By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Ministry of Transport and Aviation has successfully concluded its 2025 Annual Transport Sector Retreat after three days of intensive engagement, strategic dialogue and sector-wide evaluation held on Friday November 21, 2025 at the Njala Venue in Bo City. The event, themed: “Enhancing Quality Service Delivery in the Transport Sector,” brought together all agencies under the Ministry to review performance, strengthen collaboration and chart the strategic direction for the sector.
The retreat ended on a high note with a colourful award ceremony during which the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) received special recognition for Outstanding Performance in the Performance Tracking Table; a strong endorsement of the Authority’s dedication to safety, regulatory efficiency and exemplary service delivery.
Senior Permanent Secretary, Edward Kwame Yankson, opened the retreat by emphasizing the importance of unified sector reflection and transformation. Drawing from Chinua Achebe’s The Arrow of God, he reminded participants that, “If you know where the rain began to beat you, you will know where to dry your body,” underscoring the need to understand past challenges to shape effective solutions.
He also announced the addition of two new institutions, the Sierra Leone Railway Regulatory Agency and the Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency, highlighting the need for clear direction as they integrate into the national transport ecosystem.
Resident Minister South, Chief John Abu, commended the Ministry for its leadership in convening the retreat, stressing that the transport sector remains central to economic development, education, tourism, trade and national mobility. He reiterated that the performance of the sector directly feeds into President Bio’s broader agenda for a resilient and competitive economy.
The Director of Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), Sulaiman Phoray-Musa, praised the Ministry for its outstanding leadership in performance management. He noted that transport agencies consistently lead in meeting performance contract obligations and applauded ongoing Government reforms in remuneration, digitalization and institutional development.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador (Rtd.) Col. Alhaji Fanday Turay, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building efficient, safe and sustainable transport systems. He highlighted significant achievements over the past two years and noted the importance of evaluating where the sector started, where it stands and where it is heading.
He stressed that the transport sector must operate as “one interconnected ecosystem,” rather than fragmented agencies, citing the roles of SLRSA, SLPTA, SLMA, SLPHA, SLAA, SLCAA, and AAIIB in ensuring safety, compliance and quality service across the board. Developing a two-year strategic plan, he said, will remain a top priority to guide progress and ensure alignment with national development goals.
Director of Transport, Mohammed Hindolo Shiaka, delivered a presentation on the theme: “Planning for Sustainable E-Mobility for All,” calling on all agencies to integrate e-mobility into their strategic frameworks. He emphasized that sustainable e-mobility is not merely a shift from petrol to electric vehicles but a complete reimagining of transport systems to minimize pollution, reduce energy costs and increase accessibility.
Acting Director of Government Information Service, Emmanuel B. Turay, urged agencies to strengthen visibility by recruiting trained communication specialists. He emphasized the need for proactive media engagement and robust communication strategies that ensure stakeholders, development partners and the public are consistently informed.
The final day of the retreat featured a detailed overview of the Transport Sector Performance Contract, highlighting sector-wide progress and priority areas. The SLCAA delivered a comprehensive presentation titled: “What the Ministry of Transport and Aviation Needs to Know About Aviation.”
The session unpacked the structure of the aviation ecosystem, mandates of key aviation institutions, SLCAA, FIA, SLAA, SLAIIB, compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), coordination mechanisms, operational challenges and strategic proposals to advance national aviation development.
The retreat concluded with an elegant awards dinner. SLPHA was announced as the Best Performing Agency of the Year, while SLNSA, SLAA, SLPTA, SLCAA, and SLMA also received awards for excellence, partnership, discipline and long service. Several Ministry staff were similarly honoured.
Senior officials expressed gratitude to the Inter-Agency Planning Committee, agency heads and local authorities for their unwavering support throughout the retreat.
The Ministry reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to collaboration, unity and innovation as it works toward building a safe, reliable, modern and people-centered transport system for Sierra Leone.
With SLCAA’s strong showing on the retreat’s final day, the Authority continues to position itself as a leading force in improving aviation safety, regulatory compliance and service excellence within the national transport ecosystem.
