By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has commended the Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, for his exemplary leadership and the remarkable transformation of the country’s port operations. The commendation came during the Chief Minister’s on-the-spot inspection visit to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), with the Ports Authority as his latest stop on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
During the visit, which took place at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, the Chief Minister engaged in a detailed discussion with DG Yankuba Bio on the state of port operations and the Authority’s performance over the past years.
Mr. Bio provided a comprehensive overview of the improvements, milestones, and strategic developments currently being undertaken.
Highlighting operational growth, Mr. Bio revealed a significant 158 percent increase in container traffic between 2023 and 2024, a testament to improved efficiency and visionary leadership. “These numbers go beyond statistics. They reflect strong governance, upgraded infrastructure, and better service delivery,” DG Bio told the Chief Minister.
In the area of exports, the Director General reported a 37 percent increase in export containers, which include processed timber, oil, coffee, cocoa, and minerals. He explained that this growth not only boosts trade but also strengthens Sierra Leone’s foreign exchange reserves and contributes to the appreciation of the national currency.
Further showcasing the port’s operational integrity, Mr. Bio noted that out of approximately 135,000 containers handled annually, only a handful have been intercepted for drugs or contraband. “This highlights the effectiveness of our security systems and the integrity of our port operations,” he said.
On staff development and institutional reform, DG Bio proudly shared that the Authority has achieved 36 percent gender compliance at management level, making it one of the most inclusive government institutions in the country. He also highlighted that the current leadership is the youngest ever at the SLPHA and consists of highly trained and certified professionals, setting a new standard for public sector excellence.
One of the most significant financial highlights from the meeting was the disclosure that SLPHA, in collaboration with the National Commission for Privatisation (NCP), has paid approximately $11 million in concession fees to the Government of Sierra Leone over the last two years. This, Mr. Bio explained, is a clear demonstration of value for money and a strong, mutually beneficial partnership with private investors.
Despite increasing the allowable demurrage period from three to seven days, expanding auction timeframes (with some goods staying over 500 days past the 90-day allowance), and managing a 60 percent port occupancy rate, Sierra Leone’s port has still managed to maintain its status as one of the best-performing in West Africa.
The tour also highlighted full capacity operations, with all eight berths actively engaged, underscoring the Port’s vital role in driving Sierra Leone’s economic transformation.
In his response, Chief Minister Sengeh expressed deep satisfaction with what he witnessed, praising DG Bio and his team for their professionalism and commitment. “This is what I mean when I talk about delivery. It’s beyond numbers, beyond headlines, and beyond intentions—Yankuba Bio and his team are delivering real results for the Government and the people of Sierra Leone,” he stated.
Dr. Sengeh concluded by emphasizing that the success of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority is not only a reflection of good leadership but also a beacon of what can be achieved through effective public sector management, institutional reform, and partnership with private investors.
