The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, has strongly objected to government’s proposed plan to divide Freetown into two cities, each with its own local council, stating that the move would harm the city’s future and worsen already existing challenges.
In a public statement released ahead of a planned public consultation, the Mayor said the proposal would further strain service delivery in Freetown, citing issues such as poor coordination among government agencies and inadequate financial resources as key problems that would only be made worse by splitting the city.
“I am not opposed to the plans because they will impact my tenure as Mayor. I am opposed because they will negatively impact the future of Freetown and the lives of Freetonians,” she said.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr explained that creating another local council within Freetown’s 82 square kilometres would increase bureaucracy, complicate coordination with ministries and agencies, and stretch the already limited funds available for services.
“Creating another local council will not generate wealth or stimulate economic growth,” she warned, “but will instead increase the public wage bill and reduce resources for vital services.”
The Mayor also expressed concern that the area most likely to become a separate council, the East End of Freetown, contributes just 20% of property rates but has the highest population, leaving it at a financial disadvantage under the proposed changes.
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs held a public consultation on the proposal at the Freetown City Council Auditorium on Thursday, 18th September, 2025.
She concluded her statement with a passionate appeal: “Freetown deserves to meet its potential and flourish. These plans won’t solve our challenges; they’ll make them worse. I will continue to say, ‘Save Freetown!
By Mohamed Kamara
