Who is Dr. Alhaji K. Tarawally?
Dr. Alhaji K. Tarawally is a global communications strategist, lecturer, published author, and entertainment executive who influences policy and culture across three continents. Holding a PhD in International Relations and with over 15 years of leadership experience in the US, Europe, and Africa, he uses media and education to drive social impact and foster a more equitable world.
His journey began amidst the extreme challenges of Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war in the 1990s. Known as “Laj-K” throughout the country, he navigated the horrors of eleven years of conflict, enduring displacement and hunger while suffering the heartbreaking loss of his aunt, uncle, grandmother, and, later, his parents. Despite facing poverty, military coups, the Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a fatal accident, he refused to be defined by these circumstances. To survive and fund his education, he worked various jobs—selling plastic bags, sewing slippers, and styling hair—transforming his early teenage struggles into a relentless drive to create, lead, and turn adversity into opportunity.
This determination fueled an impressive global academic journey. Currently based in Silicon Valley, California, Dr. Tarawally earned his PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy in the United States, complemented by two Master’s degrees from universities in Germany and the United Kingdom. His educational foundation also includes a leadership certificate from GIMPA University in Ghana and a BA Honors degree in Mass Communication from the University of Sierra Leone (FBC). Having lived and studied in the United States, the UK, Germany, Sierra Leone, and Ghana, he possesses a rare multicultural perspective, a key asset in his strategic work.
Professionally, Dr. Tarawally excels as both a corporate strategist and an entrepreneur. He is a household name in Sierra Leone, having served as senior management at some of the country’s largest media institutions. He has led public health communications for the U.S. CDC in Sierra Leone during the Ebola outbreak. He has delivered significant growth for international clients, including a 25% increase in digital marketing leads for European partners.
As a founder, he established the LAKE Group of Companies in 2010, Sierra Leone’s leading entertainment and event management conglomerate. Through his franchises, including the National Entertainment Awards (NEA), National Music Awards (NMA), Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant, Miss Mano River International Beauty Pageant, and the National Music Festival, he has championed the creative economy and provided livelihoods for thousands of young creatives over the last 15 years.
In the realm of global policy, Dr. Tarawally is a recognized thought leader and the author of “African Brain Drain.” His work addresses critical issues regarding global migration and human capital, advocating for initiatives that turn “brain drain” into “brain gain.” His book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle, and Apple Books.
With a footprint in over 30 countries, he operates at the intersection of policy, media, and business, crafting innovative plans to foster a more equitable world. From a boy who survived war to a leader connecting continents, Dr. Tarawally’s life exemplifies the power of clear goals and unwavering determination.
To learn more about his work or to purchase his book, please visit his website.
Know All You Need To Know About Dr. Tarawally
MEDIA & ADVOCACY
Dr. Tarawally has left a significant mark on major media organizations in Sierra Leone, particularly African Young Voices Media (AYV). During his four-year tenure at AYV, he held several senior management roles, including Program Coordinator, Head of Communications, and Director of Monitoring and Quality Assurance. In these positions, he spearheaded the development of innovative program content for television and radio. His most notable initiative was the AYV Internship and Volunteer Training Program (IVIEP), a collaboration with the University of Sierra Leone that has had a lasting impact on the media landscape.
He also hosted the acclaimed TV and radio show “GATEWAY,” along with other popular programs, strengthening his influence in Sierra Leone’s media landscape.
Before joining AYV, Dr. Tarawally held various positions at several leading media outlets in Sierra Leone. His experience spans from field reporter to senior management roles at organizations such as Radio Mount Aureol, CTN Fondation Horondelle, Premier Tok Radio, Premier News Newspaper, Star Radio, Standard Times Newspaper, Africell Radio, Total News Newspaper, and The Future Newspaper. His diverse background and leadership roles, notably as Director of Program Monitoring and Quality Assurance at AYV, have significantly contributed to his influence and impact in the media industry, shaping the landscape of Sierra Leone’s media.
Primary and Secondary Education
Dr. Tarawally’s educational journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. It began at Koidu Islamic Primary School in Kono District, and despite the challenges posed by the civil war in the 1990s, he continued his studies, attending different schools. He completed his primary education at the Islamic Federation Primary School in Thunder Hill, Kissy. His academic prowess and leadership skills were further demonstrated during his junior secondary education at Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School in Kissy, where he excelled and later gained admission to St. Edward’s Secondary School in Kingtom for his senior secondary education.
Dr. Tarawally then progressed to junior secondary education at Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School in Kissy, where he showcased his resilience and determination in the face of adversity. He later took the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to gain admission to St. Edward’s Secondary School in Kingtom for his senior secondary education.
