A Look at the Strategic Leadership of DG Yankuba Bio

Authored by Abdul Rahman Kamara, Station Manager, Star TV

In the wake of recent social media reports alleging that containers have been leaving the quay without the knowledge of the Customs and Excise Department, the media landscape has been inundated with a variety of narratives. Some of these narratives lack a thorough examination of the issues at hand, while others appear to be driven by malice, aimed at tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of Director General Yankuba Bio of the Sierra Leone Port and Harbour Authority (SLPHA). This has led to a precarious situation, where public perception nearly deemed him culpable.

However, it is becoming increasingly evident that the motivations behind these narratives extend beyond mere news reporting; they seem to target the integrity and reputation of DG Yankuba Bio for misguided reasons. When news of the alleged containers first emerged, the National Revenue Authority (NRA), which oversees the Customs Department, issued a press statement that refrained from implicating anyone, stating that further investigation would continue as the facts were still unclear. It was the proactive leadership of SLPHA that initiated an internal investigation, collaborating with the NRA to uncover the truth regarding the alleged containers. This decision is viewed by many as a hallmark of transparent and accountable leadership.

The facts are clear, as evidenced by SLPHA’s press statement. The investigation team, operating under the directive of DG Yankuba Bio, conducted spot visits to various Agencies involved in the clearance processes, including Freetown Terminal Limited, Logistics Solutions and Services, the Customs and Excise Department, and the Integrated Trade Service. The outcomes of these engagements have effectively absolved SLPHA’s leadership from any wrongdoing. The Authority has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging to enhance collaboration with the NRA to strengthen control measures and improve system integration. If the intention is merely to target DG Yankuba through misleading narratives implying guilt, such efforts are fundamentally misguided.

SLPHA comprises essential Departments that collaborate to ensure efficient port management, adopting a landlord model that focuses on supervision and policy development. This raises several critical questions:

1.⁠ ⁠Have those orchestrating this cynical and coordinated attack taken the time to understand the transformative measures implemented by DG Yankuba Bio?

2.⁠ ⁠Do they possess a genuine understanding of how port management operates to deliver efficient services?

3.⁠ ⁠Are they aware that since the establishment of the port in 1964, the new legislative framework under the 2023 SLPHA Act is designed to regulate port and harbour operations through an efficient model?

4.⁠ ⁠Do they recognize the infrastructural developments undertaken by the leadership, including the construction of a new Administrative Building, rehabilitation of jetties and berths, dredging, and installation of navigational signals?

5.⁠ ⁠Are they informed that in 2024, SLPHA contributed Four Hundred Million Leones to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, increasing that amount to Seven Hundred Million Leones in 2025, with a commitment of One Hundred and Twenty Million Leones made during the budget hearings at the Ministry of Finance?

6.⁠ ⁠Are they surprised that SLPHA has been recognized as the best-performing agency for the second consecutive year under the performance contract signed with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation?

These achievements under the current leadership at SLPHA are unparalleled since the port’s inception in 1964. It takes a patriotic mindset to drive such developmental growth, and it requires strong leadership committed to building the nation of Sierra Leone. No amount of coordinated media attacks will undermine DG Yankuba Bio’s resolve. He remains steadfast in his commitment to serve diligently for the betterment of Mama Salone, embodying the principles of integrity and service delivery.