By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Hon. Diana Finda Konomanyi, a towering figure in Sierra Leone’s political landscape and a stalwart of the All People’s Congress (APC), has been honoured with the prestigious ECO APC National Recognition and Achievement Award. The award acknowledges her unwavering dedication, decades of service, and exemplary leadership both within the party and in national governance.
A proud daughter of Kono District—one of Sierra Leone’s most politically strategic regions—Madam Konomanyi has been a loyal and active member of the APC since her teenage years. Her commitment to the party and to the ideals of good governance have earned her a well-deserved reputation as one of the most influential women in Sierra Leonean politics.
Over the years, Hon. Konomanyi has broken barriers and made history. She became the first female District Council Chairperson of Kono District, leading administrative and developmental affairs in one of the country’s most resource-rich but complex areas. Her leadership continued at the national level, where she was appointed as the first female Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, and later as Minister of Lands—two of the most demanding portfolios in any government.
Her long-standing loyalty to former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma and the APC’s values began in earnest during the party’s opposition years. Her role in the 2007 electoral victory was pivotal, after which she was entrusted with top leadership roles. Throughout her service, she remained a symbol of strength, resilience, and dedication.
In a recent exclusive interview with ECO APC, Madam Konomanyi shared invaluable insights into the history of the APC and her journey within it. She used the opportunity to speak directly to the next generation of party leaders and supporters, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to unity, discipline, and readiness ahead of the 2028 elections.
“Readiness should be our anthem, and unity should be our hallmark,” she stated passionately. “In the struggle of the APC, there is victory. We must continue to believe in the strength of our collective purpose and put the party first.”
She emphasized that internal unity and peace are non-negotiable elements for success, reminding the leadership and the wider party base that the APC has always thrived when united around shared goals and disciplined structures.
Madam Konomanyi also acknowledged the growing role of women in politics, encouraging more female participation and leadership within the APC. “We must empower our women to lead, not just follow,” she said. “Our party’s future depends on inclusive leadership.”
Her recognition by ECO APC comes at a time when the APC is working to reorganize and re-strategize for future elections. With voices like Hon. Konomanyi’s guiding the party, many believe the APC is well-positioned to reclaim national leadership in 2028.
As a respected figure with both grassroots support and national influence, Diana Konomanyi continues to inspire across gender and generational lines. Her journey is a testament to the power of loyalty, experience, and visionary leadership within Sierra Leone’s democratic landscape.
Her closing message to the APC family was clear: “Let us prepare, let us unite, and let us win—for the people, for the party, and for Sierra Leone.
