By Mariama Iyatunde Mansare, Public Relations Officer, Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority (SLRDRA)

The newly established office space of the Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority (SLRDRA) was officially commissioned by the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, alongside the Senior Permanent Secretary, Kwame Yankson, and the Board Chairman, Mohammed Tejan-Kella, in Freetown on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

The commissioning ceremony, which was attended by senior Government officials, Board members, Management and Staff of the Authority, commenced with an opening prayer followed by the introduction of distinguished dignitaries present. The event marked a significant milestone in strengthening the operational and institutional capacity of the Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority as it seeks to effectively implement its regulatory and development mandate in the country’s railway sector.

Delivering his keynote remarks, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, described the opening of the office as a major achievement in the continued transformation and modernization of Sierra Leone’s railway sector. He expressed appreciation to the Director General, Deputy Director General, Directors and staff of the Authority for their dedication and efforts in advancing the institution’s objectives.

The Minister emphasized Government’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure across the country noting that the provision of an appropriate working environment for the Authority reflects the seriousness attached to the revitalization of the railway sector.

He further encouraged staff members to demonstrate professionalism, accountability and commitment in the discharge of their responsibilities, stressing that effective service delivery remains central to the Authority’s success.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Senior Permanent Secretary, Kwame Yankson, congratulated the Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority on the acquisition and commissioning of the new office space. He noted that the facility would provide a more conducive working environment for staff and improve administrative efficiency to support the institutional growth of the Authority.

“The opening of this office is a positive development that will further strengthen the Authority’s operational capacity and enhance productivity,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority, Ing. Dr. Albert Forde, expressed gratitude to the Government, Ministry leadership, Board members and stakeholders whose support and contributions made the commissioning possible.

He underscored the importance of the railway sector in Sierra Leone’s national development agenda and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to regulating and developing the sector in line with its strategic objectives.

Ing. Dr. Albert Forde also encouraged staff members to work collaboratively and productively for the continued advancement of the institution, assuring them that Management remains committed to creating an enabling environment for effective service delivery.

The Board Chairman, Mohammed Tejan-Kella, commended the Management team for their diligence and commitment in ensuring the successful completion and readiness of the new office facility. He described the opening of the office as a symbol of progress, institutional growth and the Authority’s preparedness to effectively execute its mandate.

Also addressing the gathering, the Deputy Director General called for sustained cooperation between Management and staff, emphasizing that teamwork and collaboration would be vital to ensuring the sustainability and success of the Authority’s programmes and activities.

The commissioning of the new office space is expected to further enhance the Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority’s capacity to regulate, oversee and promote railway development in Sierra Leone as Government intensifies efforts to improve transportation infrastructure nationwide. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slrdra-opens-new-office-space-as-government-pushes-railway-modernization-agenda/