The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio, is leading a joint port decongestion exercise aimed at improving the movement of containers and other cargo within the operational areas of the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Cline Town, Freetown.
The multi-agency operation, which commenced on Monday, August 10, 2026, brings together officials from the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), including Executive Director James Baggie Bio, the Indigenous Transport Owners Association (ITOA), Freetown Terminal Limited, and other key stakeholders.
The exercise is designed to ensure a smoother and more efficient process for the movement of containers out of the port after completion of all necessary documentation, payment of required revenues, and compliance with relevant clearance procedures.
Speaking at the launch of the exercise, DG Yankuba Askia Bio described the operation as critical to addressing congestion challenges at the port and improving the efficiency of cargo movement.
“The port is currently congested. It is a fact, and we understand the ripple effects this has on importers and consumers of goods across the country. As a responsible institution, we are concerned, which is why we are working to decongest the port and prevent delays in the delivery of containers to their final destinations,” he told truck drivers while encouraging them to promptly exit the port after completing their activities.
Since the commencement of the exercise, trucks identified as faulty or unfit for road use have been removed from operations. Owners and drivers of such vehicles have been instructed to carry out the necessary repairs before being allowed to access the port.
Through the involvement of the SLRSA, vehicle and body licences are also being verified to ensure that cargo trucks and drivers meet the required safety and regulatory standards.
DG Bio emphasized that reducing congestion at the port would not only accelerate the clearance process for importers but also improve service delivery for consumers and businesses that depend on imported goods.
He explained that a less congested port would reduce turnaround time, enhance operational efficiency, and increase productivity at the Authority.
“As major contributors to Sierra Leone’s economy, we want to continue supporting national development through efficient port services. We do not want bottlenecks. While challenges exist, we will not engage in a blame game. All stakeholders are working together to ensure that we achieve a decongested and more efficient port,” the SLPHA Director General stated.
The ongoing exercise reflects SLPHA’s commitment to strengthening port operations, improving trade facilitation, and supporting economic growth through a more efficient maritime transport system.