“ Changes within the organization must be done to ensure that the Authority is in tandem with the emerging business environment and in tune with the New Direction philosophy of President Bio” - SLPA General Manager Dr. Abdulai Fofana.

The Chairman of the National Commission for Privatization (NCP) has on last Monday officially unveiled the newly appointed General Manager of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority and his Deputy: Dr. Abdulai Fofana and Yankuba Askia Bio respectively to the management and staff of the Authority.

Addressing the management and staff of SLPA, NCP Chairman, Umaru Napoleon Koroma said the commission is currently restructuring the port functionally which saw the appointments of the new General Manager, his Deputy and the Financial Controller. He said this restructuring would continue until the commission gets a formidable team to achieve the New Direction Agenda. He therefore urged staff members to be productive and give the necessary supports to the new management team to ensure that the port meets the expectations of President Bio’s New Direction Agenda.

Delivering his acceptance speech, the new SLPA General Manager, Dr. Abdulai Fofana expressed profound thanks and appreciation to His Excellency the President, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio for placing his trust and confidence in him by appointing him as the General Manager of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority.

While acknowledging the services of the outgone General Manager, Dr. Fofana said he assumed the office of the General Manager in the midst of challenges and difficult times for the Authority as the business model of the authority is changing which has direct impact on the business environment.

The Research Economist said against this background that there is the need to develop a stronger leadership system in the various departments of the Authority that would stimulate change and innovation to achieve a collective goal. “Changes within the organization and adoption of innovation must be done to ensure that the Authority is in tandem with the emerging business environment and in tune with the New Direction philosophy of President Bio.”

On his part, SLPA new Deputy General Manager Yankuba Askia Bio said his appointment is a fulfillment of his longed desire to serve in the Government of President Bio and make meaningful contribution to the New Direction agenda. He avowed to be the Chief foot-soldier of the General Manager to transform the port, making it an envy in the sub-region. “I pledge my unflinching support to the new General Manager and together we shall achieve our goals, God being our helper.”

The ceremony was witnessed by SLPA Board Chairman, Alhaji Manso Dumbuya. According to him the new management team would serve as agents of transformation at the port and called for collective support from management.