6 Comments
The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone has issued a press statement expressing strong concerns over the government’s recent announcement to create two new districts and several localities.
The Society has called on the government to prioritize evidence-based decision-making, uphold the integrity of the upcoming census, and strengthen existing governance structures for the benefit of all citizens.
The statement follows an announcement made by the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, regarding the Cabinet’s approval to establish the new districts of Bandajuma and Kanguma, as well as the reorganization of Freetown into two localities, the Western Area Rural into three, and the elevation of Lungi to city status due to its proximity to the Freetown International Airport.
The Lawyers’ Society expressed concern that this decision comes just ahead of the scheduled decennial population and housing census in December 2026. They argue that the timing raises questions about the reliance on up-to-date demographic data.
According to Section 38(4) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, adjustments to constituencies and wards must be based on demographic information obtained after a census. Furthermore, Section 2(2) of the Local Government Act 2022 stipulates that any declaration of a new locality must be made on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance and the Electoral Commissioner, considering factors like population density.
The Society stated, “Making such significant decisions more than a year before the next census raises concerns about the credibility and data-driven nature of this decision. We believe this move is politically motivated and risks undermining the integrity of the upcoming 2026 census.”
The Lawyers’ Society further noted that the government has not provided evidence that the creation of new districts or localities will resolve existing challenges within the decentralization system.
They emphasized that the current structure of Freetown is not necessarily the cause of inefficiencies in local governance. Instead, they pointed to issues such as the incomplete devolution of functions from the central government and delays in budgetary allocations as the real challenges facing local governments.
The Society argued, “The priority should be on fully implementing devolution and ensuring adequate resources for local councils, rather than creating new districts and localities amidst the economic challenges we are currently facing.”
They cautioned that the creation of new districts could fragment communities and place additional strain on limited governance resources. With significant economic challenges, including a major mining company shutting down operations and a global trade crisis, the Society urged the government to focus on addressing the critical economic needs of citizens instead of expanding expenditures on unproven governance necessities.
The Lawyers’ Society strongly opposed the use of district creation for political gain, recalling past instances where such actions were taken to maximize political representation. They stated, “We believe that creating two new districts by the government will undoubtedly serve a political purpose but will perpetuate a cycle of retaliatory boundary or district delimitations.”
The Society reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and advocating for good governance that benefits all citizens. They expressed their willingness to collaborate with the government and relevant authorities to ensure that administrative reforms meet legal standards and serve the best interests of Sierra Leoneans.
So our lawyers no longer understood our national constitution?
Dr. Blyden can you please help our lawyers to understand the constitution of SL 🇸🇱.
The SL 🇸🇱 constitution is very difficult to interpret.
Our lawyers in sierra Leone are the most stupid lawyers in the world, where were they when a region of five districts turned into two regions and seven districts? Or are they trying to show us that they all belongs to the useless A P C party?
Anyone try this movement you will find yourself in pademba road prison.
A word for a wise is quite sufficient.
It’s very shameful for a lawyer not even understand a simple national constitution please go and add more of your national constitution studies.
I support the lawyers there are other pressing issue than to rush create two new districts.
Why what are the benefits , do the citizens know or engaged in this discussions??
Tuffest go and ask A P C this question first before you to us.
Kkkk for your information ,I hope you don’t know the useless ones right you people don’t want to know if the country is progressing or not the only thing you know is to support your SLPP party, big fool generation, drunker, your people will continue to suffer