While at St. Edward’s, he actively participated in various school activities, serving as a member of the Prefectorial Board, Secretary-General of the school’s Literary and Debate Society (L&DS), and Vice President of the Inter-Secondary School News Journal Association. In 2003, he won the UN Special Court inter-secondary school debate competition alongside his teammates, Samuel Ansumana and Edward Kargbo. These accomplishments and his active involvement in school initiatives highlight his academic prowess and leadership skills.
Tertiary Education in Sierra Leone
In 2013, Dr. Tarawally graduated from Fourah Bay College, part of the University of Sierra Leone, with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) honors degree in Mass Communication and a Peace and Conflict Resolution diploma. While at FBC, he was actively involved in student leadership, serving as Secretary-General and later as Commissioner of the Mass Communication Students Association (MACOSA). Additionally, he was Secretary-General for the Peace and Conflict Department and served as Social Secretary of Bai Bureh Hall. His active involvement in these roles showcased his leadership skills and left a lasting impact on the student community.
Further Education Overseas
Dr. Tarawally pursued his studies in multiple countries, including Ghana, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States. Through the YALI West Africa Regional Leadership Program, he earned a leadership development certificate from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in Accra, Ghana. He completed a double master’s degree in a joint program offered by Schiller International University in Germany and the University of Roehampton in the UK. His doctoral research investigated the impact of American immigration policy on brain drain in Sub-Saharan Africa, which included travel to five U.S. states: New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, and California. He ultimately earned a PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Siena in Italy and is affiliated with California University FCE in the USA.
Leadership
As the driving force behind LAKE Group of Companies, formerly known as LAKE Production, Dr. Alhaji K. Tarawally has organized numerous high-profile local and international events. Notable examples include the Africa Music Festival featuring Kizz Daniel in 2021, the National Entertainment Awards (NEA), the National Music Awards (NMA), the Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant (MFBP), and the National Musical Festival (NMF). Over the past 15 years, his efforts have provided livelihoods and employment for hundreds of young creatives, showcasing his unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and community development. His work has also significantly rebranded Sierra Leone’s image through entertainment and cultural events.
Building a Lasting Legacy at LAKE Group
Dr. Tarawally’s remarkable journey from transforming a social club into one of the largest multifaceted companies in Sierra Leone highlights his strong administrative skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and visionary leadership. Under his guidance, the LAKE Group of Companies has established several subsidiaries, including some of the biggest event management brands in the country, such as National Entertainment Awards SL Limited, National Music Award SL Limited, Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant SL Limited, National Music Festival SL Limited, National Hip-hop Awards SL Limited, and Miss Mano River International Beauty Pageant Limited. He also founded Sierra Leone’s first-ever essential home and service construction company, inspiring many young Sierra Leoneans to pursue their dreams and build their futures.
Innovative Solutions in Construction (LAKE Group)
Through the LAKE Group, Dr. Tarawally launched a subsidiary called Lake Construction and Essential Service Provider to address the widespread issues related to Sierra Leone’s poor maintenance culture. In March 2021, this company introduced the country’s first-ever Essential Home and Office Service Delivery initiative. Led by Dr. Tarawally, this innovative program has created jobs for hundreds of skilled professionals nationwide. LAKE Construction offers a range of comprehensive services, including home and office renovations, architectural engineering, and real estate consulting. Its goal is to promote better maintenance habits, youth employment opportunities, and provide reliable essential services across Sierra Leone.
Education & Mentorship
Dr. Tarawally served as a part-time lecturer at LICCSAL Business College, an affiliate of the University of Sierra Leone, and at Empire Arts College, where he generously shared his expertise in Broadcast Media, Multimedia, and Public Relations. His passion for education, advocacy, and youth empowerment has made him a respected role model in Sierra Leone. Through his mentorship and community engagement, he has received numerous awards and recognition both in Sierra Leone and across Africa.
The Creative Industry
Dr. Tarawally has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, notably as the founding president of the Sierra Leone Radio DJs Association (SLeRaDA), now known as the Sierra Leone DJs Union (SLeDU). He has utilized his media expertise for over ten years to promote self-reliance and content monetization within Sierra Leone’s creative sector. He also played a crucial role in drafting and promoting the National Copyright Bills, which protect the rights of artists and creators.
In 2018, he was instrumental in organizing the first-ever National Unity Consultative Conference for the entertainment industry, which brought together over 800 entertainers from across the country at the Miatta Conference Hall. Additionally, he served as a consulting draughtsman for the “Art, Entertainment, and the Monuments and Relics” bill under Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, helping shape policies to preserve and promote the nation’s cultural heritage.
