By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA), Hastings Campus, has commenced a two-week specialized training programme for 69 recruits of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA).
The recruits arrived at the Academy on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, where they underwent registration and verification to establish their eligibility for the programme. They were subsequently taken on a familiarization tour of the Academy before being assigned to their respective accommodation facilities.
Training commenced on Thursday, September 17, with the recruits receiving instruction in parade formation and basic drills under the supervision of the Commandant of SILEA, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Brima Kamara Esq.
The official opening ceremony brought together representatives of SLPHA and senior officers of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP).
Speaking on behalf of the SLP, ACP Brima Kamara expressed appreciation to the management of SLPHA for the initiative and for entrusting SILEA One Campus at Hastings with the responsibility of providing the specialized training.
Kamara underscored the importance of the programme and encouraged the recruits to approach their training with seriousness, discipline and commitment.
He shared a guiding principle for the recruits to remember throughout their careers, stating: “The classroom gives you the knowledge; the workplace gives you the test.”
He urged the recruits to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, commitment and a willingness to learn throughout their stay at the Academy, noting that the knowledge and skills acquired would contribute to their effectiveness in carrying out their duties.
Representing SLPHA, the Director of Security and Intelligence, Sheku Umar Sesay, and the Director of Human Resources, Alhassan George, acknowledged the longstanding and cordial working relationship between the Sierra Leone Police and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority.
They encouraged the recruits to take full advantage of the training opportunity and emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge, skills and values acquired during the programme in the performance of their duties.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by one of the recruits, Kasim Jalloh, who expressed appreciation to the management and instructors of SILEA and SLPHA for providing the recruits with an opportunity to acquire knowledge, discipline and practical skills aimed at enhancing their professionalism and effectiveness.