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On December 6, 2024, Sierra Leoneans celebrated a significant recognition as the William Averette Anderson Fund, based in the United States, featured Amidu Kalokoh, renowned as one of Sierra Leone’s most accomplished security practitioners and educationists.
This acknowledgment highlighted Amidu’s extensive achievements as a scholar, public safety expert, and community development advocate.
Amidu Kalokoh’s career has been marked by dedication and impactful contributions, particularly in the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war, during which he played a pivotal role in advancing security sector reforms.
His tenure in the Office of the President involved implementing key security and development programs. Passionate about disaster and emergency response coordination, Amidu has focused on reducing Sierra Leone’s vulnerabilities, especially in the context of climate change and natural disasters.
In addition to his professional achievements, Amidu has championed community development.
The William Averette Anderson Fund publication noted his role as a founding member of the Franziska Agriculture Farmers’ Association and Sierra Leone Unites, two nonprofit organizations committed to promoting food security, education, youth and women’s empowerment, human rights, and civic engagement.
He has also led community-driven research in both Sierra Leone and the United States, addressing critical issues such as natural hazard preparedness, corruption, and security governance.
Amidu’s contributions have earned him recognition from various esteemed organizations, including the William Averette Anderson Fund, the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), and the Public Administration Theory Network.
His accolades include numerous awards and fellowships, such as the Black History in the Making Award (VCU), Development Advocate of the Year (Bai Burreh Heritage Foundation), the 2024 Outstanding Public Policy and Administration Doctoral Student Award (VCU), ASPA Founders’ Fellow, Public Administration Network Fellow, and the Association for Public Policy and Management’s Equity and Inclusion Fellow.
Currently, Amidu is pursuing a doctorate in Public Policy and Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he is in his fourth year.
His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, a Master of Science in Security Strategic and Development Studies from the University of Sierra Leone, and a Master of International Studies from North Carolina State University.
His dissertation focuses on public policy and administration, examining the intersection of homeland security, emergency management, and criminal justice. Specifically, he aims to enhance natural hazard preparedness in correctional facilities across the United States, ensuring the safety and well-being of correctional officers, inmates, and the public in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Amidu Kalokoh embodies the kind of visionary leadership essential for advancing Sierra Leone’s security, peace, and sustainable development.