Sports Development
Dr. Tarawally has also significantly impacted Sierra Leone’s sports sector. He was the founding president of the Kingdom Football Association (KFA). He played a key role in reviving the National Female Football Tournament in partnership with the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) after a 20-year hiatus. His leadership roles have included deputy head of protocol and public relations at the SLFA (intern), head of marketing, development, and communications at Mighty Blackpool Football Club, and National Organizing Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL). He has worked tirelessly through these positions to promote and develop sports nationwide.
Overcoming Adversity
Dr. Tarawally’s life story exemplifies extraordinary resilience and determination. After surviving eleven years of Sierra Leone’s devastating civil war, he faced immense hardships, including a perilous journey escaping captivity during the rebel invasion of the early 90s. He fled from his hometown of Kono to Guinea, then to Kabala, and finally to Freetown. Throughout his relocation to the capital city, Dr. Tarawally encountered personal losses and challenges due to crises like Ebola, mudslides, and COVID-19, compounded by 64 years of corruption and bad governance leading to pervasive poverty. Yet, he has emerged as a symbol of triumph, evident in his status as a proud homeowner with a driveway named in his honor, reflecting the opportunities he has created for himself and others.
An avid adventurer, Dr. Tarawally has explored over fifteen European countries, twenty African nations, various Asian and Caribbean countries, and several U.S. states. This journey has fostered cross-cultural connections and broadened his perspectives on immigration policies worldwide. His rise from humble beginnings to international recognition underscores the power of unwavering faith and perseverance. Motivated by a commitment to transformative leadership, he seeks to collaborate with communications, international relations, and governance professionals to drive meaningful progress in Sierra Leone and across Africa.
Early Life and Entry into Politics
Dr. Alhaji K. Tarawally is a prominent Sierra Leonean political and academic figure who advocates for generational change. Born with a passion for public service and national development, he emerged as one of the youngest founding members of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) upon its establishment in late 2017. The NGC remains the only political party Dr. Tarawally has ever joined or registered with, reflecting his deep-seated commitment to its ideals of reform and independence. Pouring his heart and soul into the party, he played a pivotal role in its early successes, helping secure four parliamentary seats and control the Kambia District Council in the 2018 elections. For Dr. Tarawally, the NGC was more than a political affiliation—it represented a beacon of hope and a vehicle for influencing positive, generational transformation in Sierra Leone.
The 2018 Elections and Political Hiatus
In the 2018 parliamentary elections, Dr. Tarawally boldly entered the political arena as a candidate for Constituency 128, challenging the entrenched dominance of Sierra Leone’s two major parties: the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). As a representative of the nascent NGC—a third-force party just six months old—he ran a spirited campaign against the APC incumbent, ultimately losing narrowly in what he and others described as a controversial election marred by allegations of rigging. Concurrently, Dr. Tarawally served on the NGC’s 2018 Presidential Media and Campaign Committee under Chairman Dr. Julius Spencer, contributing to the party’s national visibility and strategic outreach.
Following the elections, Dr. Tarawally took a five-year hiatus from active politics to pursue advanced education abroad. He completed double master’s degrees in Germany and the United Kingdom, focusing on areas such as public policy and international relations that would enhance his ability to address Sierra Leone’s developmental challenges. This period of academic enrichment honed his expertise and reinforced his resolve to return and contribute meaningfully to his homeland.
Return to Politics and the 2023 Alliance
In the lead-up to the June 2023 presidential and parliamentary elections, Dr. Tarawally received a personal invitation from NGC leader Dr. Kandeh Yumkella to rejoin the party and support its strategic alliance with the SLPP. Heeding the call, he returned from overseas to play a key role in reuniting the party and advancing the alliance’s goals as a professional event organiser and communication strategist. As one of the youngest key members, Dr. Tarawally served on three important committees: the National Coordinating Committee, the Communication Committee, and the Strategy Campaign Committee. His tireless efforts helped secure President Julius Maada Bio’s first-round re-election, promoting themes of peace, brain gain, and national cohesion.
However, the post-election period brought significant turmoil within the NGC. Dr. Tarawally and many like-minded colleagues, who came to be known as ‘conservative NGCians’, viewed the alliance as temporary to foster stability, expecting the party to emerge stronger and independent. Instead, internal divisions arose, with some members—particularly those aligned with Dr. Yumkella—clinging to the partnership for personal gain, including hopes of political appointments. In Dr. Tarawally’s view, this transformed the NGC into a mere extension of the ruling SLPP, eroding its independence and silencing its voice as a credible opposition. He and other ‘conservative NGCians’ advocated relentlessly for withdrawal from the alliance, aiming to rebuild the party as a true third force capable of holding the government accountable and addressing the plight of Sierra Leoneans.
