Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority - Official

10/04/2026

SLRSA Signs MOU with Sierra Leone Red Cross Society to Strengthen Road Safety and Emergency Response

10th April 2026
Kissy Road, Freetown
www.slrsa.gov.sl

The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS) to enhance road safety measures and improve emergency response services across the country.

The agreement, signed at the Authority’s headquarters on Kissy Road in Freetown, establishes a framework for collaboration between the two institutions in key areas such as first aid training, accident response, and road safety sensitization. The partnership is expected to strengthen coordination during road traffic crashes and other emergencies.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Director of SLRSA, James Bagie Bio, emphasized that the MOU aligns with the Authority’s mandate to reduce road traffic crashes and improve road safety standards nationwide. He noted that closer collaboration with the Red Cross Society will enhance the provision of timely medical assistance to crash victims and promote safer road use through sustained public education.

In his remarks, the Secretary General/CEO of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, Kpawuru E.T. Sandy, highlighted the organization’s longstanding role in delivering humanitarian and emergency health services since its establishment in 1962. He reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities across Sierra Leone.

Mr. Sandy expressed enthusiasm about the implementation of the MOU, noting that the partnership will strengthen cooperation between the two institutions and contribute meaningfully to achieving safer roads for all users.

The MOU marks a significant step toward building a more coordinated road safety and emergency response system in Sierra Leone, reinforcing the government’s commitment to saving lives and reducing road traffic fatalities.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing the provisions of the agreement and supporting each other in achieving its objectives.

©️ SLRSA Public Relations and Outreach Unit

07/04/2026

SLRSA Executive Director Engages ITOA Executive on Roadworthy Vehicle Compliance

Tuesday 7th April 2026
Kissy Road, Freetown
www.slrsa.gov.sl

The Executive Director of Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority Mr. James Baggie Bio has on Tuesday 7th April 2026 intensified engagement with Executive Members of the Indigenous Transport Owners Association (ITOA) as part of ongoing efforts to promote the use of roadworthy haulage vehicles and enhance road safety across the country.

During the engagement, ED Bio emphasized the importance of maintaining roadworthy haulage vehicles noting that defective vehicles remain a major contributor to road traffic crash. He urged Transport owners to prioritize regular vehicle maintenance, proper documentation and adherence to safety regulations.

ED Bio informed the ITOA Executive that the African Road Safety Charter has been ratified and Sierra Leone is among the fifteenth countries that has gone through the ratification process hence Sierra Leone aligns itself with continental efforts aimed at achieving safer roads and implementing measures on improving vehicle road worthiness among others.

“This engagement serves as a reminder to prepare your minds that the SLRSA will soon start physical inspection and enforcement effectively on unroadworthy vehicles.” ED Bio stated.

In his response, the Chairman of the Indigenous Transport Owners Association Issa E. Sesay Welcomed the initiative describing it as timely and necessary. He expressed their willingness to comply but pleaded for more time to fully engage his membership.

He mentioned some of their strides so far in ensuring these haulage vehicles plying the roads are roadworthy.

The Director of Safety and Enforcement of SLRSA Mr. Augustine Kaitongie highlighted new measures the SLRSA has put in place, including mandatory fitness for both new and old haulage vehicles before licensing.

The Director of Transport Mr. Arthur Brima laid emphasis on the breaks and tyres of these haulage vehicles which he said have been one major factor that leads to the breakdown of these vehicles causing obstructions on the roads.

The ITOA Executive reaffirmed their commitment to working with the SLRSA, ensuring they engage their membership and collaborate with all Transport stakeholders to achieve safer vehicles on the road thereby protecting the lives of all road users.

©️SLRSA Public Relations and Outreach Unit

01/04/2026

SLRSA ED Calls for Mandatory Fitness Test for Haulage Vehicles

Wednesday 1st April, 2026
www.slrsa.gov.sl

Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, James Bagie Bio, has announced a new directive mandating strict vehicle fitness test for all haulage vehicles under Categories E, F, and G as part of efforts to curb the rising rate of road accidents in Freetown.

