By Foday Moriba Conteh

A Government proposal to divide Freetown into two separate administrative cities has been met with resounding opposition from residents during a town hall meeting convened by the Freetown City Council (FCC) on Thursday 26th June, 2025.

The Town hall meeting which brought together nearly 600 participants from across the capital, including elected councillors, traditional and religious leaders, market women, youth groups, commercial motorbike riders (Okada), civil society organizations, development partners, members of the All People's Congress (APC) leadership and the media was held at the New City Hall on Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown.

Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, OBE, delivered a compelling presentation, warning of the far-reaching consequences of the proposed split. She explained that, globally, it is best practice for urban management functions such as land use planning and building permit issuance to be administered by local councils to ensure integration and efficiency. However, in Sierra Leone, those responsibilities remain with the Ministry of Lands.

“In Freetown, over 45% of residents live in areas that are inaccessible to vehicles, including tricycles, due to poor planning and a broken permitting system,” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr stated. “Dividing the city would do nothing to address the root causes of those issues, which stem from the fragmentation of urban governance structures.”

The Mayor also pointed out the financial impracticality of the move, stressing that establishing a new city administration would require significant funding at a time when the national Government is struggling to meet its current financial obligations to FCC.

Outgoing President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla via video recording emphasized the need for inclusive consultation and national dialogue before making such a significant decision. Though unable to attend in person due to travel commitments, he addressed the audience as a concerned citizen and journalist deeply invested in the future of the capital.

“Like many of you, I’ve been reflecting on the announcement to divide our beloved city into two administrative areas,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said. “The aim, as stated, is to improve service delivery, something we all desire. Every Freetonian wants a city that works: cleaner streets, better roads, water, electricity, safer communities and opportunity for all. But how we get there matters just as much as where we want to go.”

He warned that such a far-reaching decision one that touches on the city’s identity, history and governance should only be taken after broad-based, inclusive consultations that involve those who live and work in Freetown and understand its unique challenges.

“Freetown already suffers from fragmented responsibilities in land use, roads, drainage, waste management and water supply,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla noted. “Dividing the city further without addressing these core issues may not solve the problem, but rather, compound it.”

He also questioned the timing and preparedness of national systems to support two separate councils in terms of financial and administrative capacity.

Importantly, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla clarified that his message was not about confrontation between the FCC and central Government but rather a sincere call for reflection, open conversation and evidence-based decision-making.

“My simple message is this: whatever the final decision let it be inclusive, let it be informed and above all, let it be in the best interest of Freetown past, present and future,” he concluded.

Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah Esq., President of the Lawyers Society, emphasized that consultation is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Speaking at the town hall meeting, he expressed concern over the Government’s proposal to divide Freetown, stating that the first step should have been to consult the residents of the city.

He argued that the lack of public engagement has led to the backlash the Government is now facing. “This issue affects everyone and should not be seen through a political lens,” he said. “When decisions of this magnitude are being considered, it is crucial to involve the people.”

Referencing legal requirements, he noted that a proper census should have been conducted and that the data collected should be the basis for determining whether a division of Freetown is necessary. He pointed out that the last census failed to meet that requirement, suggesting that the proposed split may be politically motivated rather than evidence-based.

“The decision to divide Freetown should be driven by data, not by individuals who believe they have the authority to do so,” Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah concluded.

Other speakers expressed outrage over the proposal, decrying what they described as a lack of proper consultation by the central Government. Most participants argued that instead of pursuing administrative division, the Government should prioritize improving service delivery, particularly in the face of Freetown’s numerous socio-economic challenges.

Several prominent voices echoed the Mayor’s concerns. In attendance were Ms. Femi Claudius Cole, leader of the Unity Party; Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, outgoing President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), who joined via video; Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah Esq., President of the Lawyers Society and Monic Jackson from the KIDS Parliament. Each offered firm resistance to the proposal and emphasized the need for greater stakeholder engagement.

A panel discussion added further depth to the discourse, featuring civil society leader Francis Reffell of CODOHSAPA, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Samuel Valcarcel Esq., President of the Krio Community and Councillors Zainab Conteh and Samuel Ojumiri Osafele. They unanimously agreed that the proposed division threatens the unity and integrity of Freetown and lacks a sound rationale grounded in the needs of the people.

The meeting concluded with a unified call for the central Government to abandon the proposal and instead channel resources and energy into improving urban services, infrastructure and inclusive development.

Also, the message from the town hall was clear and uncompromising: Freetown must remain united and residents must be consulted on any major decisions affecting the future of their city. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/freetonians-reject-governments-proposal-to-split-the-city/