About Boma Village

Welcome to Boma, a friendly village in Sierra Leone that you can visit with Intrepid on your upcoming adventure in 2026. This enchanting place is steeped in the mystique of a water spirit that has inspired generations of female leaders. Currently, village chief Kadie Bao is making those ancient prophecies a reality with tangible progress.

Mami Wata, a revered water goddess in West African folklore, is often depicted as a beautiful yet powerful woman capable of bringing both fortune and misfortune to those around her. Legend has it that many years ago, Mami Wata emerged from the Moa River to warn the village chief that for Boma to thrive, the next leader must be a woman.

A Legacy of Female Leadership

Chief Kadie hails from a long line of matriarchs. "It all started with my great-grandmother, the first woman chosen as village chief here. Then my grandmother, my mother, and now me," Kadie shares. Although she was born into a powerful family, Kadie didn't always aspire to leadership. She often doubted her abilities as she watched her mother shoulder the responsibilities of the entire village.

Yet, Kadie cannot deny that she has a mission. "I know I want to change the lives of the people in the village," she says. To become the chief, Kadie had to run for election like any other candidate. The chiefs of Boma are elected by the community of 375 residents who rely on their leadership to resolve conflicts and improve their lives.

The Role of the Village Chief

Kadie took office in 2009 and quickly got to work. In her first six months, she oversaw the construction of a guesthouse, the installation of six public toilets, and a solar lighting system, as well as introducing health and social welfare initiatives.

Even when Kadie feels overwhelmed by her responsibilities, she never shows it. She leads with dedication and rarely takes a day off. When she does find a moment to relax, she enjoys spending time on her farm tending to her crops. The economy of Boma largely depends on agriculture, with residents growing rice, cocoa, palm, and cassava to sustain themselves and earn a living.

Community Tourism in Boma

Community tourism is also on the rise here. Beginning in 2026, visitors to Sierra Leone will receive a warm welcome from Kadie and the residents of Boma during their new adventures. After touring the riverside village, travelers can participate in planting or harvesting rice, learn about the local mystical customs, and if they’re brave enough, try their hand at the traditional 'spooky' dance.

For Kadie, welcoming travelers is not just about cultural exchange; it’s an opportunity to improve the lives of the villagers. "Meeting people from all over the world is a blessing," she says. "Their support is deeply felt. Visitors benefit from learning about our lifestyle and witnessing our cultural activities. That financial support allows us to provide educational scholarships, skills training, and healthcare for our people."

Aspirations for the Future

When the time comes for Boma to find a new chief, Kadie's daughter, Hawa, may run for the position. "She will decide for herself whether to participate. The people will choose my successor through their votes," Kadie explains. For her, leadership is not about satisfying one's ego or maintaining power within the family; it’s a responsibility to the people.

The next leader will inherit a rich legacy of strong women, with the miraculous support of the water goddess. Kadie's advice for future leaders is: "You must know how to empathize and love your people. Put their interests first. Listen to their needs and find ways to address their issues without expecting anything in return." This wisdom is not just valuable for the next generation, but also for current global leaders.

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About Boma Village