Bo, Sierra Leone

Last updated
Bo
Bo-City-Sierra-Leone.jpg
Sierra Leone adm location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Bo
Location in Sierra Leone
Coordinates: 7°57′23″N11°44′24″W / 7.95639°N 11.74000°W / 7.95639; -11.74000
CountryFlag of Sierra Leone.svg  Sierra Leone
Province Southern Province
District Bo District
Government
 • Type City Council
 •  Mayor Harold Logie Tucker (SLPP) [1]
 • Governing Body Bo City Council
Population
 (2017)
 • Total
233,684 [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
Time zone GMT
Satellite view of Bo (Landsat image viewed using NASA World Wind software) Bo WorldWind Satelite image.jpg
Satellite view of Bo (Landsat image viewed using NASA World Wind software)

Bo, also commonly referred to as Bo Town, is the second largest city [7] in Sierra Leone by population (after Freetown) and the largest city in the Southern Province. Bo is the capital and administrative centre of Bo District. The city of Bo has a population of 223,075 based on 2021 national mid-term census estimates. [3] Bo is an urban centre, and lies approximately 160 miles (250  km) east-southeast of Freetown, and about 40 miles (64 km) to Kenema. [8] Bo is the leading financial, educational and economic centre of southern Sierra Leone[ citation needed ].

Contents

The city of Bo is one of Sierra Leone's six municipalities and is locally governed by a directly elected city council, known as the Bo City Council, headed by a mayor. The Mayor and members of the Bo City Council are directly elected every four years in a municipal election. [7] The current mayor of Bo is Harold Logie Tucker of the Sierra Leone People's Party, who was elected mayor with 69.7% of the votes in the 2012 Bo Mayoral election.

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 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 has a history of producing some of Sierra Leone's most gifted students. The city is home to the Bo Stadium, the second largest stadium in Sierra Leone, and is mostly used for football matches.

Bo is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Sierra Leone[ citation needed ]. The city is home to a significant population of many of Sierra Leone's ethnic groups, with no single ethnic group forming a majority. Bo is the principal home of the Mende people, who form the plurality of the city's population. As with most parts of Sierra Leone, the Krio language of the Sierra Leone Creole people is by far the most widely spoken language in Bo and is the primary means of communication in the city. [9] [10]

The city's population is religiously diverse, primarily among Muslims and Christians.

History

Bo began its modern development with the coming of the Sierra Leone Government Railway in 1889 and became an educational centre in 1906, when the Bo Government Secondary School was established. [11]

From 1930 until independence in 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.

The Sierra Leone Government Railway was closed in 1974.

The inhabitants of Bo are known for their resolve, resistance and hospitality.[ citation needed ]

Etymology

According to folklore, the town was named after its generosity. An elephant was killed by a hunter, and people from the surrounding villages came to receive their share. Because the amount of meat was so large, the hunter spent days distributing it. He said "Bi-woo", which in Mende language means "this is yours," (with reference to the meat) was said so much that the area came to be known as "Bi-woo," which became "Bo". [12]

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 council are elected directly by the residents of Bo in a municipal election that is held every four years.`

Like virtually all parts of the Southern Province, the city of Bo is a reliable political stronghold of the Sierra Leone People's Party. The SLPP has won every Sierra Leone presidential elections in the city and the rest of Bo District by an overwhelming majority. The SLPP has also won virtually every parliamentary, and Local government elections in Bo by an overwhelming majority, including the most recent Sierra Leone general elections held in November 2012. With assistance from the Revenue Development Foundation Bo City Council has started to collect property taxes.

Geography

Climate

Like the rest of Sierra Leone, Bo has a tropical climate, more specifically a tropical monsoon climate (Am) under the Köppen climate classification, 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 in) 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.

