Union Trust Bank Limited (UTB) has announced the funeral arrangements for its late Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. James Sanpha Koroma, who passed away recently at the age of 79.

The funeral events, spanning four days from Thursday, October 9th to Sunday, October 12th, will allow the nation to pay its respects to a man widely regarded as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s modern financial and educational sectors.

According to the schedule released by the bank, the proceedings will begin on Thursday, 9th October with a civic ceremony at the Freetown City Council at 12 noon, followed by a laying-out at the UTB head office on Howe Street at 3 PM.

On Friday, 10th October, a funeral service will be held at King Memorial at 10 AM, followed by a candlelight vigil at the UTB Howe Street location at 7 PM. On Saturday, 11th October, his body will be laid out at the UTB Mile 91 Branch, with a vigil at his residence, Sabanor Cottage, at 7 PM.

Related News

The final funeral service will take place on Sunday, 12th October at 11 AM at Sabanor Cottage in Yonibana, Tonkolili District, his birthplace.

Dr. Koroma, easily recognizable by his signature bow tie, was a towering figure whose career spanned academia, central banking, and entrepreneurship. He served as the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone from 1998 to 2003 and was a key advisor to multiple presidents, demonstrating a rare, cross-partisan commitment to national development.

His most enduring legacy is the founding of UTB in 1995, Sierra Leone’s first indigenous commercial bank. Under his visionary leadership, UTB grew into a financial powerhouse, championing youth employment, microfinance, and digital banking. He articulated the bank’s mission as a drive to “gainfully explore the tremendous human and material potentials of the country in order to create national wealth and ensure lasting prosperity.”

Beyond finance, Dr. Koroma made significant contributions to education, serving as the first Chancellor of the integrated University of Sierra Leone. His commitment to learning was further honored with the launch of the Dr. James Sanpha Koroma School of Business and Entrepreneurial Studies at the United Methodist University in 2023.

He was a recipient of the nation’s highest honors, including Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel (GCOR).

The passing of Dr. James Sanpha Koroma marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a nation-builder, visionary banker, and dedicated educator will continue to influence Sierra Leone for generations to come.