Government Set to Begin Major Restoration Works at Historic Bunce Island
Aminata Koroma The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, will officially launch the engineering groundbreaking ceremony for conservation and restoration work at the historic Bunce Island Slave Fort on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
The ceremony, organised by the Monuments and Relics Commission (MRC) under the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), will mark the start of a major initiative to preserve one of Sierra Leone’s most important heritage landmarks and a site of global historical significance.
Located in the Sierra Leone River, Bunce Island Slave Fort remains one of the most prominent reminders of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and serves as a symbol of remembrance, education and cultural identity. The site continues to attract historians, researchers, members of the African diaspora and tourists from across the world interested in understanding the history and legacy of the slave trade.
The planned engineering works are expected to improve structural integrity while supporting the fort’s broader conservation efforts to protect its historical authenticity and cultural value. The initiative is also expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as a leading heritage tourism destination in West Africa.
According to officials of the Monuments and Relics Commission, the project aligns with national priorities to preserve cultural heritage while creating opportunities for education, research, tourism development and community engagement.
They noted that Bunce Island remains an important resource for promoting historical awareness and fostering a deeper appreciation of Sierra Leone’s contribution to global history.
The groundbreaking ceremony is expected to bring together government representatives, heritage experts, tourism practitioners, development partners and community leaders, who view the initiative as a timely intervention to ensure the long-term protection and promotion of the historic site.
Beyond conservation, the project is expected to enhance the visitor experience, attract increased interest in Sierra Leone’s heritage attractions and generate wider socio-economic benefits through tourism activities, cultural education and international recognition.
The commencement of the restoration and conservation works is expected to demonstrate Sierra Leone’s commitment to preserving its historical heritage, celebrating its past and strengthening national identity through the protection of significant cultural landmarks.
The project is ultimately expected to ensure that Bunce Island Slave Fort continues to educate, inspire and connect people from across the world for generations to come.