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Mayor Aki-Sawyerr Breaks Ground on Susan’s Bay Care Block to Support Women and Families

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE on Thursday, 4 December 2025, officially launched the construction of the new Susan’s Bay Care Block, a purpose-built facility designed to ease the heavy burden of unpaid care work carried predominantly by women and girls in the capital.

Joined by Councillors and staff of the Freetown City Council (FCC), community leaders, implementing partners and beneficiaries, the Mayor described the project as “a transformative investment in people, dignity and opportunity.”

The Susan’s Bay Care Block will serve as a central hub for a wide range of essential community services, including adult education classes, nutrition support, childcare, professional development initiatives and improved access to health and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response services. The facility is also designed to promote shared responsibility in the home by offering caregiving training for men and running public awareness campaigns on the value of care work.

Implemented by the Freetown City Council in partnership with CHANGE, the initiative draws on Bogotá’s globally acclaimed Care Blocks model, adapting it to meet the needs of caregivers in densely populated urban communities like Susan’s Bay.

The project forms part of the Scaling Care Innovations in Africa partnership and is supported by Global Affairs Canada, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Metropolis. Its focus on improving access to education, health, economic empowerment and safe spaces aligns directly with the Human Capital Development pillar of Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s Transform Freetown agenda.

Construction of the Care Block marks a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to empower women, reduce inequalities and strengthen community resilience. The facility is expected to expand opportunities for thousands of caregivers and families once completed.

Shalimar Trading Rolls Out 2025 Holiday Raffle, Offers HLX 125 as Grand Prize

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Shalimar Trading has rolled out its 2025 nationwide festive raffle campaign, giving customers an exciting opportunity to win a new HLX 125 motorbike as the year draws to a close. The promotion, which is now active across all company outlets, will run until 22 December 2025, attracting riders, transport operators and individual buyers eager to secure a chance at the grand prize.

Under the rules of the campaign, every motorbike or tricycle (kekeh) purchased from Shalimar Trading within the promotional period qualifies as an automatic entry into the raffle. Each transaction counts as one ticket, increasing customers’ chances of winning the highly reliable HLX 125; celebrated for its strength, low fuel consumption and suitability for commercial riding.

The winning ticket will be selected during a live raffle draw on AYV Television, where Shalimar Trading will unveil the lucky customer who will take home the premium motorbike.

Shalimar Trading has cemented its reputation as a trusted supplier of durable motorbikes, tricycles and spare parts, building a strong customer base throughout Sierra Leone. Its extensive distribution network and commitment to dependable after-sales support have positioned the company as a key player in the transport sector, especially for those who rely on motorbikes for their daily livelihoods.

According to management, the End-of-Year Raffle is a gesture of appreciation aimed at rewarding customer loyalty and supporting communities as the festive season approaches—a period marked by high economic demands. The company emphasized that many Sierra Leoneans depend on motorbikes and tricycles for income generation, and initiatives like this raffle help enhance earning potential and uplift households.

Since the announcement, Shalimar outlets across the country have reported increased sales and customer engagement, as buyers rush to participate before the deadline. The company assures customers of a smooth, transparent raffle process and consistent product availability throughout the campaign.

With excitement steadily rising ahead of the draw, Shalimar Trading is urging customers to take advantage of the promotion early.

As the campaign unfolds, Shalimar Trading continues to demonstrate its commitment to customer empowerment and service excellence—closing 2025 with a strong message of gratitude, support and community partnership.

Pee Cee & Sons Expands Seasonal Promo Across Sierra Leone with Attractive Rewards

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Pee Cee Foreign Exchange Bureau Ltd has kicked off its much-awaited December Promo 2025/2026, introducing generous rewards for customers collecting MoneyGram, Western Union and Ria transfers during the holiday season. Running from 1st December 2025 to 3rd January 2026, the promotion is active across all Pee Cee & Sons branches, reinforcing the company’s role as a leading supporter of families who depend on remittances throughout Sierra Leone.

