NDMA Marks Historic Leadership Transition in Freetown Ceremony

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) celebrated a historic leadership handover in Freetown on Thursday, marking a new chapter in the agency’s mission to strengthen disaster preparedness across Sierra Leone.

The ceremony brought together government officials, development partners, media, and NDMA staff. Mohamed L. Bah, Director of Communications, described the occasion as “a historic moment ensuring a smooth transition from the first Director General to the incoming leadership.”

Outgoing Director General Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Brima Sesay reflected on the agency’s growth, noting achievements including the establishment of regional and district offices, enhanced community disaster resilience, and the creation of a Gender Coordinator Office at senior management level. He praised his Deputy, now incoming Director General John Vandy Rogers, for his support and pledged continued backing to the new leadership.

Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Presidential Adviser on Public Sector Management, praised the NDMA’s foundation, noting it as a fulfillment of President Julius Maada Bio’s 2018 manifesto commitment to establish a standalone disaster management agency.

Incoming Director General John Vandy Rogers pledged to build on the agency’s achievements, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and commitment to its mandate. Newly appointed Deputy Director General Sulaiman B. Sowa also expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his dedication to supporting NDMA’s work nationwide.

Parliamentary representatives, development partners including GOAL Sierra Leone and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), and NDMA staff delivered goodwill messages, expressing optimism for continued collaboration.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed sense of unity and purpose, as the NDMA leadership looks ahead to strengthening disaster preparedness and building a safer, more resilient Sierra Leone.