Tribute to one of #Sierra Leone’s unsung hero Pa. Alfred B. Mansaray- The great photojournalist

By Photojournalist Kerifallah Janneh.

Sierra Leone has lost one of the best photojournalists in the country who contributed immensely to the field of photojournalism in Sierra Leone and other parts of the world.

The late Alfred B. Mansaray popularly known as ‘Pa Mansaray- was a great visual communicator and mentor who dedicated his entire life in the photographic industry and teaching photojournalist to University students until his death.

  In the sixties he was among the few Sierra Leoneans who studied

 photography abroad. He graduated with BSC(Hons) from Leeds University in the United Kingdom (UK) and also had many related certificates to his credits.

 Back home, he works for the Sierra Leone Police until he reached retirement age and retired honorably.

Pa. Man’s as he was fondly called was passionate about photography, teaching young folks about photojournalism and inspired many top photojournalists in the country to venture in the field whilst also mentoring many.

He was appointed by the Sierra Leone Union of photographers to serve as consultant and later technical director, position he held until his death.

While serving in that capacity he trained me photographers across the country and he was also instrumental in most of the projects that was implemented by the Union. Past and present executive of the Union held him in high esteem.

 As former Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Union I really enjoyed working with him.

When the Mass communication department was established at the Fourah Bay College University of Sierra Leone pa. Alfred B. Mansaray was gainfully employed to lecture photography at the University.

In 2008, he conducted extensive training courses for senior photographers in basic photography, General Photography, photographic principles, and Photojournalism. The first two weeks of the course were a theory in the classroom and the rest was done in the Field.

The graduation ceremony took place at mass com building Fourah Bay College (FBC) and was witnessed by parents, friends, family members, and dignitaries of the University.

Many speeches were made. Speaking at the ceremony at the time Pa. Alfred B. Mansaray thanked all those who took part in the course saying he was impressed with the efforts put in each of course sessions and urged all of us who took part in the training to put in to practice. “No knowledge is small, “he concluded.

Alfred B. Mansaray will be remembered by many photographers/ Photojournalists across the country for impacting knowledge in us, especially providing the opportunity to lean and taste the life of a University and certified. He was humble and soft-spoken always ready to assist photographers no matter the circumstances.

May his soul rest in peace.