70 SLPHA Port Security Personnel Complete Specialised Training at SILEA Campus in Hastings
Sahid Bangura Seventy Port Security personnel of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) have graduated from a two-week intensive training programme organised by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) through the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA).
The passing-out ceremony was held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at SILEA One Campus in Hastings, bringing together senior police officers, SLPHA officials, training instructors, invited guests and the graduating personnel.
The training was designed to strengthen the capacity of the Port Security personnel and equip them with the knowledge, practical skills and professional values required to effectively perform their duties within Sierra Leone’s port environment.
Speaking at the ceremony, SILEA Commandant, ACP Brima Kamara, Esq., said the programme demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the Sierra Leone Police and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority.
He said SILEA was pleased to provide the platform for the specialised training, noting that the Academy’s mandate extends beyond training police recruits to providing specialised programmes for personnel from other security and related institutions.
According to ACP Kamara, the participants were trained in key areas including access control, records management, port operations, security awareness, human rights, ethics and professional responsibilities.
The programme combined classroom sessions with practical exercises designed to improve the participants’ alertness, observation skills and ability to respond appropriately to security situations within the port environment.
Physical training was also included to strengthen the personnel’s fitness, discipline and operational preparedness.
ACP Kamara commended the trainees for their progress during the two-week programme, noting that they had developed greater confidence, discipline and preparedness in parade and other practical drills.
The keynote address was delivered by Madam Judith Boi Kosseh, Deputy Director-General of the SLPHA, who represented Director-General Mr Yakuba Askia Bio.
Madam Kosseh congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the training and urged them to make vigilance, integrity and professionalism central to their duties.
She encouraged the newly trained personnel to maintain close cooperation with the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant security institutions to strengthen safety and security within the country’s port facilities.
She also urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training, particularly in access control, record keeping, port operations, human rights and ethical conduct.
Madam Kosseh expressed confidence that the training would contribute to improved security and efficiency within Sierra Leone’s port environment.
The ceremony culminated in the presentation of certificates to the successful trainees following the formal declaration of their completion of the programme and readiness for deployment.
Kassim Jalloh was recognised as the Best Academic Performer and delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the graduating cohort.
The graduation marks a further step in strengthening institutional cooperation between the SLP and SLPHA while enhancing the capacity of Port Security personnel to contribute to the safe, secure and efficient operation of Sierra Leone’s port facilities.