The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has successfully concluded an eight-day ferry support operation for the 2026 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mid-Year Summit, reaffirming its vital role in advancing national development, facilitating maritime connectivity and showcasing Sierra Leone’s readiness to host high-profile international events.
Throughout the summit, SLPHA operated six ferry crossings daily between Freetown and Lungi, ensuring the safe, efficient and seamless transportation of Heads of State, senior government officials, diplomats and delegates attending one of West Africa’s most significant diplomatic engagements.
Among distinguished passengers transported by the Authority were His Excellency the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Presidents of The Gambia, H.E. Adama Barrow, Senegal, H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Mauritania, H.E. Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, and Cabo Verde, H.E. Jose Maria Neves, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State from across the ECOWAS region, Ambassadors accredited to Sierra Leone, including those of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the People’s Republic of China, as well as journalists, security personnel and other official delegates.
To guarantee smooth operations throughout the summit, SLPHA deployed personnel across its three ferry crossing points (Government Wharf, Kissy Ferry Terminal, and Tagrin Ferry Terminal) where staff worked tirelessly to provide professional assistance, efficient coordination and warm Sierra Leonean hospitality to every passenger onboard the provided ferry, MV Muzuk.
Leading from the front was the Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, Yankuba Askia Bio, who maintained a visible presence throughout the operation. Beyond overseeing strategic coordination, the Director General was frequently seen at the ferry terminals and aboard MV Muzuk, personally assisting with the orderly movement of passengers and vehicles, interacting with delegates and supporting staff to ensure every crossing was executed safely and efficiently. His hands-on leadership drew widespread admiration from passengers and observers alike, earning commendations for his humility, dedication and unwavering commitment to service. Many passengers praised the professionalism displayed by theAuthority, while several others lauded the Director General and the SLPHA for the pivotal role they played in supporting the Government’s successful hosting of the summit.
Earlier during the operation, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bonapha, commended the SLPHA following an inspection aboard MV Muzuk, describing the Authority’s ferry operation and hospitality as “top notch.” He noted that such commitment by public institutions is essential in supporting Government during events of national and international importance and encouraged other state institutions to emulate the Authority’s example.
The successful completion of the operation reflects the dedication, discipline and teamwork of SLPHA’s terminal personnel, operational teams, security officers and support staff, whose collective efforts ensured uninterrupted ferry services throughout the summit.
Director General Yankuba Askia Bio expressed profound appreciation to every member of staff for their professionalism, resilience and sacrifice during the intensive eight-day operation. He noted that the success achieved was the result of teamwork, commitment and unwavering determination to serve Sierra Leone with excellence. “The commitment demonstrated by our staff throughout this operation has been exceptional. Their professionalism, discipline and dedication ensured that we delivered a service worthy of the confidence reposed in us by Government. I sincerely thank every member of the SLPHA family for making this mission a success,” the Director General said.
Beyond providing transportation, SLPHA’s contribution strengthened Sierra Leone’s image before the international community. Every safe crossing, every timely departure and every warm welcome offered to visiting leaders and delegates reflected the country’s growing capacity to organize and support major international events with efficiency, professionalism and hospitality. As the curtains fall on the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, SLPHA proudly looks back on a mission accomplished; one that not only connected Freetown and Lungi but also reinforced Sierra Leone’s standing as a dependable regional partner and demonstrated the indispensable role of maritime transport in national development and regional integration.
