By Ragan M. Conteh

The Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation! Rex Bonapha on Tuesday 9th June, 2024 presented a new document in parliament.

It is titled, “Concession Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Gento Group of Companies SL Limited for the Design, Financing Construction and Operationalization of Seaport within Dublin and the Ricket Communities in Banana Island and Logistics hub (Harbour terminal) at Kent in Sierra Leone.”

The Government of Sierra Leone gave the green light to the project through a cabinet approval on 3rd June, 2024.

The agreement now awaits for a thorough scrutiny by lawmakers.

An expert has asserted that the port will be the deepest in West Africa, with a depth of approximately 20-24 meters.

Some Sierra Leoneans in that part of the country are hoping for such a project to   boost and boom the economy and for it to create numerous job opportunities for the youth.

“Imagine Sierra Leone, once a pivotal point in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, is now again set to become a transshipment hub for global business. This transformation will mark a new era for the country.”

The involvement of a Sierra Leonean company with substantial construction experience is seen as a promising aspect of the project.

“It is marvelous to see a local company spearheading such a significant initiative,” the expert view said.

The transshipment port and logistic hub project is poised to position Sierra Leone as a key player in international maritime trade, thus hoping to bring substantial economic benefits in Sierra Leone.