Public Strongly Opposes Proposal to Split Freetown at Consultative Meeting

A consultative meeting organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs to discuss the proposed administrative division of Freetown ended in strong opposition and dissatisfaction from residents.

The session, held at the Freetown City Council Hall, saw Minister Tamba Lamina present a draft proposal, which he said was designed to improve service delivery, strengthen community empowerment, and create a more inclusive system of governance.

“Our population is growing, and we must ensure government services reach every corner efficiently.

This proposal allows communities to have more say in their development and enables councils to mobilize resources more effectively,” Minister Lamina told attendees.

However, the reaction from the public was overwhelmingly negative. Chants of “No division!” and “No split!” erupted in the hall, overshadowing the Minister’s presentation.

Director of the National Youth Coalition, Morlai Conteh, questioned both the timing and necessity of the proposal. “The intention may be good, but Sierra Leoneans are still grappling with basic needs like food, rent, and transportation. Why consult the people if the law already allows a presidential proclamation? The President represents the people and must act in their interest. Strengthen the council instead of creating new layers,” Conteh argued.

Hon. Mariama Bangura also urged government officials to put the needs of citizens above political considerations.

Speaking to Truth Media, Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer expressed strong reservations about the idea. “If Freetown is divided, we lose the essence of a capital city,” she said. “This is not a small decision it’s about our future and our legacy. Any wrong move will disturb not only the present but also the future of the city.”

The meeting concluded with visible public tension, as the majority of residents made it clear they are not in favor of administrative division. Instead, they called on the central government to focus on strengthening existing structures and developing the city.