By Thaimu T Kamara
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially commissioned the CTC Multi-Functional Seaport in Maforki Chiefdom, Port Loko District, a privately developed facility by CTC Ports and Logistics Limited. The port promises to enhance Sierra Leone’s mineral exports and connect local producers to global markets.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Bio praised CTC Mining and CTC Ports and Logistics for their swift and impactful work, he highlighted that CTC Ports and Logistics is 50% Sierra Leonean-owned, showcasing local capacity to deliver major infrastructure projects. Since receiving the Port Loko Bauxite concession in November 2022, CTC Mining has advanced from vessel exports to building and operating this export seaport, their determination to deliver is remarkable, Bio said.
The President underscored his government’s efforts to foster investment through incentives, security, and infrastructure, declaring Sierra Leone open for business. He urged paramount chiefs and local leaders to safeguard such projects, emphasizing that peace is vital for development.
This seaport links our mineral exports to global trade routes, bringing markets closer to our producers, Bio stated. CTC mining aims to export five million tonnes of bauxite this year, rising to 7.5 million tonnes in 2026, boosting revenue, jobs, and economic growth.
Bio challenged CTC mining to explore local mineral processing and refining, beyond raw exports, we must build our own industries, he said, my government is committed to value addition, local content policies, and skilling Sierra Leoneans for large-scale projects.
Hisham Mackie, CEO of CTC Mining, lauded Bio’s ‘Tok and Do’ leadership, noting the seaport reflects a vision to strengthen Sierra Leone’s trade logistics. The port features a 32-kilometre haul road, an export terminal, and an integrated logistics network built through national and international partnerships.
Chinese Ambassador Qing Wang called the commissioning a milestone in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure growth, linking it to Bio’s recent China visit and ongoing Sierra Leone–China cooperation, the CTC seaport marks a bold step in Sierra Leone’s drive to expand its role in global trade through sustainable infrastructure and public-private partnerships.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 12th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
