Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh (R) handing over the Ambulance’s key to Kenema stakeholder
In a bid to effectively and efficiently support the President’s dream of providing quality healthcare delivery in the country, the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), Hon. Alusine Kanneh, on Monday 22nd April 2024, donated an ultra-modern ambulance to the people of Gegbwema, Golahun Tunkia Chiefdom, and called on other political appointees to emulate the same.
In his statement, Hon. Alusine Kanneh explained that his generosity in donating such an ambulance was a result of a bad memory of his late mother, who sadly died because of poor medical services. He recalled that 32 years ago, his mother died as a result of a poor ambulance service taking her from Gegbwema to Kenema Government Hospital. Sadly, he said, he was there to wipe off that bad memory from other vulnerable women who will find themselves in a similar situation.
“Today I am not here to show you that I have money, but to tell the people of Gegbwema and beyond that the death of my mother was a result of poor healthcare service delivery, and I don’t want that unfortunate incident, which occurred 32 years ago, to befall any other woman. So I want you to own this ambulance” he said. He revealed that the ambulance costs a lot of money and is a customized vehicle, disclosing that it has all the facilities needed for medical treatment. He therefore called on the people of Gegbwema, Golahun Tunkia and other surrounding communities to closely monitor the use of the ambulance.
The former lawmaker encouraged his people not to misuse the ambulance for other purposes, and that for the past years, he has been saving his mega salaries just to purchase the ambulance for them.
Speaking at the official handing-over ceremony, the Kenema District Medical Officer, Dr Grant, praised the Chief Immigration Officer for his goodwill. He described the CIO as a “philanthropist”, and called on the Almighty Allah to bless him for his generosity and commitment to giving back to the community. He expressed that Hon. Alusine Kanneh is a kind and caring individual, who has a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others, especially those in need. “Through his philanthropic efforts, such as the donation of an ambulance to the government hospital in Kenema, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of humanitarianism and the power of generosity” he elated. As a philanthropist, he added, Hon. Alusine Kanneh’s philanthropic actions have had a profound effect on the community. He mentioned that his selfless generosity has improved the lives of countless people in Kenema, giving them access to life-saving healthcare services. Moreover, the CIO’s philanthropic work has not only benefited the immediate community but also serves as a powerful example of the importance of giving back and helping those in need.
On his side, the Paramount Chief for Gawa Chiefdom, PC Muslim Sandy Koroma, thanked and appreciated Hon. Alusine Kanneh for his support, stating that as a philanthropist, Hon. Alusine Kanneh embodies the spirit of compassion and kindness, setting an example for others to follow. “He is truly a humanitarian and a leader in his community. Through his philanthropic efforts, Hon. Alusine Kanneh has shown that he is not only a dedicated public servant but also a compassionate human being, who cares deeply about the well-being of others” he said. The Paramount Chief for Gawa hailed the CIO, pointing out that his generosity and commitment to philanthropy have made him a respected and admired figure in Kenema, and his work will continue to have a lasting impact on the community for years to come.
The Kenema District Chairman for the Sierra Leone People’s Party, Moriba Koroma, also praised Hon. Alusine Kanneh for his good gesture, noting that the CIO is a “shining example” of what it means to be a philanthropist and a role model.
