By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Executive of the Guild of Newspaper Editors – Sierra Leone (GoNE-SL) has paid a courtesy call on the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) as part of efforts to foster stronger ties between the media and the ports management. The visit took place at the Water Quay in Freetown, where the delegation was received by the Director General of the SLPHA, Yankuba A. Bio.
During the meeting, Chairman of GoNE-SL, Thomas Dixon, commended the existing collaboration between the Guild and the Ports Authority and emphasized the importance of sustained engagement to advance media development in the country. He outlined the Guild’s immediate plan to develop a three-year strategic roadmap and to establish a permanent secretariat.
In the long term, Dixon said the Guild aims to acquire a printing press that will operate on a cost-recovery basis. He explained that such an initiative would help reduce media poverty, improve efficiency, and create a more sustainable environment for newspaper editors and publishers. He further reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to responsible journalism, noting that self-regulation remains vital for upholding media ethics and professionalism.
In his response, Director General Yankuba Bio welcomed the GoNE-SL Executive and expressed his appreciation for the role of the media in promoting accountability and transparency. He highlighted the Authority’s ongoing collaboration with journalists, noting that the SLPHA currently partners with 15 media outlets. Through these partnerships, the Ports Authority has organized training sessions to build the capacity of journalists and enhance their understanding of port operations.
Bio encouraged the Guild to take a structured approach to its proposed initiatives by developing a formal budget. He assured the delegation that the Ports Authority would consider contributing to the Guild’s programmes once a clear plan is presented.
The Director General also provided a brief historical background of the institution. Established in 1964, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority has grown into a dual-function entity, acting both as a landlord and regulator. Following the concession of the Queen Elizabeth II Quay to Bolloré Africa Logistics and Sierra Leone Ports Management Consortium, the Authority has focused on regulatory oversight and ensuring efficiency in port operations.
Concluding his remarks, Bio proudly announced that Sierra Leone’s main port has been ranked as the best in the sub-region, a recognition he said reflects the Authority’s commitment to modernization, efficiency, and service delivery.
The courtesy call underscored the growing partnership between media stakeholders and state institutions, with both sides acknowledging the need for collaboration to promote national development. The Guild of Newspaper Editors, which represents the interests of editors and publishers across Sierra Leone, continues to position itself as a key player in advancing responsible journalism and building stronger relationships with public and private institutions.
With the SLPHA’s assurance of support and the Guild’s ambitious strategic vision, the visit is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation that will not only strengthen the media landscape but also contribute to greater public understanding of the critical role ports play in Sierra Leone’s economy.
