By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a significant move aimed at improving healthcare services for police officers and their families, Inspector General of Police, (IGP) William Fayia Sellu, officially inaugurated a new police health centre in Kono District on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The new facility is part of IGP Sellu’s continued efforts to enhance the welfare of police personnel and provide much-needed medical services to officers in remote areas.
During the unveiling ceremony, IGP Sellu spoke passionately about the importance of police welfare, emphasizing that a healthy police force is essential to effective law enforcement and public service delivery.
He acknowledged the long-standing challenges that police officers have faced in accessing quality healthcare, particularly in remote districts like Kono, and underscored the importance of the new health centre in addressing these issues.
“We recognize that effective service delivery can only be achieved when the officers who protect our nation are healthy and well cared for. This facility is a direct response to the medical challenges our personnel have faced, and I am proud to say that we are making significant strides in ensuring that police personnel across the country receive the medical care they deserve,” IGP Sellu stated.
He highlighted other key healthcare advancements during his tenure, including the transformation of the Police Hospital in Kingtom into a teaching hospital, and a partnership with the Surgeons in Action Foundation, which has provided over 700 free surgical procedures to both police officers and civilians.
IGP Sellu reiterated his commitment to improving healthcare services nationwide, noting that healthcare facilities have already been established in several regions, including Lungi and Mattru, with Kono being the latest addition.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Augustine Kabia, the Local Unit Commander (LUC) for Kono, praised the new health centre, stating that it would greatly alleviate the healthcare challenges faced by officers in the district.
CSP Kabia recalled his experience initiating a similar healthcare project in Mattru Jong, where he previously served, and expressed his continued dedication to addressing the medical needs of police personnel in the region.
The unveiling ceremony also drew praise from local leaders. Chief Kumasi of the Nimikoro Chiefdom commended IGP Sellu for his leadership and commitment to the well-being of Kono’s police force.
The chief expressed gratitude for the attention given to Kono natives in the police hierarchy, citing the recent appointment of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Sahr Yomba Senesi, a native of Kono, as an example of IGP Sellu’s dedication to recognizing local talent. “We are grateful for IGP Sellu’s ongoing support for Kono and its police personnel. With the appointment of DIGP Sahr Yomba Senesi and Dr. John Martin Senesie as the Director of Operations, Kono has seen a significant rise in its representation within the police force,” Chief Kumasi said.
The ceremony culminated in the symbolic cutting of the ribbon, officially opening the new health centre to serve both police officers and the surrounding community.
Following the event, IGP Sellu and his team held a town hall meeting at the Fellie Faboe Hall in Tankoro. The meeting focused on strengthening community-police relations and fostering greater collaboration between law enforcement and local stakeholders.
The new police health centre in Kono is a critical step in ensuring that police officers receive the healthcare services they need to perform their duties effectively. As part of his broader vision for police reform and welfare, IGP Sellu continues to prioritize initiatives that improve the health and well-being of police personnel, ultimately strengthening the security and development of Sierra Leone.
