By George M.O. William
Sierra Leone – January 26, 2026 – Eighteen councillors of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) serving at the Freetown City Council (FCC) have voiced strong concerns over what they describe as misrepresentation, administrative indiscipline, and persistent leadership failures within the Council.
The councillors made their position clear during a press conference held at City Hall on Monday, where Councillor Ibrahim Gbla read a statement distancing SLPP members from recent press briefings conducted by councillors of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC).
“SLPP councillors were neither consulted nor present at a press conference held on 22 January 2026, which was broadcast on the Mayor’s Facebook page, and we fully dissociate ourselves from its content,” Gbla said.
The councillors accused Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of persistent leadership failures since 2018, citing the Administrative Inquiry Report (2018–2023), which highlighted weak financial systems, internal divisions, and parallel administrative structures. They also raised concerns about worsening sanitation in Freetown despite government funding.
Further grievances included claims of marginalisation, with SLPP councillors excluded from chairing key committees and denied adequate representation on the Budget and Finance Committee. They also criticised undue interference by some councillors in the day-to-day administration of the FCC, warning that blurred political and administrative roles continue to fuel inefficiency and conflict.
The councillors condemned Finance Officer Ishmeala Bah’s refusal to comply with a lawful transfer order issued by the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), describing the act as gross insubordination allegedly supported by the Mayor and some APC councillors.
Reaffirming their commitment to democratic governance, inclusiveness, and the rule of law, the SLPP councillors called for transparency, respect for institutions, and accurate public representation in the governance of Freetown..