Freetown, Sierra Leone — November 10, 2025.
The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) welcomed a team from the United States Coast Guard to conduct the International Ship and Port Facility Security Programme (IPSP) at the Maritime head office at Government Wharf in Freetown.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Executive Director Mr. Emmanuel B. A. Lansana expressed gratitude to the U.S. Coast Guard for their visit on behalf of Executive Director Dr. Daniel Kaitibi. He emphasized the Administration’s commitment to supporting the Coast Guard team during their stay.
Mr. Lansana provided an overview of the team’s preliminary engagement in October 2025, noting that visit sets the stage this audit. He highlighted the Administration’s readiness to collaborate with the U.S. Coast Guard to implement recommendations from the audit report and emphasized the strong partnership with the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbors Authority in addressing various maritime Security issues.
Leading the U.S. Coast Guard team, Scott Wolland expressed eagerness to work alongside the SLMA and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbors Authority. He mentioned that the team’s purpose is to follow up and gather information on port security and assess the implementation of the IPSP Code recommendations. In an in depth discussion, the US Coast Team seek clarification on the responsibilities of Administration and that of port facility.
In response, Director of Safety and Security Mr. Ibrahim Wurie detailed that maritime security issues are coordinated by the SLMA in conjunction with other national security agencies, including the Office of National Security. He acknowledged ongoing collaborations with the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbors Authority to address maritime security challenges, including those related to cyber security, which he recognized as a significant issue for the country. He assured the U.S. Coast Guard team that Sierra Leone is actively working to improve in this area.
In conclusion, Director Wurie requested support from the U.S. Coast Guard in capacity building based on their findings, asserting that such assistance would greatly enhance the industry’s security knowledge and operational effectiveness.
The U.S. Coast Guard team also visited the Ministry of Transportation and Aviation, where Deputy Minister Mr. Rex Bhonapha extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Hon. Minister, reiterating the ministry’s commitment to supporting the audit process.
