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Pavi Fort Advances Feed Salone with Irrigation and Solar Projects at Torma Bum

 

Pavi Fort Al-Associates (SL) Ltd is constructing major irrigation and energy infrastructure to support a 5,000-hectare rice cultivation project in Torma Bum Chiefdom, Bonthe District, under the Government’s Feed Salone Initiative.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort Al-Associates, Alimu Sanu Barrie, provided an update on the project during President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s tour of the Torma Bum Rice Farm on Friday, 31 July 2026.

Pavi Fort Chairman said the company is developing a comprehensive irrigation system designed to support year-round rice cultivation and significantly increase agricultural productivity in the area.

He explained that the project includes the installation of five pump houses, each with a one-megawatt power requirement, to draw water from the river and distribute it across the rice fields. Pavi Fort is also constructing approximately 57 kilometres of irrigation canals to ensure that water reaches the cultivated areas, particularly during the dry season when the natural flow of water to the farms is limited.

The Chairman disclosed that the company would install a six-megawatt solar power system to operate the irrigation infrastructure. He added that President Bio had instructed that part of the electricity generated should also be supplied to the Torma Bum township for the benefit of residents.

Chairman Alimu Sanu Barrie further revealed that the President had directed the construction of a three-kilometre tarred road within the township to improve accessibility and support commercial and agricultural activities.

Providing an update on implementation, Chairman Alimu Sanu Barrie said the first two sectors, covering 2,000 hectares, are expected to be completed by April, while the remaining 3,000 hectares are scheduled for completion by June under the company’s implementation plan.

According to him, the infrastructure is expected to transform rice production at Torma Bum by increasing operational capacity from the current 20 per cent to about 90 per cent once the project is completed.

Alimu Sanu Barrie reaffirmed Pavi Fort Al-Associates’ commitment to the Feed Salone Initiative, describing the company as a major development partner providing the infrastructure required to ensure the project’s long-term success.

During the tour, President Bio inspected ongoing rice cultivation undertaken by Fambul Rice and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, as well as the irrigation canals and supporting infrastructure being constructed by Pavi Fort.

Addressing stakeholders, President Bio reiterated his Government’s determination to increase domestic food production and reduce Sierra Leone’s dependence on imported food.

“We should be able to cultivate what we eat. I invite the private sector to invest in agriculture. I am pleased to see Fambul Rice already producing for the market and I am impressed by the work the company has done here,” President Bio said.

The President noted that Sierra Leone possesses sufficient land, water resources and favourable climatic conditions to become a leading agricultural producer. He encouraged local entrepreneurs and foreign investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the agricultural sector.

President Bio also commended the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces for supporting the Feed Salone Initiative through rice cultivation and encouraged the Sierra Leone Police to undertake similar agricultural projects.

He disclosed that the Government plans to construct the Koribondo–Torma Bum road to improve access, reduce investment risks and facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce to markets.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, briefed the President on the investments and ongoing developments at the Torma Bum Rice Farm. He thanked President Bio for his leadership and commitment to transforming agriculture into a major driver of food security and economic growth.

Paramount Chief of Bum Chiefdom, PC Alex Maada Kainpumu, expressed appreciation to President Bio for reviving the Torma Bum Rice Farm after more than four decades of neglect.

The irrigation, solar-energy and road infrastructure being developed by Pavi Fort is expected to expand commercial rice cultivation, create employment and position Torma Bum as a major agricultural production centre under the Feed Salone Initiative.

NCRA Launches Mobile Registration Team to Expand National ID Services in Grafton, Jui and Kossoh Town

