President Dr Julius Maada Bio on Thursday 22nd December 2022 addressed personnel of the country’s security sector at the Special Annual Dinner hosted by his wife, the First Lady DDrFatima Maada Bio at the Presidential Lodge in Freetown.

The President called for more effective inter-agency collaboration to improve security in the country.

Sierra Leone like most West African nations is faced with the need to step up its response to threats from international drug cartels, acts of money laundering, cyber-crimes and terrorism.

The President said one of the main challenges the country’s security sector faces is the lack of proper coordination among the different security agencies, as he called for synergy.

He however praised the security chiefs for their patriotic services to the nation.

He said despite the difficult challenges, they have always discharged their duties satisfactorily.

“As a government, we appreciate what you do every day, to ensure that there is peace and stability in our country. By taking up the uniform, it means you have a difficult choice to serve this country. (Zolpidem) So, we are grateful for that,” he pointed out, adding: “Most of the time we have had problems iis as a result of the lack of synergy between and among the various forces, which is not helpful for the country. We know that disagreements are bound to happen, but we must see the need to work together for a common goal. No one can do it alone. So, we need collective efforts.”

The President expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far especially in the area of re-branding the image of the nation on the international stage.

“The negative perception people held across the world about Sierra Leone is fast changing because of disciplined leadership,” President Bio stressed.

“I have promised and will continue to provide the quality leadership we need to move this nation forward. The perception out there is beginning to change. When they talk about serious nations now, we are being mentioned as one of them, which is a very good start that we all can collectively build on.”

“As the leader, I want to inspire you all to make your contributions to making our country great again. Today is for you, and I want to say thanks to you all for your service to our nation,” the President told security forces.