30/12/2023
From De-Economist Kanneh
“ FROM REFUGEE CAMP TO ACADEMIC PINNACLE: THE INSPIRING ODYSSEY OF MUSA KANNEH
Musa Kanneh, affectionately known as "De-Economist Kanneh," emerged into this world within the confines of a refugee camp named Kolomba in Guinea. The tumultuous Rebel war in Sierra Leone prompted his parents to seek refuge in Guinea, closer to their village a mere half-mile from its border.
Amidst the lingering echoes of an eleven-year-long conflict, Kanneh's parents returned to Sierra Leone, facing the formidable challenge of rebuilding their lives. Despite the adversity that embraced them, Kanneh's parents, staunch advocates of education, prioritized their son's intellectual growth. Thus, Musa commenced his educational voyage in the quaint village of Woroma, nestled within the Penguia Chiefdom of the Kailahun District.
Navigating the delicate balance of academia and agriculture, Musa, hailing from a lineage of farmers, would diligently toil in the morning fields before immersing himself in the pursuit of knowledge. The harsh taste of poverty, a familiar companion, failed to deter his unwavering determination to liberate his parents from their afflictions through education.
In the crucible of his sixth-grade experience, Musa's commitment shone brightly. He would diligently drive birds from the rice plantations before attending school, a routine seamlessly followed by his dedicated study sessions amidst the rustic setting of his farm. The climax of this dedication unfolded during the NPSE exams, where Musa, having covered a daunting twenty-mile journey on foot, emerged as the highest scorer for his village in the pivotal year of 2009.
Post this triumphant moment, Musa's educational odyssey led him to Kenema, where he commenced his secondary education at the Methodist Secondary School. Three years later, he soared through the BECE Exams, encountering the shadows of life's darker facets along the way.
His pursuit of academic excellence propelled him to the Government Secondary School in Kenema, culminating in an outstanding WASSCE performance with nine credits. However, the harsh reality of financial constraints thwarted his aspirations for a university education. Undeterred, Musa charted a new course, joining the Sierra Leone Police Force with the primary goal of empowering his education and addressing other essential needs.
Within the force, Musa's diligence did not go unnoticed. Attached to the Criminal Investigation Department as an investigator, he garnered several accolades for his unwavering commitment. A testament to his resilience and dedication.
Reflecting on his initial aim of joining the force for educational empowerment, Musa, in 2019, enrolled at the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (formerly Eastern Polytechnic). Over a four-year academic sojourn, he not only pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics but also assumed pivotal leadership roles, leaving an indelible mark on the university landscape.
As KOSA President ETU-SL Branch, Student lawyer ETU-SL SUG, Minister of Finance of ETU-SL SUG, Vice President of the Economics Students Society, and ultimately the Minister of Planning and Economic Development within the university's student body, Musa exhibited unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness. His stellar performance resonated positively, garnering recognition both within and beyond the university's confines.
Musa Kanneh stands not just as a man of academic prowess but as a beacon of tranquility and unwavering support for humanity. While this narrative captures only a fraction of his extraordinary journey, it undoubtedly showcases a man whose spirit and accomplishments speak volumes beyond the words written here”.
