VP Juldeh Jalloh Commissions Leicester Peak Viewpoint, Calls for Shared National Pride.

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, commissioned Leicester Peak Viewpoint on Friday 24 April 2026, calling this moment personal and symbolic for national future.

This site represents more than scenic overlook, Dr. Jalloh told community members, officials and partners. “It is physical manifestation of Sierra Leone’s evolving economic identity,” he said, calling it sign of hope for citizens.

Looking across Freetown peninsula, the Vice President urged Sierra Leoneans to take ownership. “We are not merely observing landscape, we are witnessing unfolding of deliberate transformation,” he stated. The facility reflects shift toward job creation and improved livelihoods. “We are not merely building infrastructure, we are engineering economic ecosystems,” he added, stressing tourism must directly benefit communities.

Dr. Jalloh assured residents the site would stay preserved for future generations. “Take this asset as it is your home, for it belongs to future of our children,” he said. He warned against encroachment and pledged strong protection. Declaring the facility open, he said it would stand “as beacon of our national progress and our resolve to move forward as one country, one destiny.”

Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Nabeela F. Tunis said Leicester Peak signals Sierra Leone’s readiness for global visitors. “It is not just structure but clear signal,” she noted, highlighting steady growth in arrivals, revenue and jobs. “These numbers represent livelihoods, opportunities and growing confidence,” she added, calling for community ownership and sustained investment.

World Bank Country Manager Abdu Muwonge described the project as proof of development impact. “Today you see benefits,” he said, noting expected creation of 3,500 direct jobs and over 35,000 indirect jobs. He emphasized sustainability as next step, advocating private sector management for efficiency and long-term returns.

Project Coordinator for Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), Mary Jalloh, said the viewpoint reflects wider reforms under SLEDP. Streamlined systems, business support and access to finance have improved investment climate and created jobs. “These interventions are designed to reduce cost of doing business and expand opportunities,” she said, adding that tourism site investments like Leicester Peak position Sierra Leone as competitive global destination while driving inclusive growth.

Correspondent- Aminata Turay

Office of the President

Tel: +232 32997554