Parliament’s Select Committee, led by the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, has visited the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) to assess its productivity, achievements and operational challenges.
The committee visited the Authority on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, as part of efforts to assess the performance of the SLPHA over the past few years.
The delegation comprised the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew S. Nyuma; Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo; Opposition Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara; Chairman of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Hon. Kekura Christopher Vandi; and Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma.
Before touring the port facilities, the Director General of the SLPHA, Yankuba Askia Bio, briefed the committee on the Authority’s recent achievements and progress under his leadership.
DG Bio highlighted the Authority’s steady increase in revenue generation over the past three consecutive years, noting that the funds were transferred to the Government of Sierra Leone as the government’s equity share.
He disclosed that the Authority transferred US$8 million in 2025, US$7 million in 2024 and US$4 million in 2023, bringing the total to US$19 million over the three-year period.
The Director General also noted that the SLPHA has consistently ranked among the top-performing agencies under the Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s Agency Performance Rating Scorecard. He said the strong ratings demonstrate the Authority’s commitment to sound financial management, effective administration, policy initiatives and quality service delivery.
On infrastructure, DG Bio explained that improvements to the port’s berths have significantly increased productivity and operational capacity. He said the increased depth of the berths now allows larger vessels, including Panamax vessels, to call at the ports.
According to him, the development has contributed to increased port activity and revenue generation, compared to previous years when port operations were largely limited to smaller vessels.
DG Bio also addressed concerns over congestion at the ports, explaining some of the factors contributing to the situation and the challenges confronting the Authority in addressing them.
Following the briefing, Members of Parliament commended the management and staff of the SLPHA for the progress and achievements recorded.
However, the MPs urged the Authority to strengthen its public communication by regularly informing citizens and stakeholders about its activities, achievements and contributions to national development.
They noted that consistent public engagement would help ensure that citizens and stakeholders have access to accurate and reliable information about developments at the Ports.
The visit concluded with a tour of the port facilities, followed by an inspection of the proposed Kent and Banana Island Seaport projects.