Climate data for Bo, Sierra Leone
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)32.2
(90.0)		33.8
(92.8)		34.3
(93.7)		33.4
(92.1)		32.0
(89.6)		30.4
(86.7)		28.6
(83.5)		28.4
(83.1)		29.4
(84.9)		30.8
(87.4)		31.2
(88.2)		31.2
(88.2)		31.3
(88.3)
Daily mean °C (°F)25.4
(77.7)		26.6
(79.9)		27.3
(81.1)		27.3
(81.1)		26.5
(79.7)		25.6
(78.1)		24.7
(76.5)		24.4
(75.9)		24.9
(76.8)		25.5
(77.9)		25.9
(78.6)		25.4
(77.7)		25.8
(78.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)19.2
(66.6)		20.3
(68.5)		20.5
(68.9)		22.0
(71.6)		22.1
(71.8)		21.9
(71.4)		21.9
(71.4)		21.9
(71.4)		21.7
(71.1)		21.5
(70.7)		21.5
(70.7)		20.3
(68.5)		21.2
(70.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches)5.8
(0.23)		15.8
(0.62)		41.6
(1.64)		114.2
(4.50)		254.7
(10.03)		328.5
(12.93)		429.3
(16.90)		488.9
(19.25)		428.2
(16.86)		338.4
(13.32)		148.9
(5.86)		22.3
(0.88)		2,616.6
(103.02)
Average precipitation days1259162125262524122168
Average relative humidity (%)49464755647279817669665964
Mean monthly sunshine hours 198.4196.0189.1183.0182.9144.099.283.7120.0179.8189.0167.41,932.5
Mean daily sunshine hours 6.47.06.16.15.94.83.22.74.05.86.35.45.3
Source: NOAA [13]

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.[ citation needed ] The population of the city is about equal in numbers between Muslims and Christians.

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1974 39,371—    
1985 59,768+51.8%
2004 149,957+150.9%
2015 174,369+16.3%
source: [14]

Culture

In 1981 Bo District formed a 'One World Link' (OWL) [15] with Warwick District in the United Kingdom. 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 [16] 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 1,000 young people. [15]

BODDA

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 equipment 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.

Education

The city has a campus of Njala University.

As in most 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, although Krio is by far the most widely spoken language. [9] Bo has one of the highest literacy rates in Sierra Leone.[ citation needed ]

The city is home to Bo Teacher's College, and hence 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).

Bo 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. It is situated on 5.5 hectares (13.5 acres) 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 centre 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.

Bo is also home to the Bo Teacher's College, and the newly built Bo Industrial Growth Centre, one of Sierra Leone's largest vocational schools, which was officially opened by Sierra Leone's president Ernest Bai Koroma in April 2013. [17]

Notable Secondary Schools

Media

The two main local radio stations in Bo are Kiss FM 104, and Radio New Song 97.5[ citation needed ]. The local service of the national broadcaster, SLBS, transmits on 96.5 MHz. Commercial station Capital Radio uses 102.3 MHz 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.

Transport

Bo Airport

Bo Airport serves the Bo District and the Southern Province. The airport is no longer in regular use. [18]

Places of worship

Places of worship are predominantly Muslim mosques. [19] There are also Christian churches and temples : Roman Catholic Diocese of Bo (Catholic Church), United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone, United Brethren in Christ Church (World Methodist Council), Baptist Convention of Sierra Leone (Baptist World Alliance), Assemblies of God, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses [20]

Notable people

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sierra Leone</span> Country on the southwest coast of West Africa

Sierra Leone, officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country on the southwest coast of West Africa. It is bordered to the southeast by Liberia and by Guinea to the north. Its land area is 71,740 km2 (27,699 sq mi). It has a tropical climate and environments ranging from savannas to rainforests. As of the 2023 census, Sierra Leone has a population of 8,908,040. Freetown is both its capital and its largest city. The country is divided into five administrative regions, which are further subdivided into 16 districts.

Sierra Leone first became inhabited by indigenous African peoples at least 2,500 years ago. The Limba were the first tribe known to inhabit Sierra Leone. The dense tropical rainforest partially isolated the region from other West African cultures, and it became a refuge for peoples escaping violence and jihads. Sierra Leone was named by Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra, who mapped the region in 1462. The Freetown estuary provided a good natural harbour for ships to shelter and replenish drinking water, and gained more international attention as coastal and trans-Atlantic trade supplanted trans-Saharan trade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Freetown</span> Capital, chief port, and the largest city of Sierra Leone

Freetown is the capital and largest city of Sierra Leone. It is a major port city on the Atlantic Ocean and is located in the Western Area of the country. Freetown is Sierra Leone's major urban, economic, financial, cultural, educational and political centre, as it is the seat of the Government of Sierra Leone. The population of Freetown was 1,347,559 as of the 2024 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenema</span> Place in Eastern Province, Sierra Leone

Based on the 2021 national mid-term census, Kenema has a population of 255,110. making it the second most populous city in Sierra Leone after Freetown, and the largest city in the country's Eastern Province. Kenema City servers as capital of Kenema District and is a major economic hub in the Eastern Province. Kenema is located approximately 200 miles from Freetown, and 60 kilometres south of Bo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Makeni</span> Place in Northern Province, Sierra Leone

