Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki-Sawyer
The Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP) has ruled in favour of the Textiles Dealers Association, directing the Freetown City Council (FCC) to immediately hand over the construction site for the Garrison Street Market in Freetown.
The ruling follows a complaint filed by the association over delays in receiving possession of the site, despite winning the bid and signing a Lease Agreement with the Council.
The IPRP found that the Council failed to hand over the site without justifiable cause, in breach of procurement procedures.
The panel confirmed that the Textiles Dealers Association had complied with all financial and legal requirements and had been duly notified as the most responsive bidder. Investigations also revealed that the Council admitted the association won the contract.
Under the IPRP ruling, the Freetown City Council is directed to hand over full and unencumbered possession of the site to the association’s representatives within seven working days, by February 5, 2026.
The IPRP emphasized that all procurement activities must strictly comply with the Public Procurement Act, 2016, and urged the Council to follow principles of fairness, transparency, accountability, and value for money in future projects.
