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The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has called for a collective approach to resolving ongoing cargo clearance delays at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, stating that the challenges cannot be attributed to a single agency. The call was made on Friday, July 31, 2026, during a high-level stakeholder meeting convened to address mounting concerns from indigenous importers.
The meeting had in attendance SLPHA management, led by Director of Operations and Monitoring Foday Manso Koroma, key stakeholders, including the Importers Welfare Association, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) Customs, Freetown Terminal Limited, and the Customs Brokers Union. The goal of the meeting was to identify bottlenecks and devise solutions. It was prompted by recent complaints from importers about prolonged container-clearing delays, high demurrage fees, and alleged preferential treatment.
“What is not clear is the blame-shifting or squarely pointing fingers at SLPHA. That should be avoided,” Director Koroma stated, clarifying that the Authority serves primarily as a landlord and its role is largely confined to the final stage of cargo movement. At the same time, other agencies handle customs processing and documentation.
Sources familiar with port operations explained that cargo throughput at the port has surged by over 300% in recent years, placing immense pressure on existing infrastructure. SLPHA has introduced an Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Hastings to decongest the Quay, with a second depot under construction at Koya.
During the engagement, NRA Customs representatives urged importers to pay greater attention to the pre-clearance stage, particularly ensuring correct documentation and invoices, to expedite the process. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to foster stronger collaboration, with SLPHA committing to evaluating the issues raised and to continue engagement with all parties to ease port operations.
