By: Problyn J. Alpha
Tamba Francis Bangaie of Confidence Produce Store in Kono District has been elected as the new Chairman of the Kono District Coaco and Coffee Buyers Association. The election, which saw Bangaie elected along with thirteen other executive members, was conducted based on nominations and expressions of interest for the respective positions.
In his post-election speech, Chairman-elect Tamba Francis Bangaie first expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for the trust they had placed in him to lead the Association. He emphasized that leadership is about service, not ruling, and that it is crucial for a leader to serve, not dominate, those who have elected them.
He further recalled how Kono District, once renowned for its diamond wealth, has seen a shift towards agricultural activities, thanks to the intervention of the Association’s members. Bangaie pointed out that agriculture is the backbone of every developed country and highlighted the importance of continuing to support agricultural growth in the district.
The Chairman-elect called for the support of all members to elevate the Association to new heights of sustainable development. He specifically noted that, with unity, the challenges faced by the Association, particularly the poor road network which hinders agricultural activities in rural areas, can be overcome. “I implore all of us to serve as each other’s keeper if we are to grow collectively,” Bangaie stressed.
The newly elected executive members of the Kono District Coaco and Coffee Buyers Association are as followsVice Chairman: Jespa S. Komba, Secretary General: Komba Issa, Assistant Secretary General: Musa Kabba, Financial Secretary: Sahr Emmanuel Koademba, Treasurer: Aiah Brima, Organizing Secretary: Chief Tamba Missa, Assistant Organizing Secretary: Sahr Lamin Sannoh, Public Relations Officers (1 & 2): Nassiru Jalloh and Demba Koroma, Gender and Welfare Officer: Alpha Jalloh, Disciplinary Officer: Abdurahman Bonzu and Auditors (1 & 2): Joseph Bassie Bangura and Alie Bazu.
The election was managed by Chief Electoral Officer, Problyn John Alpha, the Station Manager of Radio New Song Kono, with assistance from Aiah Brima Johnbull, the Station Superintendent of Eastern Community Radio.
The newly elected leadership expressed optimism about the future of the Association and committed to working together to improve conditions for coffee and cocoa farmers in Kono District.