By Sallieu S. Kanu
September 15, 2025 — Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, has publicly voiced strong opposition to proposed government plans to divide Freetown into two separate cities with two local councils, warning that the move would worsen service delivery and strain already limited financial resources.
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs is set to host a public consultation on the proposal at the Freetown City Council Auditorium on Thursday, 18 September at 10 a.m. The Mayor has urged residents to attend and engage in the discussion, which could significantly reshape the governance structure of the capital.
In a statement issued on 15 September, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr reiterated concerns previously outlined in an open letter to the Minister of Local Government dated 3 June 2025. She noted that, as of that date, Freetown City Council had not received any of its 2025 budget allocations for devolved functions. While the Council received its final quarter 2024 allocation on 18 August, no funds for 2025 have yet been transferred to Freetown or other local councils across Sierra Leone.
The Mayor emphasized that her opposition to the proposed division is not rooted in personal or political interest, but in the potential negative impact on the city and its residents. “Service delivery in Freetown is most negatively impacted by coordination challenges and inadequate financial resources,” she stated. “Both of these issues will be made worse by the creation of another local council within the 82 sq km of land that is Freetown.”
According to the Mayor, splitting the city would require duplicating coordination efforts with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for urban management. She warned that scarce financial resources would be diverted to establish and operate a second council office, increasing the public sector wage bill without generating new revenue or stimulating economic growth.
She also highlighted disparities in property rate contributions, noting that the East End of Freetown—home to the highest population—contributes only 20% of property rates. Under the proposed division, this area could face further disadvantages in resource allocation and service delivery.
“I stand opposed to the proposed plans to divide Freetown and create two local councils because I love the city in which I was born and raised and I love the people who live in this city,” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr declared. “Freetown deserves to be allowed to meet its potential and flourish. The proposed plans will not solve any of Freetown’s challenges—they will make them worse.”
The Mayor concluded her statement with a rallying call to residents: #SaveFreetown #TransformFreetown #TransformingLives