By Amin Kef (Ranger)
A coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Sierra Leone has publicly endorsed the proposed Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project, describing it as a transformative investment capable of accelerating job creation and reshaping the country’s economic trajectory.
The Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery, led by its Chairman William Sao Lamin, announced its position during a Press Conference held on April 30, 2026, at the YACAN Conference Hall on Settra Kroo Street, off Kroo Town Road in Freetown. The Consortium’s statement, jointly delivered by Alphonso Manley and William Sao Lamin, highlighted strong support for the port development initiative and commended the leadership driving the project forward.
In its official communication, the Consortium expressed appreciation to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and Members of Parliament for approving the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal proposal. The group described the move as a demonstration of collective national leadership and bipartisan commitment to development, emphasizing the importance of effective collaboration between Government and private sector actors.
Central to the endorsement is the role of entrepreneur Mohamed Gento Kamara, Chief Executive Officer of the Gento Group of Companies. The Consortium credited his vision and investment drive as instrumental in positioning the project as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s economic transformation efforts, noting that private sector leadership remains critical in unlocking growth opportunities.
According to the Consortium, the project is expected to deliver significant employment benefits. During the construction phase, it is projected to create over 1,000 direct jobs, while long-term employment opportunities could exceed 10,000 once operations begin. Those figures, the group noted, represent a substantial contribution to strengthening the country’s labour market and improving livelihoods.
Beyond direct employment, the Consortium anticipates wider economic spillovers, estimating that between 50,000 and 100,000 indirect jobs could be generated across sectors such as transportation, logistics, trade and services. It added that such outcomes would align with national targets aimed at expanding job opportunities and reducing poverty.
The statement further underscored the project’s potential to reduce the cost of living by improving shipping efficiency and logistics systems. Enhanced port operations are expected to lower importation costs, which could ultimately translate into more affordable goods for consumers nationwide.
In addition, the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project is expected to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades, including a modern seaport, railway linkages to mining areas, logistics hubs and industrial facilities. The Consortium noted that those developments would ease pressure on road networks, improve supply chain efficiency and position Sierra Leone as a more competitive player in regional and global trade.
Describing the initiative as a “game-changing national asset,” the Consortium called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure successful implementation. It reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the project and promoting transparency and accountability throughout its execution.
“The Banana Island Port Project presents a unique opportunity to transform the economy, create jobs and improve living standards,” the statement emphasized.
The Consortium concluded by urging Sierra Leoneans to support the initiative, which it described as a defining project for the country’s future. Chairman William Sao Lamin reiterated that civil society will continue to play an active role in ensuring that the anticipated benefits are delivered effectively.
With growing support from Government, civil society,and the private sector, the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project is increasingly being positioned as a flagship development with the potential to drive sustained economic growth and national progress.
