By George M.O Williams
The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, along with several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), has voiced firm opposition to the government’s proposal to divide Freetown into two separate city councils.
The plan, confirmed by Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs Tamba Lamina, forms part of broader administrative reforms approved by Cabinet. These include creating two new districts—Bandajuma (within Bo and Pujehun Districts) and Kpanguma (within Kenema and Kailahun Districts), splitting Western Area Rural District into three, and granting Lungi city status due to its airport.
At a media engagement session held on Saturday at City Hall, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr and representatives from CSOs, legal institutions, and political parties strongly condemned the proposal, warning that it could erode democracy, increase administrative costs, and disrupt essential public services.
Concerns Over City Division
In her address, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr highlighted challenges already faced by the Freetown City Council (FCC)—founded in 1893—due to central government interference in critical areas such as land use, road maintenance, and drainage.
She stressed the need for data-driven decision-making, revealing that in 2024, 80% of Freetown’s Le 22.8 billion property rate revenue came from the western section of the city, the most densely populated area. She argued that splitting the city would exacerbate financial burdens without solving the root issues.
“The real answer lies in investing in underdeveloped districts, not dividing Freetown,” she stated.
Legal and Democratic Concerns
Other speakers echoed concerns about the legal implications of the proposal.
Claude Bahmee Davis, of the Lawyer’s Society Sierra Leone, cited Section 38(4) of the Sierra Leone Constitution, which mandates that electoral boundary changes must be based on demographic data and require the involvement of the President, Ministry of Finance, and Electoral Commission.
He warned that the plan lacks the necessary legal framework and could undermine democratic processes.
“We must stand against it to save Freetown,” Davis asserted.
Calls for Public Participation
Representatives from civil society also urged greater transparency and public engagement.
Abdul Fatorma, Executive Director of Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), stressed the importance of public access to parliamentary records and environmental impact assessments before any restructuring.
Reverend James Lahai, of the National Election Watch (NEW), insisted that local councils should hold town hall meetings to gather public input, warning against politically motivated interpretations of the law.
Political and Social Implications
In Parliament, Hon. Ben Mansaray of the All People’s Congress (APC) called for a unified political front to address national concerns.
Meanwhile, Cecil Valcarcel, representing the Krio Descendants Union, urged the government to focus on regional development rather than dividing Freetown. He noted that internal migration—caused by unequal economic opportunities—should be tackled through investment in rural areas.
“Let’s think properly about what will bring peace and democracy,” Valcarcel said.
Growing Public Opposition
As concern mounts, critics of the proposal continue to urge the government to reconsider its approach, calling for policies that promote inclusive development and national unity rather than administrative fragmentation.