This year’s festive campaign offers an automatic 1% cash bonus to anyone receiving NLe 22,000 and above, with the extra amount added instantly at the counter. Pee Cee assures customers that there are no complicated steps or hidden conditions; a deliberate move to make the process seamless at a time when households rely heavily on international financial support.

In addition to the cash top-up, Pee Cee & Sons is distributing a range of branded nutritional and household essentials as part of its Christmas reward package. Among the items available are:

  • Padi Evaporated Milk
  • Padi Cocoa
  • Padi Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • Royale Mayonnaise
  • Sweet Padi Seasoning Cube
  • Padi Vegetable Cooking Oil
  • Padi Malted Drink
  • Padi Tea Leaf
  • Padi 5kg Rice
  • And other popular consumer items

These gifts will be available while supplies last, adding meaningful value to customers during the festive period.

To ensure accessibility nationwide, the Bureau has outlined several designated collection centres in Freetown and across the provinces for customers to conveniently redeem both their remittances and promo rewards.

Freetown Locations:
59 Wellington Street · 16 Goderich Road, Lumley · 31 Guard Street · 19 Fourah Bay Road · 10 Sani Abacha Street · 24 City Road, Portee · 9 Krootown Road · 32A Wilkinson Road · 53 Abacha Street

Provincial Locations:
76 Kainkordu Road, Kono · 5 Palmer Street, Kabala · 54 Dambala Road, Bo · 39 Hanga Road, Kenema · 9A Liverpool Street, Waterloo · 29 Rogbaneh Road, Makeni · 137 Airport Ferry Road, Lungi · Lengor’s Compound, Kailahun · 35 IDA Road, Kambia

According to management, the December Promo underscores the company’s longstanding appreciation for customer loyalty, especially during a season when many Sierra Leoneans depend on relatives abroad to meet increased household needs. Pee Cee & Sons reaffirmed its commitment to quick, secure and customer-focused remittance services across the country.

Members of the public seeking further information are encouraged to visit any Pee Cee branch or call the customer service line at 088076539.

With its unique blend of monetary rewards and essential household goods, the Pee Cee & Sons Holiday Promo is poised to deliver comfort, relief and festive cheer to families nationwide throughout the 2025/2026 Christmas season.

IGP Sellu and RSA Executive Director Lead Major Decongestion Operation in Cline Town

A major joint operation spearheaded by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu and the Executive Director of the Road Safety Authority (RSA),  James Bio, brought much-needed relief to commuters and residents of Cline Town on Thursday, 4th December 2025. The exercise targeted the long-standing congestion caused by stationary and abandoned vehicles along Jenneh Wright Road, Ross Road and Fourah Bay Road; critical corridors that serve thousands of daily road users.

The initiative falls in line with the Sierra Leone Police’s strategic mandate to support Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in ensuring public safety, efficient mobility and orderliness across the country. With the IGP personally leading officers on the ground and the RSA mobilizing its enforcement team, the operation focused on clearing disused trailers and container trucks that had been left unattended for months along the routes leading to the Quay.

Residents say the situation had deteriorated into a serious public inconvenience. A journey that should ordinarily take five to ten minutes often extended into hours leaving commercial drivers, passengers and community dwellers frustrated. The abandoned trucks did not only obstruct traffic but also forced commercial transport operators to stop midway, causing unnecessary delays and contributing to the increment of transport fares, especially for commuters from the far east of Freetown and Waterloo.

Pedestrians who witnessed Thursday’s operation described it as “long overdue,” noting that the daily struggle of navigating narrow, obstructed pathways had become unbearable. Many recounted being forced to trek long distances after work as vehicles were unable to access key stops along the crowded roadway.

Following the clearance exercise, vehicular movement along the affected corridors has been restored, significantly easing the pressure on commuters. Transport analysts also expect a reduction in the double and triple fares that had become commonplace due to restricted road access.

Local residents and road users have widely applauded the intervention by the IGP and RSA leadership, hailing it as impactful and timely. Many expressed optimism that the authorities will maintain strict monitoring and enforcement to prevent the return of abandoned vehicles, which have long undermined the free flow of traffic in Cline Town.

