The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), with support from the World Bank’s Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), held a high-level Information Session on May 15, 2025, at the Bintumani Swimming Pool, unveiling three newly developed touristic sites: Leicester Peak Viewing Deck, Tacugama Innovation Centre, and Bureh Beach Surf Club and Jetty.
The event attracted senior government officials, private sector players, international investors, and development partners. It served as a platform to officially present the new sites, outline available facilities and resources, and highlight commercial potential and opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Transforming Tourism for Economic Diversification
Chairing the session, Senior Permanent Secretary Edward Kwame Yankson emphasised that the initiative represents a tangible step towards economic diversification, job creation, and national cohesion. “For the past five years, the Ministry and National Tourist Board have aggressively marketed Sierra Leone to drive domestic and international traffic,” he noted. “These sites are not just scenic attractions; they are strategic economic assets.”
He praised the collaboration between MTCA, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in spearheading tourism development under the SLEDP framework. Yankson also emphasised the potential for community development and entrepreneurship, stating that the sites tell the unique Sierra Leonean story to the world.
Minister of Finance Commends Strategic Focus
Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, expressed satisfaction with the MTCA’s interventions, describing tourism as a priority sector under the government’s Big Five Agenda. “Tourism can create jobs, drive investment, and generate revenue,” he stated. “I applaud Minister Nabeela Tunis for her strategic leadership and assure continued government support.”
He assured prospective investors of the government’s non-interference in site management, urging them to submit competitive offers and ensure a conducive business environment.
A Vision for Ecotourism and Sustainability
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis outlined three core purposes of the Information Session:
Official presentation of the sites
Detailed explanation of site facilities and resources
Highlighting commercial and strategic opportunities for PPPs
She emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to a tripartite model involving public sector leadership, private sector investment, and host community participation as the most sustainable path forward.
“Our primary goal is to enhance visitor experiences while ensuring local ownership and environmental protection,” she said. “These developments align with the Year of Ecotourism 2025, positioning Sierra Leone as a premier ecotourism destination.”
Minister Tunis reaffirmed her ministry’s readiness to partner with private investors who share the values of transparency, sustainability, and cultural preservation. She extended her gratitude to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for recognising tourism as a critical enabler of economic transformation.
Presentations, Partnerships, and Private Sector Engagement
Mohamed Jalloh, Director of Tourism, Travel, and Exchange Programmes, delivered a detailed presentation on the potential of each site, followed by a video documentary showcasing the facilities. This was followed by contributions from key stakeholders:
Mrs. Mary Jalloh, SLEDP Project Coordinator, thanked Minister Tunis for her strong oversight and reaffirmed the role of the private sector in sustaining these developments.
Mr. John Shallop, President of the Sierra Leone Hotel Association, described the session as “a clear testament that the Ministry has been working” and called on private investors to seize the opportunity.
Mr. Mustapha Njie, CEO of TAF Africa Global, commended the initiative and pledged continued collaboration with the government in identifying new opportunities.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to seek clarity on site management structures and explore possible areas of investment.
Joel Foday Dumbuya, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs
