Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, has called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate the growth of the country’s tourism sector, as the National Coastal Unity Boat Race brought together coastal communities in a vibrant celebration of culture and unity.
The two-day event, held on April 4 and 5, 2026, at Chapter One Beach Front in Aberdeen, Freetown, attracted participation from 16 coastal communities, including King Jimmy, Susan’s Bay, Kroo Bay, Government Wharf, River No. 2, Tombo Wharf, Tambacula Wharf, Kissy Ferry Terminal, Godrich, Congo Town, Moa Wharf, Murray Town, Banana Water, Lakka Wharf, Magazine Wharf, and Levuma Wharf.
The competition served as a dynamic platform for showcasing cultural expression, creativity, inclusivity, and community pride, with large crowds turning out to support their respective communities through music, dance, and spirited displays of unity.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the GEED Foundation and other partners, the event highlighted the role of community-driven initiatives in promoting tourism and preserving Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage.
At the end of the competition, Kissy Ferry Terminal emerged as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of NLe50,000 along with other rewards. Susan’s Bay secured the first runner-up position with NLe40,000, while Moa Wharf placed second runner-up, earning NLe30,000.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Public Relations Officer of Kissy Ferry Terminal Wharf, Mohamed Gatewa, expressed appreciation to Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin and Minister Nabeela Tunis for recognising and including coastal communities in the initiative. He noted that such programmes are particularly impactful for communities that often face socio-economic challenges.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the GEED Foundation, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, emphasised that the primary goal of the National Coastal Unity Boat Race is to showcase Sierra Leone’s unique cultural assets to a global audience while fostering unity among coastal communities and strengthening national cohesion.
He added that the event also brings attention to the resilience and creativity of coastal populations, despite challenges such as limited access to finance, healthcare, and clean water.
Addressing participants, Minister Tunis underscored the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable tourism development. She noted that the Coastal Unity Boat Race aligns with Sierra Leone’s 65th Independence celebrations and reflects broader national efforts to promote the country’s rich cultural identity and natural coastal beauty.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to the GEED Foundation, particularly Dr. Gilpin, for their partnership, reaffirming the government’s commitment to positioning Sierra Leone as a leading tourism destination despite existing challenges.
As part of the festivities, awards were presented for the most creative community flags. Tombo Wharf won the Best Creative Flag with a prize of NLe10,000, followed by Kroo Bay with NLe8,000, while Aberdeen secured third place with NLe6,000.
The event was further enlivened by performances from the Sierra Leone Acrobatic Association, the National Dance Troupe, Star Zee, and other entertainers, adding colour and excitement to the celebrations.
The National Coastal Unity Boat Race forms part of the Ministry’s 2026 campaign themed the “Year of Culture and Creativity,” an initiative aimed at harnessing Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage as a driver for tourism development, economic growth, and national unity.