By George M.O. Williams
The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, has raised alarm over what she described as persistent intimidation and administrative interference within the Freetown City Council (FCC), allegedly orchestrated by the Chief Administrator (CA) with backing from the Ministry of Local Government.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, November 10, 2025, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr outlined a series of incidents that she said highlight growing tensions between elected representatives and administrative officers.
Among the issues raised, the Mayor strongly criticized the recent transfer of the Council’s Chief Finance Officer (CFO), describing the move as “untimely and unlawful.” She argued that the decision comes at a critical period when the FCC is grappling with revenue shortfalls and delayed budgetary support from central government.
“The CFO is a qualified officer. His sudden transfer, especially in the middle of budget challenges, is counterproductive and politically motivated,” Aki-Sawyerr said, adding that the action threatens ongoing projects and revenue management.
She further accused the Chief Administrator of deliberately undermining the Council’s autonomy, noting that the FCC has only received half of its 2024 budget allocation as of August 2025, with the remainder yet to be disbursed.
“This shortfall, combined with alleged mismanagement of billboard revenues through a private contract with an Indian company, has deprived the Council of significant internally generated income,” she stated.
Calls for Removal of Chief Administrator
The Mayor emphasized that the Chief Administrator’s legal role is limited to oversight and advisory functions, not interference in day-to-day political or administrative decisions. She accused both the CA and the Ministry of Local Government of systematically eroding the authority of the FCC.
According to Aki-Sawyerr, the matter has already been brought to the attention of the Vice President, who has urged the Minister of Local Government to engage directly with the Mayor and FCC leadership to resolve the impasse.
“We were elected to serve the people of Freetown, not to be silenced or intimidated. The law must prevail,” she declared, reiterating her support for the removal of the current Chief Administrator over alleged misconduct and obstruction of the Council’s mandate.
Chief Councillor Speaks Out
Chief Councillor Zainab Conteh also voiced her frustrations, accusing the Chief Administrator of unilaterally increasing service charges and fees without consultation or approval from council members.
Conteh said that when she confronted the CA over the breach, she was insulted and disrespected in front of fellow councillors. She described repeated intimidation, noting that her lawful role as Chief Councillor—serving as liaison between the people and the Council—has been undermined.
Conteh further recounted an incident involving the Minister of Local Government, whom she accused of attempting to intimidate her during a meeting. She said the Minister questioned her authority to act in the capacity of Mayor or Deputy Mayor in their absence, despite her legal mandate.
“The Minister told me I should be afraid to act in that position. But I was duly elected and mandated by law to perform as the Chief Councillor,” Conteh said.
She added that the Deputy Minister of Local Government later admitted that similar Chief Councillor roles exist across other councils, reinforcing the legitimacy of her position.