By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a dramatic and emotional turn of events, Mr. Alie Suma, the current All People’s Congress (APC) district chairman for Port Loko, publicly apologized to Dr. Richard Konteh for the role he played in the signature forgery scandal that led to Konteh’s abrupt dismissal from office as Chief of Staff (now Chief Minister) in 2014.
Speaking during a public function at the Bai Bureh Hall in Port Loko, Suma openly confessed that Dr. Konteh was completely innocent of the long-standing allegations of forging then-President Ernest Bai Koroma’s signature. The issue, which rocked the nation over a decade ago, led to Dr. Konteh’s removal from office and a highly publicized court trial—though he was eventually exonerated by the High Court.
“I am not claiming to be a saint; but as far as these allegations are concerned, I am innocent,” Dr. Konteh had told his supporters back in 2014. Despite his eventual legal vindication, suspicions lingered for years.
On Saturday, Suma made a heartfelt confession before a gathering of party members and community residents, saying, “He [Dr. Konteh] was completely innocent of the allegations of forgery, and I am ready to make this pronouncement at any given time. This is the only way I can have internal peace.”
Suma revealed that during his own time in incarceration, he was subjected to severe torture by authorities who sought to force him to implicate Dr. Konteh. “I resisted all forms of inhuman treatment. The truth is, he did not do what they accused him of,” Suma said, his voice reportedly quivering with emotion.
This is not the first time Suma has made this admission. In a prior meeting at Med-K’s Eastern Paddies at Old Road, Kissy, in Freetown, Suma had also confessed before fellow APC district chairpersons during an interaction with Dr. Konteh. That earlier confession left the former Chief of Staff in visible distress. Witnesses recall the moment as deeply emotional, with both men moved to tears.
“He could not withstand the agony of that confession,” said one attendee. “Tears rolled down his face, and Suma himself was overwhelmed.”
At that gathering, Suma requested his fellow district chairpersons to help him extend a collective apology to Dr. Konteh on his behalf. The mood in the room was described as “gloomy and solemn,” with many visibly shaken by the rawness of the moment.
Responding to the apology, Dr. Konteh—known for his devout Christian faith—offered forgiveness without hesitation. “I had long forgiven you and those involved,” he told Suma, emphasizing that the ordeal was part of a divine path. “That is the path that God wanted me to pass through,” Konteh said, referring not just to the personal humiliation but the severed relationship with his former boss and political mentor, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.
Dr. Konteh’s statement reflected grace and strength in the face of adversity, and his acceptance of the apology drew praise from many present, lauding his composure and spirit of reconciliation.
As Sierra Leone continues to build a future rooted in truth and justice, this public reckoning stands as a powerful reminder of the cost of false accusations—and the healing power of forgiveness.
