The Celebrant

"The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have."

— Vince Lombardi

Early Life and Background

Akindele George Beckley was born on May 17, 1945, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the first son of Naomi Ebiduni and Lloyd George Beckley. From humble beginnings and at a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in engineering and infrastructure, inspired by his surroundings and a natural curiosity for how things were built and maintained. His passion for problem-solving and innovation paved the way for a remarkable career spanning over five decades.

Pictured during a project visit in Liberia with then-President Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and then-Minister of Works Mr. Samuel Kofi Woods.

Education and Professional Training

A product of the Methodist Boys High School / Prince of Wales, he pursued higher education at the University of Sierra Leone, earning a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1969. Recognising the need for advanced expertise in his field, he continued his studies at the prestigious University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, where he obtained a Master of Science degree in Highway Engineering in 1981. His academic foundation equipped him with the technical and analytical skills necessary for his extensive contributions to infrastructure development across West Africa.

Career Highlights

His career is marked by a series of prominent roles in both government and private sectors, reflecting his expertise and leadership in the field of highway engineering.

1969 – 1970

Ministry of Works,

Sierra Leone

Began his career as a Pupil Engineer in the Water Supply Division.
Worked on the design and construction of rural water supply projects, including the Degremont Provincial Water Supply Projects.

1970 – 1972

Glamorgan County Council, Cardiff, South Wales

Worked as a Graduate Engineer in the Roads and Bridges Division.
Involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of road and bridge projects in South Wales.
Led the design and preparation of bills of quantities for the motor bridge over the M4 at Groes Faen, South Wales.

1973 – 1981

Ministry of Works,

Sierra Leone

Served as Area Engineer, responsible for managing and maintaining road networks, water supply, and public buildings in Port Loko, Mile 91, and the Western Regions.

Worked on the design and construction of the Old Railway Line Bridge (West of Freetown).
Worked on the Wilberforce Roundabout to Bintumani Conference Centre Road Project (via Spur Road, Lumley Beach, and Aberdeen).

1982 – 1983

Wallace Evans and Partner, UK

Worked as a Highway Engineer, gaining international experience in highway geometric and pavement design.
Assisted in the preparation of tender documents for road works contracts using UK Department of Transport standards.

1983 – 1992

Ministry of Works,

Sierra Leone

Served as Chief Highway Engineer, leading the Roads and Highways Division.
Spearheaded policy and project formulation, including feasibility studies, engineering designs, and contract supervision.

1992 – 1996

Sierra Leone Roads Authority, Sierra Leone

Appointed Director-General and Chief Executive, overseeing the development and management of the country’s road network.
Strengthened the institution’s capacity to secure and manage donor-funded road projects.

1996 – 2008

Ministry of Roads and Transport, Ghana

Served as Road Program and Donors Coordinator, leading the coordination of donor-supported road programs.
Enhanced sector performance, streamlined project implementation, and improved donor engagement.

2009 – 2012

Infrastructure Implementation Unit,

Liberia

Worked as Program Director, overseeing infrastructure projects in transportation, agriculture, urban works, and water supply.
Managed major World Bank-funded projects, including Monrovia city streets, the King Zulu Duma Bridge (Vai Bridge), and the Monrovia-Buchanan highway.

2014 – 2018

CEMMATS Group Limited, Sierra Leone

Served as an Infrastructure Consultant, providing conceptual design, procurement, and monitoring services.
Worked on the Ganta-Tappita-Zwedru Road Project (Liberia).
Worked on Ganta-Yekepa Road Upgrading Project (Liberia).

2015 – 2020

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Sierra Leone & Liberia

Worked as a Consultant on rural engineering projects.
Focused on the farm-to-market road components of agricultural initiatives.

2018 – 2022

Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Sierra Leone

Provided technical expertise on the Integrated Resilient Urban Mobility Project.
Oversaw road rehabilitation, traffic signalization, construction of transit terminals and markets, and procurement of buses to improve urban mobility in Freetown.

2022 – Present

CEMMATS Group Limited, Sierra Leone

Currently serves as an Infrastructure Consultant, offering advisory services on civil infrastructure projects.
Leads feasibility studies, design, and supervision for the upgrading of selected neighborhood communities in Sierra Leone.

As part of his career, he participated in numerous management programs and study tours across the United Kingdom, United States, France, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Japan, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. These experiences significantly broadened his expertise and played a vital role in enhancing his overall performance and contributions to the infrastructure sector.

Mentorship and Impact

Throughout his career, he has been a mentor and leader, shaping the next generation of engineers and infrastructure professionals. His ability to inspire and guide young engineers has solidified his reputation as not only a technical expert but also a dedicated educator and mentor. Many of his protégés have gone on to lead major projects across Africa.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is a man of faith and a family man who values education, discipline, and service.

He has been an active member of the Methodist Church since his baptism. He began as a chorister at Wesley Methodist Church at the age of seven and continued singing until he entered Fourah Bay College. After completing his engineering studies, he returned to his parents’ church, Buxton Memorial Methodist Church, where he took on increasing responsibilities. In 1992, he became the Senior Society Steward, a role in which he has provided dedicated leadership. He has been directly involved in several development projects within the church and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Buxton Memorial Methodist Church, continuing his commitment to faith and service.

He has been married to his dearly devoted wife, Sylvia Teresa Beckley, for over 50 years, and together they have built a loving family with their daughter, Pamilerin Beckley, and granddaughter, Ava Natania Beckley. He dotes upon Ava, who has inherited his technical skills, love for football, and passion for mathematics. Thanks to his patient guidance, she has become so confident that she now 'corrects' her teachers, insisting they should teach maths the way her grandad does!

Outside of his professional and family life, he enjoys an active lifestyle and has a deep love for sports. A former national cricket player, he continues to have a passion for the game, along with tennis, swimming, and dancing. Watching football has always been one of his favorite pastimes, and he has been a firm Liverpool FC supporter his entire life, proudly cheering on his team through every victory and challenge.

A Legacy of Excellence

As Akindele George Beckley celebrates his 80th birthday, his legacy stands tall in the roads, bridges, and infrastructure he has helped developed. His often-talked-about work has not only improved transportation and economic growth in West Africa but has also set a standard for excellence in civil engineering. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and service, with an unshakeable commitment to building a better world through infrastructure.