Among the many names being floated as potential flag bearers for the APC, one figure stands out prominently: Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK). Known for his integrity, legal expertise, and commitment to justice, Kamara has emerged as an ideal of hope not only for the APC but also for Sierra Leone as a whole. His candidacy could herald a new chapter of governance marked by transparency, accountability, and national development.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s rise to prominence can be attributed to his illustrious career in the legal field, where he has earned a reputation for being a steadfast advocate for justice and good governance. His legal journey began when he graduated from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, with a degree in law. From there, he went on to earn a Master’s degree in Law from the Centre for International Human Rights at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, further cementing his international credentials.
Kamara’s commitment to the rule of law was evident early in his career, as he took on key positions in the Sierra Leonean legal system. One of his most notable roles was as the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), a position that catapulted him into the national spotlight. As ACC Commissioner, Kamara proved to be a no-nonsense enforcer of anti-corruption laws, relentlessly pursuing individuals and institutions involved in corrupt practices. Under his leadership, the ACC recorded significant achievements, including high-profile prosecutions of public officials, which sent a clear message that corruption would no longer be tolerated in Sierra Leone.
His tenure at the ACC won him widespread admiration for his courage and commitment to cleaning up the public sector, but it also came with its challenges. Kamara faced pushback from powerful figures who were uncomfortable with his uncompromising stance on corruption. Nevertheless, he persevered, further solidifying his reputation as a man of integrity who would not be swayed by political or financial pressures.
Following his successful stint at the ACC, Kamara was appointed as Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice. In this role, he continued to champion the cause of justice and legal reform. His time as Attorney General was marked by significant strides in improving the judicial system and ensuring that the rule of law was upheld. His legal acumen, combined with his deep commitment to justice, made him one of the most respected public officials in Sierra Leone.
In a country where governance has often been marred by corruption, political patronage, and inefficiency, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s integrity is a breath of fresh air. His track record speaks for itself: he has never been involved in any major scandal, and his commitment to the public good has been unwavering throughout his career. This integrity is precisely what Sierra Leone needs in its next president.
Sierra Leone’s development has been hampered by years of mismanagement and corruption, particularly in the public sector. Despite the country’s vast natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and iron ore, much of the wealth generated from these resources has not benefited the average Sierra Leonean. Instead, it has been siphoned off by corrupt officials and private interests, leaving the country’s infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems in dire straits. Kamara’s leadership could help reverse this trend by restoring trust in public institutions and ensuring that the country’s wealth is used for the benefit of all citizens.
Moreover, Kamara’s integrity is not just about his stance on corruption; it also extends to his sense of accountability. Throughout his career, he has shown a willingness to take responsibility for his actions and decisions, whether they were popular or not. This quality is sorely lacking in many of Sierra Leone’s political leaders, who often deflect blame or evade responsibility when things go wrong. Kamara’s candidacy represents a shift toward a more accountable and transparent form of governance—one where leaders are held to high ethical standards and are genuinely committed to serving the people.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara understands that tackling corruption is only one part of the equation when it comes to national development. To truly move Sierra Leone forward, a comprehensive economic development plan is needed—one that addresses the country’s key challenges, such as unemployment, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure.
One of Kamara’s key priorities is job creation, particularly for the country’s youth. Sierra Leone has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Africa, a problem that has contributed to social unrest and economic stagnation. Kamara recognizes that addressing youth unemployment is critical to ensuring long-term stability and development. His economic plan focuses on creating opportunities for young people through vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and investment in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and technology. By equipping the youth with the skills and resources they need to succeed, Kamara aims to build a more inclusive economy where everyone has a chance to prosper.
Agriculture is another area where Kamara sees great potential for growth. Despite its fertile land and favourable climate, Sierra Leone has struggled to achieve food security, relying heavily on imported goods to meet the needs of its population. Kamara’s vision for agriculture involves modernizing farming practices, providing support to small-scale farmers, and investing in agro-industrial development. By revitalizing the agricultural sector, he aims to reduce the country’s dependence on imports, create jobs in rural areas, and improve food security for all Sierra Leoneans.
In addition to agriculture, Kamara is a strong advocate for diversifying the economy by developing other key sectors. The tourism industry, in particular, holds great promise, given Sierra Leone’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Kamara envisions a well-developed tourism infrastructure that attracts international visitors and generates revenue for the country. Likewise, he recognizes the importance of investing in technology and innovation to drive economic growth in the digital age.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s leadership extends beyond economic development; he is also deeply committed to improving Sierra Leone’s social services, particularly education and healthcare. These two sectors have long been neglected, leaving many Sierra Leoneans without access to quality education and medical care.
