EPISODE 2 – A Closer Look at Dr. Kelfala Marah
By Dr. Doma
In our first episode, we urged delegates of the opposition APC to think beyond party politics and carefully consider what kind of leader Sierra Leone truly needs right now.
As the race for flagbearer continues, it’s crucial to look at each contender not to discredit them but to reflect on their track record and readiness.
One name that stands out is Dr. Kelfala Marah.
A proud son of Kabala, Dr. Marah is a long-standing member of the APC and has twice contested for the party’s leadership in 2018 and again in 2023.
Though he did not secure the flagbearer position either time, his persistence has not gone unnoticed by his supporters, some of whom have called him “the David of our time.”
But in selecting a flagbearer, we must think beyond loyalty and slogans.
The bigger question remains: is he the leader to take the APC and Sierra Leone into a better future?
Dr. Marah held key positions during the Ernest Bai Koroma administration.
He served as Minister of Finance and Economic Development, and later as Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone.
These are not small roles they directly affect our national economy and how the world sees us.
However, during those years, Sierra Leone continued to face deep economic struggles.
(In the name of Austerity)
Public debt remained high.
Many young people were out of work.
Essential services like electricity, healthcare, and clean water were unreliable in many communities.
These issues were real. Delegates might want to ask: what specific progress or bold reforms came from his leadership during that time?
Some believe holding high office is not enough; the real measure is the impact made while there. That’s a fair point to reflect on—not with bias, but with honesty.
Let us also not forget: Dr. Marah was the head of the Election Management Committee of the APC during the 2023 elections.
With all the hue and cry about the allegations of fraud in those elections, what was his role as the head of such a big committee?
He was also part of the Tripartite Committee—again, what was his role there?
A lot of questions swirl around this seasoned politician—or maybe, as some speculate, he was trying to find a fault line to reassert his own aspirations.
Should delegates entrust such a mantle to this man?
Many pundits have gone so far as to call him a sellout or accuse him of betrayal.
These are strong sentiments circulating among the grassroots.
But rather than jump to conclusions, we wait for APC delegates to do the needful—with wisdom, discernment, and a focus on what is best for Sierra Leone.
This is not to ignore Dr. Marah’s strengths.
He is well-educated, experienced, and respected by many within the party.
But does this moment call for something more?
Something deeper than experience perhaps a fresh vision, innovative thinking, and a solid track record of delivering results?
These are not judgments, but important questions.
Questions that APC delegates should consider as they make decisions that will shape the future of theirs party and the country.
In the next episode, we’ll reflect on another candidate in this race.
As always, let’s keep the discussion focused not on personalities, but on progress. The stakes are high, and Sierra Leone deserves a leader ready to meet the challenge.