Makeni is the largest city in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. The city is the capital of Bombali District, and is the economic center of the Northern Province. Makeni is the fifth largest city in Sierra Leone by population. The city of Makeni had a population of 85,116 in the 2021 census. Makeni lies approximately 110 miles east of Freetown. Makeni is home to the University of Makeni, the largest private university in Sierra Leone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Koidu</span> Place in Eastern Province, Sierra Leone

Koidu Town is the capital and largest city of the Kono District in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. Its population is 128,030 based on the 2015 census. It is the fifth largest city in Sierra Leone by population, after Freetown, Kenema, Bo and Makeni. It lies approximately 280 miles east of Freetown, and about 60 miles north of Kenema.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bo District</span> Place in Southern Province, Sierra Leone

Bo District is a district in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone. It is one of the sixteen districts of Sierra Leone. Bo District is the second most populous district in Sierra Leone. Its capital and largest city is the city of Bo, which is also the second most populous city in Sierra Leone. Other major towns in the district include Baoma, Bumpeh, Serabu, Sumbuya, Baiima and Yele.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kailahun</span> Place in Eastern Province, Sierra Leone

Kailahun is the capital of Kailahun District in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. Kailahun is a major business and commercial center of Kailahun District. The population was 13,108 in the 2004 census, a 2006 estimate of 18,411 and a current estimate of about 30,411. Kailahun lies in the far east of Sierra Leone, approximately 200 miles east of Freetown, about 51 miles north east of Kenema, and near the border of Liberia.

Port Loko is the capital of Port Loko District and since 2017 the North West Province of Sierra Leone. The city had a population of 21,961 in the 2004 census and current estimate of 44,900. Port Loko lies approximately 57 km (35 mi) north-east of Freetown. The area in and around Port Loko is a major bauxite mining and trade centre. The town lies on the main highway linking Freetown to Guinea's capital Conakry. It also lies on the over-land highway between Freetown and its major airport, Lungi International Airport, although most travellers complete this journey via the much shorter ferry or helicopter transit.

Bonthe is a coastal town located on Sherbro Island in Bonthe District in the southern Province of Sierra Leone. The town lies on the eastern shore of Sherbro Island, on the Sherbro River estuary. Bonthe is about 60 miles south-west of Bo and 187 miles south-east of Freetown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Area Rural District</span> Place in Western Area, Sierra Leone

The Western Area Rural District is one of the sixteen districts of Sierra Leone. It is located mostly around the peninsula in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. The Western Area Rural District has a 2015 census population of 442,951. The district capital and largest city is Waterloo. Other major towns in the district include Newton, Benguema, Leicester, Tombo and Regent. Most of the towns and villages in the Western Area Rural District are close to the capital Freetown and are part of the Freetown Metropolitan Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Area Urban District</span> Place in Western Area, Sierra Leone

The Western Area Urban District is one of the 16 districts of Sierra Leone. It is by far the most populous district in the country with a population of 1,050,301 and is located in the Western Area of the country. The Western Area Urban District exclusively comprises the entire city of Freetown, the national capital, and its divided into the East End of Freetown, Central Freetown and the West End of Freetown; which are in turns divided into wards and constituencies within the City of Freetown.

Njala University (NU) is a public university located in Njala and Bo, Sierra Leone. It is the second largest university in Sierra Leone. The largest and main campus of Njala University is in Njala, Moyamba District; the other campus is Bo, the second largest city in Sierra Leone.

Waterloo is a city in the Western Area of Sierra Leone and the capital of the Western Area Rural District, which is one of the sixteen districts of Sierra Leone. Waterloo is located about twenty miles east of Freetown. Waterloo is the second largest city in the Western Area region of Sierra Leone, after Freetown. The city had a population of 34,079 in the 2004 census, and 55,000 as per a 2015 estimate. Waterloo is part of the Freetown metropolitan area.

Segbwema is a town in Kailahun District in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. The town is a major business and agricultural centre. Segbwema lies approximately 20 miles northeast of Kenema and about 225 miles south-east of Freetown. The population of Segbwema was 7,961 in the 2004 census with a current estimate of 16,532.

