Since assuming office as Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio has demonstrated strong leadership, driving institutional transformation, improving operational efficiency, and delivering significant financial growth.
His success in this role is underpinned by his extensive experience as a logistics and maritime specialist, as well as his prior service as Deputy General Manager of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) for five years before his appointment by His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio.
Under his leadership, the Authority has gained recognition for implementing structural reforms and improving port infrastructure. He has repositioned the SLPHA as a high-performing institution, significantly boosting revenue generation. Over a three-year period, the Authority contributed a total of $19 million to the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) as equity share $4 million in 2023, $7 million in 2024, and $8 million in 2025.
DG Yankuba Askia Bio’s stewardship has also led to the achievement of 89% compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, while vessel turnaround time has been reduced to less than 48 hours enhancing efficiency and competitiveness at the ports.
He has spearheaded key modernization efforts, including upgrading port equipment, improving logistics systems, and overseeing the rehabilitation of the Freetown port exit road to ease congestion and facilitate smoother cargo movement.
In the area of staff welfare, his administration has ensured 100% medical coverage for employees, settled longstanding staff benefits exceeding twenty-five billion Leones, and facilitated overseas training opportunities to build staff capacity.
Through prudent financial management and reduced revenue leakages, the Authority has recorded substantial growth in income, positioning it as a major contributor to national development.
For the past three years, the SLPHA has ranked among the top-performing agencies under the Ministry of Transport and Aviation (MTA) in the annual assessment of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This recognition reflects its strong performance in efficiency, productivity, and revenue contribution. The Authority improved from a Grade B (63%) in 2024 to a Grade A (70.1%) in 2025.
Overall, DG Yankuba Askia Bio’s leadership has marked a period of measurable progress for the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, reinforcing its role as a critical driver of economic growth and trade facilitation in the country.