The successful operation, they say, demonstrates a renewed commitment by law enforcement and regulatory agencies to address longstanding transportation challenges and improve mobility for thousands who rely on these crucial routes each day.

Foreign Minister Breaks Silence as U.S. Immigration Freeze Hits Sierra Leoneans Hard

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, has publicly acknowledged the rising concerns among Sierra Leoneans affected by the ongoing suspension of certain categories of United States visas, describing the situation as “grueling” and deeply distressing.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Friday, December 5, 2025, the Minister said he has spent the past six months responding to an outpouring of messages from students, families and professionals whose plans have been abruptly derailed by the U.S. restrictions.

“Not a day passes without receiving messages from students who secured university admissions but were caught up in the suspension,” he wrote. “I also get late-night calls from families selected for the Diversity Visa program whose interviews have now been aborted. Genuine dreams are being shattered.”

The Minister explained that the suspension is linked to allegations of visa overstays by some Sierra Leoneans; a breach he said cannot be disputed. He cited a recent case involving a senior Government official, Abubakarr Sillah, Assistant Director of Labour and Employment at the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, who obtained a U.S. visa to attend the 2025 Diaspora Investment Conference in Maryland but failed to return after the event. “Mr. Sillah has since disappeared,” the Minister confirmed, noting that such incidents continue to undermine the country’s credibility.

Despite the challenges, Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba assured the public that the Government is working tirelessly behind the scenes with the U.S. Embassy in Freetown to find a resolution. He emphasized that the incident does not reflect the overall strength of Sierra Leone–U.S. relations.

“The depth and strength of our bilateral relations with the U.S. are not a reflection of this situation,” he said. “The U.S. private sector remains active in Sierra Leone, with multinational and bilateral partnerships stronger than ever. But every sovereign nation acts in its national interest.”

He appealed for patience from all affected citizens and urged Sierra Leoneans to uphold the integrity of visa privileges granted by foreign nations.

Meanwhile, the impact of a new U.S. immigration directive has intensified worries within Sierra Leonean communities both at home and abroad. On December 2, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0192, placing an immediate “adjudicative hold” on all pending asylum cases and most immigration benefit applications filed by nationals of 19 countries deemed “high-risk” for terrorism and national security concerns.

Sierra Leone is listed among these countries. Under the directive, USCIS officers are instructed to:

  • Freeze all Form I-589 asylum applications, regardless of filing date.
  • Halt processing of other immigration benefits, including Green Cards, employment authorization, travel documents, naturalization, and parole.
  • Re-interview thousands of applicants who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021, and subject their cases to renewed security vetting for potential terrorism or criminal risks.

The listed nations correspond to those named in U.S. Presidential Proclamation 10949 issued in June 2025; a roster that includes Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Sudan and confirmed through diaspora sources, Sierra Leone.

As the Government continues diplomatic engagements to address the fallout, uncertainty remains high, especially for students, families and professionals whose future plans now hang in the balance. The Minister, however, reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing a resolution, urging Sierra Leoneans to “remain patient and hopeful” as talks progress.

Mines Ministry Signs Strategic Partnership with Top-Ranked China University of Geosciences

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A major step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to sustainably manage its mineral wealth has been taken as the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR), on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China University of Geosciences (CUG). The agreement, concluded on Thursday, 4 December 2025, marks a new phase of cooperation in geosciences education, research and industry-focused skills development.

The partnership aligns with the Government’s drive to build a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting responsible mineral exploration, extraction and resource governance. CUG, ranked No. 1 globally in Geosciences in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings; brings to the collaboration world-class expertise in geology, mining engineering and applied earth sciences.

Under the MoU, the China University of Geosciences will award annual Master’s and Doctoral scholarships to Sierra Leonean professionals pursuing advanced studies in geosciences and mining-related fields. The agreement further provides opportunities for short- and long-term professional development, tailored training programs, internship placements and collaborative research initiatives.

