By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
Sierra Leone’s border surveillance capacity has received a significant upgrade after the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) handed over vehicles and diagnostic equipment to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The handover took place today at the FSRP office in Pipeline, Freetown, where Deputy Minister of Agriculture II, Hon. Sahr Hemore, received four motorbikes, high-end computers and printers, diagnostic tools, office furniture, and stationery on behalf of the ministry.
The equipment will be deployed to four key entry points: Freetown Port, Lungi International Airport, the Gbalamuya border with Guinea, and the Jendema border with Liberia. According to officials, the move is aimed at improving trade data collection, strengthening the detection of pests and zoonotic diseases, and enhancing early warning systems that protect local agriculture and regional trade.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Hemore said limited mobility and outdated tools have long undermined border officers’ ability to respond quickly to threats.
“This support will close that gap. Our teams will now be better equipped to monitor, detect, and report incidents in real time, which is critical for both food security and the economy,” he said.
FSRP Project Manager Dr. Kepifri Lakoh said the intervention complements ongoing investments in rice, cassava, and vegetable production across the country. He stressed that without effective surveillance and trade facilitation at the borders, gains in domestic production risk being undermined.
“FSRP remains committed to working with MAFS to secure borders, ensure export compliance, and safeguard Sierra Leone’s food systems,” Dr. Lakoh said.
The program forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s resilience against pest outbreaks, disease threats, and disruptions to food supply chains.
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