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Bankhi-Solofaray FM 93.7, a community radio station serving Bramaia Chiefdom in northern Sierra Leone, has been completely destroyed by a fire, leaving the community without its primary local source of information.
The fire gutted the station’s building in Kukuna Town, destroying broadcasting equipment, office furniture, and other essential materials. The incident has disrupted the station’s operations and affected information dissemination within the chiefdom.
Station Manager Abu Bakar Conteh confirmed the incident and said the cause of the fire is still unknown. He explained that the fire is believed to have started in or around the station before rapidly spreading throughout the building. Conteh described the loss as significant, noting the role the station played in informing and educating the community. He has called for support to help restore the station’s operations.
Radio Bankhi-Solofaray FM was officially launched on December 20, 2024, making it the first radio station established in Bramaia Chiefdom. The station’s name, which translates to “seven houses,” reflects the shared ancestry of Kukuna Town. Popularly known as “The Voice of Bramaia,” the station focused on community news, education, cultural expression, and development-oriented programming.
According to Conteh, the radio station was established through the initiative of the Catholic mission under the leadership of Father Franco, following appeals from community members for a platform to promote peace-building, unity, and national development.
The Board Chairman of the station, Paramount Chief Kandeh Momoh Samba Sulaiman DE-Phoreh II, who is also a former journalist and a representative of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in the northern region, has joined calls for urgent assistance from government institutions, humanitarian agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Community members have expressed concern over the loss. Mahamed Kamara, a resident of the area, described the station as an important channel for highlighting local issues and achievements, and for fostering community cohesion.
Despite the destruction, residents of Bramaia Chiefdom have expressed hope that Radio Bankhi-Solofaray FM will be rebuilt, restoring its role as a key communication and development platform for the community.
