The Leicester Peak Viewpoint has been officially commissioned by Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, marking a major step in Sierra Leone’s drive to position itself as a premier tourism destination. Perched above Freetown with sweeping panoramic views, the facility stands as a flagship investment under the government’s economic diversification agenda and a symbol of renewed confidence in the country’s tourism sector
The project was implemented through the support of the World Bank under the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project, which aims to reduce reliance on extractive industries by promoting sustainable sectors such as tourism. The commissioning ceremony drew ministers of government, diplomats, private sector actors, and members of the Leicester community, reflecting broad national and international support for the initiative.
Designed as a world-class tourism facility, the Leicester Peak Viewpoint features modern viewing decks, rest areas, eco-friendly landscaping, parking spaces, and visitor amenities tailored to enhance the overall experience. The site offers visitors a unique vantage point overlooking the Freetown peninsula, blending natural beauty with thoughtfully developed infrastructure to attract both local and international tourists.
A community representative expressed appreciation to the government and partners for delivering the project, assuring that the people of Leicester will safeguard and maintain the facility. The representative also welcomed the provision allowing a portion of the proceeds generated to directly benefit the local community, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability.
The event featured a short documentary on SLEDP, followed by remarks from Project Coordinator, Mary Jalloh, who highlighted key achievements across beneficiary MDAs. Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange Program, Mohamed Jalloh, delivered a detailed presentation on the facility’s features. Abdu Muwonge emphasized the project’s next phase, including private sector participation, job creation, especially for women and youth, and sustainable operational maintenance.
Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, described the commissioning as a major milestone, noting that it signals Sierra Leone’s growing presence as a global tourism destination while demonstrating the tangible socio-economic impact of strategic investments. He emphasized that the initiative reflects government’s commitment to economic diversification, with a strong focus on job creation for women and youth, and highlighted plans to replicate similar developments across other scenic locations while mobilizing domestic resources.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, stated that the Leicester Peak Viewpoint represents more than infrastructure, but a clear signal that Sierra Leone is ready to welcome the world with authentic experiences. She traced the country’s tourism growth to policy direction set in 2019 and noted that investments in capacity, marketing, and infrastructure, supported by SLEDP have contributed to increased arrivals and revenue, while appreciating President Julius Maada Bio for his commitment to Economic Diversification and also commending key stakeholders for bringing the vision to life
Commissioning the facility, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said the moment was anchored in a profound sense of national purpose and strategic optimism, describing the Leicester Peak Viewpoint as not just a scenic overlook but a fiscal manifestation of Sierra Leone’s evolving economic identity. He noted that the investment reflects a deliberate multi-sectoral transformation agenda aimed at reducing vulnerability to volatile commodity markets and unlocking high-value sectors such as tourism. The Vice President emphasized that the commissioning marks a significant milestone in the government’s New Direction Agenda, signaling a transition from recovery to sustained high-performance growth and positioning Sierra Leone as a competitive destination for global travel and investment. He commended the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the World Bank, and all implementing partners for delivering what he termed a monumental touristic edifice. The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the facility, where dignitaries experienced firsthand the breathtaking views and modern amenities that define the Leicester Peak Viewpoint.
MTCA Communications
