Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Regional Police Command in Freetown-East has intervened in an effort to prevent a planned sit-at-home industrial action by truck and lorry drivers operating at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.
On Monday, 3rd November 2025, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Brima Kanneh convened a high-level meeting with senior representatives of the Drivers’ Union and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority to address growing concerns that have been fueling unrest among port drivers.
During the meeting, key union representatives, including Musa Kargbo (Acting President, I.T.O.A), Alie Kargbo (Secretary, Drivers’ Union), and Alieu Carew (Chairman, Water Quay Drivers’ Union), highlighted several operational difficulties. These included the persistent congestion within and around the port, delays in accessing loading and offloading points, unsafe parking spaces, and generally poor working conditions.
The drivers also advocated for adjustments to the current movement schedule, calling for unrestricted eastward movement and a change in the westward movement time from the current 10:00 p.m. to an earlier timeframe.
In response, Freetown Terminal representative Darrell Coker assured the gathering that management would review the issues raised and work towards improving operational efficiency. He, however, urged drivers to ensure their documentation is complete before entering the port queue to avoid further delays.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Emmanuel Kpulun proposed the establishment of a perimeter checkpoint along Jenneh Wright Road and Fourah Bay Road to help regulate access and ensure only fully compliant trucks enter the quay.
AIG Kanneh, in his closing remarks, praised the calm and constructive engagement of all parties. He assured drivers that their concerns would be forwarded to the Inspector General of Police for further consideration. He also cautioned against taking any action that may disrupt national economic activity, urging continuous dialogue as the preferred approach to resolving disputes.
All stakeholders agreed to brief their membership on the outcomes of the meeting and to work collaboratively to maintain order and smooth operations at the port.
