By Amin Kef-Ranger
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, on Friday 9 May 2025 in Maforki Chiefdom, Port Loko District officially commissioned the CTC Multi-Functional Seaport, a new export terminal developed by CTC Ports and Logistics Limited. The state-of-the-art facility, located in Maforki Chiefdom, Port Loko District, is 50% Sierra Leonean-owned and is set to play a pivotal role in connecting local producers, particularly in the mineral sector, to international markets, which will drive economic growth, create jobs and increase national revenue.
Speaking at the ceremony, attended by stakeholders, traditional leaders, investors and international partners, President Bio hailed the swift development of the port as a testament to successful private sector involvement under a supportive Government. He commended CTC Mining and CTC Ports and Logistics for their efficiency in completing the project in record time, emphasizing that the commissioning of the port reflects Sierra Leone’s readiness to welcome transformative investment.
“This seaport is more than just a national asset; it’s a strategic gateway linking Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth to global markets,” President Bio declared. “With CTC’s target to export five million tonnes of bauxite this year and increase this to 7.5 million tonnes next year, this port will provide a major boost to our economy.”
The new facility is expected to reduce export bottlenecks and enhance the competitiveness of Sierra Leone’s logistics and supply chain sector. President Bio reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a secure, investment-friendly environment, urging local Paramount Chiefs and community leaders to safeguard and support the critical infrastructure.
He also highlighted the need for value addition, urging CTC Mining to explore options for local processing and refining of Sierra Leone’s resources. “We must move from merely feeding global industries to building our own,” the President asserted, reaffirming his Government’s commitment to local content, skills development and industrial transformation.
CTC Mining CEO, Hisham Mackie, praised President Bio’s leadership and described the seaport as a reflection of the President’s “Tok and Do” governance approach. He also provided an overview of the port’s infrastructure, which includes a 32-kilometre dedicated haul road, a fully equipped export terminal and an integrated logistics system designed to meet international standards and enhance Sierra Leone’s export capabilities.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Qing Wang, commended the commissioning as a key milestone in Sierra Leone’s development. He noted that the project exemplifies the tangible outcomes of President Bio’s diplomatic efforts with China, further strengthening bilateral cooperation and boosting Sierra Leone’s infrastructural growth.
The CTC Multi-Functional Seaport is a significant milestone in positioning Sierra Leone as a competitive player in regional and global trade. This project stands as a strong example of public-private partnership and reflects the Bio administration’s focus on sustainable infrastructure development and economic diversification, signaling a new era for Sierra Leone’s long-term prosperity.
