By Amin Kef-Ranger
The Antar family, one of Sierra Leone’s most respected names in business and community service, will in December 2025 celebrate 100 years since their family head, Dakhala Antar, affectionately known as “Pa Antar,” first settled in Port Loko. From modest beginnings, the family has woven itself into the social and economic fabric of Sierra Leone, becoming trusted partners of Government, reliable contributors to national progress and valued members of the communities they have called home for generations.
Pa Dakhala Antar, who arrived in Port Loko in December 1925, earned the nickname “Wuramoneh” in Themne, meaning the poor man’s friend or poverty eradicator, for his compassion and support to those in need. His sudden death in a road accident at Yainkasa Hill near Rogbere Junction on 13 September 1966 left a deep void. In recognition of his legacy, Paramount Chief Alikali Modu III and the people of Port Loko directed that he be laid to rest in the town’s Central Park, where his tomb remains carefully preserved to this day.
Among the many memories of the family’s life in Port Loko is the boyhood of Faissal D. Antar, who grew up there in the 1950s and 60s. He was a childhood friend and playmate of Dr. Alpha Kanu, now Presidential Spokesman and Ambassador-at-Large. From 1958 until 1973, the two shared school days at SLC School, prayed in the same mosques and joined other boys in a lively circle of Port Loko youth, including Alpha Dumbuya, Ibrahim Istanbul, Albany Keister, Ahmed Beddor, Husbands Tolayson, Osman Boti, Andrew Babadi, Alfred Coker, Ernest Goba, Sheka Sanu, Mahmudu Fella, Ahmed Babaloth and many others. Their friendships reflected a vibrant generation that defined the spirit of Port Loko in the 1960s and 70s.
The Antar family lineage is extensive. Pa Dakhala Antar’s children included Sahid Antar of Kolenten Rovers and Abdul Antar of Bai Bureh Warriors, whose mother hailed from Kagbanthama in the Kasse Chiefdom. He also had Mahmoud Antar, Amina Antar and Zara Antar, whose mother was from Kambia, as well as Faissal D. Antar, Mohamed and Ibrahim Antar. Together, the siblings, nephews and nieces formed a large, united household after the passing of their father. Over time, Faissal D. Antar’s three daughters joined with the younger generation, including his son Daklala Mohamed Antar, named after the family patriarch, ensuring the Antar name remained deeply rooted in Sierra Leone. Although of Lebanese heritage, the family proudly declares that they were born, raised and lived entirely in Sierra Leone, with no other homeland but Port Loko.
For more than 55 years, the Antar family has worked in close partnership with successive Governments, contributing across key sectors such as the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Police, Education, Health, Trade, Prisons, Agriculture and Real Estate. They became known for pre-financing Government projects, ensuring timely delivery of services before official payments were made. Their dedication has spanned through the administrations of President Siaka Stevens, President Joseph Saidu Momoh, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, Chairman Valentine Strasser, President Ernest Bai Koroma and President Julius Maada Bio.
Among their notable contributions were the financing of 76 Land Rovers for the Army, Police and Electoral Commission between 1980 and 1982 during the Siaka Stevens era and the facilitation of the Army Bush Camp in Port Loko in 1988–1989 under Joseph Saidu Momoh. During President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s leadership, the family pre-financed agricultural machinery, school materials and vital hospital renovations, including work at Connaught Hospital and the 34 Military Hospital laboratories.
During the Ebola outbreak under President Ernest Bai Koroma, they acted swiftly to import ambulances, PPEs, body bags and temperature monitors even before contracts were signed, prioritizing saving lives during the crisis.
Under President Julius Maada Bio, they played a critical role in supplying PPEs, laboratory equipment and medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond their Government engagements, the Antar family has consistently invested in community development. Their initiatives include the completion of the Presidential Pavilion at Benguema Military Training Camp, the donation of an X-ray machine to the 34 Military Hospital and the construction of schools at Mile 13. They are currently constructing a school and mosque at York Village as a gift to the community, while also supplied mortuary equipment to districts across the country, including Connaught Hospital. They have supported international water projects in Lungi, Port Loko and Kono and pre-financed solar streetlights in Port Loko, along with yearly sponsorships for mosque renovations.
In recognition of their century-long commitment, President Julius Maada Bio’s Government has appointed members of the family to serve as Special Envoys. Jihad Eter is the Special Envoy for Eastern and Central Europe, Daklala Mohamed Antar is the Special Envoy for Trade and Investment and Faissal D. Antar is the Special Envoy for Tourism and Investment. Those appointments ensure that the family’s contribution to Sierra Leone continues, channeling their expertise and networks toward national development.
For 100 years, the Antar family has stood as a pillar in Sierra Leone, serving faithfully in times of stability and crisis, investing generously in communities and living modestly despite their extraordinary impact.
Their story is not only one of business and philanthropy but also of identity and belonging. For the Antars, Sierra Leone is not just a country of residence it is home.
