Desmond Ray Kanu, the current Vice President of the Old Makeni Franciscans Association (OMFA), has announced his intention to contest for the presidency of the alumni body as the association prepares for a leadership transition later this year.
Kanu, who has served as vice president since 2022, said he was seeking to build on the work of outgoing president Henry Amadu Kargbo, whose term ends in December. In a message to OMFA members, he described the last three years as “enriching and fulfilling” and said he felt motivated to continue strengthening the association.
A geologist and minerals engineer with the National Minerals Agency, Kanu said his vision is to help restore St. Francis Secondary School in Makeni — OMFA’s alma mater — to its reputation as one of Sierra Leone’s leading educational institutions. He said he intends to prioritise unity, collaboration and support for the school’s administrators and teachers.
“Progress is best achieved when we collaborate, respect each other and remain committed to a shared vision,” Kanu said. He pledged to deepen engagement among Old Franciscans at home and abroad and to back initiatives aimed at improving educational standards.
Kanu outlined his academic and professional background, including studies at Fourah Bay College and the University of Mines and Technology in Ghana. He has worked with the National Minerals Agency since 2014 and is a member of the Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscience.
He described himself as a “unifier and servant leader” committed to advancing OMFA’s mission and supporting St. Francis Secondary School.
OMFA’s national elections are expected to take place later this year.
By Amidu Sesay
