His Excellency the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has appointed Mr. Thomas Mustapha Lahai (AIG Rtd.) as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA).
A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. Lahai brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to his new role.
Born on May 19 in Ngiehun Village, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District. Mr Lahai holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from FBC and a Master of Science degree in Applied Criminology from Leicester University, United Kingdom. Mr. Lahai hails from a family with a legacy of service. Following his father’s footsteps, he joined the Sierra Leone Police Force in 1993 as a constable and steadily rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Inspector General of Police. His illustrious career is marked by his exemplary service in various capacities.

Notably, Mr. Lahai served as the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Prince Charles, now King Charles III, during an official visit to Sierra Leone. He also held several leadership positions within the police, including Director of Community Relations, Director of Corporate Services, Director of Human Resources, and Director of Integrated Intelligence Services. Additionally, he served as the Local Unit Commander in several key divisions and as Regional Commander for the North-West, Freetown West, and Eastern regions.
Throughout his career, Mr. Lahai demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, facilitating police training both locally and internationally. He participated in specialized courses at the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Centre in Accra, Ghana, and served as a consultant in South Sudan in the office of the Inspector General of Police. He also served as Executive Staff Officer to British Born Inspector General, Mr. Keith Biddle.
For his exceptional contributions to the Sierra Leone Police, he was honored with the prestigious national award, “Commander of the Order of the Rokel (OOR).”
Following his retirement, Mr. Lahai transitioned to commercial farming, establishing a 65-acre cocoa plantation along the Panguma Road in Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District. He also invested in agro-business, including the construction of a massive warehouse to support his farming ventures. His dedication to agriculture aligns with President Bio’s “Feed Salone” initiative, showcasing his commitment to national development even beyond his police career.
As a committed family man, Mr. Lahai is happily married and blessed with two children. His leadership qualities, vast experience, and vision for development make him a valuable asset to the SLRSA.
The appointment of Mr. Lahai as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SLRSA marks a significant step toward enhancing road safety in Sierra Leone. His wealth of experience in management, strategic planning, and public service positions him well to address the challenges facing the road safety sector.
The SLRSA, through its Public Relations Unit, has expressed confidence in Mr. Lahai’s ability to lead the institution to greater heights. His leadership is expected to drive initiatives that will improve road safety standards, enhance traffic management, and contribute to the overall safety and well-being of Sierra Leoneans.
With Mr. Lahai at the helm, the SLRSA is poised for a new era of progress and innovation, ensuring that the roads of Sierra Leone are safer for all.