Chief Minister, Transport Minister Inspect Gento Group’s Kent Port Project, Reaffirm Government Commitment to Modernising Sierra Leone’s Ports
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., conducted a site inspection while commending the significant progress being made on the Gento Group’s Dry Port Project at Kent, describing it as a transformative investment that will strengthen Sierra Leone’s maritime and logistics sector.
The high-level inspection team included the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bhonapha, the Senior Permanent Secretary, Rev. Edward Kwame Yankson, and the Harbour Master of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA). The visit formed part of the Government’s continued engagement with strategic infrastructure projects aimed at expanding port capacity, improving trade facilitation, and accelerating national economic growth.
Speaking during the inspection, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh said the project reflects President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s vision of moving “from commitment to transformation.” He noted that the investment had progressed from a concept discussed at several engagements to a major infrastructure project now taking shape through strong collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone and the private sector.
The Chief Minister praised the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, under the leadership of Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., for providing the necessary policy and institutional support to facilitate the investment. He also lauded Gento Group for demonstrating confidence in Sierra Leone’s economy through its substantial investment in the Kent–Banana Island project.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Gento Group, Mr. Mohamed Gento Kamara, the company currently employs more than 600 workers, the majority of whom are Sierra Leoneans, while working alongside international technical partners to ensure that the facility meets global standards. He assured the delegation that all environmental safeguards are being observed in collaboration with the relevant government institutions.
Chief Minister Sengeh emphasized that the Kent Dry Port will play a vital role in reducing congestion at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay as cargo volumes continue to increase. He noted that expanding the country’s port infrastructure is essential to improving logistics efficiency, reducing the cost of doing business, supporting economic growth, and sustaining the Government’s efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investments that modernise Sierra Leone’s transport sector. He noted that the Kent Dry Port Project aligns with the Government’s broader strategy to strengthen maritime infrastructure, improve cargo handling capacity, create sustainable employment opportunities, and position Sierra Leone as a competitive regional maritime and logistics hub.
The Minister added that the Government remains committed to supporting strategic infrastructure projects through strong public-private partnerships, while also advancing complementary investments such as the JMB Fishing Port at Black Johnson and other initiatives designed to unlock the country’s maritime and economic potential.
Source : MoTA Communications Unit
