Freetown: Sierra Leone's Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, commissioned the Leicester Peak Viewpoint on Friday, 24 April 2026, emphasizing its symbolic significance for the nation's future. Dr. Jalloh addressed the community members, officials, and partners present at the event, describing the site as more than just a scenic overlook but as a tangible representation of Sierra Leone's evolving economic identity, instilling hope among its citizens.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the Vice President highlighted the importance of community ownership over the landscape and the unfolding transformation it represents. He emphasized that the facility is not simply about constructing infrastructure but about creating economic ecosystems that can foster job creation and improve livelihoods. Dr. Jalloh assured the residents that the site would be preserved for future generations, urging them to treat it as their home. He cautioned against encroachment and committed to its protection, declaring the viewpoint a beacon of national progress and unity.
Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Nabeela F. Tunis remarked that the Leicester Peak Viewpoint signals Sierra Leone's readiness to welcome international visitors. She noted the steady growth in tourist arrivals, revenue, and job creation, urging community ownership and ongoing investment to sustain this momentum.
World Bank Country Manager Abdu Muwonge underscored the project's developmental impact, noting the creation of 3,500 direct jobs and over 35,000 indirect jobs. He advocated for private sector management to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and long-term returns for the tourism site.
Mary Jalloh, Project Coordinator for the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), explained how the viewpoint is part of broader reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and job creation. She highlighted the streamlined systems, business support, and access to finance that have been implemented under SLEDP, showcasing Sierra Leone's competitiveness as a global destination while promoting inclusive growth.