Mayor Aki-Sawyerr Raises Fresh Concerns Over Proposed Division of Freetown
Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has questioned the timing of the government’s proposed restructuring of the capital, saying consultation came after key decisions had already been made.
Speaking during a recent media interview, Aki-Sawyerr said the Freetown City Council had raised concerns with the government through research, data and public engagement before the latest proposal advanced.
She said the council’s central concern was whether dividing Freetown would improve services, arguing that the city’s existing problems are linked partly to fragmented urban-management responsibilities.
The mayor cited research from the African Centre for Cities, which examined the government’s proposal to create three cities, three local councils and three mayors in Freetown. The center’s commentary discussed the potential benefits of coordinated citywide governance, including economies of scale and more integrated service delivery.
Aki-Sawyerr also pointed to a June 2025 town hall organized by the council. The FCC said nearly 600 people attended, including community representatives, civil society groups, religious and traditional leaders, youth groups and media representatives. The council reported that participants broadly opposed dividing Freetown.
The mayor’s main criticism, however, focused on the sequence of government action. She questioned why consultations were being conducted after the government had already indicated that Cabinet had approved the proposal.
Aki-Sawyerr argued that consultation should help shape major decisions rather than simply explain decisions that have already been taken.
The mayor has maintained this position since the government first announced plans to divide Freetown. In a June 2025 open letter, she said she was concerned that the proposal had been announced without consultation with Freetonians.
The government’s proposal has since evolved from an initial plan to create two cities to a proposal involving three cities, three local councils and three mayors, according to the African Centre for Cities commentary cited by FCC.
Aki-Sawyerr said the debate should therefore focus on whether the restructuring would deliver better services and stronger urban management for residents.
She urged the government to continue engaging Freetonians and to consider the evidence and concerns raised by stakeholders before proceeding with changes to the capital’s local government structure.