Meet
Dr. Richard Konteh
Hello,
Welcome to my campaign website, and thank you for your interest and support. It's a humbling experience for me to contest for the leadership of our mighty APC Party and, eventually, for the presidency of our nation Sierra Leone. What matters the most to me is how I can help my fellow Sierra Leoneans. That is why I travel around the country, listening to people share their experiences, stories, and ideas on how we can make our country a better place.
Let's find common ground through our stories. Together, let's do something different. I look forward to getting to know you more.
About Him
Humble Beginnings
Like many Sierra Leoneans, my early life was marked by modest means and the challenges of overcoming hardship. I was born in Gbendembu Ngowahun Chiefdom to a dedicated primary school teacher and a resourceful, entrepreneurial housewife who worked tirelessly to provide for our family and ensure my siblings and I received a formal education.
I pursued higher education at Njala University, earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Education. Driven by a passion for development and progress, I furthered my studies with a Master of Science in Development Planning and Management—a program jointly offered by the University of Dortmund in Germany, and the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. My academic journey culminated at the University of Dortmund, where I obtained a Ph.D. in Spatial Planning and Development Coordination.
For me, character is paramount and hard work is not just a trait—it is my way of life. I am committed to doing what is right and repaying my lifelong debt of gratitude to my community and Sierra Leone through dedicated service and unwavering integrity.
A Caring Family Man
As a loving and devoted family man, I am deeply committed to the well-being and success of my loved ones. I believe in the servant-leadership principle—taking responsibility for those I care about and prioritizing their needs above mine. Just as I believe a man is called to be the protector and guide for his family, I am driven by the same values of selflessness and sacrificial love, which mirror God's profound love for His children.
This principle extends beyond my family. I believe in the dignity and worth of every human being—irrespective of age, background, or status. I am committed to serving and uplifting everyone in our society, demonstrating compassion, care, and love for all, just as I do for those closest to me.
A Public Servant
The Chief of Staff:
Office of the President of Sierra Leone
As Chief of Staff to the President, I spearheaded the successful implementation of the President's Agenda for Change and the Agenda for Prosperity. I ensured that key government and Cabinet decisions were effectively executed by providing comprehensive technical and managerial oversight across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Under my leadership, we achieved compliance with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and met all criteria for securing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact.
I also played a pivotal role in establishing transformative initiatives, including the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Programme, the Performance Management and Service Delivery (PMSD) Directorate, and the Right to Access Information Commission—each designed to enhance transparency, efficiency and public accountability in our government.
The Minister:
Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development;
Minister of Trade and Industry
At the Ministry of Trade and Industry, I spearheaded developing and implementing a comprehensive Trade Policy, providing robust policy guidance and oversight to affiliated institutions. I established the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Fund to offer affordable loans that empower local businesses. I also played a pivotal role in developing and domesticating the Local Content Policy, now enshrined as the Local Content Law of Sierra Leone. Under my leadership, we achieved remarkable improvements in Sierra Leone's Ease of Doing Business rankings, positioning our nation as the 6th most improved country globally.
Furthermore, I rebranded Sierra Leone internationally, attracting more investors than ever. I hosted the inaugural investment forum in Sierra Leone, successfully drawing over 300 reputable investors and marking a historic milestone in our nation's economic development.
The Executive
General Secretary:
West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)
As General Secretary at the West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), I designed and directed the organization's programmatic strategy, driving resource mobilization and managing the WACSOF Secretariat. I organized the annual WACSOF fora, bringing civil society organizations and partners from the 15 ECOWAS member states and the diaspora to foster dialogue and collaboration. I cultivated strong partnerships with several international donor agencies and led the development of our comprehensive 5-year strategic plan. Additionally, I oversaw numerous election observation missions across ECOWAS member states.
Under my leadership, WACSOF was recognized as the civil society arm of the ECOWAS Commission, complementing the Commission's efforts to promote regional peace, integration, and economic development.
Programme Manager, Lecturer, Teacher
Over the years, I have served in many capacities as:
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Programme Manager for ECOWAS/UNDP Regional Programme In Peace Building and Post-Conflict Reconstruction in West Africa.
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Programme Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Justice and Peace for the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Sierra Leone.
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Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency.
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Executive Director for GEKO – Sierra Leone.
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Lecturer at Njala University.
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Associate Director of Planning and Development for the Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone.
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A teacher at the Wesleyan Secondary School, Kamakwie.
He is Fearless!
"When people try to knock him down, he always bounces back, stands up and continues his fight for the most vulnerable, and to celebrate the diversity of the APC Party and Sierra Leone."