A key feature of the partnership is the introduction of a dual-supervisor model linked to the China Geological Survey. This arrangement will enable Sierra Leonean students to undertake geological survey projects in Sierra Leone while receiving joint academic and technical guidance from experts in both countries.

To ensure seamless coordination and accountability, the MoU establishes institutional mechanisms between MMMR and CUG for implementation oversight, periodic evaluation and program expansion. The cooperation is also expected to extend to the University of Sierra Leone’s Department of Geology, particularly in areas of curriculum enhancement, academic exchanges, resource-sharing and the provision of modern teaching and learning materials.

Officials from the Ministry described the agreement as a transformative opportunity to strengthen local content, advance scientific capacity and create a pipeline of trained geoscience professionals who will support the nation’s long-term mineral sector development.

The signing of the MoU signals Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to strategic international partnerships that bolster human capital, drive innovation and promote sustainable resource governance.

Nigerian Convict Gets 30 Years for Possessing 900 Grams of Cocaine

Honourable Justice Mark Ngegba

By Ibrahim Sesay

A High Court in Freetown has sentenced Nigerian national Iwuchukwu Ebere Christian to thirty (30) years imprisonment after he was found guilty of unlawful possession of 900 grams of cocaine, in violation of Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).

The conviction and sentence were delivered by Honourable Justice Mark Ngegba on Friday, 5th December 2025, at the Main Law Courts Building on Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown. Iwuchukwu Ebere Christian had earlier pleaded not guilty, prompting a full trial.

According to the State, the accused was arrested on 25th June 2025 at Lungi, in Sierra Leone’s North-West Region, with 900 grams of cocaine in his possession without lawful authority.

During the trial, Prosecution Witness Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Joseph Stevens, a specialist in drug and chemical analysis attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), testified that he received a laboratory request from Detective Inspector Steven Alpha Turay to examine 46 pellets of a white powdered substance seized from the accused.

Detective Inspector Steven Alpha Turay told the court that after conducting laboratory tests on 30th June 2025, the substance was confirmed to be cocaine weighing 900 grams.

At the close of the prosecution’s case, the accused chose to rely solely on his statement to the police and elected not to call further evidence.

Justice Mark Ngegba noted that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the substance found in the defendant’s possession was cocaine. He stated that the defendant admitted possessing the 46 pellets but provided no lawful justification for holding the prohibited drug.

Having reviewed the totality of the evidence, the judge ruled that the prosecution met its burden of proof and the defendant was guilty as charged.

In his allocutus, the convict appealed for mercy and explained that the drugs were intended for onward transit to Ecuador. He revealed that he had transported the pellets by road from Nigeria to Sierra Leone and that he was to be paid US$5,000 if the delivery was successful.

Defence counsel C. I. Williams urged the court to consider the convict’s status as a foreign national, father and principal caregiver.

However, State Counsel A. Jalloh argued that the seriousness of the offence and its potential impact on Sierra Leone’s international reputation warranted a stringent sentence.

In delivering his ruling, Justice Mark Ngegba declared: “I hold that the prosecution has provided sufficient evidence to warrant a guilty verdict against the defendant. Hence, the defendant is therefore found guilty as charged and is sentenced to thirty (30) years imprisonment.”

The judgment reinforces the judiciary’s strong stance against drug trafficking and its commitment to upholding the country’s drug control laws.

Pavi Fort Sets Regional Benchmark With Landmark Projects in Guinea and Liberia

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Pavi Fort Al-Associates (SL) Ltd, one of West Africa’s fastest-rising indigenous engineering giants, continues to cement its reputation as a trusted partner in national development, following major endorsements from both the Liberian Senate and Guinean authorities for its quality, speed and engineering competence.

A wholly African-owned firm with headquarters in Sierra Leone, Pavi Fort specializes in a broad range of infrastructure solutions, from highways and bridges to real estate, quarrying, airports and large-scale construction logistics. The company has executed landmark projects across Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and The Gambia, consistently earning praise for delivering durable infrastructure on time and within approved standards.

