By Emmanuel Jethro
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio, has welcomed delegates, heads of state, and regional partners attending the ongoing ECOWAS summit and related diplomatic engagements in Freetown.
In an interview with Salone Media Marketing Global News, Bio described Sierra Leone’s hosting of the regional gathering as a significant milestone that reflects the country’s growing role in West African diplomacy and economic integration.
He said the summit provides an opportunity for Sierra Leone to strengthen regional cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector, where ports play a critical role in facilitating trade and connectivity among ECOWAS member states.
“Hosting our regional brothers and sisters for this landmark ECOWAS gathering is a major achievement. It demonstrates Sierra Leone’s capacity to serve as a reliable partner in advancing the economic agenda of the sub-region,” Bio stated.
He added that the summit also offers the country an opportunity to showcase the potential of the Port of Freetown as a strategic gateway for regional and international trade.
According to the SLPHA Director General, strengthening maritime cooperation among ECOWAS countries remains essential to achieving greater economic integration and improving the movement of goods across the region.
He highlighted key areas requiring attention, including reducing trade barriers, improving customs coordination, enhancing port efficiency, and strengthening maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea.
“We expect practical outcomes that will help remove barriers to free trade. When ports operate seamlessly and trade policies are better aligned, we can unlock greater economic opportunities for millions of people across West Africa,” Bio said.
On the benefits for ordinary Sierra Leoneans, Bio noted that improved regional trade cooperation could contribute to reduced costs of goods, increased business opportunities, and greater access for local producers to regional markets.
He explained that a stronger maritime sector could create employment opportunities across the logistics value chain, including transportation, shipping services, clearing and forwarding, and other related industries.
Bio further stated that improved regional connectivity would help Sierra Leonean farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs access markets in neighbouring countries, including Guinea, Liberia, Mali, and Senegal.
As ECOWAS meetings continue in Freetown, the SLPHA Director General said Sierra Leone remains committed to promoting regional integration and positioning the country’s maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth.
