Seventy security personnel of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) have successfully completed a two-week professional training programme at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA) in Hastings.
The training was designed to strengthen the capacity of SLPHA security personnel and equip them with the skills needed to effectively carry out their duties within the port environment.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony on Saturday, 3 October 2026, SLPHA Deputy Director General, Judith Kosseh, described the training as an important step towards strengthening security at the country’s ports.
She noted that more than 90 percent of Sierra Leone’s trade passes through its ports and stressed the importance of maintaining a secure port system.
“A secured port is a secured nation,” she said.
Kosseh told the graduates that they are now trained Port Facility Security Personnel and are expected to perform their duties in line with national and international security standards.
She urged them to demonstrate professionalism, vigilance, discipline and integrity while protecting port facilities, cargo, personnel and other stakeholders.
The Commandant of SILEA, ACP Brima Kamara Esq., said the training covered academic instruction, drill and parade, and physical training.
The newly trained personnel are expected to strengthen security operations at the ports by improving their ability to identify and respond to threats, enforce access control measures and protect critical port facilities.
SLPHA said the training reflects its commitment to strengthening port security, developing its workforce and complying with national and international maritime security standards.