Liberia’s long-delayed ambition to rehabilitate its critical road corridors received a powerful boost on Thursday, December 4, 2025, when the Liberian Senate unanimously endorsed a landmark concession agreement granting Pavi Fort & Associates the mandate to construct and maintain 255 kilometres of crucial highways.

The Public–Private Partnership (PPP), valued at US$364 million, targets strategic corridors including St. Paul Bridge–Clay, Madina–Robertsport and Clay–Tubmanburg, while also incorporating a four-lane expansion between St. Paul Bridge and Bowaterside; one of the country’s most ambitious road upgrades in recent years.

Under the agreement, the Liberian Government will contribute US$40 million from the National Road Fund and US$100 million from the national budget over a five-year construction period. Pavi Fort will maintain the roads for 25 years before handing them over to the state.

Legislators confirmed that the decision followed a thorough review by six specialized committees, which evaluated the technical designs, financial structure and the company’s track record. Importantly, the project’s cost, averaging US$850,366 per kilometre, was found to fall squarely within Liberia’s approved infrastructure benchmarks.

Senators described the concession as a decisive step toward easing one of Liberia’s most persistent development constraints. With fewer than 1,500 kilometres of Liberia’s 12,000-kilometre road network paved, the project is expected to significantly enhance trade, boost regional accessibility and stimulate economic growth along the western and northwestern corridors.

Just weeks earlier, on November 20, 2025, Pavi Fort earned overwhelming commendation in Guinea for its exceptional execution of the T13 Coyah–Dubréka bitumization project, a key arterial route linking the capital’s outskirts with rapidly expanding districts.

The company’s precision, speed of delivery and deployment of modern engineering equipment have transformed the T13 into a flagship success story. Prior to Pavi Fort’s intervention, the corridor had long suffered from dust pollution, heavy congestion and damaged road surfaces that hampered economic activity and daily commuting.

Engineers supervising the works reported that Pavi Fort’s team has consistently delivered ahead of schedule while maintaining strict adherence to international road construction standards. The firm’s asphalt layering, drainage systems and soil reinforcement have been widely praised for their technical robustness.

Residents and road users say the improvements are already tangible; reduced travel time, smoother traffic flow, increased safety and lower vehicle maintenance costs are among the immediate benefits. Transport operators and traders note that the upgraded stretch has revitalized commerce between Coyah, Dubréka and surrounding communities.

Government monitoring teams have also lauded Pavi Fort’s professionalism, describing the T13 progress as a model for Guinea’s broader infrastructure modernization agenda. The project has strengthened public confidence in local engineering capacity and reaffirmed the company’s ability to handle complex national assignments.

Beyond its regional projects, Pavi Fort continues to expand its footprint through diverse services including quarry operations (notably the Bawa Quarry in Guinea), equipment rental, large-scale project management and real estate development. Its collaboration with institutions such as the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) further underscores its role as a dependable development partner.

As West African Governments intensify infrastructure modernization, Pavi Fort stands out as a homegrown company delivering world-class results. The firm’s rising portfolio, from Liberia’s transformative PPP concession to Guinea’s celebrated T13 project, reflects a commitment to efficiency, innovation and the long-term economic progress of the sub-region.

With its expanding track record and growing regional trust, Pavi Fort continues to redefine what African engineering firms can achieve in shaping the continent’s development future.

50/50 Group Hosts 13th Annual Rajiv Bendre Lecture Series, Honours Dr. Staneala Beckley

Dr. Staneala Beckley

By Ibrahim Sesay 

The 50/50 Group Sierra Leone on Friday, 5th December 2025, hosted the 13th Annual Rajiv Bendre Women in Public Life Lecture Series at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, featuring distinguished educator and public servant Dr. Staneala Beckley as Guest Lecturer and Honouree.

The event, held under the theme: “One World, Many Lessons,” brought together students, policymakers, activists and professionals to reflect on global experiences and the universal values that hold humanity regime.

In her lecture, Dr. Staneala Beckley spoke about the early influences that shaped her career and values. She recalled her childhood at No. 24 Charles Street in Freetown, where watching the sky in the evenings sparked her interest in travel, maps and different cultures.

