By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has unanimously approved Ibrahim Sannoh as the country’s new Minister of Youth Affairs, following his nomination by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Ibrahim Sannoh’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to youth empowerment, national inclusion and participatory development. As Minister, he will oversee policies and programmes designed to harness the energy, creativity and potential of Sierra Leone’s youth, promoting their active involvement in national decision-making processes.
Born in Bo City, Southern Province, to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Sannoh, the new Youth Minister’s academic foundation was laid at Saint Francis Primary School, followed by Bo Government Secondary School (The Bo School), where he served as Senior Prefect and earned widespread respect among peers, earning the moniker “S.P. Sannoh.” He graduated in 2006 with distinction in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Ibrahim Sannoh proceeded to Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Political Science. His passion for leadership was evident during his university years, as he actively engaged in student politics; most notably as Head of the Black Family and Campaign Manager during the 2010 Students’ Union elections.
He later pursued further studies and attained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM).
A committed member of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Ibrahim Sannoh gained prominence during the 2012 presidential election as Personal Assistant to then-running mate Dr. Kadie Sesay, supporting the SLPP’s national campaign strategy.
He also accumulated private sector experience as a Business Developer for Trans Sahara, working with the Peninsular Innovative Group and later served as CEO of Favour Investment, a private enterprise focused on youth-led entrepreneurship.
In 2017, Ibrahim Sannoh played a pivotal role as Outreach and Planning Coordinator during President Julius Maada Bio’s successful election campaign. His growing influence in public service was recognized in September 2018, when he was appointed Deputy Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA). Within two years, he rose to become Executive Director, where he led significant reforms in road safety management.
He later served as Director of Programs in the Office of the President at State House, further deepening his experience in governance and youth engagement.
Following the 2023 General Elections, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, where he focused on advancing Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda laying the groundwork for tech-driven youth development.
Ibrahim Sannoh is married to Helena Suad Sannoh, a native of Mange Bureh in Northern Sierra Leone. The couples are proud parents of five children and are devout Christians, known for their commitment to faith, service and community values.
As Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh is expected to bring visionary leadership, rooted in a track record of competence, youthful dynamism and deep understanding of the aspirations of young Sierra Leoneans.
