GENTO Group to create Thousands of Jobs for Young People
Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Government of Sierra Leone in a cabinet round table discussion has on June 3, 2024, approved and awarded the contract to the Gento Group of Companies for the design, development, and operationalization of a transshipment port at Banana Island, Yawri Bay, and a Logistic Hub (Harbour Terminal) at Kent. The project is estimated at $1.5 billion. According to reliable sources cabinet has declassified Banana Island from its list of protected areas specifically for this seaport project. However, activities on the island that threatens the environment would remain strictly prohibited. The agreement awaits ratification by Parliament.
According to experts this port would be the deepest in West Africa, with a depth of approximately 20-24 meters. They anticipate it would significantly boost Sierra Leone’s economy and create thousands of job opportunities for young people.
“Imagine Sierra Leone, once a pivotal point in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, is now set to become a transshipment hub for global business. This transformation marks a new era for the country.” an expert noted,
‘’The involvement of a Sierra Leonean company with substantial construction experience is seen as a promising aspect of the project and a boost for the country’s local content. It’s amazing that a local company is spearheading such a significant initiative,” the expert stated.
The transshipment port and logistic hub project is poised to position Sierra Leone as a key player in international maritime trade, bringing substantial economic benefits to the nation.
The residents of Banana Island have welcomed the news with joy, celebrating the improvements already made by the Gento Group of Companies, including a new school, community centre and hospital.
It could be recalled that Mohamed Gento Kamara, the CEO of Gento Group of Companies and philanthropist first publicly disclosed its ambitious seaport project at an events in Banana Island and Waterloo last year.
During his address, Mohamed Gento Kamara emphasized the project’s significance, highlighting its potential to reduce the prices of fuel and rice and its compliance with environmental regulations. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts with academic institutions like the University of Sierra Leone to ensure the project’s viability.
The construction phase is expected to create over 1,000 jobs, with long-term employment opportunities exceeding 10,000, and the potential to generate up to 100,000 jobs through increased investment.
The seaport will occupy only 2 out of 11 kilometers of Banana Island, ensuring minimal disruption to fishing activities. Mohamed Gento Kamara expressed confidence that the port’s strategic location could transform Sierra Leone’s economy much like Singapore’s port.
He also reiterated the project’s projected 4.5% contribution to the nation’s GDP and called for nationwide support for this transformative initiative, envisioning Banana Island’s evolution into a bustling city.
Prominent personalities from reputable institutions echoed Mohamed Gento Kamara’s sentiments, emphasizing the extensive benefits the seaport project would bring to both Banana Island and Sierra Leone as a whole.
