Freetown, Sierra Leone – April 16, 2025
www.slrsa.gov.sl
The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) Mr. James Baggie Bio has unveiled ambitious plans to revamp the long-dormant National Road Safety Committee and reinforce the use of a Passenger Manifest system across the country’s transport sector.
Addressing key transport stakeholders in an engagement held at the Authority’s Headquarters on Kissy Road, the Executive Director emphasized that the Authority by parliamentary mandate, is tasked with regulating the transport sector in Sierra Leone. He registered the SLRSA’s unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with all relevant parties to bring about the desired change in road safety and transport operations.
One of the core highlights of the meeting was the Executive Director’s call for the full adoption of the passenger manifest system, noting its significance in ensuring accountability and safety.
“Even in the aviation industry, the passenger manifest is a key tool for identifying passengers and responding during emergencies, we must implement the same for land transport,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Authority will soon relaunch the Road Safety Committee to better coordinate and engage transport stakeholders for timely and effective interventions. “This committee has long existed, but it’s time we breathe new life into it to make our roads safer for all,” he added.
In a move to strengthen public engagement and response, the Executive Director announced the launch of a toll-free line 844 available on africell mobile network now operational 24/7. “SLRSA personnel have been deployed to manage the line, ensuring that public concerns and queries are addressed promptly,” he said.
The Authority also celebrated the successful commissioning of its Highway Management Unit at Mile 91. Personnel from the SLRSA have already been deployed at the new facility, signaling improved highway oversight and quicker response to incidents along Masiaka Bo Highway.
Another significant achievement shared was the revamping of the MOT vehicle testing system—part of the Executive Director’s 100-day accomplishments in office. He concluded by urging all stakeholders to work hand-in-hand to improve road safety, emphasizing that “collaborated action is key to ensuring our roads are safer.”
Responding to the address, Alpha Amadu Bah, Chairman of the Motor Drivers and General Transport Workers Union and a member of the SLRSA Board of Directors, thanked the Executive Director for his updates and praised his proactive approach. “We appreciate your swift and purposeful action plans to rebrand and re-energize road safety in Sierra Leone,” Mr. Bah said.
SLRSA’s Deputy Executive Director who doubles as Head of Operations for the Authority, Mr. Josie Scott-Manga, also reaffirmed the Authority’s full cooperation and commitment to supporting all stakeholders in their shared goal of reducing road accidents and ensuring safer transportation.
The meeting concluded with unanimous agreement among stakeholders to hold monthly road safety sensitization and enforcement operations.
Constructive contributions were made by representatives from the Bike Riders Union, Keke Riders Union, ITOA, among others.
This renewed momentum from the SLRSA has been widely welcomed as a crucial step in addressing persistent road safety challenges in the country.
■ SLRSA Outreach and Communications
■ Hassan Nelson Barrie
Public Relations Unit
