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A civil society activist from the Native Consortium, Edmond Abu, has publicly criticized Sea Coach Boat Company Ltd following its decision to increase passenger fares, accusing the company of failing to reduce prices when fuel costs previously declined.
Sea Coach announced that effective Tuesday, April 8, 2026, ticket prices would rise due to what it described as “ongoing increases in global fuel prices.” According to a public notice issued by the Aberdeen-based company, adult fares paid in Leones have increased from Le 1,125 to Le 1,200, while fares in US Dollars have gone up from $45 to $50. Children’s fares for ages 2 to 9 also rose from Le 625 to Le 720, with the dollar equivalent increasing from $25 to $30.
In a statement signed by management on April 2, the company appealed for public understanding, emphasizing its commitment to service delivery. “Sea Coach remains committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality service to all our customers,” the notice read. “We appreciate your continued support and understanding regarding this adjustment.”
However, reacting to the development, Edmond Abu strongly condemned the fare increase, arguing that the company had failed to act fairly when fuel prices dropped in the past.
In a statement attributed directly to him, Abu said: “Seacoach, I know you are law to yourself. When fuel prices reduced from Le30 to Le25, all sea and road transport including ferry, reduced their transport ticket price, but you and other sea boats never did and now you have increased your transportation cost when fuel prices have increased to Le35. I don’t blame you, it is because we don’t have a transportation Minister in Sierra Leone.”
Abu’s comments highlight broader concerns among commuters about accountability and pricing practices within the transport sector. While Sea Coach maintains that the latest adjustment is necessary to cope with rising operational costs, critics argue that price changes appear inconsistent and not always reflective of fuel market trends.
Sea Coach, which operates from Sir Samuel Lewis Road in Aberdeen, Freetown, has not publicly responded to Abu’s remarks but continues to run its regular routes. Passengers have been advised to contact the company through its official communication channels for further inquiries.
The disagreement reflects growing public scrutiny over transport pricing in Sierra Leone, particularly as citizens continue to grapple with fluctuating fuel costs and their impact on daily living.