Man in dark traditional suit stands at a panel desk, speaking into a microphone as others in colorful attire sit nearby with a green and white backdrop behind them.
NCRA Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has launched a Mobile Registration Team to bring national identity registration services closer to residents of Grafton, Kossoh Town, Jui and surrounding communities. The initiative was officially launched on Thursday, 27 July 2026, at Grafton Community, as part of NCRA’s efforts to expand access to national identity services, issue National Identification Cards and capture biometric information.
Speaking at the launch, NCRA Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi said the mobile registration initiative was designed to reduce the challenges residents face in travelling to NCRA offices to obtain their National ID Cards.
He said NCRA had engaged tribal heads across the Western Area, who raised concerns about the distance residents have to travel to access the Authority’s services and appealed for registration services to be brought closer to their communities.
“The NCRA Office has now moved to Grafton, Kossoh Town and Jui communities, so make use of the opportunity to secure your ID Cards because they will not be here forever. This is a temporary move by NCRA to make the process very easy and accessible to you,” Massaquoi stated.
The NCRA Director General urged residents to take advantage of the mobile registration exercise during the stipulated period, warning that those who fail to register at the designated community centres after the exercise will have to travel to NCRA offices to obtain their cards.
Massaquoi explained that the mobile team forms part of NCRA’s broader outreach programme aimed at taking identity management services directly to communities that experience difficulties accessing the Authority’s permanent offices.
He said the initiative would help improve the uptake of National IDs and ensure that more citizens are properly identified and able to access essential services and opportunities.
According to the NCRA Director General, National Identification Cards have become increasingly important because they are now required for numerous transactions and services, including obtaining driving licences, conducting banking transactions and purchasing SIM cards.
He therefore encouraged residents to secure their National ID Cards, noting that possessing a recognised national identity document would enable citizens to access a wide range of government and private-sector services.
The Chief of Grafton Community has welcomed the National Civil Registration Authority’s (NCRA) decision to deploy a mobile registration team to Grafton, Kossoh Town, Jui and surrounding communities, describing the move as a significant response to residents’ concerns over access to National Identification Cards, adding that the efforts to bring the registration services closer to residents followed engagements between traditional leaders and the NCRA management.
He explained that following a meeting with Tribal Heads within the Western Area on the challenges residents face in obtaining National ID Cards, he immediately returned to Grafton and began engaging community members on the importance of securing the cards.
According to him, residents demonstrated strong interest in obtaining National ID Cards but repeatedly identified the distance to NCRA offices as a major obstacle.
He said the concerns were subsequently communicated to NCRA management through a series of engagements between the Authority and community representatives.
The Chief described the deployment of the mobile registration team as a successful outcome of those engagements, noting that NCRA had agreed to provide services in Grafton, Kossoh Town and Jui for several weeks.
He said the initiative would enable residents to register for and obtain their National ID Cards within their communities, eliminating the need to travel long distances to NCRA offices.
The Community Chief commended NCRA for listening to the concerns and demands of residents and for taking practical steps to make national identity services more accessible.
He encouraged residents of Grafton and surrounding communities to take advantage of the mobile registration exercise and ensure they obtain their National ID Cards during the period the team remains in the communities.
Community resident Fatmata Sesay has welcomed the deployment of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) mobile registration team to Grafton, describing the initiative as a timely intervention that will make it easier for residents to obtain their National Identification Cards.
Sesay said many residents have been interested in securing their National IDs but were often discouraged by the distance and transportation costs involved in travelling to NCRA offices. She expressed appreciation to the Authority for bringing the service directly to the community and encouraged residents to take advantage of the opportunity while the mobile team remains in the area.
Another community resident, Musa Kamara, commended NCRA for taking national identity registration services closer to residents of Grafton, Kossoh Town, Jui and surrounding communities. He said the initiative would save residents time and money while making the registration process more convenient.
Kamara urged community members to use the opportunity to register and obtain their National Identification Cards, noting that the document is increasingly important for accessing various government and private-sector services.
He also called for continued outreach programmes to other communities where residents face difficulties accessing NCRA services.

Vice President Juldeh Jalloh Welcomes Gabonese President Oligui Nguema on Three-Day State Visit

Two men shake hands on a tarmac while a woman in a patterned suit and others look on; a bouquet is being presented.

 

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Sunday, August 2, 2026, officially welcomed the President of the Gabonese Republic, His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema upon their arrival at Freetown International Airport in Lungi for a three-day State Visit to Sierra Leone.

The Vice President received the visiting Head of State and his delegation on behalf of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, extending a warm welcome and reaffirming the strong friendship and growing diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and Gabon.

The State Visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries and create new opportunities for collaboration in governance, trade, investment, environmental conservation and regional development.

During his stay, President Oligui Nguema is scheduled to hold high-level bilateral talks with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including economic development, regional peace and security, investment, and sustainable development.

The Gabonese leader will also meet with senior Government Ministers and representatives of the private sector to explore avenues for expanding economic and commercial partnerships between the two nations.

