By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a landmark decision, Sierra Leone’s Parliament has ratified a Concession Agreement with Gento Group of Companies (SL) Limited for the development of a state-of-the-art seaport project. The agreement, passed on July 11th, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure development and economic growth strategy.
The project, located in the Dublin and Ricket communities of Banana Island and Kent, respectively, aims to establish a world-class seaport facility. According to the Speaker of Parliament, The Right Honourable Solomon Sengehpoh Thomas, the project holds immense promise for Sierra Leone, emphasizing its potential to enhance national revenue streams and bolster economic stability.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, urged financial institutions to provide robust support for the seaport’s realization, underscoring its pivotal role in transforming Sierra Leone into a regional transshipment hub.
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma highlighted the historical significance of the project, noting it as the first 100% Sierra Leonean-owned initiative of its scale. He praised Gento Group’s CEO, Mohamed Gento Kamara, for his vision and commitment to national development, foreseeing substantial benefits in terms of job creation, economic stimulation and infrastructure enhancement.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Opposition Whip pointed out that they have seen school, community center and health center constructed in the project area before commencement of the project.
“We have seen effective community involvement and participation. The company is ours and we should own it as it will empower our people, especially young people. I see economic growth based on this agreement,” he continued.
Hon. Dixon Rogers, Chief Whip of Parliament, said the agreement is for all Sierra Leoneans. “It will boost tourism potential, maintain the old edifice that is in Banana Island, it will support community development, create businesses and provide $50,000 annually for community development for the people,” he stated saying whatever they can do as a Government to support the project they must do.
Members of Parliament echoed these sentiments, affirming their oversight commitment to ensure the project’s transparent and efficient implementation.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, outlined the strategic importance of the seaport in meeting the country’s burgeoning trade demands. With a natural deep-water harbor boasting a depth of 23 meters—the deepest in Africa—the facility is poised to accommodate significant cargo volumes, potentially handling up to 60 million tons annually. The Minister emphasized the project’s alignment with global standards, anticipating a substantial economic impact through job creation and revenue generation.
The seaport is expected to commence operations within three years, with projections indicating initial profitability margins and long-term economic benefits. It is positioned to attract international shipping lines, bolster export capabilities and streamline import processes, thereby reducing costs of goods, services and enhancing national competitiveness.
Environmental sustainability remains a priority, with comprehensive measures in place to mitigate ecological impacts. Local communities are set to benefit through employment opportunities and community development initiatives, underlining Gento Group’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Alhaji Fanday Turay reiterated the seaport project as a cornerstone of President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for national progress and prosperity. The unanimous ratification by Parliament underscores bipartisan support for advancing Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and economic landscape into a new era of growth.
The approval of the Gento 100% Sierra Leonean Seaport Project signals a transformative phase in the nation’s development trajectory, promising far-reaching benefits for generations to come.