Critique of Sierra Leone’s Political Landscape
Dr. Tarawally’s political philosophy is rooted in a profound frustration with Sierra Leone’s 64 years of traditional political dominance, characterized by rampant corruption, poor governance, a failing health system, and chronic power outages that plunge families into darkness. He highlights the youth’s dire challenges, including unemployment rates approaching 90%, shattered dreams due to unfulfilled promises, and a disconnect between leaders and the next generation’s aspirations. Essentials like reliable food, electricity, and healthcare remain elusive for many, fueling widespread despair. Dr. Tarawally envisioned the NGC leading Sierra Leone into a new era by 2028, challenging the system it once vowed to reform. Instead, he lamented the party’s leadership becoming complicit in perpetuating these failures.
Resignation Attempt and Reconciliation
On June 22, 2025, driven by his principled convictions and a sense of duty to Sierra Leone’s suffering masses, Dr. Tarawally resigned from his position as Deputy National Secretary General of the NGC. This decision was not born of impatience but a refusal to stand idly amid the party’s internal “mess” and its dilution as an independent force. He prioritized national progress over personal opportunities, such as potential political appointments, emphasizing true patriotism.
While stepping back from politics to promote his newly released book, ‘African Brain Drain’—which explores the challenges of talent migration and its impact on African development, and how these issues intersect with Sierra Leone’s political landscape—Dr Tarawally received an unexpected response. On July 19, 2025, Jesmed F. Suma, the Acting Chairman and Leader of the NGC, issued an official letter on behalf of the party’s executive, declining to accept the resignation. The letter praised Dr. Tarawally’s longstanding commitment as a founding member, his instrumental contributions to the 2018 successes, and his efforts in the 2023 alliance. It underscored his value in countering pro-SLPP influences that threatened the party’s independence, inviting him to reclaim his role and collaborate in rebuilding the NGC as a beacon of hope.
In a brief response, Dr. Tarawally expressed honor at the decision, reaffirming a shared vision for a stronger, independent NGC ahead of the 2028 elections. After consultations with his family and team, and through personal reflection, he accepted the executive’s stance, withdrawing his resignation to pursue a complete separation from the SLPP alliance.
Ongoing Commitment and Vision
Today, Dr. Alhaji K. Tarawally remains steadfast in his dedication to Sierra Leone’s future. As a reinstated Deputy National Secretary General, he continues to champion the NGC’s independence, advocating for accountability, economic reform, and most importantly, youth empowerment. His journey—from a young founding member to a resilient leader navigating internal strife—exemplifies his unwavering patriotism and determination to foster genuine change. Through his political work, academic pursuits, and writings, Dr. Tarawally inspires a new generation to envision a prosperous, equitable Sierra Leone free from the shadows of entrenched interests.
Professional Recognition and Accolades
Dr. Alhaji K. Tarawally’s impactful contributions to youth leadership, entertainment, good governance advocacy, and community development have garnered widespread recognition across Africa, earning him a series of prestigious professional and civic honors. These accolades underscore his dedication to fostering positive change and inspiring the next generation. Among his notable awards are the 100 Most Influential African Youth Leadership Award from the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation, the National Youth-Led Award for the Most Outstanding Entertainment Promoter in Sierra Leone, and the 100 Most Influential Young Persons in West Africa distinction from the Confederation of West African Youth Forum in Lagos, Nigeria. He has also been honored with the 100 Most Inspiring Sierra Leoneans Award by the United Venture Corporation, the 2018 West Africa Young Leadership Award in Ghana, and the 50 Most Influential Young Persons Award, where he was titled Youth Ambassador by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Youth Affairs.
In addition to these achievements, Dr. Tarawally has received formal recognition from the National Youth Commission and FePyoCAN, the 2018 Honorary Media Personality Award from the Queenak Sierra Leone-China Friendship Foundation, and installation as the Country’s Youth Ambassador by the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation. His influence extends to media features, where he was profiled in the inaugural editions of Sierra Youth and West Africa Youth Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Young Sierra Leoneans and West Africans in 2018. These honors reflect Dr. Tarawally’s enduring commitment to empowerment, cultural promotion, good governance, and regional collaboration, positioning him as a leading figure in African youth advocacy.
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