September 20, 2021
The Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) management has demonstrated vigilance in security and safety following arrests of attempted smuggling of imported contraband substances out from Freetown Port, Queen Elizabeth II Quay. These developments could not be unconnected to the following:-
The Authority’s coordinated security and safety plans with stakeholders in the port operations on maritime security and safety; and the review of the clearance processes at the Freetown Port taking into consideration physical security and safety.
In recent past, SLPA management held series of consultative meetings with stakeholders including the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on maritime safety and security following an intelligence of importation of contraband substances believed to be harmful drugs.
During these meetings, arrays of security issues were discussed including:-
– Operating procedure on the Provision and Management of security at the port;
– The role of SLPA Investigation branch on incidences/security matters at the port,
– Entry of security personnel into Port,
– Security training for all security personnel working and /or assigned to the port,
– The mode of un-stuffing of containers, deployment of armed personnel at vessels at the port and host of others.
During its engagement with the Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) & Team on clearance processes of goods, port security, and safety at the Freetown Port, Queen Elizabeth 11 Quay, the General Manager of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority, Dr. Abdulai Fofana, urged stakeholders to complement the work of each other to ensure a safe and secured clearance processes at the port in tandem with international best practices.
“Security at the port is key in the clearance processes due to external consequences on ports that do not comply with international security best practices,” the general manager explained.
He commended his management team for the considerable strides made to upgrade security at the port, referencing the Authority’s security pass mark on the International Port Security assessment few years back.
Stakeholders are concerned at both the economic and physical security during the clearance processes of consignment at the port.
The Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority, Dr. Samuel Jibao said security’s best practice compliance at the Port is doable and urged stakeholders on the Port operations to embark on both physical and economic security.
On the clearance processes, stakeholders are of the view that there is a need to look at the existing clearance processes to meet international safety and security best practice. SLPA Deputy General Manager, Yankuba Askia Bio urged stakeholders to review the existing clearance processes at the port, taking into considerations international security and safety best practices.
In similar sentiments, SLPA Harbour Master, Captain Alpha Yayah Bangura who also doubles as the Port Security Facility Officer urged stakeholders in the port operations to brace up to avert the reoccurrences of similar incidences at the Freetown Port. He warned against the port being put into the World maritime advisory list, a situation that would attract major premium on ships coming into country.
In the emergency security engagements, stakeholders discussed the provision of security at the Port, un-stuffing of containers, over boarding on vessels and unaccredited security/ personnel at the port. After intensive deliberations, the meeting made the following recommendations:
•Formation of standard operating procedure on the provision and management of security at the port;
•Investigation branch of SLPA to follow up with incidences/security matters reported to the Sierra Leone Police for investigation and prosecution where necessary;
•That all security personnel entering the port must be accredited by SLPA;
•That security training be conducted for all security personnel working and /or assigned to the Port;
•That un-stuffing of containers should be done in the presence of SLPA,NRA, the Consignee and the Agent and any other such agency representative as the manifest of the cargo demands;
•That armed personnel be deployed to vessels within the Freetown waters until a vessel sails off in the high sea;
•That SLPA informs the Navy on vessels that need armed personnel (military and police) on board;
•That all clearing Agents should be registered and licensed with ACFA and fully downed PPEs and valid Port Passes on entry into the port; and
•That ITS submits a monthly security report to SLPA for ISPS monitoring analysis.