By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
People in Jendema, travellers, cross-border traders and other stakeholders using the Sierra Leone–Liberia border have commended the leadership of Ibrahim Kofi Conteh, Senior Immigration Officer and Head of Station of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department at the Mano River Bridge, for what they describe as notable improvements in immigration services since his posting to the border in December 2025.
Community members and frequent travellers say Conteh’s leadership has brought greater professionalism, discipline and efficiency to the immigration post, with officers maintaining a consistent presence at the crossing point and carrying out their responsibilities with increased focus.
Travellers who regularly use the Mano River Bridge have particularly praised the manner in which immigration personnel interact with the public. They say officers have demonstrated greater respect and professionalism while assisting travellers with documentation and explaining border-crossing procedures.
Cross-border traders, especially women who frequently travel between Sierra Leone and Liberia for business, have also expressed appreciation for the changes. According to some traders, when their travel documents are properly processed, they are able to cross the border and conduct their businesses without fear of harassment or improper demands.
The traders described Conteh as a proactive leader who has created what they consider a more welcoming and orderly environment for people accessing immigration services.
Stakeholders further noted that Conteh’s engagement has extended beyond the routine operations of the immigration station. They said he has established positive working relationships with community stakeholders in Jendema and Bo Waterside, travellers, cross-border traders, other border personnel and members of his own staff.
His relationship with immigration counterparts in Liberia has also been highlighted as an important element of his leadership. Stakeholders believe continued cooperation between Sierra Leonean and Liberian border authorities is helping to improve cross-border coordination while strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
Staff members at the Jendema Immigration Station have similarly spoken positively about Conteh’s leadership style. They describe him as a leader who pays attention to the welfare of personnel and encourages officers to improve their professional capacity.
According to members of his team, Conteh motivates officers to perform their duties effectively while reminding them of the importance of treating members of the public with respect and dignity.
The positive feedback from travellers, traders, community stakeholders and immigration personnel has contributed to a growing perception that immigration operations at the Jendema crossing are becoming more organised, professional and people-centred.
For many regular users of the Sierra Leone–Liberia border, the reported improvements go beyond faster or more orderly immigration procedures. They say the changes demonstrate the importance of professionalism, accountability, respect and cooperation in managing one of Sierra Leone’s key international border crossings.
As movement and trade between Sierra Leone and Liberia continue, stakeholders say effective leadership and close cooperation between border authorities will remain essential to facilitating legitimate travel and commerce, maintaining peace and security, and strengthening the longstanding ties between the peoples of the two countries.
For residents of Jendema and many travellers who pass through the Mano River Bridge, Ibrahim Kofi Conteh’s tenure has increasingly become associated with a renewed emphasis on professional, respectful and people-centred immigration services.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 9th September 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
