Bo, Sierra Leone

Bo, Sierra Leone
Bo, Sierra Leone Location in Sierra Leone
Coordinates: 7°57′23″N 11°44′24″W / 7.95639°N 11.74°W / 7.95639; -11.74
Country	Sierra Leone
Province	Southern Province
District	Bo District
Government
• Type	City council
• Mayor	Wusu Sannoh (SLPP)
Population (Current estimate)
• Total	233,684
	2012 estimate [1]
Time zone	GMT (UTC-5)

Satellite view of Bo (Landsat image viewed using NASA World Wind software)

Bo is the second largest city in Sierra Leone (after Freetown) and the largest city in the Southern Province. The city serves as the capital of Bo District and lies approximately 164 miles east-south-east of Freetown. After Freetown, Bo is the leading financial, educational, transportational and commercial center of Sierra Leone. The city had a population of 149,957 in the 2004 census ^[1] and a current estimate of 233,684. [2]

The city is the primary home of Njala University, the second largest university in Sierra Leone, after the Fourah Bay College. Bo is also home to the The Bo Government Secondary School (commonly known as Bo School), which is one of the biggest and most prominent secondary schools in West Africa. The school attracts not only students from all parts of Sierra Leone, but also international students from other West African nations. The school has a history of producing some of Sierra Leone's most prominent politicians.

Bo is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in Sierra Leone, though the Mende people make up the largest ethnic group. The Krio language is the most widely spoken language in Bo and is used as the primary language of communication in the city.

As in most of Sierra Leone, football is by far the most popular sport in Bo. The Bo Rangers and the Nepean Stars, which are based in Bo, are the two professional football clubs that represent the city in the Sierra Leone National Premier League.

History

Centrally located, Bo lies on the main rail line east and south of Freetown which was closed in 1974. From 1930 until independence 1961, it was the capital of the Protectorate of Sierra Leone. The city is the administrative centre of the Southern Province. After Freetown, Bo is the leading transportation, commercial, and educational centre of Sierra Leone. Bo began its modern development with the coming of the railroad in 1889 and became an educational center in 1906, when the Bo Government Secondary School was established.

The inhabitants of Bo are known for their resolve, resistance and hospitality. The town was named after its generosity. An elephant was killed close to what is now known as Bo Parking Ground. People from the surrounding villages came to receive their share. Because the meat was so large, the hunter spent days distributing it and the words "Bo- lor" (which in Mende language means "this is yours," with reference to the meat) was said so much that the elders and visitors decided to name the place Bo. "Bo-lor" in Mende also translates to "this is Bo."

Government

The city of Bo is one of Sierra Leone's six municipalities and is governed by a directly elected city council form of government, headed by a mayor, in whom executive authority is vested. The mayor is responsible for the general management of the city. The mayor and members of the Bo city councilis are elected directly by the residents of Bo in a municipal election that is held every four years. The current mayor of Bo is Wusu Sannoh, of the opposition Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP).

Geography and climate

Like the rest of Sierra Leone, Bo has a tropical climate with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Average annual precipitation varies with up to 5,080 mm (200 inches) in the wettest parts. The prevailing winds are the SW Monsoon during the wet season and the northeastern Harmattan which is a dust laden wind from the Sahara Desert during the dry season. Average temperature ranges in Bo are from 21 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit) to 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) all year.

Links

In 1981 Bo District formed 'One World Link' (OWL)^[2] (see UKOWLA) with Warwick District and Leamington Spa in the UK. This was inspired by a desire for justice, equality, human understanding and mutual support. Over the years it has helped to strengthen both communities and their awareness of global and development issues. The many outcomes of the link include women's groups, school links, an online archive, an education programme^[3] and the opening, in 2008, of a Community Centre in Bo city. Immediate plans include collaboration on a pilot environmental programme for the collection and disposal of waste. There is also a youth wing which has 20 registered youth groups, that serve over 1000 young people.^[4]

The Bo District Development Association (BODDA - UK) was formed in the United Kingdom on 7 September 2003 by a group of natives from Bo District in Sierra Leone. The primary purpose for the formation of this organization is for its membership to explore every possible lawful avenue to solicit generous donations in cash, food, clothing, educational and agricultural.

