By Amin Kef (Ranger)
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio on Monday June 22, 2026 attended the Lying-in-State Ceremony and signed the Book of Condolence in honour of the late Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, a distinguished statesman widely remembered for his dedicated service to Sierra Leone, commitment to peacebuilding and exemplary political leadership.
The solemn ceremony, held at the Parliament Building on Tower Hill in Freetown, brought together political leaders, family members, friends, diplomats and well-wishers who paid tribute to the late politician. Speakers described him as a unifier, mentor, father figure and champion of democracy whose contributions positively impacted countless lives across Sierra Leone.
Delivering both the opening and closing prayers, City Imam, Sheikh Abubakarr Conteh, reminded mourners of the transient nature of life and the importance of living purposefully.
“From Allah we came and to Him we shall return. Every soul shall taste death. We must reflect on the lives we live and the contributions we make while we still have the opportunity,” he said.
The Imam described the late Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray as one of Sierra Leone’s illustrious sons who distinguished himself as a statesman, economist, politician and development-oriented leader. He prayed for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness upon him and noted that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Paying tribute on behalf of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Parliamentary Group, Majority Leader Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma described the late politician as an elder statesman whose commitment to peace, unity and national cohesion remained unwavering throughout his public life.
“While we mourn his passing we also celebrate the life and legacy of a man who consistently placed Sierra Leone first. He was a giant in our political landscape and a relentless advocate for peace and national unity,” Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma stated.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, expressed appreciation to President Bio for the support and solidarity extended to the All People’s Congress (APC) and the bereaved family during their period of mourning.
He described Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray as a father figure and mentor whose wisdom shaped generations of young politicians.
“He taught us tolerance and the importance of placing the collective good above personal interests. His influence extended far beyond politics,” Hon. Abdul Kargbo said.
Acting APC National Chairman, Hon. Osman Foday Yansaneh, also thanked President Bio for his timely intervention and support during the late politician’s illness and following his passing.
He described Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray as a respected statesman, champion of democracy, outstanding legislator and dedicated public servant whose contributions to the APC and Sierra Leone would never be forgotten.
Speaking on behalf of the SLPP, National Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa, extended condolences to the APC leadership and the bereaved family, describing the late Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray as a leader who consistently promoted unity, justice, freedom and peace.
“His legacy should serve as an example for all political leaders. He believed in country above self and demonstrated the qualities of an ethical and patriotic statesman,” he said.
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony came when the late politician’s daughter, Matilda Kanu, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her father.
She described him as a loving family man, mentor, storyteller and role model whose lessons on integrity, hard work, patience and kindness profoundly shaped the lives of his children.
“Daddy, I am blessed to have had you as my father. Your life was a blessing and your memory will forever remain in our hearts. May the Lord grant you eternal peace,” she said.
Born on 12 June 1952 in Bankolay, Cline Town, Freetown, Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray built a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors. Before entering politics, he held several senior positions within Sierra Leone’s insurance industry and later served as Managing Director of a leading insurance company.
His political career within the APC spanned several decades, during which he served as Youth League Leader, Western Area Chairman, Deputy National Chairman and Leader, and later National Chairman. He was widely regarded as one of the party’s most respected elder statesmen and served on its highest decision-making bodies.
As a Member of Parliament, Hon. Mansaray became known for his strong advocacy on behalf of his constituents and for national development. He later served in the administration of former President Ernest Bai Koroma as Minister of Labour and Social Security and subsequently as Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources.
The Parliamentary Lying-in-State Ceremony provided an opportunity for Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life to honour and celebrate the life, service and enduring legacy of a distinguished statesman whose contributions to democracy, peacebuilding and national development will continue to inspire generations to come.
