By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Bramaia Chiefdom, located in Kambia District in the northern part of Sierra Leone, will officially launch its first-ever radio station, Radio Bankhi-Solofaray FM 93.7, on December 20, 2024, in Kukuna Town, the chiefdom’s headquarters.
The name “Bankhi-Solofaray” translates to “seven houses,” symbolizing that the entire population of the town comes from one family.
The much-anticipated opening of this new station, also known as “The Voice of Bramaia,” aims to serve as a unifying platform for community development, peace promotion, cultural expression, and talent cultivation within Bramaia Chiefdom and beyond.
In an interview with Premier News, Abubakar Conteh, the station manager, explained that the radio station was established through the efforts of the Catholic mission, led by Father Franco, who had been visiting the chiefdom. “During one of his visits, Father Franco asked the people of Bramaia what they would like him to help with as part of his legacy. The community expressed a need for a radio station, given the many issues happening across the country that we, the people of Bramaia, should be aware of, but have been missing out on due to the lack of a radio station. So, when Father Franco asked for suggestions, we chose a radio station, believing it would help us participate in nation-building, peace-building, and other developmental efforts,” said the station manager.
According to the Station Manager, the launch event promises to be a celebration of the chiefdom’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Planned activities include traditional performances showcasing the region’s cultural heritage, opportunities for local talent to display their skills in music, drama, and other arts, a program to foster faith-based community harmony, and a spirited tournament designed to bring together youth and sports enthusiasts.
The station’s motto, “The Voice of Bramaia,” reflects its commitment to amplifying the voices of local residents on issues directly impacting the community. By offering programs focused on local news, education, entertainment, and community development, Radio Bankhi-Solofaray FM 93.7 is expected to become a cornerstone of unity and progress for Bramaia Chiefdom.
The board chairman of the station is PC Kandeh Momoh Samba Sulaiman DE-Phoreh II, a former journalist, station manager of Radio Kolenten in Kambia, and representative of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in the north.
Ahead of the launch, residents of the chiefdom have called on the potential sponsors to support this vital initiative. Mahamed Kamara, one of the residents emphasized, “This radio station will serve as a bridge for development, bringing people together and highlighting local achievements and concerns.”
As the official opening approaches, excitement continues to build within Bramaia Chiefdom, with high hopes that Radio Bankhi-Solofaray FM 93.7 will soon become an integral part of daily life and communication in the region.