23rd February, 2021 (232News)
FREETOWN – As the Sierra Leone- Guinea Borders re-opened Sierra Leoneans have commended the move taken by President Julius Maada Bio.
Sierra Leone- Guinea Borders re-opened past Thursday 18 February, months after both countries closed their land borders to shield the COVID-19 pandemic.
The borders reopened on Thursday due to a communique signed by Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio and his Guinean counterpart Alpha Conde during their meeting in Guinea’s capital Conakry.
The two sides further pledged to cooperate in tackling urgent public health issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola.
“The two Heads of State expressed their satisfaction with the strategies by the two countries in the COVID-19 pandemic and reaffirmed their determination to coordinate their efforts in obtaining vaccines for their respective populations,” it added.
The communique also contained a raft of bilateral agreements in various fields, including security, private investment and cultural exchanges.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, David Panda Noah said the action taken by President Julius Maada Bio is as a result of the love he has for Sierra Leoneans.
He pointed out that many people have their livelihood through the boarder that is why action like that is needed.
He went on to say the two countries are one people they do things side by side to ensure that the trade link continues.
Drivers and business people expressed joy as they said they have been struggling over the months due to the closure of the boarders.
The traders and drivers thanked President Bio for taking the lead and said he demonstrated good statesmanship.
Port Health Officer Gbalamuya Crossing Point, Maxwell Thomas Dakowa spoke about the preventive measure put in place as the boarders are now opened as a means of preventing Sierra Leone from Ebola.
He said they are screening those that are coming into the country because it has taken long time they have been yearning to come in.
“We are taking records of them and in case of any emergency who we should contact.”
The closure of the boarder brought economic loss to both countries as the two countries do inter trade.
