The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, has disclosed in a news conference held in Freetown last Friday 27th October, 2023 that the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) entered into an agreement with the Kingho Rail and Port Company Limited that was officially approved by Cabinet.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice said the decision followed an earlier agreement with ARISE IIP that failed to meet the necessary terms and conditions leading to its mutual termination.

According to the Attorney General, the satisfaction date for enforcing the agreement with ARISE IIP was set for 9th July, 2023, but their inability to comply prompted the new agreement with Kingho Rail and Port Company Limited to avoid any operational vacuum.
The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Col. (Rtd) Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, who provided critical insight into the Rail and Port Agreement recently signed by government, there are plans to establish a specialized semi-autonomous agency responsible for regulating not only railways but also cable cars. He assured the public that this initiative would lead to job creation and capacity building. Minister Fanday Turay addressed concerns about potential monopolies, emphasizing that Kingho is obliged by contract to reserve a minimum of 10% rail capable for use by other interested parties.
Another key government official, Julius Mattai, who is the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, underscored the importance of Kingho’s investment that amounts to US$100million in revamping the Rail and Port infrastructure.
He emphasized that the government’s decision was in the best interest of the country and its people.
It was also clarified by key stakeholders in government that the Rail at Pepel is primarily designed for cargo carriages and not for passenger services, noting that despite the charge in the Rail and Port Agreement, ARISE IIP retains control of the Industrial Zone in Koya with the government expressing optimism about the realization of that project.