SLPHA Boss Updates MPs On Progress At The Port
Parliament’s Select Committee, headed by the Leader of Government Business, Honourable Mathew Sahr Nyuma, paid a visit to the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) on Wednesday 26th August 2026, aimed at assessing the productivity or otherwise of the Authority within the past few years.
The committee was comprised of the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew S. Nyuma, leader of the main opposition in the House of Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, the opposition Whip in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Chairman of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Hon. Kekura Christopher Vandi and Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma.
Prior to the tour of the ports facility, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio, provided an update on the gains and successes that have been achieved by the Authority in recent times since he took over as head of the SLPHA. He particularly singled out the steady and continuous increase in revenue generation by the Authority for three consecutive years, which were transferred to the Government of Sierra Leone by the Authority as government’s equity shares. He referenced the recently transferred $8 M for 2025, $7 M in 2024 and $4 M in 2023, accounting for Nineteen Million Dollars ($19 M) in revenue generated in three years. The Director General proudly mentioned that in recent years, the Authority has been top of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s Agency Performance Rating Scorecard, as the SLPHA continues to record excellent grades. He added that the rating reaffirms the Authority’s commitment to strong financial management, adequate administrative and policy initiative among other sound service delivery drives.
Disclosing that improved berth infrastructures have significantly boosted productivity and operational capacity of the ports, DG Bio stated that the improved depth of the berths now enables larger vessels, including Panamax vessels, to call at the ports. Unlike before when operations were largely limited to smaller vessels, the Ports boss underscored that this development has significantly contributed to increased port activity and revenue generation. He also addressed the issue of congestion at the ports, outlining some of the key factors responsible for the situation and the challenges being encountered.
The Members of Parliament (MPs) commended the management and staff of the SLPHA for the progress and achievements recorded. They however emphasized the need for the Authority to consistently update and inform the public about its activities, achievements and contributions to national development. They noted that regular public communication would ensure that citizens and stakeholders have access to accurate and reliable information and are better informed about developments at the Ports.
A tour of the port facility climaxed the visit, followed by a visit to the proposed Kent and Banana Island Seaport.
