Bo, Sierra Leone
Bo, is the second largest city in Sierra Leone, after Freetown and the largest city in the Southern Province. The city has an estimated population of 472,919 residents, and is generally considered to be the second city of the country. Bo is located in the Bo District, in the Southern Province and also serves as the capital and administrative center of the Bo District and the Southern Province.
History
Centrally located, Bo lies on the main rail line east and south of Freetown. From 1930 until independence in 1961, it was the capital of the Protectorate of Sierra Leone. The city is the administrative center of the Southern Province. Bo is the leading transportation, commercial, and educational center for the interior 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.
Economy
With Bo being the second largest city in the country, trading, gold and diamond mining are major economic activities for the district; as well as agricultural production of rice, coffee, cacao and palm oil.
Education
For the main article, see Bo School
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 Sierra Leone's best secondary schools, The Bo Government Secondary School (commonly known as Bo School). The school was founded in 1906 by Leslie Probyn to educate the children of Bo District. The school has a long history of developing the elite of Sierra Leone, especially the country's politicians.
Bo School is sited on 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 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.
Demographics
Bo is the second most populous city in Sierra Leone, with an estimated population of 472,919 people. Bo Town enjoys religious plurality - Muslims and Christians are both represented. Bo population is ethnically divided, although the Mende make up the majority of the population. The city is home to a large Liberian community.
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.[1]
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.
Media
The two main local radio stations in Bo is Kiss FM 104, and Radio New Song 97.5. The stations serves the bo district.
Notable people from Bo
- Julius Maada Bio, former Head of State
- Aluspah Brewah, football star
- Emerson Samba, football star