In 2024, Sierra Leone mourned the loss of several prominent celebrities and personalities whose deaths resonated deeply across the nation.

These individuals left an indelible mark on Sierra Leone’s national, entertainment and business sectors, and their untimely deaths have deeply saddened the nation.

Here are some notable figures who passed away:

Justice Ivan Sesay

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone announced the passing of Hon. Justice Ivan Sesay, a Justice of the Court of Appeal on December 30, 2024. Justice Ivan Sesay was called to the Bar of England and Wales in the late 1990. He also served as Chairman of the Legal Aid Board.

Dr. Abdulai O. Conteh

 

 

Dr. Abdulai O. Conteh, a distinguished lawyer, politician, and key architect of the 1991 Constitution passed away in Freetown on August 2, 2024, after a brief illness. Dr. Conteh served as Vice President of Sierra Leone under President Joseph Saidu Momoh before being ousted by a military junta in 1992.

Ngor Gbetuwa

Renowned and legendary Sierra Leonean culture singer, Ngor Gbetuwa passed away on July 15,2024. Famous for his smash hit “Amuyamamuye,” Gbetuwa’s music has been a significant cultural touchstone for the nation. Gbetuwa used his art to chronicle the country’s struggles during the brutal 11-year civil war.

Abdulai Kaloga Bah

Abdulai Kaloga Bah, the former head coach of Bhantal Football Club (FC), tragically passed away at Connaught Hospital on June 14, 2024. Kaloga was also the Former coach of East End Lions, FC Johansen and Old Edwardian, He was also instrumental in female football as he served as the head coach for the female national U-20 team.

Professor Monty Jones

Professor Monty Jones, a renowned agricultural researcher and former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, passed away on Sunday, April 28th, 2024, at the age of 73.

Jones, who was minister from 2016 to 2018 also served as Special Adviser to the President and Ambassador-at-Large of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Patricia Ebunolorun Macaulay

Justice Patricia Ebunolorun Macaulay, the trailblazing pioneer who made history as the first woman appointed to the esteemed position of Justice on the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone sadly passed away on April 5th, 2024.

Dennis Nelson Streeter

Sierra Leone’s veteran Entertainer, Dramatist and storyteller, Dennis Nelson Streeter died in his native land, Freetown, Sierra Leone on Wednesday, March 27th 2024.

Streeter was a talented visionary storyteller and one of the few who was fighting to keep the culture of storytelling in Sierra Leone. He is known for famous movies like Aminata (2008), The Next President (2013) and Guardian of the Throne (2014).

Lamin Bangura

Former Sierra Leonean international football player and Ports Authority head coach, Lamin Bangura tragically lost his life following a fatal accident on the Bo highway on March 27, 2024

The incident occurred as Bangura was en route to fulfill a scheduled fixture against Kahunla Rangers in the local Premier League. Despite efforts to save him, Bangura succumbed to his injuries at Rokupa Hospital in Freetown.

Edward Nahim

Popular Sierra Leone’s Psychiatrist, Dr Edward Nahim was announced dead on Monday morning of January 1st 2024. Nahim was the sole psychiatrist at the Kissy Mental Hospital known locally in Krio as ‘Crase Yard’ which is the first institution of its kind on the continent, built in 1827.

Augustine M. Kailie

Deputy Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police force, Augustine M. Kailie was announced dead on 28th January, 2024. Prior to his appointment as DIG, he served as Chief of the African Union Multinational Police Force in Somalia where he oversaw the operational planning and security of the then concluded Parliamentary and Presidential elections in the country.

Steady Bongo

One of Sierra Leone’s most beloved musicians, Lansana Sheriff, better known by his stage name Steady Bongo died on December 7, 2024. The celebrated artist died in a tragic road accident on the Liberia highway. Steady Bongo was born on August 28, 1966, in Daru, Kailahun District, and has gained international recognition for his contributions to the music scene.

Victor Onie Williams

Popular Sierra Leonean fashion icon and former Housemates Salone contestant Victor Onie Williams tragically passed away on December 5th, 2024 under controversial circumstances.

Initial reports suggested he suffered a medical emergency while attending a lecture. However, this was later contradicted by an autopsy report which revealed that Williams’ death was a result of a violent and brutal murder.

Sia Kamara

Sia Kamara, a communications executive at the Freetown City Council died on August 13, 2024 under mysterious circumstances whilst rumors suggested that her passing was due to domestic violence. An autopsy result show that seven of her ribs were reportedly broken and her spinal cord was damaged.

Abdul Kpaka, her boyfriend is alleged to be the prime suspect and is currently facing trail for alleged murder.

Mohamed Amadu Sesay

The Kenema District Council Chairman, Mohamed Amadu Sesay (O’Level Sesay) died on August 6, 2024.

Nyawo Sia Sinah (Kenita)

Sierra Leonean Female Singer, Nyawo Sia Sinah (Kenita) was found dead on May 21, 2024 weeks after going missing.

Neighbors reported not seeing Sinah for over a week and upon finding her main sitting room door open, contacted a carpenter to break open the locked verandah door. Tragically, Sinah was found deceased inside the residence.