www.slrsa.gov.sl
Monday 30th March 2026
Kissy Road- Freetown
Sierra Leone has officially become the 14th country to ratify the African Road Safety Charter, and deposit the instrument of ratification, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to improve road safety nationwide. The achievement comes under the leadership of Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) Executive Director, James Bagie Bio, with technical support from the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.
The Charter sets an ambitious target of reducing road traffic deaths by 50 percent by the year 2030. It focuses on protecting all road users—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians—while strengthening legal and institutional frameworks across member states.
To meet these goals, countries are expected to implement robust legislation, enforce strict road safety laws, develop safer infrastructure, ensure high vehicle standards, improve data collection and accident analysis, and enhance emergency response systems.
In line with these objectives, the SLRSA has rolled out several reforms, including the nationwide decentralization of licensing services and the introduction of digital service platforms to improve accessibility. The Authority has also strengthened partnerships with key institutions such as the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) for drivers’ data synchronization, the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau for quality control of vehicle spare parts, and the National Emergency Medical Service (NEMS) to boost emergency post-crash care and response.
With the Charter having come into force on 12th March 2026, Sierra Leone is well-positioned to achieve its road safety targets, as ongoing reforms align closely with the Charter’s vision for safer roads, safer vehicles, and safer road users across Africa.
“SLRSA stands ready and willing to implement the Charter by popularising it and domesticating its provisions,” said James B. Bio. He added that: “SIerra Leone is proud to have taken steps that helped trigger the entry into force of the Charter. This milestone in road safety governance in Africa further underscores the positive strides by President Bio in restoring Sierra Leone’s reputation as a major player in the continent and on the global stage.”
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Public Relations Unit