Speaking to vehicle examiners at the Authority’s Headquarters on Kissy Road, the SLRSA boss emphasized the critical role examiners play in ensuring that vehicles plying the country’s roads are roadworthy. He noted that both government and citizens depend heavily on their technical expertise to safeguard lives and property.

“Your work is central to national safety. The responsibility placed on you cannot be overstated,” he said, urging examiners to demonstrate diligence and professionalism in carrying out their duties.

The directive requires all haulage vehicles within the specified categories to undergo mandatory fitness test for both new registrations and license renewals. This move is expected to tighten regulatory oversight, particularly in the haulage sector, which has been linked to a number of recent road incidents.

The initiative aligns with Sierra Leone’s commitments under the African Road Safety Charter, which seeks to reduce road traffic fatalities by 50 percent by the year 2030. According to Mr. Bio, achieving this target will depend largely on strict enforcement measures and thorough vehicle inspections.

In a further step to modernize operations, the Executive Director instructed Autospect to roll out visual vehicle examination systems across the regions. At the same time, he stressed that SLRSA vehicle examiners must continue to conduct mandatory physical inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
“We owe the people of Sierra Leone a duty of care,” he stated. “It is our responsibility to ensure that only safe and roadworthy vehicles are allowed on our roads.”

Also addressing the gathering, the Deputy Executive Director, Josie Scott-Manga, assured examiners that the Authority is committed to resolving operational challenges that hinder their effectiveness.

The new measures are expected to significantly strengthen road safety enforcement and reduce accidents involving heavy-duty and haulage vehicles across the country.

©️ SLRSA Communications & Outreach
Public Relations Unit

30/03/2026

As African Road Safety Charter Enters into Force, Sierra Leone Targets Safer Roads by 2030

www.slrsa.gov.sl
Monday 30th March 2026

Kissy Road- Freetown

Sierra Leone has officially become the 14th country to ratify the African Road Safety Charter, and deposit the instrument of ratification, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to improve road safety nationwide. The achievement comes under the leadership of Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) Executive Director, James Bagie Bio, with technical support from the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.

The Charter sets an ambitious target of reducing road traffic deaths by 50 percent by the year 2030. It focuses on protecting all road users—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians—while strengthening legal and institutional frameworks across member states.

To meet these goals, countries are expected to implement robust legislation, enforce strict road safety laws, develop safer infrastructure, ensure high vehicle standards, improve data collection and accident analysis, and enhance emergency response systems.

In line with these objectives, the SLRSA has rolled out several reforms, including the nationwide decentralization of licensing services and the introduction of digital service platforms to improve accessibility. The Authority has also strengthened partnerships with key institutions such as the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) for drivers data synchronization, the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau for quality control of vehicle spare parts, and the National Emergency Medical Service (NEMS) to boost emergency post crash care and response.

With the Charter having come into force on 12th March 2026, Sierra Leone is well-positioned to achieve its road safety targets, as ongoing reforms align closely with the Charter’s vision for safer roads, safer vehicles, and safer road users across Africa.

"SLRSA stands ready and willing to implement the Charter by popularising it and domesticating its provisions," said James B. Bio. He added that: "SIerra Leone is proud to have taken steps that helped trigger the entry into force of the Charter. This milestone in road safety governance in Africa further underscores the positive strides by President Bio in restoring Sierra Leone's reputation as a major player in the continent and on the global stage."

©️ SLRSA Communications & Outreach
Public Relations Unit

03/03/2026

SLRSA Executive Director Engages Bike Riders Executive Ahead of Signing MOU for Strategic Partnership

Tuesday 3rd March 2026
www.slrsa.gov.sl

On Tuesday 3rd March 2026, The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority held a consultative meeting with Executives of the Bike Riders Union ahead of the planned signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening Compliance and promoting Road Safety.