Beyond official engagements, President Oligui Nguema is expected to visit the renowned Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Leicester Peak Viewing Platform, two of Sierra Leone’s most prominent tourism and conservation destinations.

Following the airport reception, President Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema greeted senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries before completing arrival formalities.

The visit reflects the shared commitment of Sierra Leone and Gabon to deepening bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation on regional and continental priorities. Officials from both countries expressed optimism that the visit would reinforce the longstanding friendship between the two nations while paving the way for greater collaboration in promoting peace, prosperity and sustainable development across Africa.

SLCAA Dismisses Social Media Claims of Drug Interception at Freetown International Airport

Press release from Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority about false drug-allegation claims on a Brussels Airlines flight, with SLCAA seal.

 

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has strongly refuted social media reports alleging that a large cache of illicit drugs was intercepted aboard a Brussels Airlines aircraft at the Freetown International Airport (FNA) in Lungi.

In a press release issued by the Authority, SLCAA described the reports as false, misleading and baseless, stating that no such drug interception took place on any Brussels Airlines flight or on any other aircraft operating through the country’s main international airport.

The Authority said it became aware of the claims circulating on social media, alleging that a significant quantity of illicit drugs had been seized from a Brussels Airlines aircraft on Thursday, 30 July 2026. However, it emphasized that the information was entirely inaccurate and did not reflect the facts.

SLCAA reassured the public that aviation safety and security remain its highest priorities, adding that all operations at Freetown International Airport continue to be conducted in accordance with national laws and international civil aviation standards.

The Authority also urged members of the public, media institutions and social media users to exercise caution by refraining from sharing or publishing unverified information. It encouraged citizens to rely on official communications issued by the SLCAA and other competent state institutions for accurate information.

Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the integrity of Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, the Authority thanked the public for its continued cooperation and support in ensuring that factual and credible information prevails.

Lands Minister Calls for Stronger Controls on Illegal Building and Urban Development

Three men sit around a large conference table in a meeting room, one in a suit speaking while others listen, with water bottles and tissues on the table.

 

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning is advancing plans to introduce a homegrown National Building Code aimed at strengthening construction standards, improving urban planning and addressing the growing challenge of unsafe and unauthorized developments across Sierra Leone.

Speaking during a progress review meeting in Freetown, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senessie, described the proposed National Building Code as a landmark legal and policy framework that will promote safe, orderly and sustainable development throughout the country.

He emphasized that the draft Code has been tailored specifically to Sierra Leone’s geographical, environmental and developmental realities rather than relying on foreign models. He commended the consultants, engineers, architects and the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers for producing a document that reflects local conditions and national priorities.

According to the Minister, the review meeting assessed progress made on the draft Code, evaluated the current stage of the process and outlined the next steps toward its implementation.

To ensure broad stakeholder participation, Dr. Turad Senessie directed the Director of Country Planning to organize a two-day national validation workshop involving local councils, Civil Society Organizations, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners and other key stakeholders. He said the workshop will provide consultants with the opportunity to present the draft in detail while allowing participants to make recommendations before the document is submitted to Cabinet and subsequently to Parliament for approval.

The Minister stressed that public education and nationwide sensitization campaigns will be essential for the successful implementation of the Code. Once enacted, he noted, the National Building Code will serve as a legally enforceable instrument operating alongside the National Country Planning Act, 2025.

Expressing concern over the increasing rate of unauthorized construction, Dr. Turad Senessie warned that indiscriminate building practices, poor waste management and failure to adhere to professional standards continue to pose serious threats to public safety and environmental sustainability.

He highlighted the misuse of drainage channels as dumping sites and cautioned that vulnerable communities such as Susan’s Bay, Kroo Bay and Murray Town remain highly exposed to the consequences of uncontrolled urban development.

The Minister further disclosed that reports indicate more than 70 percent of buildings currently under construction are allegedly proceeding without approved building permits. He warned that the Government is preparing stricter enforcement measures and tougher penalties to curb illegal construction activities and improve compliance with planning regulations nationwide.

Presenting the draft National Building Code, Lead Consultant Arc. Abel T. Onomake explained that the proposed legislation contains comprehensive provisions covering legal requirements, administrative procedures, enforcement mechanisms and technical standards for building construction and public safety.

