By: Aminata Turay
On Friday, 30th January 2026, Sierra Leone’s Vice President, and Chairman of the Police Council, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, officially commissioned the newly constructed Ross Road Police Station in Freetown. This landmark development marks another significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and improve the welfare of police officers.
The ceremony brought together senior police officers, community leaders, and residents, highlighting the close relationship between the police and the communities they serve.
In his remarks, the Vice President emphasized that modern policing goes beyond enforcement; it also includes care, discipline, and strong community partnerships. He described the new facility as a part of the government’s “hard support” for the police, which includes providing safe infrastructure, mobility, and communication tools. He also highlighted the “soft support” in terms of reforms, training, and human-centred policing that places citizens at the heart of security service delivery.
Dr. Jalloh further noted that since 2018, the government had made steady investments in police reforms, including improving mobility, building new stations and posts, enhancing salaries and welfare, and ensuring ongoing recruitment and training. He stressed that a conducive working environment, such as the one provided by the Ross Road station, would foster professionalism, discipline, and a 24-hour service culture, which are essential for public safety.
The Vice President also commended the Inspector General of Police and officers nationwide for their dedication, both at home and in international assignments, praising the professionalism of Sierra Leonean police contingents abroad. He urged the officers to maintain discipline and community trust, reminding them that effective policing is critical to development, peace, and the daily safety of citizens.
Inspector General of Police, William Fayai Sellu, described the commissioning as a significant and emotional milestone for the Sierra Leone Police, noting that the project had faced several delays over the years before being revived. He explained that construction had stalled at different stages, but renewed commitment from the government, following appeals made through the Police Council, led by Vice President Jalloh, had enabled the project’s completion.
The IGP expressed deep appreciation to the government and its partners for mobilizing the necessary resources to deliver what he called one of the most strategically located and important police stations in the country. He emphasized that the new facility was more than just a building; it signified a shift in mindset and service delivery within the police force. He assured the public that the police leadership would continue to prioritize reforms, including improvements in training, communication systems, and welfare, stating that with sustained government support, the Sierra Leone Police would continue to deliver people-centered policing.
Assistant Inspector General of Police, Brima Kanneh, welcomed the Vice President and other dignitaries to the Western Area, describing the commissioning as the fulfillment of a long-standing initiative driven by teamwork and community support. He assured the public that officers would maintain the facility to the highest standards and ensure its effective utilization to enhance policing, public safety, and service delivery in the community.
In his address, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, David Fortune, noted that the new police station represented more than just a physical structure. He described it as a strategic investment in the professional growth, skills, and integrity of police officers, in line with the vision of His Excellency the President. The Deputy Minister commended the Vice President, the Inspector General of Police, and the Police Partnership Board for their leadership and support, emphasizing that a modern and well-equipped policing environment would enhance public safety, boost confidence in law enforcement, and create a secure atmosphere for both communities and businesses to thrive.
Secretary General of the Police Partnership Board, Melvin Greene, expressed gratitude to the government and community stakeholders for their collective support in completing the Ross Road Police Station. He called the project a product of strong collaboration between the police, local communities, and business partners. Greene stressed that such partnerships would strengthen trust, encourage community involvement in policing, and support the ongoing transformation of the police from a force to a service, reaffirming the community’s commitment to peace, cooperation, and public safety.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for continued collaboration between the police and the public, as stakeholders reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, security, and people-centred policing.
