Tuesday, 15th September 2026
Venue: Miatta Civic Centre, Youyi Building
Key Highlights
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Introduction:
The Government Weekly Press Conference held on Tuesday, 15th September 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre provided updates on overseas employment and labour migration, Sierra Leone–Guinea relations, border security and transnational crime, as well as Cabinet’s approval of the National Transport Sector Policy and Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.
Cabinet Sets New Direction for Transport Sector
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, announced that Cabinet has approved the National Transport Sector Policy and Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.
The policy provides a comprehensive framework for the development, regulation and modernisation of Sierra Leone’s transport sector, covering land, maritime and aviation transportation.
According to Minister Bah, the policy seeks to establish an integrated, safe, secure, affordable, accessible, efficient, sustainable and resilient transport system. It covers key areas including road infrastructure, public transportation, maritime services, aviation, road safety, transport financing, institutional governance and electric mobility.
Cabinet has authorised the Minister of Transport and Aviation to work with the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and relevant MDAs to undertake the legislative, regulatory and institutional reforms necessary for implementation.
Government Moves to Protect Sierra Leoneans Seeking Jobs Abroad
The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma Esq., warned Sierra Leoneans against using unlicensed recruitment agencies to seek employment opportunities abroad, citing concerns over trafficking, exploitation and the use of forged documents.
Minister Napoleon Koroma disclosed that they encountered 12 young Sierra Leoneans, aged between 18 and 24, who were stranded at the Guinean airport while reportedly preparing to travel to Dubai for employment. Verification subsequently indicated that documents presented by the group as official labour and foreign affairs documents were allegedly forged.
Minister Koroma said the matter had been referred to the police for investigation and that the Ministry had reviewed recruitment agencies connected to the case. He stressed that Government is strengthening the regulation of overseas recruitment through licensing and enforcement of established labour migration rules.
As an immediate measure, the Ministry has temporarily banned the recruitment of Sierra Leoneans for overseas employment through the Republic of Guinea. Minister Koroma emphasized that the Government is not opposed to overseas employment but wants citizens to access such opportunities through safe, lawful and dignified channels.
Freetown and Conakry Deepen Security Collaboration
Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Rtd) Morrie Lengor Esq., said Sierra Leone and Guinea have agreed to strengthen cooperation on border security, civil registration and the fight against transnational organised crime.
The discussions focused on human trafficking, human smuggling and drug trafficking, as well as challenges surrounding the identification and documentation of Sierra Leonean citizens residing in Guinea. Minister Lengor stressed the importance of citizens obtaining proper documentation to establish their identity and nationality when outside the country.
He also highlighted concerns over difficulties experienced by some Sierra Leoneans in using the ECOWAS national identity card in Guinea, including for banking and other services. He said the issue was raised during the bilateral engagement and would require further discussions between the two countries.
Security Agencies Join Forces to Tackle Cross-Border Crime
Minister Lengor disclosed that Sierra Leone has deployed a team comprising INTERPOL, the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit to Guinea to work with Guinean authorities in investigating suspected cases of human trafficking and cross-border organised crime.
He warned individuals involved in facilitating illegal movement and trafficking of people that Government would take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
Minister Lengor further said Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia remain committed to advancing issues under the Tripartite Agreement, with the Foreign Ministers expected to work with the Mano River Union to facilitate and accelerate follow-up engagements.
Guinea Mission Opens New Chapter for Bilateral Cooperation
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Jeneba Bangura, described the recent Vice President-led mission to Guinea as an important demonstration of the longstanding cordial relationship between Sierra Leone and Guinea.
She said the high-level engagement provided an opportunity for both countries to discuss matters of mutual interest and strengthen institutional cooperation. She further disclosed that she participated in the launch of Guinea’s new foreign policy, describing the invitation as another indication of the close relationship between the two countries.
Deputy Minister Bangura also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to modernise diplomatic services and place Sierra Leoneans at the centre of its foreign policy agenda. She said four priorities had been identified during an inaugural meeting with Sierra Leone’s diplomatic missions worldwide to guide the Ministry’s future work. However, she mentioned that one major priority area is to ensure service delivery and that citizens receive better services abroad.
© Ministry of Information and Civic Education
