By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – June 19, 2025 — Former Ambassador to South Korea, Omrie Golley, was officially honoured at Freetown City Hall for his pivotal role in facilitating the construction of the landmark facility, a testament to international collaboration and sustainable development.
Ambassador Golley visited the newly completed City Hall on Wednesday, where city officials and staff recognized his efforts in helping secure financing and broker critical negotiations between the Sierra Leonean government and the Exim Bank of South Korea. The facility, valued at $54.96 million, was funded under highly favorable terms—including an 18-year grace period and a 40-year repayment plan at a symbolic interest rate of 0.0001%.
“I am here to be formally recognized for a dream that has finally come to fruition,” Ambassador Golley said during the ceremony. “This edifice reflects a powerful partnership between Korean constructors and the people of Sierra Leone. It stands not only as a building but as a monument to enduring friendship.”
His involvement in the project predates his ambassadorship, beginning in a legal advisory role to mediate early challenges and unify stakeholders across both governments and Southeast Asian private sectors. His diplomatic acumen ensured the project remained on track, despite hurdles.
During his tour of the facility, Ambassador Golley acknowledged both the achievement and the operational difficulties facing City Hall, including understaffing and technical limitations. He emphasized the importance of a coordinated response involving the City Council, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Ministry of Finance.
“I’ve encouraged the Freetown City Council to draft a comprehensive action plan,” he noted. “With that structure in place, we can mobilize meaningful international support for continued maintenance and development.”
He further revealed ongoing discussions with potential partners in Qatar and other regions to secure additional resources for the building’s technical upgrades.
Deputy Mayor Kweku Melvin Lisk, Esq., welcomed the ambassador and praised his vision and long-standing contributions to the project. “His visit is timely and has been incredibly beneficial,” Lisk said. “Ambassador Golley’s dedication was crucial from the very beginning.”
With the building now operational, Lisk said the city’s next priority is strengthening partnerships in areas such as engineering, electrical systems, and IT infrastructure. He also hinted at future plans: “With the right collaborations, we could see similar transformative projects emerge elsewhere.”
Ambassador Golley’s visit concluded with a reaffirmation of international solidarity and a renewed call for investment in Sierra Leone’s urban infrastructure development.