By Thaimu T Kamara

Parliamentary Select Committee has visited the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) to assess its operations, productivity, achievements and contribution to national development.

The parliamentary delegation, led by the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, comprised senior Members of Parliament who sought to gain a better understanding of the Authority’s performance and ongoing efforts to improve port operations.

The delegation was received by SLPHA Director General, Yankuba Askia Bio, who briefed the Members of Parliament on key developments and achievements recorded by the Authority in recent years.

One of the major highlights of the briefing was SLPHA’s financial contribution to the Government of Sierra Leone. According to Bio, the Authority has transferred a total of US$19 million to Government over the past three years.

The Director General said the transfers amounted to US$4 million in 2023, US$7 million in 2024 and US$8 million in 2025.

The figures, according to the Authority, demonstrate its growing contribution to the national economy and its role in supporting Government’s broader development objectives.

Bio also highlighted improvements in berth infrastructure at the port, noting that the investments have increased the facility’s operational capacity and enabled larger vessels to call at the port.

Among the vessels now able to access the improved facilities are Panamax vessels, which are significantly larger than many vessels previously accommodated by the port.

The improvements in port infrastructure are expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as a maritime and commercial hub while supporting increased trade and economic activity.

During the engagement, the SLPHA management outlined some of the measures being undertaken to improve efficiency and productivity within the Authority.

The parliamentary delegation commended the management and staff of SLPHA for the progress recorded in recent years. Members acknowledged the Authority’s financial contributions to Government as well as the improvements in infrastructure and operational capacity.

However, the lawmakers stressed the importance of consistently communicating SLPHA’s activities, achievements and contributions to national development.

They noted that public awareness of the Authority’s work is important, particularly as the port plays a strategic role in Sierra Leone’s economy and serves as a major gateway for international trade.

The Members of Parliament encouraged SLPHA management to strengthen communication with the public and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Authority’s achievements and ongoing initiatives are adequately understood.

The visit formed part of Parliament’s oversight responsibilities, providing lawmakers with an opportunity to assess the performance of a key public institution and engage directly with its management.

The parliamentary team also toured various facilities at the port to observe operations and infrastructure developments firsthand.

The tour provided the lawmakers with an opportunity to see the Authority’s facilities and gain a practical understanding of the improvements highlighted during the briefing.

The delegation subsequently visited the proposed Kent and Banana Island Seaport, an area of potential future development in Sierra Leone’s maritime sector.

The proposed seaport projects are viewed as having the potential to expand the country’s port infrastructure and create additional opportunities for trade, investment and economic growth.

The visit to the proposed sites allowed Members of Parliament to gain further insight into the country’s plans for expanding its maritime infrastructure and strengthening its capacity to handle future demands.

For SLPHA, the parliamentary engagement provided an opportunity to demonstrate the progress made while also receiving feedback from lawmakers on areas that require continued attention.

The Authority’s management has maintained that improved infrastructure, increased efficiency and stronger financial performance are important to its long-term contribution to national development.

The parliamentary assessment also underscores the importance of collaboration between public institutions and Parliament in promoting accountability and ensuring that national assets are effectively managed.

With the Authority having transferred US$19 million to Government over the past three years and increased its operational capacity through berth infrastructure improvements, SLPHA continues to play an important role in Sierra Leone’s economic development.

The visit ended with the inspection of port facilities and the tour of the proposed Kent and Banana Island Seaport, marking another step in Parliament’s ongoing oversight of strategic national institutions.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 2nd September 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)