Francis Janga Konneh

Francis Janga Konneh was born on October 23, 1946, to Mr. and Mrs. Kaifa Konneh and Mbowei Koli in Massambolahun Town, Lofa County. He began his early education at St. Agnes Elementary School in 1951 and completed his primary schooling in 1956. In 1957, he enrolled at Cyprian Junior High School and continued to Saint Augustine High School in Bolahun, where he graduated in 1961.

Affectionately known as "Francis-Janga" by classmates and teachers, Mr. Konneh was an accomplished student and athlete. He excelled in both academics and sports. As a well-revered member of the Saint Augustine High School soccer team, he showcased exceptional athleticism. He was a class prefect and goalie, earning a reputation as one of the team’s outstanding players.

In 1963, Mr. Konneh entered the University of Liberia, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Demography. While working toward his degree, he served as a part-time teacher at Bassa Teen Age Junior High School in Monrovia. Upon graduating from the University of Liberia in 1968, he joined the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs, where he worked in the Population Census Division and eventually rose to the position of director.

From 1972 to 1983, Mr. Konneh pursued advanced studies in demography at notable institutions across Europe, North America, and Africa, including the Pharos University of Alexandria (PUA) in Cairo, Egypt; Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University in Russia; Brandenburg University of Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) in Germany; The Census Academy in Washington, DC, and Georgetown University in Washington, DC. His professional journey also included attending seminars and conferences across Africa in Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Algeria, and Tunisia.

In October 1992, while studying at Georgetown University, Mr. Konneh suffered a massive stroke, which left him permanently disabled. Although this incident prevented his return home, his affection for Liberia remained steadfast, as he stayed deeply engaged with events in his homeland.

Mr. Konneh is survived by his wife, Mrs. Teresa Mayah Konneh; his children: Sambe, Kafia, Augustine, Bindu, Watta, George, Robert, and Fofie, who predeceased him in 2003; 16 grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kaifa and Mboweh Konneh. He leaves to mourn his loss several siblings and cousins, both in the United States and in Liberia.