same evening, Wednesday, 21st January 2026.
This immediate action reflected a powerful truth long held by our people: Sacrifice gives birth to honor.
That night, every host household witnessed light not only electric light, but the light of hope and progress.
8. Departure and Continuity
At 4:50 PM, I departed Kamakwie for Makeni to rest, with plans to continue onward to Freetown on Thursday, 22nd January 2026, by God’s divine will.
In a privileged conversation, the Lead Team Captain assured that within three (3) days, major houses across Kamakwie would begin experiencing electricity supply.
Additionally, Mrs. Mabinty Adonis Mansaray appealed to the Regent Chief for a radio discussion to educate the community on the safe use of electricity, its benefits, and potential dangers if mishandled. The Regent Chief entrusted Mr. Abu Eric Turay to coordinate this engagement with the radio station manager of Radio Sella Okentun FM 94.0, Mr. B. Shaw, to ensure proper public sensitization.
9. Vote of Thanks (IN HIERARCHY)
With deep humility and gratitude, appreciation is hereby extended as follows:
1. His Royal Highness, Regent Chief Pa Mallay Conteh, for his wisdom, blessings, and traditional authority.
2. The Karene District Council Chairman, Mr. Abdul Karim Turay, for his support and leadership.
3. The Chiefdom Speaker, Mr. M. J. Kamara, for his guidance and goodwill.
4. Elder Chernoh G. Bangura, for coordination, communication, and tireless facilitation.
5. Mr. John Edwin Turay (Esq.), for logistical linkage and strategic support.
6. EDSA Management and the Electrical Team, for their sacrifice, professionalism, and immediate action.
7. Mrs. Mabinty Adonis Mansaray, for coordination and community advocacy.
8. All host families and individuals, notably:
• Mr. Samuel Dilito Turay
• Mrs. Yeanoh Kargbo and family
• Mummy Adama Issa Bangura
• Elder Kebbie Turay and family
• Mr. & Mrs. Shaknas Nancy Conteh
• Mummy Alice Bombor Turay
• WCSL Wesley Street Church
9. All elders, section chiefs, and stakeholders, home and abroad, whose unity made this possible.
10. Conclusion
The arrival of the EDSA team in Kamakwie stands as a testimony to what can be achieved when tradition walks hand in hand with development, and when leadership listens, serves, and unites the people.
May this light never go out.
SUBMITTED BY:
Rev. Daniel Amen Turay
National Youth Pastor, Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone
District Evangelist & District Youth Pastor, Kamakwie Wesleyan District
School Chaplain, Kamakwie Wesleyan Secondary School
Community Stakeholder & Coordinator