The engagement held at the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) Headquarters on Kissy Road, Freetown, brought together senior representatives of the National Executive of the Sierra Leone Commercial Bike Riders Union Executive and Senior Management staff from SLRSA to discuss key issues affecting riders including compliance with traffic regulations, registration processes, safety standards and peaceful cooperation with law enforcement officers.

Speaking during the meeting, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority Mr. James Bagie Bio applauded the leadership of the Bike Riders Union for their commitment, and noted that the MOU will formalize cooperation between the Bike Riders and the Authority.

“The MOU he noted is not just a document but a commitment to mutual respect, accountability and collaboration”.

ED Bio spoke about the decentralization of Driver’s License which he said was a way of ensuring the services of the Authority accessible to its valued customers. He advised the leadership of the Bike Riders and its membership to make use of the Mobile Station as part of Management commitment to enable the license process efficient and effective.

In his response, the President of the Bike Riders Union Mr. Ishmeal Sandy welcomed the initiative and assured of his membership readiness to support government efforts. He applauded the decentralization drive that the Authority took which he says an answered prayer for the Bike Riders Union.

Mr. Sandy highlighted the Challenges and concerns of the Bike Riders and called for continuous sensitization to his membership and further engagements to address the concerns and welfare of the Bike Riders.

The meeting forms part of a broader consultation leading to the official signing of the MOU scheduled for a date that would be communicated.

In attendance was the Deputy Executive Director Mr. Josie Scott-Manga, the Director of License Mr Mohamed Fofanah, the Management Information System Analyst Mr. Glen Cole and the Manager of Research and Development Mr. Ambrose Tucker. The meeting was chaired by the Supervisor Public Relations Unit Mr. Abass Jeckins Turay.

©️SLRSA Communications and Outreach
Public Relations Unit

26/02/2026

SLRSA Concludes Heads of Station Performance Review

Thursday, 26th February 2026
www.slrsa.gov.sl

The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has concluded a two-day Annual Performance Review for Heads of Station at the Authority's headquarters, Kissy Road Freetown, hghlighting significant improvements in leadership delivery and operational efficiency across all stations nationwide.

Addressing the Heads of Station, the Executive Director, Mr. James Bagie Bio, emphasized that performance at each station directly impacts service delivery, customer satisfaction, and revenue generation.

“Our goal is to ensure that Heads of Station are fully equipped to lead effectively. Where performance falls below expectation, we will implement practical improvement plans and replicate strong performance models across stations that require support,” he stated.

The Deputy Executive Director and Head of Operations, Mr. Josie Scott-Manga, called for sustained cooperation from all Heads of Station in achieving the targets set by Management. He urged them to remain committed, responsible, and focused on advancing the interests of the Authority.

The Director of Human Resource and Administration, Mrs. Mariama Masuba, underscored the critical leadership role played by Heads of Station. “As Heads of Station, you play a vital role in driving performance and maintaining a positive workplace culture. This review enables us to identify strengths and areas that require continuous improvement,” she said.

She further encouraged them to demonstrate strong leadership, carry out their duties diligently without fear or favour, and treat all personnel fairly and equitably.

Providing an overview of the Performance Contract framework, the Manager of Research and Development, Mr. Ambrose Tucker, explained that assessments are based on clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aimed at ensuring effective service delivery and enhanced revenue generation.

The Director of Finance, Mr. Joseph Momoh, commended the Heads of Station for their commendable performance in 2025 and encouraged them to build on the progress made in order to achieve even greater results in 2026.

©️ SLRSA Outreach & Communications
Public Relations Unit

17/02/2026

13/02/2026

SLRSA Concludes Strategic Management Retreat in Bureh Town

www.slrsa.gov.sl
Bureh Town-Companero
Friday 13 February, 2026

The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has concluded a three-day strategic management retreat at the Companero Resort in Bureh Town, reaffirming its commitment to institutional strengthening and improved service delivery.

The retreat brought together the Executive Director, James Bagie Bio, Deputy Executive Director, Josie Abraham Scott-Manga, Directors, and senior management staff to consolidate the Authority’s gains, identify operational gaps, and develop practical strategies for enhanced performance.

