By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has undertaken a comprehensive inspection tour of some of Sierra Leone’s most important heritage, tourism, and environmental sites, reaffirming his Government’s commitment to preserving the nation’s history, promoting sustainable tourism, and safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.

The inspection tour, conducted on Thursday, 11 June 2026, took the President to Bunce Island, the Leicester Peak Viewpoint, and the Tacugama Innovation Centre, three landmark destinations that showcase Sierra Leone’s unique blend of history, culture, and ecological wealth.

A major highlight of the visit was President Bio’s historic tour of Bunce Island, marking the first visit by a sitting Sierra Leonean President to the site in four decades. The visit reflects the administration’s determination to preserve national heritage, strengthen tourism, and deepen engagement with descendants of the African diaspora across the world.

Located in the Sierra Leone River, Bunce Island remains one of West Africa’s most significant historical landmarks and an enduring symbol of the transatlantic slave trade. The island served as a major British slave trading post from the late seventeenth century and today stands as a place of remembrance, reflection, and resilience.

During a guided tour of the historic site, the President received detailed briefings on the island’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting significance in world history. He visited key remnants of the former slave fortress, including holding areas and defensive structures that bear witness to the experiences of thousands of Africans who passed through the island before being transported across the Atlantic.

The President was also briefed on Bunce Island’s historical links with descendants of enslaved Africans in North America, particularly communities in the United States whose ancestral roots trace back to Sierra Leone. These connections continue to create opportunities for cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and diaspora engagement.

President Bio emphasized that preserving such historic sites forms part of the Government’s broader national development agenda, noting that they serve as important tools for education, historical reflection, and economic growth through tourism.

During the visit, the President laid a wreath in honour of the thousands of enslaved Africans who passed through the island, paying tribute to their resilience and sacrifice while reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to preserving this important chapter of world history.

The President later proceeded to the newly developed Leicester Peak Viewpoint, one of the Government’s flagship tourism infrastructure projects.

Accompanied by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, he toured the modern facility, which offers panoramic views of Freetown and the Atlantic coastline. The upgraded viewpoint is part of the Government’s broader strategy to transform Sierra Leone into a competitive and attractive tourism destination.

Commending the Ministry of Tourism for the transformation of the site, President Bio praised the quality of the work and stressed the importance of maintaining the facility.

“I want to thank you all for this tremendous job you have done here. This facelift will attract tourists and help reposition Sierra Leone as a tourism destination. However, I urge all of you to keep this place clean and tidy so that it can continue to serve the purpose for which it was built,” the President said.

He further noted that investments in tourism infrastructure are essential for creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and showcasing Sierra Leone’s natural beauty to the international community.

As part of the inspection tour, President Bio also visited the Tacugama Innovation Centre project, where construction is progressing on a state-of-the-art facility designed to promote tourism, education, environmental conservation, and creativity.

The ambitious project will feature a green park, observation tower, greenhouse, visitor centre, hiking trails, amphitheatre, children’s recreational facilities, and a canopy walk. Upon completion, the centre will also include a cinema, library, studio, boardroom, rooftop cafeteria, and exhibition spaces, creating a unique destination that combines learning, recreation, and environmental awareness.

Expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, President Bio described the Innovation Centre as a transformative initiative aligned with Sierra Leone’s sustainable development aspirations.

“The Tacugama Innovation Centre should be utilized as a space for creativity, conservation, and sustainable development,” the President stated.

He also issued a strong warning against encroachment and land grabbing within protected conservation areas, stressing that the Government would take decisive action against individuals who threaten the country’s environmental assets.

“I want to give a clear warning against encroachment here. The law will take its full course against those who engage in land grabbing in conservation areas,” he cautioned.

The inspection tour reflects the Bio administration’s integrated approach to national development by leveraging Sierra Leone’s historical heritage, tourism potential, and environmental resources to drive economic growth, strengthen national identity, and create opportunities for future generations. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/president-bio-tours-bunce-island-leicester-peak-and-tacugama-to-boost-eco-tourism/