She described how her school days at Annie Walsh Memorial School, especially her role as a pianist, helped her develop discipline, responsibility and a strong work ethic.

Dr. Staneala Beckley went on to share stories from her decades-long international career with UNICEF. One of the early experiences she highlighted was living with an elite family in Bogotá, Colombia, where she was the first Black person the family had ever met. Her time there taught her not to rely on assumptions and to always look deeper into people’s true character.

She also gave a vivid account of her five-week stay in North Korea in the mid-1980s. She described the restricted environment, the intense propaganda and the strict control of information. One incident that stood out was when her interpreter nervously admired a Western magazine, constantly glancing over her shoulder to ensure no one saw her.  Dr. Staneala Beckley said that moment showed how human curiosity persists even under oppressive regimes.

Her work in Pakistan further strengthened her belief in humanity and tolerance. She shared the story of a local imam who personally funded a school for Christian children in a minority community, something she described as a powerful example of religious coexistence.

She said those experiences strengthened her belief that “humanity stands above race, religion, gender or class.”

Dr. Staneala Beckley also reflected on her experience in the occupied Palestinian territory, where she worked closely with teachers and education authorities under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions.

She noted the strength of Palestinian teachers who had to protect children during air raids and resist attempts to militarize schools. A tense moment occurred when she introduced peace education materials and was met with anger from an official, a reminder of how sensitive and emotional the conflict was.

After many years abroad, Dr. Staneala Beckley returned home to serve as the first Chair of the Teaching Service Commission. She revealed that her early period in office was extremely challenging.

Despite that, she remained committed to public service. “Working with different Governments taught me patience and the importance of impartiality,” she added.

She ended her lecture by acknowledging her father’s influence and expressing gratitude to God for guiding her through dangerous assignments, noting that some colleagues in the field lost their lives.

Following the lecture, a brief panel discussion brought additional insights from distinguished education leaders.

The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, praised Dr. Staneala Beckley’s strong values and professional legacy. Having succeeded her as Chair of the Teaching Service Commission, he said her decisions were so principled and thoughtful that he often found himself making similar choices.

He emphasized her ability to work across political divides, calling it a lesson for the nation. “She reminds us that unity is stronger than partisanship and that national progress demands humility and the courage to put Sierra Leone first.”

The Minister urged young people to recognize the shared humanity that lies beneath our differences and to meet adversity with courage and vision.

Also speaking was the Chair of the Tertiary Education Commission and former Vice-Chancellor of Njala University, who said  Dr. Staneala Beckley’s story showed dedication, focus and tolerance. He noted that her ability to work in challenging countries reflected her strength and ability to adapt.

He added that young people should take from her story the importance of hard work and determination, saying “if you are focused, nothing is impossible.”

The event also featured the distribution of prizes to 50/50 school clubs who participated in the “16 Days of Activism Against GBV” essay competition. Winners include pupils from St Joseph Secondary School, Annie Walsh Memorial School and Rokel Senior Secondary School.

The event concluded with renewed hope, particularly for young people to pursue leadership with integrity and to contribute meaningfully to a more just and inclusive society.

SLPTA Engages Transport Stakeholders & CSOs on Draft Public Transport Tariffs and Licensing Regulations

Director General of the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA), Isaac Ken-Green

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their effort towards shaping new rules that will guide public transportation across the country, Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) has on Friday 5th December, 2025 concluded a one-day stakeholders’ consultation meeting on the draft Public Transport Tariffs and Fare Regulations 2025 and the Public Transport Licences Regulation held at the SLPTA Office at the Bus Station in Freetown.

The meeting brought together representatives from transport unions, Civil Society Organizations and the media to review the draft regulations that will guide future operations within the public transport system.

Addressing the gathering, Isaac Ken-Green, Director General of the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA), expressed appreciation to stakeholders and institutions including the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and the media for supporting national dialogue on transport sector reforms. He underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping effective and inclusive regulations, noting that transport remains one of the largest sectors in the country but had long operated without a specific regulatory authority.

