By Saidu Jalloh
D.S. Reporter
FREETOWN – Parliament has called for immediate investment and legal reforms to rescue Sierra Leone’s museums, monuments and cultural heritage, warning that years of neglect are pushing key institutions to the brink.
The Parliamentary Committee on Tourism and Cultural Affairs made the call during an engagement with the Monuments and Relics Commission, the Sierra Leone National Museum, and the National Railway Museum at the Speaker’s Conference Room on Tuesday.
Deputy Chairman Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara said the meeting was aimed at identifying gaps where Parliament could intervene. He urged the institutions to be candid about their challenges and pledged the Committee’s support.
The Monuments and Relics Commission told MPs it has made progress despite severe constraints. It is running Heritage School Clubs in 25 to 30 schools, teaching traditional games and cultural values. It has also rehabilitated sites including the Museum Heritage Tower, Writer’s Stone and King’s Yard. Rehabilitation of the National Museum is substantially complete following the 2024 fire.
But the Commission said it has operated for six years without a substantive Board, is hampered by outdated legislation, and lacks adequate staff, vehicles, motorcycles and pay. It is still waiting on its Management and Functional Review report.
The National Museum reported advances in conservation, documentation, exhibitions and school outreach. However, it faces dilapidated infrastructure, limited storage and exhibition space, a shortage of trained conservation staff, poor equipment, security risks, and funding shortages. Its work remains largely concentrated in Freetown.
Going forward, the Museum plans to digitize collections, create a National Digital Artefact Database, launch a Mobile Museum Outreach Programme nationwide, upgrade conservation facilities, and expand heritage education and domestic tourism.
The National Railway Museum highlighted preservation of historic assets including the 1897 steam locomotive, a diesel locomotive, and the former Governor’s and Queen’s Coaches. It has also set up Railway Heritage Clubs in about 25 schools to teach young people about the country’s railway history.
Hon. Kamara assured the institutions that issues of staffing, logistics and remuneration would be raised with government and relevant authorities.
The Committee concluded with a commitment to deeper cooperation, including follow-up engagements and site visits, to ensure Sierra Leone’s cultural and historical heritage is preserved and developed for future generations.
_For more information contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com
