The Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, today paid a courtesy visit to the Port of Freetown, where he was warmly received by the Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, along with senior officials and stakeholders in the maritime sector.
During the visit, Dr. Jalloh was taken on a guided tour of the port facilities, where he observed ongoing port operations and infrastructure developments. The Director General provided a comprehensive overview of the authority’s strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, security, and trade facilitation. These efforts are part of the government’s broader vision to modernize the country’s trade infrastructure, boost economic growth, and improve Sierra Leone’s standing as a key player in regional and global maritime trade.
As part of the tour, the Vice President visited critical sections of the port, including the cargo handling areas, storage facilities, and the transit point, where he assessed the movement of goods through the facility. The visit underscored the government’s commitment to improving port infrastructure and strengthening Sierra Leone’s position as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.
Dr. Jalloh has been instrumental in ensuring that government institutions, including revenue collection agencies, operate efficiently and meet international standards. He emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between port authorities, customs agencies, and private sector stakeholders to facilitate seamless trade and improve service delivery.
Commending the leadership of the SLPHA for their dedication to modernizing port operations, Dr. Jalloh reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support in making the Port of Freetown a model of efficiency and competitiveness. He noted that a well-functioning port is crucial for economic growth, as it serves as the gateway for imports and exports, contributes to job creation, and strengthens trade relations with international partners.
In response, Director General Yankuba Askia Bio expressed gratitude for the Vice President’s visit and reiterated the authority’s commitment to implementing reforms that will drive operational excellence, improve turnaround times, and attract more shipping lines to Sierra Leone. He assured Dr. Jalloh that on-going projects would significantly enhance the port’s capacity and service delivery.
The visit concluded with discussions on upcoming expansion projects and policy frameworks that will further integrate the port into the regional trade network. Dr. Jalloh encouraged continued innovation and investment in infrastructure, ensuring the port remains a key driver of economic prosperity for Sierra Leone
