By Fadda Bakish
In a momentous event that marked a new chapter for the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), the Kissy Road headquarters reverberated with excitement and anticipation as the incoming Board Chairman, T.M. Lahai, was welcomed amidst jubilation and fanfare on Friday, 14th February 2025. Adorned in white apparel and sporting a traditional black African styled cap, the new Chairman was greeted with a guard of honour by the Traffic Wardens Corps, setting the tone for an auspicious occasion.
The proceedings, overseen by the Company Secretary, Abu Bakarr Sheriff Esq., radiated a sense of optimism and transition as the SLRSA bid farewell to the outgoing Chairman and embraced the arrival of a seasoned professional to lead the organization into a new era of progress and efficiency.
Reverend Smart Senessie, the Executive Director of SLRSA, hailed the establishment of the Authority as a pivotal initiative aimed at complementing the efforts of the Sierra Leone Police in the realm of traffic management, facilitating the free movement of people, and implementing various community programs. Recognizing the strides made in regimentalism and acknowledging the crucial role played by law enforcement agencies, Reverend Senessie expressed his delight at the appointment of a retired police officer, Thomas Mustapha Lahai, to the management team. He underscored the significance of leveraging Lahai’s experience to address existing challenges in traffic management and enhance the operational capacities of SLRSA.
In his inaugural address, the newly appointed Board Chairman Lahai emphasized his unwavering commitment to contributing his expertise and knowledge garnered from a distinguished career as an Assistant Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police force. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve in a new capacity, Lahai pledged to align his efforts with President Bio’s transformative Big Five Changer Agenda, focusing on areas such as Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Infrastructure, Innovation and Technology, Public Service Architecture Reforms, and Youth Employment. He urged staff members to adhere to the principles of professionalism, integrity, and efficiency, while cautioning against corrupt practices and stressing the need for collaboration and discipline within the institution.
Acknowledging the importance of fostering a harmonious work environment, Lahai encouraged open communication, teamwork, and a dedication to implementing safety measures accurately and effectively. Addressing concerns about negative perceptions surrounding the SLRSA, he called upon management and staff to rise above challenges and strive for excellence, emphasizing the collective responsibility to uphold the reputation and integrity of the organization.
A notable highlight of the event was the presentation of a prestigious award by Journalists Without Borders to the new Board Chairman in recognition of his exemplary leadership, vision, and commitment to the success and growth of Sierra Leone. The accolade served as a testament to Lahai’s reputation and demonstrated the high expectations placed on his tenure at the helm of SLRSA.
Madam Hassanatu J. Bangura, a Director at SLRSA, extended a warm welcome to the Board Chairman, expressing confidence in the staff and management’s readiness to collaborate and support Lahai in his endeavors. Assuring him of their dedication and cooperation, Bangura conveyed a sense of shared purpose and unity as they embarked on a journey towards enhanced road safety and public service delivery under the guidance of the new leadership.
As the SLRSA prepares to embark on a new phase of development and transformation under the stewardship of Chairman Lahai, the overarching themes of professionalism, accountability, and collaboration are poised to shape the future trajectory of the organization. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and service excellence, the SLRSA looks set to navigate the challenges ahead and emerge as a beacon of road safety and regulatory effectiveness in Sierra Leone.
