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The General Manager of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority, Dr. Abdulai Fofanah, has expressed serious concern over persistent delays caused by clearing agents, describing them as the primary challenge affecting smooth operations at the port.
Speaking to stakeholders, Dr. Fofanah said clearing agents often fail to report for duty on time, disrupting the entire chain of activity. As a result, the Port Authority has reintroduced fines for delayed containers and intensified enforcement measures to keep operations running efficiently.
According to him, containers scheduled for examination are now separated into two batches.
“All the containers that the consignees have put in for examination and are not on site early are pulled outside. We bring in the second batch, and the late ones stay outside,” he explained.
Dr. Fofanah added that truck owners whose consignees do not show up early at Customs will face a fine of Le 5 million, which must be paid before the container is released, along with proof of payment to ADVAC.
He further disclosed that drivers who abandon their trucks or come late will also be penalised. “Drivers must be seated on their trucks by 8:30 a.m. If not, they will pay a fine of Le 200,” he said.
The General Manager highlighted the pressure caused by the growing volume of incoming cargo. “Just imagine ships are bringing in cars and containers. We have asked for over 800 containers, and if we don’t pull them out on time, it will create a lot of problems,” he stated.
He emphasised that stakeholders must adhere strictly to operational timelines, especially regarding when clearance activities begin and end.
“There is coordination at the port now, but a few people still slow down the system because they want to start work at 2 p.m.,” he lamented.
Dr. Fofanah also revealed plans to initiate 24-hour operations at the vessel section next week, pending discussions with the Commissioner and all port stakeholders.
“The only way we can succeed is when the consignees come early,” he stressed.
The port currently processes an average of 210 to 230 containers daily, a figure driven by the rising volume of goods entering the country.
Dr. Fofanah commended the Sierra Leone Police for cooperating with the Port Authority by allowing cleared containers destined for the eastern part of Freetown to move without unnecessary obstruction.
“The police used to arrest drivers to exploit them, but we have informed them that once a truck is cleared and heading east, it should not pass through the Central Business District,” he stated.
He called on Inspector General of Police Fayia Sellu to reinforce controls around the CBD and other sensitive routes such as Fourah Bay Road, warning that trucks should not use roads that could cause accidents or serious delays.
