President Bio Tours Bunce Island, Leicester Peak Viewpoint and Tacugama Innovation Centre to Advance Heritage Preservation and Tourism Development
11th June, 2026.
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio undertook an extensive inspection tour of three key tourism and heritage sites, Bunce Island, Leicester Peak Viewpoint and the Tacugama Innovation Centre, reaffirming Government’s commitment to preserving Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage while investing in tourism infrastructure that can drive economic growth and international visibility.
The President began his visit at Bunce Island, where he was accompanied by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis. He received a comprehensive guided tour from Monuments and Relics Commission Research Officer, Francis Momoh, who eloquently narrated the island’s colonial history, its role in the transatlantic slave trade, the resilience of Sierra Leonean ancestors, and the significance of the remaining landmarks and historical traces found on the island. In a solemn moment of remembrance, President Bio laid a wreath at the site known as the “Gate of No Return” in honour of the thousands of Africans who were forcibly taken into slavery. He also unveiled a commemorative plaque and delivered brief remarks highlighting the importance of preserving the island as a symbol of history, resilience and remembrance, while encouraging both local and international visitors to experience its rich heritage. The visit was further enriched by an emotional cultural performance staged by the Directorate of Culture, led by Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation, Foday Jalloh, depicting the painful journey, courage and endurance of enslaved Africans.
At the newly launched Leicester Peak Viewpoint, President Bio was taken on a guided tour of the facility by project contractors and officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. The President expressed admiration for the quality and scale of the development, describing it as a world-class attraction capable of enhancing Sierra Leone’s tourism appeal. He toured key features of the facility, including the panoramic viewing decks, landscaped recreational spaces, visitor reception areas, walkways, seating and relaxation zones, safety installations and supporting amenities designed to provide visitors with a unique experience overlooking Freetown and the surrounding peninsula. President Bio commended Minister Tunis and her team for delivering a landmark project that showcases the country’s natural beauty.
The President concluded his tour at the Tacugama Innovation Centre, where construction works are nearing completion. During a detailed inspection of the facility, he was briefed on its various components, the environmental significance of the surrounding forest ecosystem, and the benefits of maintaining sustainable and green tourism practices. President Bio praised the impressive progress achieved so far and assured stakeholders of Government’s commitment to protecting the facility and its natural environment, noting that conservation and sustainable development must go hand in hand.
Speaking on the significance of the President’s visit, Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis said the inspection underscored Government’s dedication to safeguarding Sierra Leone’s heritage assets while developing modern tourism infrastructure capable of attracting visitors, creating jobs and stimulating local economies. She noted that Bunce Island, Leicester Peak Viewpoint and the Tacugama Innovation Centre represent strategic investments in heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and tourism development, positioning Sierra Leone as an increasingly attractive destination for cultural, eco-tourism and educational experiences.
MTCA Communications
