SLRSA Boss Gets Kennedy Street Market Traders Association Recognition
Kissy Road Freetown
19th August 2026
www.slrsa.gov.sl
The Kennedy Street Market Traders Association has commended the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), James Bagie Bio, for his continued efforts to promote road safety and improve compliance among road users across the country.
The Association on Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 paid a joyful visit to the SLRSA compound, accompanied by a band, Portrait and a banner bearing the image of the Executive Director. The traders expressed their appreciation through dancing and jubilation, describing Bio’s efforts as a significant contribution to improving road safety in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, the Public Relations Officer, Alhassan Kamara, said the traders had been closely following the work of the Executive Director and had observed immense positive changes in the country’s road safety situation.
Kamara said the Union had particularly noticed a reduction in road traffic accidents and improvements in the movement and clearance of roads. He added that the visit was also aimed at recognizing and appreciating Mr. Bio’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly in July.
Receiving the traders in his office, the Executive Director, Mr. James Bagie Bio, expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying he was “short of words” to adequately express his appreciation for the gesture.
He apologized for not meeting with the traders earlier and acknowledged their important role in promoting road safety, noting that traders are among the groups most exposed to road traffic incidents because they frequently use the roads and roadside spaces in the course of buying and selling their goods.
Bio said the country had recorded fewer road traffic accidents during the current rainy season, compared to previous periods. He attributed the progress to increased engagement, public sensitisation and enforcement of road safety regulations.
The Executive Director also disclosed that the SLRSA would soon establish a Highway Management Unit at Gberray Junction as part of efforts to improve road safety along the North and Northwest corridors. He said the Authority would work to clear the area of stationary trucks, which he identified as a potential obstruction and danger to road users.
“I am happy that you recognized my work. This has given me more confidence and motivated me to do more,” Bio said.
He further explained that the Authority had been engaging road users and drivers as part of its efforts to reduce road traffic crashes. He specifically encouraged drivers to avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs before driving.
Bio stressed that road safety requires collective responsibility, noting that the SLRSA would continue to work with traders, drivers, pedestrians, transport unions, and other stakeholders to improve safety in the country.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to bringing all stakeholders on board in the national road safety campaign, emphasising that protecting lives on Sierra Leone’s roads remains a shared responsibility.
©️ SLRSA Public Relations and Outreach Unit