Kamara believes that education is the foundation for national progress. He has articulated a vision for an education system that equips students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. This includes investing in teacher training, improving educational infrastructure, and expanding access to technology in schools. Kamara also emphasizes the importance of vocational and technical education, which can provide young people with practical skills that lead to employment. His goal is to create an education system that not only produces graduates but also empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
In the area of healthcare, Kamara is a strong advocate for universal access to quality medical services. Sierra Leone’s healthcare system is still recovering from the devastation of the Ebola epidemic, and many citizens lack access to basic healthcare facilities. Kamara’s plan focuses on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, training more medical professionals, and improving healthcare delivery in both urban and rural areas. He is particularly passionate about addressing maternal and child health issues, which remain critical challenges in Sierra Leone.
While Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s legal and professional credentials are impressive, it is his political acumen that makes him a formidable candidate for the presidency. Kamara is no stranger to the complexities of Sierra Leonean politics, having navigated both the legal and political arenas with great skill.
As a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Kamara has worked closely with various political actors, including members of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). His ability to build relationships across party lines will be crucial in fostering a more cooperative and less divisive political environment. In a country where political rivalry often descends into hostility and retribution, Kamara’s commitment to dialogue and compromise offers a refreshing approach.
Kamara’s political experience also includes his work within the APC, where he has been an influential figure. His candidacy is seen as a unifying force within the party, as he is widely respected by both the grassroots and the party’s elite. Unlike some other potential contenders for the APC flagbearership, Kamara is viewed as someone who can bridge the gap between different factions within the party. His leadership could bring a sense of cohesion to the APC, which will be essential for mounting a successful challenge in the 2028 election.
In today’s interconnected world, the ability to engage with the international community is a key attribute for any national leader. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s international experience, particularly during his time as ACC Commissioner and Attorney General, has equipped him with the diplomatic skills necessary to represent Sierra Leone on the global stage.
Kamara understands the importance of foreign relations in achieving national development. He has articulated a foreign policy vision that prioritizes strengthening ties with key international partners, including the United States, the European Union, China, and regional organizations such as the African Union and ECOWAS. Kamara believes that Sierra Leone’s future prosperity is linked to its ability to attract foreign investment, secure international development aid, and participate in global trade and ensuring that international agreements benefit the nation as a whole. He recognizes that while foreign investment and partnerships are essential for Sierra Leone’s development, the country must not fall into exploitative agreements that disproportionately benefit foreign entities at the expense of its own people. As a leader, Kamara would prioritize mutually beneficial relationships, ensuring that Sierra Leone’s resources and markets are leveraged for the country’s economic growth and the betterment of its citizens.
Kamara’s global outlook also extends to addressing climate change, a critical issue for Sierra Leone, which is vulnerable to environmental degradation and the impacts of rising sea levels. Kamara’s vision includes pushing for greater environmental protections and sustainable development practices. He sees the potential for green energy investments and environmental conservation as ways to attract international funding while protecting Sierra Leone’s natural resources for future generations.
As the 2028 presidential election approaches, the people of Sierra Leone are at a crossroads. After years of governance challenges, including corruption, slow economic growth, and social inequality, Sierra Leone needs a leader with a bold vision and the capability to execute that vision effectively. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara stands out as that leader.
Kamara’s legal expertise, commitment to justice, political experience, and integrity make him uniquely suited to address Sierra Leone’s most pressing challenges. His comprehensive vision for economic development, education, healthcare, and international diplomacy offers a blueprint for a prosperous future. He understands the importance of creating opportunities for all Sierra Leoneans, particularly the youth, and his focus on job creation, entrepreneurship, and agricultural modernization could transform the country’s economic landscape.
Moreover, Kamara’s emphasis on accountability and transparency in governance would restore trust in public institutions and ensure that Sierra Leone’s resources are used to benefit the people. His candidacy represents a departure from the status quo, offering Sierra Leoneans the chance to elect a leader who prioritizes the nation’s long-term development over short-term political gains.
As the APC deliberates on its choice for a presidential flag bearer, it is clear that Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara is the man of the moment—not only for the APC but for Sierra Leone as a whole. His leadership offers hope for a brighter, more prosperous future where justice prevails, opportunities abound, and the country’s immense potential is fully realized.
In conclusion, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s candidacy for the 2028 presidential election represents a turning point for Sierra Leone. His proven track record of integrity, his bold vision for national development, and his political acumen make him the ideal candidate to lead the APC back to power and guide Sierra Leone toward a future of prosperity and progress. As Sierra Leoneans look to the future, Kamara’s leadership offers a compelling choice—a leader who understands the challenges of today and is prepared to tackle them with wisdom, strength, and unwavering commitment.
