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The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) transferred $19 million to the government over three years, a parliamentary delegation learned during an oversight visit to the country’s main seaport.
The delegation, led by Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, received the figures from SLPHA Director General Yankuba Askia Bio during a visit to the Queen Elizabeth II Quay. The Authority contributed $4 million in 2023, $7 million in 2024 and $8 million in 2025.
Berth infrastructure upgrades have expanded the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels, including Panamax ships, Bio told the parliamentary team. The improvements aim to strengthen cargo operations, increase competitiveness and support Sierra Leone’s international trade.
Members of Parliament commended SLPHA management and staff for the progress. Lawmakers stressed the need for the Authority to communicate its activities more consistently to the public.
The parliamentary visit included a tour of port facilities and an inspection of proposed seaport sites at Kent and Banana Island.
SLPHA recently provided two dedicated patrol vehicles to its Safety and Security Departments to strengthen surveillance and operational capacity at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay. Director General Bio formally handed over the vehicles on August 26, 2026.
The vehicles will support regular patrols, enable faster incident response and strengthen monitoring of port facilities, Bio said at the handover ceremony.
“Safety and security remain essential to the smooth and efficient running of the port,” Bio stated.
The Bank of Sierra Leone has also extended operating hours for commercial bank branches serving the Queen Elizabeth II Quay from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The move aims to address operational bottlenecks and improve the business environment at the port.
Earlier U.S. Coast Guard inspections praised SLPHA’s compliance with international safety standards, with officials noting “considerable improvement” in access control, surveillance and perimeter fencing.
The Queen Elizabeth II Quay handles a significant proportion of the country’s imports and exports, making its efficient operation critical to the national economy.
