By: Mahmoud Kamara
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has emerged as the top-performing agency in the transport sector, according to the 2025 Mid-Term Agency Performance Scores released by the Ministry of Transport and Aviation (MoTA).
The performance scores, which evaluated the operations of transport agencies from January to June 2025, were officially announced during an inter-agency review meeting held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, 7th Floor, Youyi Building, Freetown. The event brought together heads of agencies, directors, senior technical staff, and key sector personnel.
In his opening remarks, the Senior Permanent Secretary, Mr. Edward Kwame Yankson, stated that the evaluation followed the signing of performance contracts in January 2025. He emphasized that the mid-year review was crucial for measuring progress and refining strategic priorities for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Colonel (Rtd) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., commended all agency heads and staff for their dedication to public service. He emphasized that the assessment was a motivational tool, not a punitive measure.
“This assessment is not meant to demoralize any agency,” said Minister Turay. “It is designed to re-energize our collective efforts toward building a resilient, accountable, and citizen-focused transport sector.”
The Minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Ministry and its agencies, urging continued teamwork to achieve sector-wide progress in line with the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and the “Big Five Game Changers” initiative.
Senior Technical Advisor to the Ministry, Ing. Dr. Albert Forde, explained that the evaluation was based on five key performance indicators Policy, Strategy & Legislative Support – 20%, Service Delivery – 20%, Institutional Administration & Management – 15%, Accountability & Corruption Eradication – 15%, Financial Stewardship – 30%
“These criteria serve not only as benchmarks but also as roadmaps toward improved governance, enhanced service quality, and increased public trust,” Dr. Forde noted. He also encouraged agencies to improve documentation and internal processes in preparation for the year-end evaluation.
Assistant Director of Transport, Mr. William Morgan, presented the agency rankings as follows Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) – 70.1% (Grade A), Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) – 55.5% (Grade B-), Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) – 49.4% (Grade C), Sierra Leone Roads Safety Authority (SLRSA) – 40.5% (Grade C-), Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency (SLNSA) – 38.3% (Grade D), Sierra Leone Airports Authority (SLAA) – 37.6% (Grade D), Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident, Incident and Investigative Bureau (SLAAIIB) – 30.0% (Grade E) and Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) – 27.4% (Grade F)
Morgan noted that several agencies received lower scores due to failure to submit key documents, which affected the evaluators’ ability to accurately assess their performance.
“This evidence-based evaluation reinforces the need for accurate reporting and stronger institutional coordination,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Rex Bhonapha, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and service excellence. He encouraged all agencies to align their operations with national development priorities and to meet upcoming performance contract targets.
