By: Saidu Jalloh
The Patriotic Advocacy Network (PAN) Sierra Leone has successfully certified 150 young leaders in its 2025 Public Speaking Master Class, a significant increase from last year’s 100 participants. This growth highlights the increasing demand for leadership and communication training in the country.
According to founding member and lawyer Ansumana Keita, the initiative was launched in response to Sierra Leone’s pressing need for transformative leadership.
“We identified one of Sierra Leone’s major challenges as ineffective leadership. To address this, we created the Public Speaking Master Class program,” Keita explained. “What we are teaching you is not just how to be orators, but how to communicate your vision. We must break the cycle of selfish leadership and embrace self-confidence and the belief that we are capable of leading.”
Keita also emphasized that PAN is currently the only institution in Sierra Leone offering such a master class. He revealed that, three months ago, the organization launched the PAN Studio, which now serves as a major platform for PAN’s advocacy efforts in schools across the nation.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Francis Sowa, Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Media, and Information Studies at Fourah Bay College, commended PAN for its efforts and highlighted the wider impact of their work. “PAN’s influence will extend beyond Sierra Leone,” Dr. Sowa predicted. He congratulated the graduates for completing a program that many around the world pay a premium for, urging them to view themselves as ambassadors for change.
“A successful leader is not judged by the number of followers they have, but by the number of leaders they create,” Dr. Sowa said. “Consider yourselves ambassadors and make the most of this platform.”
Sheku Putka Kamara, a communication specialist, underscored the importance of clarity and honesty in leadership. “Communication is about delivering effective messages. If you don’t understand what you’re saying, you won’t communicate it clearly,” Kamara stated. He added that leadership is not about grand speeches or personal ambition, but about credibility and service to the people.
Edward Sesay, a financial analyst, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of financial integrity in leadership. “Some individuals began their leadership journey by mismanaging funds in school. When these same people reach public office, what do you expect? The biggest challenge to leadership in Sierra Leone is that many leaders don’t understand money,” he remarked.
One of the program’s beneficiaries, Sullayman Kargbo, shared his personal story about how the course had boosted his confidence and leadership abilities. “I first saw the program on Facebook and reached out to Mr. Keita. Since then, my communication skills have improved, and I have learned to lead with purpose,” Kargbo said.
The graduation ceremony not only celebrated the accomplishments of the participants but also reaffirmed PAN Sierra Leone’s mission: to nurture a new generation of confident, visionary, and ethical leaders who will drive national progress.