By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
The Minister of Finance, Hon. Sheku Ahmed Fatamadi Bangura, has called for urgent expansion of Sierra Leone’s port infrastructure, warning that current capacity constraints could undermine trade, investment, and long-term economic growth.
Speaking during deliberations on the 2026 Supplementary Budget, the Minister said the country can no longer depend solely on existing port facilities amid rising economic activity and trade volumes.
He proposed the development of additional ports, including a specialized terminal for bulk mineral exports. Other facilities, he added, should be dedicated to general cargo, imports, exports, and other commercial operations.
Minister Bangura noted that congestion at current ports is already putting pressure on operations. He cautioned that inadequate capacity poses a significant risk to a growing and diversifying economy.
According to him, investment in new port infrastructure will ease congestion, improve the movement of goods, support the mining and productive sectors, and reduce logistical bottlenecks. It will also position Sierra Leone to better capitalize on regional and international trade opportunities.
“Economic growth requires infrastructure that can grow with it,” Bangura said, stressing the need to plan and invest in facilities that can support a larger, more competitive economy.
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