Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, the leading flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC), has paid a solidarity visit to the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation following a fire that damaged part of its headquarters on April 8, 2026.
The blaze affected the top floor of the building in Freetown and reportedly started in the office of the Deputy Director General, Mohamed Asmieu Bah. The incident destroyed equipment and materials valued at millions of leones, including computers, television monitoring screens, office furniture, mobile phones, cash, and official documents.
During the visit, Dr. Bangura expressed concern over the damage, describing the incident as a setback for a key national institution. He said he felt the pain as a Sierra Leonean and emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping society, adding that support for public institutions should transcend political affiliations.
As part of his contribution, Dr. Bangura donated US$5,000 and two laptop computers to support recovery efforts.
The Director General of SLBC, Josephine Kamara, thanked Dr. Bangura and his team for the gesture, noting that it reflects the value placed on the institution’s role in informing the public. Deputy Director General Mohamed Asmieu Bah also expressed appreciation for the support and called for continued assistance to help restore operations, while hoping such an incident would not recur.
Dr. Bangura has built a reputation in Sierra Leone for his philanthropic and social investment initiatives, particularly in education and healthcare. Prior to his active involvement in frontline politics, he supported scholarships, skills development programmes, and community-based initiatives aimed at empowering young people.
His contributions to education have drawn recognition across political lines. Recently, Moses Sellu Mambu, Public Relations Officer of the governing Sierra Leone People’s Party, publicly commended Dr. Bangura for his role in advancing educational opportunities. Mambu disclosed that he personally benefited from Dr. Bangura’s educational support, noting it reflects a vision to heal and unite Sierra Leoneans, especially at a time when both political parties are at odds over the appointment of the ECSL Chief Commissioner. Observers say this acknowledgment also highlights the potential confidence Dr. Bangura could command among members of the ruling SLPP if he assumes the APC flagbearer position.
The SLBC remains a central pillar of Sierra Leone’s media sector, and the fire is expected to temporarily disrupt operations as recovery efforts continue.
