SLPHA Engages Importers, Stakeholders Over Port Clearance Delays

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has engaged importers and key port stakeholders to address concerns over delays in the clearance of goods at the country’s main port.

The meeting, held on Friday, 31 July 2026, was chaired by SLPHA Director of Operations and Monitoring, Foday Manso Koroma, and brought together representatives from the Importers Welfare Association, National Revenue Authority (NRA) Customs, Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL), Integrated Trade Service (ITS), Sierra Leone Customs Brokers Union (SLCBU), and Indigenous

Transport Owners Association (ITOA).

Director Koroma described the engagement as a dialogue aimed at identifying challenges and finding solutions, while cautioning stakeholders against blaming the SLPHA alone, noting that several factors contribute to delays in the clearance process.

Importers raised concerns over prolonged delays in accessing goods, demurrage charges, high haulage costs, alleged preferential treatment of some containers, and challenges accessing the port. They noted that some businesses wait for months before receiving their goods, affecting their operations.

Responding to the concerns, Koroma attributed the delays to both natural and human factors, including limited port capacity and work-related challenges among stakeholders.

The NRA Customs representative advised importers to pay greater attention to the pre-clearance stage, ensure accurate documentation, provide correct invoices, and properly declare container contents to avoid unnecessary delays.

The meeting concluded with stakeholders agreeing to strengthen collaboration to improve port operations.

The SLPHA also committed to reviewing the issues raised and continuing engagements with relevant parties to ensure a more efficient clearance process.