Bo District Development Association has been involved in various projects including sponsorships in Sierra Leone and the UK, for example the introduction of the BODDA Civic Award in which the people of Bo are annually awarded for their contributions towards Nation building and Community Development (— this is an effort to encourage the people of Bo in national development and citizenship); donation of two hundred computers and other school materials to various schools in Bo in 2007; donation of medical equipments to the Bo Government Hospital and books to the Bo Regional library in January 2010. In August 2006, in partnership with the British Council Sierra Leone, they were able to facilitate a one month tour for six artists from Bo with the aim of promoting awareness of global issues through music and encouraging global citizenship through the linking of youth groups in the UK and Sierra Leone.

The Organisation also awards scholarship to students from poor family backgrounds who are unable to meet their educational needs. The BODDA - UK website is http://www.bodda.org.uk

Education

Like in virtually all parts of Sierra Leone, the Krio language is widely spoken in the city Bo, although English is the official language spoken at schools and government places. The Mende Language is also widely understood by the city's residents. Bo has one of the highest literacy rates in Sierra Leone. The city is home to many primary schools as well as several secondary schools, including one of the elite secondary schools in West Africa, The Bo Government Secondary School (commonly known as Bo School). The school was founded in 1906 by British educationist Leslie Probyn to educate the children of Bo Town. The school has a long history of producing the elite of Sierra Leone, especially the country's top politicians.

Bo School is sited on 13.5 acres (55,000 m²) of land in the heart of Bo Town. The school itself is situated in pleasant surroundings and within walking distance of the government hospital, government post office, police station, and the main shopping center of Bo Town.

A football field, volleyball court, basketball court, long tennis court, and cricket pitch enrich the recreational facilities the school provides. There are plans to rehabilitate the school swimming pool.

Bo School also maintains a unique tradition of seniority which has consistently augured well for social cohesion among the students. Maggots/Greeners/Rustics are either junior or newer members of the school (specifically those with more recent admission numbers). They are expected to always observe all rules of deference association with their positions and comply fully with specific instructions from senior students.

Notable Secondary Schools in Bo

• Christ the King College secondary school.
• Bo Government Secondary School
• Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School
• Queen of the Rosary Secondary School
• Comprehensive Secondary School
• St. Andrews Secondary School
• Bo Commercial Secondary school
• SLMB Secondary School
• St. Pauls Junior Secondary School
• Ken Wiebe School

Media

Bo is the second most important city in Sierra Leone, after the capital Freetown. The two main local radio stations in Bo are Kiss FM 104, and Radio New Song 97.5. The local service of the national broadcaster, SLBS, transmits on 96.5. Commercial station Capital Radio uses 102.3 and BBC World Service also has an FM relay.

Sport

Like the rest of Sierra Leone, football is the most popular sport in the city. Bo has two football clubs in the Sierra Leone National Premier League, Bo Rangers, and Nepean Stars. Both clubs play their home games at the Bo Stadium. Another club from Bo Town called the Kakua Rangers plays in the Sierra Leone National First Division, the second highest football league in Sierra Leone, after the Sierra Leone National Premier League. There are several clubs from Bo Town in the lower divisions of Sierra Leone league system.

Crime

Since the end of the civil war in 2002, there has been an increase in homicide, armed robbery, home invasion and carjacking in Bo Town. Petty crime and pick pocketing of wallets, cell phones, and passports are very common in the city. Over the past year, criminal exploits have become more aggressive. Increasingly operating in numbers and while heavily armed. Like in most West African countries, local criminals target expatriates due to their perceived wealth.

Demographics

Bo has an ethnically diverse population, although the Mende make up the largest ethnic group. The city is home to a significant numbers of many of the country's ethnic groups as well as a large Liberian community. The population of the city is about equal in numbers between Muslims and Christians.

Bo Airport

Bo Airport serves the Bo District and the Southern Province. There are regular connections from Bo to Freetown, and other major cities in the country.^[5]

Notable people from Bo

• Nabih Berri, speaker of Lebanese parliament
• Joe Robert Pemagbi, Sierra Leone ambassador to the United Nation
• Kanja Ibrahim Sesay, Financial Secretary of Bo District Students Union and Secretary General of the Fourah Bay College Students Union
• Wusu Sannoh, mayor of Bo
• Sallieu Bundu, Sierra Leonean football star
• Samuel Sidikie, Formal student S.O.S.H.G.I.S Bo.
• Caddi Golia, Epidemiologist
• Nuli Lemoh, Paediatrician; founder of Bo Children's Hospital^[6]

Namesakes

There are other towns in Sierra Leone with the same name.

References

Coordinates: 07°57′23″N 11°44′24″W / 7.95639°N 11.74°W / 7.95639; -11.74