By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to national transformation through tourism development and security sector reform following two high-profile engagements in Freetown on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
In a demonstration of the government’s strategic focus on sustainable development, the Vice President first led a high-level delegation on an inspection tour of the Tacugama Resort and the Leicester Peak viewing deck, where he commended the rapid progress being made on key tourism infrastructure projects designed to strengthen Sierra Leone’s growing ecotourism appeal.
The delegation, which included the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the Minister of Environment, and other senior government officials, visited the sites as part of efforts to assess ongoing work under the country’s broader tourism expansion and economic diversification agenda.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh described the transformation at Tacugama as a major milestone for Sierra Leone’s tourism sector, noting that the scale and quality of the infrastructure under development demonstrate the country’s readiness to compete on the international tourism stage.
He particularly praised the Tacugama Innovation Centre, describing it as a world-class facility that will significantly boost Sierra Leone’s reputation as a destination for nature-based tourism, education, and recreation. According to him, the centre’s modern design and multifunctional facilities—including a cinema, restaurant, conference spaces, classrooms, library, and conservation education units—reflect a bold vision for the future of tourism.
The Vice President also commended the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, alongside the support of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project and the World Bank, for helping to deliver one of the country’s few EDGE-certified tourism constructions.
He stressed that beyond the physical structures, the success of such investments will depend heavily on environmental protection and effective land management. He warned against land encroachment and environmental degradation around key tourism zones, emphasizing the need for strong collaboration among security agencies, environmental authorities, and local stakeholders to preserve these assets.
Dr. Juldeh Jalloh said the Tacugama and Leicester Peak developments are expected to create a unique blend of recreation, education, and conservation, providing Sierra Leoneans and international visitors alike with a world-class ecotourism experience.
Providing technical details on the project, Engineer Saidu Conteh explained that the Tacugama Innovation Centre is one of three flagship tourism destination projects aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on extractive industries while boosting tourism performance and creating jobs.
He disclosed that construction has reached an advanced stage, with the centre envisioned as a complete ecotourism hub. In addition to the main complex, the project will feature a botanical garden with a butterfly dome, amphitheatre, hiking trails, bird-watching tower, children’s playground, greenhouse, rooftop restaurant, and a range of visitor support amenities.
He further noted that the facility is designed to offer a full conservation experience, while also serving as a major learning and recreational centre for families, schools, and tourists. However, he cautioned that challenges such as persistent land encroachment could threaten the project’s targeted completion deadline of April 30, 2026.
Later the same day, the Vice President proceeded to New England in Freetown, where he commissioned a newly constructed administrative building for the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), describing the occasion as a deeply personal milestone in the country’s ongoing correctional reforms.
As Chairman of the Sierra Leone Correctional Council, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh reflected on the institution’s journey from operating in an outdated facility that had existed since 1961 to now occupying a modern administrative structure designed to improve operational efficiency, officer welfare, and institutional dignity.
He recalled that the modernization initiative began in 2018 as part of a wider reform programme aimed at transforming the correctional service into a more professional and respected institution.
According to the Vice President, the government’s reform efforts extend beyond infrastructure to include salary improvements, provision of uniforms, expanded training opportunities, and clear pathways for career progression.
Addressing officers directly, he underscored the importance of merit, discipline, and continuous professional development, stressing that leadership positions within the service must be earned through commitment and competence rather than favoritism.
He challenged officers to see themselves as reformers and nation-builders whose responsibility goes beyond detention to include rehabilitation and transformation of lives within the correctional system.
Dr. Juldeh Jalloh assured officers that despite prevailing economic pressures, government remains committed to investing in the correctional service, urging personnel to match this commitment with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Joseph John Senessie, described the commissioning as a historic turning point for the institution. He said the new administrative building finally brings an end to decades of operating from a structure that no longer reflected the aspirations of a modern correctional service.
He expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Minister of Internal Affairs, and institutional partners for supporting the reform vision.
The Director General also paid tribute to Major General Sahr David Tamba Ngaujah for his support and vision, describing the new building as both a symbol of progress and a strong foundation for the next phase of institutional growth.
The twin engagements by the Vice President highlight the government’s parallel focus on unlocking Sierra Leone’s tourism potential while deepening reforms within critical state institutions, reinforcing a broader national development agenda anchored on sustainability, professionalism, and service delivery.
