By- Mahmoud Kamara
Senior Information Officer
Ministry of Transport and Aviation
Youyi Building 11th December, 2025.
President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Rtd. Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio, on Thursday, 11th December, 2025, toured the transport sector booth under the Technology, Innovation and Infrastructure Zone during the opening of the second edition of the National Civic Festival held at the Youyi Building grounds in Freetown.
Welcoming the President, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bhonapha, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for creating a national platform that brings government institutions closer to the public. He noted that such engagements help citizens better understand the mandate and activities of key service-delivery sectors.
Deputy Minister Bhonapha outlined the responsibilities of the Transport Ministry and highlighted the nine agencies operating under its supervision. He emphasized that the festival provided an opportunity for the ministry to showcase ongoing reforms and innovations aimed at improving transport services nationwide.
During the tour, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), James Bio, introduced President Bio to the agency’s growing digital service offerings. The President observed the step-by-step process of obtaining a driver’s licence through the new digitized system of a mobile vehicle station and was briefed on the enhanced security features embedded in the country’s vehicle number plates. Officials also demonstrated how road safety corps personnel use verification devices to authenticate vehicle licences and curb fraud.
Representatives from the aviation sector also briefed the President on the mandate, progress, and achievements of the Aviation Ministry, underscoring efforts to improve air transport services and strengthen safety oversight.
The Senior Information Officer of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Mahmoud Kamara, highlighted key accomplishments across the sector, referencing the recently launched first edition of the ministry’s magazine, which captures major reforms and milestones.
Additionally, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, Dr. Daniel Kaitibi, outlined the agency’s ongoing initiatives to enhance maritime safety and security, stressing that the welfare of people travelling by sea remains a top priority.
President Bio commended the sector for its commitment to modernization and urged continued collaboration to advance safe, efficient, and innovative transport systems across Sierra Leone.