Freetown, Sierra Leone — July 2025 — The Government of Sierra Leone has officially compensated landowners in Black Johnson and surrounding communities as part of its legal acquisition process for the highly anticipated Fish Harbor development project.
According to Lawyer Yusuf Sesay, legal representative from the Attorney General’s Office, 17 verified landowners have received full compensation, including alternative plots across the proposed harbor site. Of the over 200 claimants who submitted land documentation since the initial survey in 2019, only 21 were confirmed to have legitimate claims after a rigorous vetting process conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands. The remaining four are currently finalizing documentation to receive their compensation.
The Fish Harbor project spans 252 acres, with 80 acres already classified as government property under the Fore Shore Act—which designates land near the seashore as state-owned. The remaining 172 acres underwent a meticulous seven-year acquisition process involving community consultations, parliamentary review, and legal authorization.
“I will safely say we have followed every step so far,” said Lawyer Sesay. “We have involved the community, Parliament, and executed the warrant to take over the land for the project.”
Investment & Economic Promise
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, announced that further investment interest has already been secured. Companies specializing in quality standard laboratory testing, fish canning, and complementary industries are poised to invest once construction begins.
The $55 million Fish Harbor initiative—funded by a grant from the Chinese government—will be fully owned and operated by the Sierra Leonean government upon completion. The project is expected to generate hundreds of jobs and usher in millions of dollars in revenue for the country’s fishing sector.
As groundwork begins, the Fish Harbor marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development, promising both economic vitality and community uplift.