Seventy Port Security personnel of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) have completed a two-week specialised training programme at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA) in Hastings. The training was designed to strengthen the capacity of Port Security personnel and equip them with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional values required to effectively perform their duties within Sierra Leone’s port environment. The programme combined classroom sessions with practical exercises to improve alertness, observation skills, and response to security situations.
The passing-out ceremony was held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at SILEA One Campus in Hastings, bringing together senior police officers, SLPHA officials, training instructors, invited guests, and the graduating personnel. SILEA Commandant, ACP Brima Kamara, Esq., said the programme demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the Sierra Leone Police and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority. He noted that SILEA’s mandate extends beyond training police recruits to providing specialised programmes for personnel from other security and related institutions.
The training covered key areas, including access control, records management, port operations, security awareness, human rights, ethics, and professional responsibilities. Physical training was also included to strengthen the personnel’s fitness, discipline, and operational preparedness. ACP Kamara commended the trainees for their progress during the two-week programme, noting that they had developed greater confidence, discipline, and preparedness in parade and other practical drills.
The keynote address was delivered by Madam Judith Boi Kosseh, Deputy Director-General of the SLPHA, who represented Director-General Mr Yakuba Askia Bio. Madam Kosseh congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the training and urged them to make vigilance, integrity, and professionalism central to their duties. She encouraged the newly trained personnel to maintain close cooperation with the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant security institutions.
Madam Kosseh expressed confidence that the training would contribute to improved security and efficiency within Sierra Leone’s port environment. She urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training, particularly in access control, record keeping, port operations, human rights, and ethical conduct. The ceremony culminated in the presentation of certificates to the successful trainees following the formal declaration of their completion of the programme and readiness for deployment.
Kassim Jalloh was recognised as the Best Academic Performer and delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the graduating cohort. The graduation marks a further step in strengthening institutional cooperation between the SLP and SLPHA while enhancing the capacity of Port Security personnel to contribute to the safe, secure, and efficient operation of Sierra Leone’s port facilities.
The SLPHA has taken steps to expand youth employment and port development plans for 2027. The training of Port Security personnel is part of efforts to improve safety and security within the country’s port facilities. The collaboration between the SLP and SLPHA aims to enhance the capacity of security personnel and contribute to the efficient operation of Sierra Leone’s ports.
Key points
- 70 SLPHA Port Security Personnel Complete Specialised Training at SILEA Campus in Hastings
- Training covered key areas, including access control, records management, port operations, security awareness, human rights, ethics, and professional responsibilities
- The graduation marks a further step in strengthening institutional cooperation between the SLP and SLPHA