Central to the discussions was a comprehensive review of the Employee Manual Handbook, otherwise known as the Conditions of Service, with the aim of modernizing the document to provide more favorable and motivating working conditions for staff. Management also examined and aligned the Authority’s Vehicle Policy with the National Motor Vehicle Policy to ensure compliance, transparency, and effective resource management.

Executive Director James Bagie Bio emphasized the importance of interdepartmental collaboration, strengthened supervision of communication and outreach, and sustained reforms to position the Authority for greater impact. He noted that the progress and reforms undertaken by SLRSA align with President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Game Changers, underscoring the critical role of road safety in national development.

The retreat ended with a renewed commitment by management to implement the agreed reforms, strengthen the Authority’s organizational structure, and accelerate efforts toward delivering safer roads and improved public service nationwide.

©️ SLRSA Communications & Outreach
Public Relations Unit

24/12/2025

SLRSA Deploys Two Tow-Trucks for the Festive Season

www.slrsa.gov.sl
Kissy Road Freetown

24th December, 2025.

As part of its commitment to enhancing road safety during the festive season, the Management of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), led by the Executive Director, Mr. James Baggie Bio, has deployed two tow trucks along the Masiaka–Mile 91 corridor and the Gbere–Makeni corridor to promptly clear broken-down and stationary vehicles.

Speaking on the deployment, the Executive Director noted that a significant number of road traffic accidents recorded along these corridors are caused by stationary vehicles left unattended on the roadway.
"A good number of accident cases reported are as a result of stationary vehicles along these two corridors. We have a duty to act, and we must act swiftly," he said.

He further stated that the tow-trucks are fully equipped and staffed with the required personnel to monitor the corridors and respond promptly to incidents.

The Deputy Executive Director and Head of Operations, Mr. Josie Abraham Scott-Manga, explained that the tow-trucks will be actively stationed along the two corridors throughout the festive period to ensure the free flow of traffic and safe travel for commuters heading to their various destinations.

This intervention forms part of the ongoing institutional reforms and operational improvements being implemented by the SLRSA since the appointment of the current leadership, aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and improving overall road safety nationwide.

The Deputy Executive Director concluded by calling on members of the public to call the SLRSA Toll free line 844 in cases of emergency. "We have dedicated staff manning the call center on a 24/7 basis", the DED affirmed.

SLRSA Communications & Outreach
Public Relations Unit

18/12/2025

SLRSA, NEMS Sign Historic Memorandum of Understanding

18th December, 2025
www.slrsa.gov.sl

The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) and the National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Authority’s headquarters on Kissy Road, Freetown.

The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between the two institutions to improve awareness, prevention, and management of road traffic accidents. It also aims to enhance timely and appropriate pre-hospital care, including the efficient referral of accident victims to health facilities for further medical intervention.

The objectives of the MoU include the joint implementation of road safety education programmes and public awareness campaigns to reduce the incidence of road traffic accidents. The agreement also seeks to raise public awareness on communication channels for pre-hospital care and ambulance transportation, establish efficient communication and coordination mechanisms, and ensure rapid dispatch and deployment of NEMS ambulances during road traffic incidents. Additionally, the MoU provides a framework for the timely registration, licensing, and insurance of NEMS ambulances.

This landmark partnership is expected to increase public knowledge of road safety rules and toll-free emergency lines, promote positive behaviour change among drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and passengers, and strengthen data capturing, planning, and decision-making processes. It will also enhance capacity building among staff of both institutions, with the overarching goal of reducing road traffic fatalities by 50 per cent by 2030, in line with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority by the Deputy Executive Director, Mr Josie Abraham Scott-Manga, while Dr Songor Koedoyoma signed on behalf of the National Emergency Medical Services.

Both institutional heads reaffirmed their commitment to working closely together to achieve shared objectives of reducing injuries, improving emergency response, and promoting safer roads across Sierra Leone through coordinated and consistent collaboration.

● SLRSA Communications & Outreach
Public Relations Unit