By Mada Augustine Ngombu
23 officers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) have been promoted to senior ranks at a special ceremony at the newly constructed Myohaung Officers Mess, Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown.
The newly promoted Colonels are,Dennis Kpademba, L K Jabati, Hassan Jansson Conteh, William Pessima, Edward Lambi Smart,Mohamed Alie Kamara, Samuel Bob Farmar, Issa Bangura, and Alimamy Taylor Kamara.
Serving army Majors promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel are Elman Nabie Masba Bangura, Victor Emerson Ngaujah, Sahr Joseph Kpakiwa, Sahr Julian Momoh, Mohamed S K Fayiah, Anthony Nelson Yoko, Joseph Edwin Kanu, Jaikey Mohamed Kabba, John Jesse Abu, Abdul K Turay, Emmanuel Manga Kailie, Unisa Daramy, Songo Brewa and Sheikh Ahmed Sandy.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.General Peter Kakowa Lavahun said that the decision to promote the senior officers was tough and they had to arrive at a decision with a well constituted board that weighed the options and realized the officers met the criteria for promotions . He said the decision was in the interest of the institution and that the promotions were well deserved by the senior officers, saying they’ve worked diligently.
He also congratulated the newly promoted officers and encouraged those that were not fortunate to be promoted to continue to work hard.
The Deputy Minister of Defence, retired Colonel Muana Brima Massaquoi in his address said promotion in the armed forces keeps the institution going and the officers that had been promoted had made the institution proud.
He further said promotion comes with responsibilities which they must uphold as they have been elevated to another level, therefore much is expected of them.
“Promotion comes from God, but I am of the conviction that they are always accompanied by patience and hard work as you are expected to maintain hard work, loyalty, discipline, honesty and dedication to duty” he said.
He also encouraged those that that were not fortunate to be promoted to exercise patience and work hard.
Speaking on behalf of his newly decorated colleagues, Colonel Dennis Kpademba said their promotion was earned due to tireless effort, perseverance, resilience and total commitment and that they had demonstrated all forms professionalism and bravery in their career.
He said more expectation is needed from them as there are more challenges ahead and they must keep to their oath.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online
