By Sulaiman Jalloh
Parliament of Sierra Leone, through the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Aviation, chaired by Hon. Dixon Rogers who doubles as the chief whip of Parliament, on Monday, March 10, 2025, engaged Gento Group of Companies on the company’s agreement with the government of Sierra Leone to construct a seaport at the Banana Island to link the country’s mining regions to global trade routes.
During the hearing, the committee unanimously promised to support Gento Group’s Banana Island project to boost Sierra Leone economy and to provide for jobs for the citizenry.
In his opening statement, Honorable Dixon Rogers, chair of the committee, welcomed representatives of the company, including the CEO, saying the committee was interested in knowing the success and challenging faced by the company so far in implementing the project. “As part of that agreement, you promised to provide jobs for Sierra Leoneans and we want to know how far you have gone with the project,” he asked the company representatives.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gento Group of Company, Mohammed Gento Kamara, thanked Parliament for the invite while highlighting the natural advantages of Banana Island as the ideal location for a deep-water port. He said the port’s natural depth is over 22 meters, something he said makes it one of the deepest in the region, eliminating the need for costly dredging—a significant competitive advantage over other West African ports. This depth is believed, you allow it to accommodate the largest cargo ships that currently bypass Sierra Leone for other regional hubs. Kamara provided key updates on the initiative’s progress, emphasizing its economic potential, job creation prospects, and transformative impact on trade and logistics in West Africa.
Dr. Obai Kargbo, the Project Ports Manager, explained the geographical and environmental benefits of the location. He noted that, Banana Island’s natural wave and tidal conditions provide a sheltered harbor, reducing the need for artificial breakwaters. He pointed to the success of Togo’s Lomé Port, which, he said despite a shallower depth of 18 meters, has significantly boosted Togo’s economy by attracting major shipping lines. With its superior depth and strategic positioning, Banana Island Port is well-positioned to outperform regional competitors and establish Sierra Leone as a key maritime hub.
A crucial component of the project is the integration of a railway network that will seamlessly connect mining regions to the new port. Gento Group’s engineering team revealed that feasibility studies have been finalized to ensure the railway system is optimized for modern transportation needs. This railway is expected to facilitate the efficient export of mineral resources, boosting the mining sector, reduce transportation costs and road congestion, improving overall logistics efficiency among other benefits.
The CEO stressed that the integrated port and rail system will enhance Sierra Leone’s trade capacity, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits across multiple industries.
The initial estimated cost of the project was $1.5 billion, but after detailed feasibility studies conducted by MTBS, a globally recognized maritime consultancy, the figure has been adjusted to $2.7 billion to accommodate state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern equipment.
Mohammed Gento Kamara furthered that the project is a private sector-led investment, with his company currently engaging in a global investment roadshow to secure funding from international financiers and port operators. The Sierra Leonean government holds a 10% stake, ensuring national ownership while avoiding financial strain on public resources.
He however, expressed hope to attracting global investors, noting early discussions with major shipping lines and port operators have been promising emphasizing the project will increase country’s GDP, following the model of successful infrastructure investments in other West African nations.
Members of Parliament recognizes the transformative potential of the project while voicing bipartisan support.
Hon. Dixon Roger described the initiative as one of the most promising economic agreements in Sierra Leone’s recent history. “This project has the full backing of Parliament. We urge the government at all levels to facilitate its success, as it will drive economic growth, create jobs, and position Sierra Leone as a major player in global trade,” Hon. Roger stated.
Members of Parliament echoed sentiments, emphasizing that the project aligns with Sierra Leone’s national development goals and will serve as long-term interests of the country.