Freetown, November 21st 2025 – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) held a historic handing-over ceremony, marking a major moment of institutional continuity and leadership transition. The event brought together distinguished guests, including Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Presidential Adviser on Public Sector Management, NDMA staff, development partners, the media, and several other dignitaries.
The ceremony was moderated by the Director of Communications, Mohamed L. Bah, who described the occasion as “a mark of continuity that will go down in the annals of the NDMA as a historic moment ensuring a smooth transition from the first Director General to the incoming leadership.”
In his handing-over statement, the outgoing Director General, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Brima Sesay, reflected on the agency’s tremendous growth, capacity building, and institutional strengthening. He highlighted major achievements, including the establishment of regional and district structures across the country, enhancement of the agency’s visibility, development of pivotal institutional documents, increased community disaster resilience, and the elevation of gender inclusion through the creation of a Gender Coordinator Office at senior management level.
He expressed deep appreciation to his Deputy, now the Director General, noting that “none of these milestones would have been achieved without the unwavering support and partnership of my Deputy.” He concluded on an emotional note, thanking all the staff and wishing the new leadership continued success and assuring them of his unwavering support.
Delivering a goodwill statement, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima provided a brief historical background of the agency. He stated, “The NDMA is a product of the 2018 manifesto commitment of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, who pledged to establish a standalone disaster management agency. Upon assuming office, that promise was fulfilled, and I am proud to have supported its foundation and operational effectiveness.”
Hon. Yusuf Mackry, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Climate Change, commended the NDMA for its progress and expressed appreciation for the strong collaboration he has experienced while joining the agency in several up country responses. He congratulated the outgoing DG and encouraged the new leadership team to continue strengthening disaster preparedness nationwide.
In his remarks, the newly appointed Deputy Director General, Sulaiman B. Sowa, thanked God for the opportunity and expressed profound gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for the trust reposed in him. He pledged unwavering loyalty to the Director General and reaffirmed his commitment to the agency’s mandate. He added that he looks forward to learning from staff and contributing meaningfully to the continued development of the NDMA.
The new Director General, John Vandy Rogers, paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, describing him as a leader with whom he weathered many challenges and achieved significant successes. He assured partners and the public of his dedication to building upon the strong foundation laid.
“We will continue from where he has stopped and ensure that our mandate is fully delivered,” he said. He emphasized discipline, punctuality, and teamwork, and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to creating a conducive working environment for partners and stakeholders.
Representatives from GOAL Sierra Leone and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on behalf of the partners also delivered goodwill messages, thanking the outgoing DG for his exemplary leadership and expressing optimism about working closely with the new leadership to strengthen emergency response and environmental protection across the country.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs. Erica Konneh, the NDMA Gender Coordinator, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all guests, partners, and staff for gracing the occasion. She thanked the outgoing DG for his service and welcomed the new leadership team. She noted that continued cooperation will strengthen the agency’s work nationwide.
The ceremony ended with a strong sense of unity and renewed purpose. With the transition now complete, the NDMA leadership looks forward to working together with staff and partners to strengthen disaster preparedness and build a safer and a more resilient Sierra Leone.
