The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has successfully concluded its eight-day ferry operation in support of the 2026 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mid-Year Summit, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s reputation as a capable host of major international events while demonstrating the critical role of maritime transport in facilitating regional diplomacy and national development.
Throughout the summit, SLPHA operated six ferry crossings daily between Freetown and Lungi, providing safe, efficient and uninterrupted transportation for Heads of State, senior Government officials, diplomats, journalists and hundreds of delegates attending one of West Africa’s most significant diplomatic gatherings. The operation formed a vital part of the Government of Sierra Leone’s logistical arrangements for the summit and was widely commended for its professionalism, reliability and efficiency.
Among the distinguished passengers transported during the summit were President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania and President José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde. Cabinet Ministers, ECOWAS Ministers, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, journalists and numerous official delegates also relied on the ferry service throughout the summit.
To ensure smooth operations, the Authority deployed personnel across its ferry terminals while marine crews worked tirelessly to coordinate passenger movement, manage vehicle loading and unloading, enforce strict safety measures and provide efficient customer service. The seamless coordination enabled delegates to travel conveniently between Freetown and Lungi during the eight-day regional gathering.
The successful operation was led by the Director General of SLPHA, Yankuba Askia Bio, whose visible and hands-on leadership attracted widespread praise from staff, passengers and stakeholders. Rather than limiting his role to administrative supervision, he maintained a constant presence at the ferry terminals and aboard the MV Muzuk, personally overseeing operations, engaging visiting dignitaries and motivating staff throughout the demanding assignment.
His leadership and commitment to service were credited with inspiring the workforce to maintain high operational standards throughout the summit. Many passengers and delegates commended both the Director General and the Authority for their contribution to the successful hosting of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit.
Following the conclusion of the operation, SLPHA expressed appreciation to its employees, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, security agencies and other partners whose collective efforts ensured the success of the maritime transport arrangements.
Director General Yankuba Askia Bio also commended members of staff for their resilience, professionalism and dedication, noting that their commitment enabled the Authority to deliver services that reflected positively on Sierra Leone.
Beyond transporting passengers, the Authority’s performance projected a positive image of the country before regional leaders and the international community. The punctual ferry services, strong safety record and warm hospitality demonstrated Sierra Leone’s growing institutional capacity to support high-level international engagements.
With the successful completion of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit operations, SLPHA has once again reaffirmed its position as a key pillar of Sierra Leone’s transport sector. Its efficient ferry services not only connected Freetown and Lungi throughout the summit but also showcased the country’s readiness to deliver world-class maritime services in support of regional cooperation, diplomacy and sustainable national development.
