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In a remarkable display of youth leadership and advocacy, Mohamed Samuel Kargbo, the Chiefdom Youth Chairman of Kunike Sanda, facilitated the release of five young men previously incarcerated for various offences—most notably without substantial evidence.
According to Chairman Kargbo, four of the young men hailed from Masingbi Town and had been in detention for nearly three months, while the fifth, from Magburaka, had spent over a year and a half behind bars. The young men were accused of stealing clothing, but no concrete evidence had been presented to justify their prolonged incarceration.
“Though I stand firmly against any form of criminality, I also believe in second chances, especially for young people who have been neglected by the very society that should protect them,” Kargbo stated. “Their parents never visited nor attempted to intervene. As Chiefdom Youth Chairman, I felt a moral responsibility to act.”
On April 17, Kargbo appeared before the court and pledged to take responsibility for the young men’s rehabilitation—on the condition that they publicly vowed, in front of court officials, to abstain from unlawful activities going forward.
Following their release, he provided them with food, transportation back to Masingbi, and the opportunity to work on a 20-acre cassava and rice farm managed by the Youth of Kunike Sanda. He assured them of daily wages as subcontractors.
Their reactions were emotional. “The joy on their faces was unforgettable,” Kargbo shared. “It meant a fresh start, stability, and the chance to support themselves.”
He also revealed insights from their time in prison, which included access to healthcare, cleaning supplies, meals, and even opportunities for creative expression—an unexpected contrast to common perceptions of detention conditions.
“This effort reflects the true spirit of Youth Supporting Youth,” Kargbo emphasized, while thanking President Julius Maada Bio for fostering a national approach that recognizes the humanity and potential of inmates.
New Sectional Youth Leadership Appointed in Thama
In a related development, the Kunike Sanda Chiefdom Youth Council, following broad consultations with stakeholders and youth representatives, has appointed Mr. Mohamed Suffian Turay—commonly known as “Pathron”—as the Acting Sectional Youth Chairman for Thama Section, effective January 15, 2025.
Mr. Turay currently serves as Secretary-General of the Kunike Bike Riders Union (KBRU) and Youth Chairman of Mabekoh. Known for his dedication and effective leadership, Turay is expected to coordinate all youth activities in Thama, identify pressing needs, and promote youth development in line with the Sierra Leone National Youth Policy of 2020.
In his new role, Turay is also tasked with liaising with government institutions and development partners, supporting social initiatives, and advocating for youth welfare and inclusion.
The Youth Council expressed full confidence in Turay’s capabilities and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening grassroots youth structures across the chiefdom.
