By Kadiatu A Turay.

The Kissy Ferry Terminal is one of Sierra Leone’s busiest gateways for trade and travel. Every day, thousands of passengers and traders pass through, moving goods across the waters that connect Freetown to other parts of the country. But behind the flow of commerce lies a hidden workforce men and boys who carry the weight of the terminal on their shoulders, both literally and figuratively.

Here, there are no machines to ease the burden. Heavy bags, cartons, and luggage are transported by sheer human strength. Wheelbarrow pushers and load carriers, often overlooked, form the backbone of this movement. They endure daily hardship to earn a living, yet their contribution remains largely invisible.

From dawn till dusk, they push, pull, and balance loads for a fee. But the pay is meagre. For some, a long day’s work brings nothing. For others, it means scraping together just enough to survive.

“Sometimes I don’t make a single cent. Other times, I only earn 50 to 100 thousand Leones a day, which is not enough to feed my family. But I have no other choice,” said Ibrahim Sow, a wheelbarrow pusher, his voice weary but steady.

With no protective gear, health insurance, or safety nets, the job takes a toll. The constant lifting and pushing leave them with back pain, body aches, and fatigue. Yet, they press on, driven by the need to provide for their families.

“We are the ones paying ourselves. Even with all the hard work, we don’t make much. If I could get some support, I would start another business,” explained Mohamed Koroma, a labourer at the terminal.

“We are the ones paying ourselves. Even with all the hard work, we don’t make much. If I could get some support, I would start another business,” explained Mohamed Koroma, a labourer at the terminal.

Their struggles extend beyond the terminal. At the end of the day, many return to cramped homes with little to show for their labour. Feeding their families, paying rent, or covering school fees often feels impossible.

Still, their work does not go unnoticed by those they serve. Traders acknowledge their indispensable role in the movement of goods.

“Without them, we cannot move our goods. I appreciate what they do,” said Sally Bangura, a trader who relies on wheelbarrow pushers daily.

The plight of these men reflects the wider challenges of Sierra Leone’s informal economy relentless hard work, little financial reward, but a determination to survive against the odds.

At the Kissy Ferry Terminal, every load carried tells a story of struggle, resilience, and hope for a better future.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 10th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)