He said the Code has been specifically designed to address Sierra Leone’s environmental and development challenges while introducing modern standards that promote resilience, structural safety and sustainable urban growth.

Among the key reforms proposed are tighter regulations on hillside developments, enhanced building safety standards, mandatory building setbacks, strengthened fire safety requirements, improved accessibility standards and better coordination among institutions responsible for planning, environmental protection, public utilities and public safety.

Arc. Abel T. Onomake added that the technical team conducted extensive field assessments across Freetown, including inspections of coastal communities, rivers, streams, drainage systems and hillside settlements. The consultants also reviewed existing planning legislation and engaged relevant institutions to ensure the proposed Code effectively addresses current and emerging development challenges.

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning stated that once finalized and enacted, the National Building Code is expected to significantly strengthen Sierra Leone’s planning framework, enhance public safety, protect the environment and promote more resilient, sustainable and orderly national development.

Sierra Leone, Saudi Arabia Deepen Cooperation in Islamic Affairs

Three men in a formal room exchange a gift bag as others look on.

 

Sierra Leone and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in Islamic affairs following high-level discussions between Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Mohamed Barrie and the Kingdom’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, in Riyadh.

The meeting, held on 28 July 2026 at the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs headquarters, focused on expanding collaboration in Islamic education, Dawah, capacity building and the promotion of moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

During the discussions, Ambassador Mohamed Barrie conveyed warm greetings and appreciation from the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their continued support to Muslim communities across the world.

Both sides discussed several areas of mutual interest aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries. They explored opportunities to strengthen training programmes for Imams, Islamic scholars and preachers, while also improving Islamic education in Sierra Leone through increased technical support and capacity-building initiatives.

The meeting also examined cooperation in the construction and rehabilitation of mosques, as well as the provision of authentic Islamic educational materials and additional copies of the Holy Qur’an to support religious learning across Sierra Leone.

On pilgrimage matters, Ambassador Mohamed Barrie expressed Sierra Leone’s appreciation for its continued inclusion in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Hajj scholarship programme. He also requested consideration for an increase in the number of scholarships available to Sierra Leonean pilgrims and the expansion of the initiative to include the Umrah programme.

The discussions further highlighted the importance of scholarly exchanges between the two countries. Ambassador Mohamed Barrie extended an invitation for the Imams of the Two Holy Mosques and other distinguished Saudi Islamic scholars to visit Sierra Leone to deliver lectures, engage with local religious leaders and participate in Islamic conferences.

Both delegations also underscored the critical role of authentic Islamic teachings and education in countering violent extremism, promoting religious moderation and fostering peaceful coexistence among communities.

As part of efforts to institutionalize future cooperation, Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia agreed to explore the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will provide a formal framework for implementing joint programmes and projects in the field of Islamic affairs.

Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relationship between the two countries, noting that Saudi Arabia’s support for Dawah and Islamic programmes around the world is guided by assessed needs and established cooperation frameworks.

The meeting concluded with an agreement that the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Riyadh will submit a comprehensive outline of priority areas for future collaboration. The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs will review the proposals to identify practical areas for partnership.

Both parties expressed appreciation for the productive engagement and reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening relations and expanding cooperation in Islamic affairs for the mutual benefit of the people of Sierra Leone and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Education Minister Conrad Sackey Warns Schools Against Illegal Report Card Charges

Man wearing glasses and a black traditional outfit speaks into a pink microphone at a panel, with a laptop and water bottle on the table in front of him
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, Conrad Sackey

 

The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, Conrad Sackey, has issued a strong warning to schools, teachers and education officials across Sierra Leone, declaring that no school has the legal authority to charge parents or guardians any fee before releasing pupils’ report cards.

Addressing parents and guardians directly, the Minister emphasized that report cards are the rightful property of pupils and their families and must never be withheld because of unpaid or unauthorized charges.

“I want to speak directly to every parent and guardian in Sierra Leone: no school, teacher or school official has the right to charge you a cent to release your child’s report card,” Conrad Sackey stated. “That report card belongs to your child. It belongs to you. Access to it must never be conditioned on any payment, full stop.”

The Minister urged parents whose children are asked to pay money before receiving their report cards to request official receipts for any payment demanded and immediately report the matter to the Ministry, describing such demands as a clear warning sign of illegal conduct.

