By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has emerged as the top-performing agency under the Ministry of Transport and Aviation in the 2025 Mid-Term Inter-Agency Performance Scorecard for the period January to June 2025. The Authority achieved a Grade A rating with an outstanding score of 70.1 percent.
This recognition underscores SLPHA’s operational efficiency, strategic modernization drive, and commitment to service excellence under its current leadership. During the review period, the Authority implemented a range of targeted initiatives aimed at enhancing port operations, reducing vessel turnaround times, strengthening safety and security measures, and deploying modern technologies. These measures have not only improved service delivery and customer satisfaction but have also boosted government revenue generation.
The Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s performance assessment was based on five core areas:
Policy, Strategy and Legislative Support
Administration and Management
Service Delivery
Financial Stewardship
Accountability and Corruption Eradication
In the sector performance rankings, the SLPHA led the list, followed by the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) with 55.5 percent (Grade B-), the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) with 49.4 percent (Grade C), and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) with 40.5 percent (Grade C-). The Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency (SLNSA) scored 38.3 percent (Grade D), the Sierra Leone Airport Authority (SLAA) earned 37.6 percent (Grade D), the Sierra Leone Air Accident Investigation Bureau (SLAAIIB) registered 30.0 percent (Grade E), and the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) ranked last with 27.4 percent (Grade F).
The Ministry reaffirmed that performance contracts remain a critical tool for promoting accountability, enhancing institutional efficiency, and aligning sector priorities with national development objectives. By tracking measurable results, the system encourages public agencies to deliver on their mandates effectively and transparently.
In a statement following the announcement, SLPHA leadership expressed pride in the Authority’s achievement, describing it as the result of a collective effort from management, staff, and key stakeholders. The modernization of port facilities, investment in digital tracking and operational systems, and training programs for staff were highlighted as major contributors to the strong performance.
The Authority’s operational improvements have also positioned Sierra Leone as a competitive maritime hub in West Africa. With faster vessel turnaround times, enhanced cargo handling procedures, and improved compliance with international safety and security standards, SLPHA has been able to attract more shipping lines and facilitate greater trade volumes.
Officials note that this success has ripple effects beyond the port sector. Increased efficiency and reliability at Sierra Leone’s ports contribute directly to national economic growth, facilitate smoother regional trade integration, and attract foreign investment. These advances also support the government’s long-term vision for sustainable economic development through improved infrastructure and logistics.
SLPHA leadership pledged to maintain momentum in the second half of 2025 by further advancing digital transformation, expanding capacity, and strengthening partnerships with both local and international stakeholders. The Authority also committed to aligning its strategies with the government’s broader economic agenda to ensure that gains are sustained and expanded in the years ahead.
The ministry’s mid-term results reaffirm SLPHA’s place at the forefront of Sierra Leone’s transport sector — and signal a promising path for the country’s maritime future.
