By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has been honoured with the esteemed AWOL AMERICA Chairman’s Award, recognized as the most transformative institution of 2023. This prestigious accolade is awarded to individuals and organizations that have spearheaded significant positive change throughout the year.
Under the visionary leadership of its Director General, Yankuba Askia Bio, the SLPHA has undergone and is still undergoing groundbreaking reforms, establishing itself as a model of excellence within the West African maritime sector. Among its notable achievements is the implementation of innovative software for exit gate operations, which has greatly improved transparency and efficiency. Additionally, enhanced coordination across departments has resulted in a more streamlined operational structure.
A major highlight of the Authority’s transformation has been the development of a comprehensive Port Security Plan, which aligns with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. As part of this initiative, over 80 CCTV cameras have been installed to strengthen surveillance measures. Furthermore, the SLPHA has trained 91 security personnel at the Sierra Leone Police Training College and launched continuous security patrols to ensure the port’s safety.
The port’s exceptional compliance with the ISPS Code underscores its commitment to global maritime security standards, with an impressive 89% pass rate achieved in 2023. This accomplishment reflects the stringent measures implemented under the dynamic new leadership of Yankuba Askia Bio, which prioritize both safety and operational excellence.
The Port of Freetown has also gained significant international recognition, ranking 3rd in West Africa and 10th across Africa on the Container Port Performance Index. This is a direct result of strategic investments in infrastructure and services, positioning Sierra Leone as a vital hub in African trade.
Notably, the Port of Freetown is now celebrated as one of the safest ports in the world, attracting vessels from major countries such as Britain, the U.S., Canada and Mercy Ships. The Authority’s introduction of 24-hour pilotage services has drastically reduced vessel turnaround and cargo dwelling times, from a previous duration of 1-2 weeks to less than 48 hours. Moreover, the implementation of Ship-to-Shore (STS) and Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) technologies has increased vessel calls and further enhanced operational capacity.
The SLPHA’s achievements stand as a testament to the transformative leadership of Yankuba Askia Bio and the institution’s commitment to driving progress within Sierra Leone’s maritime industry.
