As the SLPP looks ahead to a new chapter and begins the search for a leader who can carry on the incredible legacy of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, there is one name that continues to surface. Not because of noise or ambition, but because of quiet strength, proven service, and unmatched integrity. That name is Dr. Wusu Sannoh.
Dr. Sannoh is not your typical politician. He is a statesman, a teacher, and a leader whose life has been shaped by deep love for his people and a commitment to serve them with dignity. From his days as Head of the Chemistry Department at Njala University to his time as Mayor of Bo Town, Dr. Sannoh has lived a life guided by purpose, not ambition.
While others chose the spotlight of Freetown to advance their careers, Dr. Sannoh remained rooted in the South. He chose to stay in Bo, not for comfort, but because he believed that real development must begin from the ground up. He stood firmly for decentralization and ensured that Njala University remained a proud Southern institution. That decision showed his loyalty not just to a place, but to a people.
His service extended beyond the classroom. As Regional Director of the Red Cross, Dr. Sannoh introduced reforms that focused on the needs of everyday citizens. His humanitarian work was not just about policy. It was about people, about lifting the voiceless and offering support where it was needed most.
Later, he served as Chairman of the Bo District Council and went on to become Mayor of Bo during President Ernest Bai Koroma’s administration. His leadership during that time marked a turning point for the city. Roads were constructed, services improved, and a new sense of pride emerged among residents. He was recognized nationally as one of the best-performing mayors in Sierra Leone.
But beyond the accomplishments, it is his character that leaves the deepest impression. In a political climate often clouded by selfish ambition and division, Dr. Sannoh has shown that it is still possible to lead with honesty, humility, and wisdom. He listens. He engages. He serves.
During a recent visit to his home, I was reminded why he is so deeply respected. Neighbors came to him with concerns, and he welcomed them all. There were no cameras. No press. Just a man quietly serving the people who trust him. As we sat together, he looked at me and said, “I do not regret any of my decisions while I was in office, and it is why I am enjoying such a peaceful time right now.”
That one sentence says everything. His peace did not come from wealth or position, but from the integrity he maintained throughout his public life.
As the Sierra Leone People’s Party prepares for the future, it must pause and reflect on the kind of leadership this country truly needs. Dr. Wusu Sannoh represents that standard. He embodies the values we should never lose, values that bring people together, uplift communities, and restore faith in public service.
To Dr. Wusu Sannoh, we say thank you. Thank you for choosing service over status. Thank you for being an example of what is still possible in Sierra Leonean politics. In you, we see that quiet leadership is not weakness, it is wisdom.
That is the quiet power of integrity.
