By Saidu Dumbuya

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, through its Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (AVDP), has signed contracts for the rehabilitation of 400 kilometres of feeder roads with eight eligible contractors.
The contract signing ceremony took place on Monday, 12th May 2025, at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, Youyi Building, in Freetown.
Addressing the contractors, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka described the event as a significant milestone for the ministry, noting that the feeder road projects are an essential component of the broader AVDP initiative.
“Cultivation alone is not enough to give our farmers the competitiveness, pricing, and income they deserve. That is why roads are a critical pillar in our ‘Feed Salone’ agenda,” he said. “We see roads as a vital component of the agricultural sector.”
Dr. Kpaka explained that the project will cover eight districts, connecting farm tracks to major roads, thereby improving access to markets and boosting productivity. He urged the contractors to begin work immediately, stating that the “whistle has been blown.”

The Minister also encouraged contractors to communicate directly with him should they encounter challenges during implementation.
In his welcome remarks, the Ministry’s Senior Permanent Secretary, Prince E.O. Cole, highlighted the importance of effective contract management. He noted that the ministry has made it policy to meet with contractors at the point of contract signing to ensure transparency and accountability.
“In the past, leadership was not always involved in these processes. But now, we believe it is critical for the ministry’s leadership to be fully engaged for effective monitoring and supervision,” Cole said.

This marks the second contract signing under the AVDP, he added, stressing that 2025, the second year of the “Feed Salone” initiative, is designated as the “year of delivery.” He emphasized that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is particularly keen for the Ministry to lead efforts to improve national food security.
AVDP Project Manager Monica Kwame Greene said this is the second road contract awarded through the project. Two months earlier, the ministry had signed contracts for 75 kilometres of farm tracks connecting farms to feeder roads.
She stated that the eight contractors were selected through a rigorous and transparent bidding process and are expected to rehabilitate over 400 kilometres of feeder roads. This aligns with AVDP’s Component 2, which focuses on agricultural market delivery and access.
Greene also highlighted AVDP’s achievements so far: the establishment of 6,000 hectares of cocoa, 5,000 hectares of oil palm, 4,500 hectares of inland valley swamps (IVS), and 400 hectares of vegetables. She emphasized that the new roads will connect directly to these established farms.
The eight contractors and their allocated road segments are:HDF Limited – 45.5km in Kailahun District; KAM Enterprises– 61.2km in Kenema District; Beigin Construction – 44.86km in Bonthe District; Topman USA Company – 23km in Port Loko District; Instant ModernConstruction Company (IMCC) – 62.8km in Bo District; Integrated General Supplies and Construction – 66.9km in Moyamba District; Mylans Trading– 45.8km in Pujehun District and S&H Trading Investment – 60.9km in Kono District
Greene concluded by noting that a consultant has been hired to monitor the contractors’ progress and that the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) is also involved in oversight.

The contract signing ceremony took place on Monday, 12th May 2025, at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, Youyi Building, in Freetown.

Addressing the contractors, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka described the event as a significant milestone for the ministry, noting that the feeder road projects are an essential component of the broader AVDP initiative.

“Cultivation alone is not enough to give our farmers the competitiveness, pricing, and income they deserve. That is why roads are a critical pillar in our ‘Feed Salone’ agenda,” he said. “We see roads as a vital component of the agricultural sector.”

Dr. Kpaka explained that the project will cover eight districts, connecting farm tracks to major roads, thereby improving access to markets and boosting productivity. He urged the contractors to begin work immediately, stating that the “whistle has been blown.”

The Minister also encouraged contractors to communicate directly with him should they encounter challenges during implementation.

In his welcome remarks, the Ministry’s Senior Permanent Secretary, Prince E.O. Cole, highlighted the importance of effective contract management. He noted that the ministry has made it policy to meet with contractors at the point of contract signing to ensure transparency and accountability.

“In the past, leadership was not always involved in these processes. But now, we believe it is critical for the ministry’s leadership to be fully engaged for effective monitoring and supervision,” Cole said.

AVDP Project Manager Monica Kwame Greene said this is the second road contract awarded through the project. Two months earlier, the ministry had signed contracts for 75 kilometres of farm tracks connecting farms to feeder roads.

She stated that the eight contractors were selected through a rigorous and transparent bidding process and are expected to rehabilitate over 400 kilometres of feeder roads. This aligns with AVDP’s Component 2, which focuses on agricultural market delivery and access.

Greene also highlighted AVDP’s achievements so far: the establishment of 6,000 hectares of cocoa, 5,000 hectares of oil palm, 4,500 hectares of inland valley swamps (IVS), and 400 hectares of vegetables. She emphasized that the new roads will connect directly to these established farms.

The eight contractors and their allocated road segments are:HDF Limited – 45.5km in Kailahun District; KAM Enterprises– 61.2km in Kenema District; Beigin Construction – 44.86km in Bonthe District; Topman USA Company – 23km in Port Loko District; Instant ModernConstruction Company (IMCC) – 62.8km in Bo District; Integrated General Supplies and Construction – 66.9km in Moyamba District; Mylans Trading– 45.8km in Pujehun District and S&H Trading Investment – 60.9km in Kono District

Greene concluded by noting that a consultant has been hired to monitor the contractors’ progress and that the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) is also involved in oversight.