Announcements

After being recognised as the top-performing agency for 2024 by the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Sierra Leone Ports and Habours Authority (SLPHA) under the indefatigable leadership of Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio has been hailed for its unique policy implementation in line with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio's dream of enhancing the infrastructure of Sierra Leone's principal maritime gateway that will put the country in a prominent position not only in West Africa but also across the entire continent and beyond.

It could be recalled that recently, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation announced the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) as the top-performing agency for 2024 under its supervision. With a total of 64%, SLPHA earned an impressive Grade B, which reflects its commitment to excellence and efficiency in operations. This achievement undoubtedly underscores the Authority's incessant dedication to advancing the country's maritime sector and aligning with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation's strategic objectives.

This is not the first the SLPHA has been the top-performing agent. The Authority also won the same accolade in 2023, when the Ministry of Transport and Aviation recognises the Authority for its operational efficiency.
Under the impressive leadership of President Julius Maada Bio and the able stewardship of SLPHA's Director General, Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, Sierra

Leone has made significant strides in enhancing her ports infrastructure. As the country's principal maritime gateway, the Port of Freetown has been recognised as one of the top-performing container ports of Africa in 2023, according to the Container Port Performing Index. This achievement places Sierra Leone in a prominent position not only in West Africa but also across the entire continent. The Container Port Performance Index 2023 ranked the Port of Freetown as the 10th best container port in Africa and 3rd in West Africa, respectively. This notable ranking reflects the port's operational efficiency, modern facilities, and strategic management improvements.

The Port of Freetown's advancement to the 10th position in Africa is particularly remarkable considering its competition with major ports in Ghana and Nigeria, traditionally seen as the ports leaders.

Since Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio took over at the SLPHA, and with support from the government, several factors have contributed to the Port of Freetown's enhanced performance. One of them is infrastructure development, which has witnessed significant investments in upgrading the port's infrastructure, including the expansion of container terminals, the introduction of modern cargo handling equipment, and improvement in storage facilities.

The Authority has also streamlined operations and the adoption of advanced port management systems have reduced turnaround times and increased the port's capacity to handle larger volumes of cargo.
The government's support is also key to the ongoing reformation at the SLPHA. Its commitment to developing the maritime sector has played a critical role. Policies aimed at improving port governance, enhancing security, and facilitating trade have been pivotal.

The recognition of the Port of Freetown as one of Africa's top container ports is a testament to the progress Sierra Leone has made under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio with the support of the Bio Administration. Continued investments in infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategic initiatives are likely to further enhance the port's status, driving economic development and reinforcing Sierra Leone's position on the region and global stage.