Sierra Leone Ports Authority Clears Customs Procedures After Probe

Sierra Leone Ports Authority Clears Customs Procedures After Probe

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has concluded an investigation into the alleged irregular release of three containers at Freetown Port, following a formal notification from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on October 9, 2025. This inquiry refutes earlier social media claims of 16 smuggled containers.

SLPHA Director-General Yankuba Bio immediately authorized an investigation after the NRA raised concerns about containers bypassing standard clearance procedures. A joint fact-finding mission, including SLPHA management and the Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agencies (ACFA), visited all institutions involved in the clearance process.

The investigation found that all standard clearance procedures were followed. While the Customs Department noted the documents were not processed through the ASYCUDA system, a formal Customs release with necessary security features was authorized and issued. This release, which authorized Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL) to begin the clearance process, was dispatched through the Standard Customs Way Book.

Physical examinations of containers were properly conducted in the presence of Customs and SLPHA officials and certified by the Customs and Excise Department. Payments were confirmed to have been made to all relevant institutions, with the exception of Customs duties. Both physical examination and scanning results revealed no security concerns.

The SLPHA reiterates its commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging to work with the NRA to strengthen control mechanisms and improve ASYCUDA platform integration to prevent future irregularities.