Isaac Ken-Green explained that the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority was established through an Act of Parliament passed on 24 April 2023, after Government and international development partners, including the World Bank, recognized the urgent need to address gaps in regulation, operational standards and public safety.

“For a long time, transport operators were functioning without a proper regulatory body,” he noted. “While telecommunications, aviation and other sectors have established regulators, transport did not have any institution responsible for setting rules, monitoring compliance or ensuring safety. This created a vacuum in which anyone could operate without clear standards.”

He said the new Authority has been mandated to regulate all forms of public transport including buses, taxis, tricycles, Okadas, trucks and other motor transport operators while building a structured framework for licensing and tariff administration.

According to him, the drafted regulations are designed to “put flesh on the mandate” given to the Authority by Parliament by outlining rules governing operations, tariffs, safety obligations and stakeholder relations.

Isaac Ken-Green informed participants that the proposed regulations are still preliminary and would undergo further review, including parliamentary scrutiny, before adoption. He described the consultation as a crucial stage in gathering public input and ensuring that the final regulations reflect the concerns and realities of operators and passengers across the country.

“We expect your ideas and contributions, because the regulatory process must involve the people it will affect,” he added. “That is why we have called this open discussion to listen, clarify and improve the documents before they are taken to Parliament.”

On his part, the Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA), Christian N. Ngombu Esq., presented the draft Public Transport Tariffs and Fares Regulations 2025 and the draft Public Transport Licenses Regulation.

Delivering the first presentation, Christian N. Ngombu explained that the Tariffs and Fares Regulations are being formulated in accordance with Section 41 of the SLPTA Act of 2023 and are aimed at ensuring affordability, transparency and financial sustainability in the public transport system. He said the regulations will apply to all public road transport services, including buses, minibuses, taxis, tricycles and commercial motorbikes.

He noted that the draft regulations outline categories of fares, including urban commuter services, inter-district travel, rental services and special transport services, with a standardized approach to fare setting. The proposed framework also introduces concessionary fares for students, elderly citizens, persons with disabilities and beneficiaries of social protection programmes.

Christian N. Ngombu further highlighted that the regulations provide for an annual review mechanism using a price-cap formula that takes into account inflation and fuel price movements, while also allowing for extraordinary reviews in situations such as major fuel price changes, natural disasters or emergencies that significantly affect transport operations.

The second presentation focused on the draft Public Transport Licenses Regulation, which establishes a licensing regime for operators based on service classification and vehicle type. According to Christian N. Ngombu, the objective is to set transparent rules for licensing, promote fair competition and ensure safe, reliable and efficient public transport services.

He noted that public transport vehicles will be classified into three main categories buses and minibuses, taxis and rental vehicles, and motor tricycles and motorbikes while specific operational requirements such as electronic ticketing, digital metering and tracking systems will apply to different vehicle types.

Representing the CSOs, Alphonso Manley, National Coordinator, Civil Rights Coalition, welcomed the draft regulations, describing them as a long-overdue step toward cleaning up a sector that has operated for years without a central regulatory framework, noting that the introduction of clear rules on licensing, fare structures and operational standards would help reduce exploitation, improve transparency and promote fairness between transport operators and commuters.

He called for wider public consultations beyond Freetown, continuous stakeholder engagement and effective monitoring systems to prevent abuse of power, arbitrary fare increases and weak enforcement once the regulations come into force.

On the transport union, the representative said the proposed regulations as timely, particularly in addressing long-standing concerns around licensing, standard operating procedures and fare determination mechanisms.

He pointed out that with the expansion of public transport services nationwide, operators need a coordinated system that clarifies roles and responsibilities while promoting professionalism across the industry.

At the same time, he urged the SLPTA to ensure that the new framework does not impose excessive financial burdens on drivers and transport owners.

The consultation ended with a question-and-answer session, during which participants provided additional feedback. The Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) committed to sharing soft copies of the draft regulations with all stakeholders to enable further review and submission of written inputs.

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