A coalition of civil society organizations in Sierra Leone has thrown its full weight behind the landmark Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project, describing it as a bold and transformative investment championed by prominent entrepreneur, Mohamed Gento Kamara, that is set to redefine the country’s economic landscape.
The Civil Society Consortium on Community Accountability and Service Delivery, led by Chairman William Sao Lamin, made its position known during a press conference held on April 30, 2026, at the YACAN Conference Hall, 18 Settra Kroo Street, off Kroo Town Road in Freetown. The official statement, jointly read by Alphonso Manley and William Sao Lamin, underscored the Consortium’s strong endorsement of the ambitious port development and commended the leadership behind it.
In its press statement dated April 30, 2026, the Consortium expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and Honourable Members of Parliament for what it described as “collective leadership and patriotism” in approving the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal proposal. The group emphasized that the project stands as a shining example of bipartisan cooperation and an effective public-private partnership aimed at advancing national development.
Central to the Consortium’s endorsement is the pivotal role of Mohamed Gento Kamara, Chief Executive Officer of the Gento Group of Companies, whose vision and investment drive have positioned the project as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s economic transformation agenda. The Consortium highlighted that such private sector leadership, aligned with government support, is critical for unlocking the country’s development potential.
According to the statement, the economic impact of the Banana Island Port Project is expected to be far-reaching and immediate. During the construction phase alone, the project is projected to generate over 1,000 direct jobs, offering employment opportunities to Sierra Leoneans across various skill levels. Upon completion, the number of long-term jobs is expected to exceed 10,000, significantly boosting livelihoods and strengthening the national workforce.
Beyond direct employment, the ripple effects of the project are anticipated to be even more substantial. The Consortium estimates that between 50,000 and 100,000 indirect jobs will be created across key sectors including transportation, logistics, trade, and services. This level of job creation, it noted, directly contributes to the government’s broader target of creating up to 500,000 jobs nationwide, while also addressing poverty and enhancing economic empowerment for thousands of households.
The Consortium further stressed that the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project will play a critical role in reducing the cost of essential goods in Sierra Leone. By improving shipping efficiency and strengthening logistics systems, the project is expected to lower importation costs, which will ultimately translate into more affordable goods for ordinary citizens. This, according to the group, will have a tangible and positive impact on the cost of living across the country.
In addition to its economic benefits, the project is set to deliver comprehensive infrastructure upgrades that will modernize Sierra Leone’s transport and trade systems. These include the development of a state-of-the-art seaport, railway connections linking mining regions, logistics hubs, and industrial facilities. Such integrated infrastructure, the Consortium noted, will ease road congestion, enhance supply chain efficiency, and position Sierra Leone as a competitive hub for regional and international trade.
Describing the initiative as a “game-changing national asset,” the Consortium praised the forward-looking vision behind the project and urged all stakeholders to maintain the current momentum. It emphasized that sustained collaboration between government, private sector actors, and civil society will be essential to ensuring that the project achieves its full potential.
“The Banana Island Port Project represents a unique opportunity to transform our economy, create jobs, and improve the lives of our people,” the statement noted, reaffirming the Consortium’s commitment to constructive engagement, monitoring, and advocacy throughout the project’s implementation.
The group concluded by reiterating its unwavering support for the initiative and calling on all Sierra Leoneans to rally behind what it described as a defining development project for the nation’s future.
Signed on behalf of the Consortium, Chairman William Sao Lamin emphasized that civil society will continue to play a proactive role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the successful delivery of the project’s promised benefits.
With strong backing from both government and civil society, and driven by the entrepreneurial leadership of Mohamed Gento Kamara, the Banana Island and Kent Harbour Terminal project is increasingly being viewed as a flagship development poised to usher in a new era of economic growth and national progress for Sierra Leone.