From orphan boy in Sierra Leone to Government Advisor in the United States of America, Salifu Kamara, originally from Bafodia has become Sierra Leone’s pride at the global stage.
Mr. Salifu Kamara has been officially appointed as a Public Member on the Multimodal Accessibility Advisory Council in the District of Columbia, serving as an Advisor to the Government of Washington, D.C. under the leadership of Mayor Muriel Bowser. This prestigious appointment makes him the first young Sierra Leonean man to ever serve in such an important public capacity in the United States capital—an achievement that reverberates far beyond geographical boundaries.
“I will forever remain grateful to America and the American people,” Kamara shared with deep emotion. “They gave me hope when I had none. They gave me a voice when I was invisible. This position is not just a title—it’s a duty I will serve with heart and honor.”
In his new role, the 38 years old Salifu Kamara will be tasked with helping shape policies that ensure equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all Washingtonians—especially for people with disabilities, immigrants, the elderly, and underserved communities.
Speaking to this press recently, Salifu Kamara noted that his appointment was an Executive Order from the Mayor of Washington, D.C., adding that one of his roles is to help regulate disability policy in the United States of America and also to ensure the full implementation of the USA disability laws to protect people with disability.
Salifu Kamara’s new role will also ensure that upcoming policy in Washington D.C that has to do with transportation or disability enforcement or even city programs.
Mr. Kamara appointment will also see him working with different stakeholders in D.C like the business community, government administration and others to make sure that laws protecting disable community in the USA and also to make sure that laws are in adherence with the USA disability law and also protect interest of people with disability.
He is also responsible to come up with policy to protect PWDs’ like seasonal policy for winter and summer.
In addition to that Salifu Kamara’s responsibility, he will be in charge to see that policies are enforced and implemented and also work across the entire Washington D.C.
According to Salifu Kamara his appointment is to help the Mayor build on inclusivity and access for PWDs’ in the city and also work with police officers and other committee members to makesure that PWDs adhere to the laws in the USA.
He will be holding meetings and also give wide exposure and access that will benefit Sierra Leone in the future and also bring investments opportunities for the country Leone now and in the future. He also noted that he has other dreams and aspirations for Sierra Leone but will now focus on his new appointment.
At just 38 years old, Kamara’s story is already one of resilience, vision, and service. Known for his tireless advocacy, he has spent years fighting for disability justice, human rights, gender equity, and access to opportunity. His voice has echoed for those who have long been silenced.
His appointment is more than personal—it is historic. It is a shining example of what is possible when tenacity meets opportunity, when nations open their arms to those who carry dreams carved in struggle.
For Sierra Leoneans across the globe, Mr. Kamara’s achievement is a moment of pride and unity, proving that sons of the soil can become global changemakers. For orphans, refugees, and forgotten youth, his journey is a testament of hope—that where you start does not determine how far you can go.
“This is only the beginning,” he adds. “I am ready to give my very best to serve this city and to prepare for even greater opportunities to serve humanity.”
