By Jariatu S. Bangura
The Chief Executive Officer of Gento Group of Companies, Mohamed Gento Kamara, has urged the government to fulfil its commitment to providing the promised $20 million loan for the construction of a deep-water port at Banana Island.
Speaking during a parliamentary deliberation with the Transport and Aviation Committee, Gento stated that under the agreement ratified by Parliament, his company was required to allocate 10% of its shares to the government. In return, the government was to provide a loan to facilitate the port’s development.
He informed the committee that a feasibility study had already been completed, and his company was prepared to begin implementation. However, they have yet to receive the loan approval.
Highlighting the strategic advantages of Banana Island, Gento emphasized its natural deepwater capabilities.
“The port’s depth of over 22 meters makes it one of the deepest in the region, eliminating the need for extensive dredging. This gives it a significant competitive advantage over other West African ports, as it can accommodate the largest cargo ships that currently bypass Sierra Leone,” he stated.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Aviation, Hon. Dickson Rogers, described the project as one of the most promising economic agreements in Sierra Leone’s recent history.
He praised the company’s efforts and emphasized the project’s potential to boost economic growth, create jobs, and position Sierra Leone as a key player in global trade.
“This project has the full backing of Parliament. We urge the government at all levels to facilitate its success,” Hon. Rogers stated.
The committee expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that it aligns with Sierra Leone’s national development goals and will serve the country’s long-term economic interests.
