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The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), James Baggie Bio, has reaffirmed the Authority’s readiness to implement the African Road Safety Charter. This comes after Sierra Leone officially deposited its instrument of ratification, becoming the 14th Member State to do so.
Speaking at his office in Freetown, Bio expressed excitement over Sierra Leone’s role in spearheading the ratification process. “We are poised for the Charter to enter into force upon the 15th ratification. The SLRSA stands ready to implement the provisions of the Charter under my leadership and with the support of my team,” he said.
The African Road Safety Charter serves as a policy framework for improving road safety across Africa. It aims to reduce road traffic crashes, facilitate comprehensive national road safety policies, and enhance the private sector, civil society, and NGO participation in road safety initiatives.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bhonapha, noted that Sierra Leone’s ratification was a promise fulfilled through hard work and due diligence. He pledged Sierra Leone’s continued cooperation with the African Union Commission to effectuate the Charter’s core purpose.
The Director of Infrastructure and Energy, Dr. Kamugisha Kazaura congratulated Sierra Leone for depositing the instrument of ratification. “By taking this decisive step, Sierra Leone has demonstrated leadership and commitment to safeguarding the lives of its citizens and advancing the continental road safety agenda,” he said.
The African Road Safety Observatory pledged support to Sierra Leone’s formulation of a road safety policy, strategy, and data management. With Sierra Leone’s ratification, the Charter is one step away from entering into force.
Credit: SLRSA Public Relations and Outreach Unit
