By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S.
Kissy Road, Freetown – July 2, 2025 – In a significant move to improve road safety, the Government has ratified the African Road Safety Charter. This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on April 4, 2025, and the Charter was officially adopted at the 26th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 31, 2016.
The Ministry of Transport and Aviation has been tasked with submitting the Charter to Parliament for ratification. His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, emphasized the need for collaboration with relevant institutions to enforce the Charter’s provisions and uphold road safety across the nation.
On June 4, 2025, Abu-bakarr Sheriff Esq., Secretary to the Authority and Board, presented the historical context and justification for the ratification to the Legislative and Transport Committees of Parliament. He underscored the Charter’s importance as a cornerstone for Africa’s transport safety future.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Rex Bhonafa, addressed Parliament on July 1, highlighting alarming statistics: Africa has the highest rates of road traffic injuries and fatalities globally, despite representing only 4% of the world’s vehicles. He noted that while 22 countries have signed the Charter, only 14 have ratified it, with 15 ratifications needed for the Charter to come into force.
Mr. Bhonafa asserted that the ratification would position the country as a regional leader in road safety governance. He emphasized that the domestication and implementation of the Charter would create a comprehensive framework for road safety management, reduce fatalities, improve safety for vulnerable road users—especially children, pedestrians, and cyclists—and enhance monitoring and evaluation of safety measures. Furthermore, he mentioned that this move would bolster the country’s international standing within the African Union and ECOWAS frameworks.
Hon. Salia Konneh described the ratification as long overdue and urged for full enforcement upon domestication. Hon. Sellu expressed hope that the Charter would lead to the establishment of state-run vehicle inspection facilities to evaluate vehicle roadworthiness.
Leader of Government Business, Hon. Matthew Nyuma, highlighted key articles of the Charter, stressing that road safety investments should be viewed as essential rather than mere expenditures.
Following a thorough debate, the Speaker of Parliament moved a motion, resulting in the unanimous ratification of the Charter by the members present.
In closing, Deputy Minister Rex Bhonafa reaffirmed that the African Road Safety Charter is a Pan-African initiative designed to address the critical issues of road fatalities and injuries. He stated, “Its implementation will enhance the national road safety strategy and strengthen its reputation across the continent.” He added that the ratification and subsequent depositing of the instrument would contribute to the Charter’s formal entry into force.
Mr. James Baggie Bio, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), was recognized for his strategic leadership and support in facilitating the successful ratification process.
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