“If any school insists on collecting money before handing over a report card, ask for an official receipt, and know that this demand is a red flag I need you to report to us,” he said.

He assured the public that the Ministry would thoroughly investigate every complaint received and take appropriate action against anyone found violating Government policy.

“Call our toll-free line, 8060 or reach any senior official in this Ministry directly. Every report will be taken seriously and we will act,” the Minister stressed.

Conrad Sackey further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Free Quality School Education Programme, noting that no illegal financial demand should prevent any child from accessing educational services.

“Free Quality School Education means exactly that, free. I will not let illegal fees stand between any child and their education,” he declared.

The Minister’s statement follows a Press Release issued by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education on 27 July 2026, warning against the illegal collection of fees for report cards.

According to the Ministry, reports have been received indicating that some schools have been demanding unauthorized payments from parents and guardians before releasing pupils’ report cards. The Ministry described the practice as illegal, unacceptable and contrary to the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to providing free quality education for every child.

The Ministry reiterated that no school, teacher or school official is authorized to request payment for the collection of report cards at the end of any academic term. It further stated that report cards are the right of every pupil and access to them must never be linked to any form of payment.

Parents and guardians have also been advised to request official receipts whenever any payment is demanded and to immediately report any charges that fall outside approved Ministry guidelines.

The Ministry urged members of the public to report violations through its toll-free line, 8060, or directly to senior Ministry officials. It assured the public that all reports would be treated seriously and that appropriate action would be taken against schools or individuals found violating the directive.

Additionally, the Ministry called on parents, teachers and school administrators to work together to protect the integrity of the Free Quality School Education Programme and encouraged anyone who has already made such illegal payments to submit evidence to support investigations.

The Press Release, signed by Edward Kpakra, Chief Education Officer, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that every Sierra Leonean child enjoys unhindered access to quality education free from illegal financial barriers while thanking the public for its continued vigilance and cooperation in safeguarding the country’s education system.

SLBA Presidential Hopeful Tuma Adama Jabbi Meets RSLAF Lawyers Ahead of August 1 Elections

Group of lawyers and officials posing on building steps; speech bubble reads 'Mrs Adama Tuma Gento-Kamara and Team with a cross section of RSLAF Lawyers'.

 

The campaign for the presidency of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) gathered further momentum on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, as the Association’s incumbent President, Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi, met with legal practitioners of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) at Defence Headquarters in Freetown.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Yayah Brima Esq., Director of Defence Public Relations and Information, the meeting formed part of Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi’s campaign efforts as she seeks a second term as President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association ahead of the Association’s elections scheduled for 1 August 2026.

Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi was accompanied by members of her campaign team, including the Sierra Leone Bar Association’s Public Relations Officer, Alfred Kamanda, during the engagement with military legal officers.

Lieutenant Colonel Yayah Brima disclosed that the meeting followed an earlier engagement held on 22 July 2026, when Madam Tuma Adama Jabbi’s challenger, Martina Baindu Egbenda, who currently serves as Administrator and Registrar General, also met with legal practitioners within the Armed Forces.

He explained that both presidential candidates have been engaging members of the Armed Forces legal corps in an effort to canvass support and secure votes ahead of the highly anticipated Sierra Leone Bar Association elections.

According to the Defence spokesperson, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces currently has approximately 40 legal practitioners, including nearly 10 female lawyers, making the military legal fraternity an important constituency within the Association’s electoral process.

Lieutenant Colonel Yayah Brima also highlighted the longstanding contribution of the Armed Forces to Sierra Leone’s legal and judicial system, noting that several distinguished members of the Bench previously served as legal practitioners within the RSLAF before ascending to senior positions in the judiciary.

He identified the distinguished Benchers as Retired Honourable Justice I.M. Koroma, who retired from the military with the rank of Colonel; Honourable Justice Mark Ngegba, who retired as a Captain; and Principal Magistrate Mustapha Braima-Jah, who retired with the rank of Major.

The meetings with the Armed Forces legal practitioners underscore the importance both candidates attach to engaging members of the legal profession across different institutions as campaigning intensifies ahead of the Sierra Leone Bar Association elections in Freetown.

SLCAA Delivers World-Class Aviation Operations During ECOWAS Summit

Businesswoman in the foreground speaks or gestures while two colleagues listen, overlaid on a nighttime aerial view of a modern conference venue.

