Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has launched a scathing critique of Freetown City Council (FCC) Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, accusing her administration waste, mismanagement, and failed initiatives.

In a statement, the Chief Minister alleged that the Mayor has turned Freetown into a “ghost town” through questionable programs and expenditures. He cited three key concerns:

1. Paid Ghost Youth: Dr. Sengeh claimed that the Council has been financing non-existent or unproductive youth groups under employment schemes.

2. Ghost Trees Project: He further accused the Mayor of mismanaging the city’s tree-planting initiative, saying that $3 million was allocated to plant trees that either never materialized or were poorly maintained.

3. Poorly Maintained Cemeteries: According to the Chief Minister, FCC has also failed in its responsibility to properly manage the city’s cemeteries, leaving them in disrepair despite funds being allocated.

The Chief Minister argued that these issues reflect deeper concerns about transparency and accountability at the Freetown City Council, stressing that residents deserve better management of public resources.

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has yet to issue a public response to the allegations. However, the accusations come at a time of heightened political tension over government’s proposed redistricting plans for Freetown, which the Mayor has openly opposed.