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The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has engaged students of Fourah Bay College (FBC) on ongoing modernization initiatives at the Port of Freetown, highlighting the sector’s growing role in trade facilitation, maritime security, and national economic development.
The engagement was led by the Company Secretary of SLPHA, Martin Maada George Esq., who delivered the keynote address at the Fourah Bay College Inter-Departmental Debate, Essay Writing and Public Speaking Championship organized by the Sierra Leone Debating Council, FBC Chapter.
The academic competition was sponsored by SLPHA as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme aimed at supporting education, youth development, and intellectual growth in Sierra Leone.
Addressing students and faculty members, George outlined a series of reforms and modernization projects currently underway at the Port of Freetown. He said the initiatives are designed to improve operational efficiency, strengthen trade facilitation, and position Sierra Leone as a competitive maritime hub within the sub-region and beyond.
He noted that the transformation of the port sector forms part of the Government’s broader agenda to accelerate economic growth and national development through improved infrastructure and enhanced service delivery.
Speaking on maritime security, George highlighted measures introduced to strengthen safety at the Port of Freetown, including enhanced surveillance systems and closer collaboration among security agencies operating within the port environment.
According to him, recent interceptions and seizures of illegal drugs and other prohibited items demonstrate the port’s increasing capacity to detect and prevent illicit activities.
“These detections, interceptions and seizures do not demonstrate weakness. Rather, they demonstrate the Port of Freetown’s vigilance and commitment towards the fight against maritime crimes,” he told the audience.
George further explained that port operations rely on a multi-agency framework involving government institutions, shipping lines, concessionaires, terminal operators, freight forwarders, customs authorities, and security agencies working together to ensure efficient and secure operations.
Highlighting the economic significance of the maritime sector, he said the Port of Freetown continues to contribute substantially to national revenue generation, employment creation, and international trade. He disclosed that SLPHA has paid a total of US$19 million in dividends to the Government of Sierra Leone over the past three consecutive years.
He added that revenues generated through customs operations at the port continue to support national development and economic growth.
George emphasized that ongoing reforms are helping to facilitate trade, attract investment, and strengthen the role of SLPHA as a key driver of economic transformation in Sierra Leone.
He concluded by reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives and youth empowerment programmes, stressing that investing in young people remains essential to the country’s future development.
The event provided students with an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the operations, challenges, and strategic importance of Sierra Leone’s maritime sector and its contribution to national progress.
