OUR TEAM

Meet the Team Powering the GO-FOR-GOLD Program

The architects behind Africa’s most compelling citizenship and gold-backed investment residency offering.

The GO-FOR-GOLD Program didn’t appear out of thin air. It’s the result of deep legal expertise, operational discipline, and on-the-ground relationships built over decades.

Powering a visionary idea into a fast, secure, government-backed path to citizenship, and permanent residency, this team sees the compelling story of Sierra Leone’s emerging future, led by His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio.

Stephen Barnes

Global Immigration Architect

Stephen has been shaping immigration systems for more than three decades. Based in Hong Kong, he has helped tens of thousands secure residency – long before investment migration entered the mainstream.

A trusted trainer of legal professionals for the Law Society of Hong Kong and a pioneer of content-driven immigration strategy, Stephen now brings that same spirit of innovation to Sierra Leone, helping to realise the vision of His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio.

Stephen is not merely a veteran of the industry – he is a globally recognised authority on best practices in immigration. He is also a committed advocate for Africa’s growing role in global mobility and citizenship programs that drive meaningful investment.

Martyn A. Penny

Global Immigration Architect

Martyn has worked alongside Stephen Barnes since 1997, overseeing the development of visa case technologies for LL.B Consultancy and, later, for the international immigration services group that acquired the firm.

From 2000 to 2006, he served as Technical Director at LL.B Consultancy, during which time he built deep expertise in IT systems tailored specifically to immigration service operations.

His experience is unparalleled. Before designing the service specifications for the Hong Kong Visa Centre, Martyn led the build-out and implementation of a dedicated practice platform for a publicly listed immigration services company in Western Australia, following a senior management buyout.

Jason knows what it means to go through the process—he secured Hong Kong permanent residency in 2013 with Stephen’s help, and now leads the GO-FOR-GOLD Concierge. With a background in hospitality and media, he ensures every Club member is looked after with care and efficiency.

Jason Black

Concierge & Client Experience

Desislava Pavlova

Executive Operations Lead

With a Master’s in Media and Public Relations, Desislava supports Mr. Barnes directly, coordinating executive functions and ensuring the smooth flow of communications with clients and government partners. She’s the backbone of the day-to-day and keeps the engine running.

Holding degrees in Software Engineering and International Economic Relations, Konstantin has spent the past six years optimising digital operations for The Hong Kong Visa Centre. He now brings his technical leadership to GO-FOR-GOLD, ensuring a secure, seamless client experience online.

Konstantin Cherkozov

Technology & Platform Lead

Isata Felicia Wleh-Philips

Governance & Local Liaison

A chartered accountant with a strong record in agricultural and community development, Isata holds a BSc in Business Administration and membership in ACCA. Her professional path spans The Gambia and Sierra Leone, and she plays a key role in regulatory guidance and stakeholder relationships on the ground.

A former Member of Parliament representing Kono District, Aiah brings credibility and experience from both the political and academic sectors. He advises the team on local context, policy alignment, and regional development engagement.

Aiah David Shek Kassegbama

Policy & Public Affairs

Yusufa Sey

Gold Strategy & Compliance

As Director of Aurex Investments Ltd, Yusufa oversees operations in the global physical gold trade. He’s the team’s anchor in the bullion sector, ensuring that every ounce backing the program is traceable, compliant, and managed to international standards.