Parliament Evaluates Key Operational Milestones at Ports Facility
On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, a high-level Parliamentary Select Committee led by the Leader of Government Business, Honourable Mathew Sahr Nyuma, conducted a comprehensive oversight visit to the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA).
The bipartisan delegation featured key parliamentary leadership, including Leader of the Opposition Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Parliamentary Finance Committee Chairman Hon. Kekura Christopher Vandi, and Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma.
The primary objective of the delegation was to assess the operational productivity and overall performance of the Authority over recent years.
Ahead of an extensive tour of the facility, Director General Yankuba Askia Bio briefed the committee on significant milestones achieved during his tenure. Highlighted among these achievements was a steady multi-year rise in revenue generation surrendered as government equity shares—totaling $19 million over three consecutive years, with $4 million transferred in 2023, $7 million in 2024, and $8 million in 2025.
Director General Bio also emphasized that the Authority consistently achieved top honors on the Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s Agency Performance Rating Scorecard. He noted that these top marks reflect the SLPHA’s dedication to robust financial stewardship, effective administrative policies, and impactful service delivery initiatives.
Addressing operational enhancements, Director General Bio explained that critical infrastructure upgrades—particularly deeper berth depths—have expanded the port's capacity to accommodate larger vessels, such as Panamax-class ships.
This structural improvement has driven higher traffic volume and boosted revenue growth compared to previous years when operations were restricted to smaller vessels. In addition, the Director General outlined the ongoing strategies and operational challenges associated with mitigating port congestion.
Members of Parliament commended the leadership and staff of the SLPHA for their strong results and institutional progress.
At the same time, lawmakers encouraged the Authority to enhance public engagement by regularly sharing progress updates, ensuring stakeholders and citizens remain well-informed about key developments and the port’s contributions to national development.
The oversight visit concluded with a guided walkthrough of the main port operations, followed by a inspection tour of the proposed site for the Kent and Banana Island Seaport project.
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