The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its agencies (National Tourist Board, Monument and Relics Commission) have concluded the second batch of the Budapest-Bamako Freetown Challenge Rally 2024 with 194 participants and 96 vehicles including motorbikes. The finish line event was held at Gigibonta Car Park, Lumley Beach in Freetown.

Before the finish line event, officials from the Ministry received the participants at the Sierra Leone-Guinea border, Gbalamuya, Kambia and Madina Oula routes respectively before proceeding to Bureh Beach where they spent the night.

It could be recalled that the Ministry hosted the first batch of 690 rally participants with 300 vehicles not too long ago. The finish line event which has been hosted in Sierra Leone for the third time in four years is a show of international confidence in Sierra Leone’s “Explore Freedom” destination and also emphasized that the country is safe and ready for business.

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While receiving the participants at the finish line, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Khadijatu Grace Ahene Kamara on behalf of the Minister, Nabeela Tunis presented certificate of participation to all the participants for making it to the finish line. She told the gathering that the event was a testament to the commitment and determination of the sector to not only promote domestic tourism but also bring more tourists to the country. She thanked staff of the Ministry and agencies, those who visits Sierra Leone and those who made the event a success.

Other speakers were the Budapest-Bamako Freetown Rally Coordinator, Andrew Sazbo and the Honorary Consul for Hungary in Sierra Leone, Jihad N. Eter. The programme was chaired by the Director of Culture, Foday Jalloh.

The Budapest-Bamako Freetown Rally was in line with President Bio’s vision to make Sierra Leone an attractive tourist destination, create the platform for cultural exchange, facilitate foreign direct investment and also provide jobs.