By Abass Mahmoud Sillah Jr
The Director General of the National Telecommunications Authority, Amara Brewah, has described the commissioning of the institution’s new headquarters as a landmark achievement in Sierra Leone’s journey toward digital transformation and modern public service delivery. Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Brewah emphasized that the transition from foundational work to full operationalization marks a significant step forward for the country’s telecommunications sector. “This is not just a building—it is a national asset,” he stated. “Under this administration, we have remained steadfast in our commitment and have successfully delivered on our objectives.”
The newly completed 10-storey structure is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the demands of 21st-century governance. Seven floors of the building are occupied by the National Telecommunications Authority, while the remaining three house the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation. According to Brewah, the co-location of the regulator and the ministry is a strategic move aimed at strengthening collaboration and ensuring greater coherence between policy formulation and regulatory enforcement. “At the heart of this building is a Tier III data centre, which represents a major turning point in how government services are hosted, managed, and delivered,” he noted.
The data centre is expected to serve as the backbone of Sierra Leone’s emerging e-government platform, capable of hosting and integrating key national digital systems. These include the farmers’ register, e-Cabinet, e-Parliament, and other electronic management platforms designed to enhance efficiency and transparency in public administration. With built-in redundancies and safeguards designed to guarantee up to 99.9 percent uptime, the facility also ensures robust data protection and secure, sovereign hosting of government data within the country. “For the first time in our history, Sierra Leone now has the capacity to securely host all government data locally,” Brewah said, adding that this development significantly reduces reliance on external data infrastructure.
The headquarters also houses a National Broadcast Monitoring System, which will enable continuous oversight of radio and television operations nationwide. This system is expected to enhance regulatory compliance, protect the integrity of the country’s airwaves, and facilitate rapid response to violations. Beyond its technological capabilities, the building includes a 200-seat auditorium, conference and meeting rooms, multifunctional workspaces, a cafeteria, and essential support facilities such as a water reservoir. “These are not luxuries,” Brewah emphasized. “They are the basic standards required to ensure dignity and professionalism in public service.”
Despite the milestone, Brewah cautioned that the opening of the headquarters signals the beginning—not the end—of a more demanding phase of work. “The digital economy is evolving at an unprecedented pace,” he said. “From artificial intelligence and next-generation networks to digital financial services and the Internet of Things, these are no longer distant concepts—they are present realities. Sierra Leone must position itself to harness these opportunities.” He reaffirmed that the National Telecommunications Authority will play a central role in preparing the country for these emerging technological shifts.
Brewah also acknowledged the critical support of the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation, noting that its leadership has been instrumental in facilitating approvals and ensuring alignment within the broader government framework. “The presence of the Ministry within this building symbolizes a strong and enduring partnership that we are committed to deepening,” he said. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, industry stakeholders, development partners, and His Excellency the President, whose presence Brewah described as a mark of the government’s commitment to expanding connectivity and promoting digital inclusion.
The event was formally opened with the introduction of the Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Josephine Fatima Kamara, Director General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, whom Brewah described as a distinguished media executive and a familiar face in national broadcasting. The commissioning of the new headquarters is widely seen as a significant milestone in strengthening Sierra Leone’s digital infrastructure and advancing its long-term vision for a modern, technology-driven economy.