 

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) successfully delivered one of the country’s most complex aviation operations during the recent ECOWAS Summit, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of visiting Heads of State and Government while maintaining uninterrupted commercial flight operations at Freetown International Airport.

The operation, which was the culmination of several months of meticulous planning, stakeholder engagement and technical preparations, showcased Sierra Leone’s growing capacity to host high-profile international events in line with global aviation safety and security standards.

Preparations for the summit began months before the arrival of regional leaders, with the SLCAA spearheading a series of strategic coordination meetings involving airport operators, security agencies, Government Ministries and other aviation stakeholders. The consultations focused on developing an integrated operational framework capable of handling the increased air traffic associated with the summit while ensuring normal commercial aviation activities continued without disruption.

Officials carried out comprehensive assessments of all aspects of airport operations, including air traffic management, aircraft parking, ground handling services, aviation security and contingency planning. Technical teams also conducted detailed inspections of aviation infrastructure, operational facilities and safety systems to confirm their readiness ahead of the summit.

Beyond airport operations, road rehabilitation and drainage improvement works were undertaken to enhance access to Freetown International Airport in Lungi and provide reliable alternative routes for passengers and official delegations. Those interventions significantly strengthened the transport network supporting the regional gathering.

One of the most demanding responsibilities during the summit rested with the Air Traffic Control Unit, which successfully coordinated the arrival, departure, sequencing and parking of approximately 30 presidential, diplomatic and official aircraft while simultaneously managing scheduled commercial flights. The highly coordinated operation required continuous communication and precision to ensure the safe movement of aircraft throughout the event.

To further strengthen aviation security, the Authority deployed an advanced drone detection system at Freetown International Airport. The technology, capable of detecting, tracking and locating unmanned aerial vehicles within a 20-kilometre radius, provided real-time monitoring of surrounding airspace and enhanced protection for visiting dignitaries, airport operations and nearby communities against unauthorized drone activity.

Speaking on the successful operation, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, said the achievement was the result of months of careful preparation rather than last-minute arrangements.

She explained that the Authority developed detailed operational plans covering air traffic management, aircraft parking, diversion procedures and ground operations well in advance of the summit. According to her, airworthiness inspectors, engineers, air traffic controllers and other technical personnel worked collectively to coordinate operations, deploy equipment and ensure every aspect of the event was executed seamlessly.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie described teamwork as the greatest lesson from the operation, emphasizing that success was achieved because everyone set aside rank and position to pursue a common objective.

She disclosed that she personally participated in operational activities, including bailing floodwater and directing traffic during heavy rainfall, noting that effective leadership requires practical involvement whenever circumstances demand it.

The Director General further stated that every member of the SLCAA team contributed regardless of title or seniority, adding that several personnel voluntarily worked beyond their normal duties and dedicated extra hours to guarantee the summit’s success.

She also commended the support received from community leaders, including a local chief who assisted efforts to improve road access despite persistent adverse weather conditions.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie recalled that heavy rainfall posed one of the greatest operational challenges during preparations after flooding damaged sections of completed road works. She explained that engineering teams had to reconstruct portions of the roads by excavating deeper drainage channels and trenches capable of withstanding severe weather before the arrival of the visiting delegations.

According to her, the experience demonstrated that true leadership is measured not during favourable circumstances but in the ability to respond effectively to unexpected challenges.

She observed that while unforeseen situations are inevitable in aviation operations, the strong collaboration among Government institutions, aviation professionals, security agencies and local communities ensured every challenge was successfully overcome.

The Director General further emphasized that if Sierra Leoneans embrace the same spirit of teamwork and shared responsibility demonstrated during the ECOWAS Summit, the country’s national development would progress much faster. She stressed that solving national challenges requires contributions from every citizen rather than relying solely on those in leadership positions.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie concluded that the successful hosting of the ECOWAS Summit reflected the mindset Sierra Leone must continue to embrace by promoting unity, collective responsibility and an unwavering commitment to solving problems regardless of individual status or position.

The successful management of aviation operations during the ECOWAS Summit has been widely recognized as a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, highlighting the country’s increasing institutional capacity to execute complex international operations through meticulous planning, technological innovation, rigorous safety oversight and strong inter-agency collaboration.

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