Moyamba is the capital and largest city of Moyamba District, in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone. There has been a recorded population of 11,485 in the 2004 census. The city is ethnically diverse, although the Mende people make up the majority. The city is home to the Hatford Secondary School for Girls, which is one of the elite secondary schools in Sierra Leone. The school attract some of the most gifted students from all parts of Sierra Leone, along with students abroad. The school is an all-girls secondary school, and the students are in a boarding home in the school campus. The city has a history of producing some of Sierra Leone's most prominent politicians, including the country's first president, Siaka Stevens.

Clifford Nelson Fyle was a Sierra Leonean academic and author, known for writing the lyrics to the Sierra Leone National Anthem.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Religion in Sierra Leone</span>

Sierra Leone is officially a secular state, although Islam and Christianity are the two main and dominant religions in the country. The Sierra Leone Government is constitutionally forbidden from establishing a state religion, though Muslim and Christian prayers are usually held in the country at the beginning of major political occasions, including presidential inauguration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethnic groups in Sierra Leone</span> Ethnic groups living within the country of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is home to around sixteen ethnic groups, each with its own language. In Sierra Leone, membership of an ethnic group often overlaps with a shared religious identity. According to the 2004 census Temne is the largest ethnic group in Sierra Leone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victor Bockarie Foh</span> Sierra Leonean politician

Victor Bockarie Foh is a Sierra Leonean politician who served as Vice President of Sierra Leone from 19 March 2015 to 4 April 2018. Foh replaced Samuel Sam-Sumana as vice president, after Sam-Sumana was sacked by President Ernest Bai Koroma.

References

  1. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20170921050216/http://www.nec-sierraleone.org/index_files/Mayor_Chairperson%20Result%202012.pdf. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-09-21. Retrieved 2013-11-14.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. ↑ "Population of Cities in Sierra Leone (2021)". worldpopulationreview.com.
  3. 1 2 "Sierra Leone: Administrative Division (Districts and Chiefdoms) - Population Statistics, Charts and Map". www.citypopulation.de.
  4. ↑ "A Sobering Reality in Sierra Leone :: Article - the Rheumatologist". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-06-16.
  5. ↑ http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x%3D%26men%3Dgpro%26lng%3Den%26des%3Dwg%26geo%3D-195%26srt%3Dnpan%26col%3Dabcdefghinoq%26msz%3D1500%26pt%3Dc%26va%3D%26geo%3D352708826 . Retrieved 2012-01-26.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[ dead link ]
  6. ↑ "Shifting Lenses: From Tourism to Development". December 6, 2012.
  7. 1 2 Bo City Council. "About" . Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  8. ↑ "S Leone mob seeks police 'conman'". BBC. 3 July 2003. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  9. 1 2 "Krio Translation Services". Language9.com. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  10. ↑ Oyètádé, B. Akíntúndé; Fashole-Luke, Victor (15 February 2008). "Sierra Leone: Krio and the Quest for National Integration". Language and National Identity in Africa. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 122–140. ISBN   978-0-19-928675-1.
  11. ↑ Britannica, Bo, britannica.com, USA, accessed on June 24, 2019
  12. ↑ Bo City Council. "History of Bo City" . Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Bo Climate Normals 1961–1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  14. ↑ "Sierra Leone: Provinces, Districts, Major Cities & Urban Localities - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information". www.citypopulation.de.
  15. 1 2 "Home -". oneworldlink.org.uk.
  16. ↑ "One World Link programme". Archived from the original on 2008-07-23. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  17. ↑ Anthony Kamara Jr. (13 April 2013). "Bo Residents Celebrates UNIDO and Sierra Leone Government Partnership as President Koroma opens new Industrial Growth Centre Facility". thenewrisingsun.net.
  18. ↑ Airports in Sierra Leone [ permanent dead link ]
  19. ↑ Britannica, Sierra-Leone, britannica.com, USA, accessed on July 7, 2019
  20. ↑ JW.org
  21. ↑ margai, florence (2011-01-01), Akyeampong, Emmanuel K.; Gates, Henry Louis (eds.), "Minah V, Matilda Lansana", Dictionary of African Biography, Oxford University Press, doi:10.1093/acref/9780195382075.001.0001, ISBN   978-0-19-538207-5 , retrieved 2022-12-11
  22. ↑ Sierra Leone Sports: Bunturabie Jalloh chosen as Sierra Leone's Olympic flag-bearer Archived 2016-09-19 at the Wayback Machine , Awoko.org, Retrieved 18 September 2016
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.