By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs has scheduled a public consultation for Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Freetown City Council Auditorium to discuss a contentious plan to split Freetown into two distinct cities, each with its own local council.
Mayor Yvonne Ak-Sawyerr has publicly opposed the proposal, asserting that it would exacerbate existing problems in the capital rather than provide solutions. “My opposition is not motivated by personal concerns regarding my tenure as Mayor; rather, it stems from the potential negative impact on Freetown’s future and the lives of its residents,” she stated.
Mayor Ak-Sawyerr emphasized that service delivery in Freetown is already challenged by coordination issues and limited financial resources. She warned that creating two separate councils would complicate coordination further and strain available resources. “Coordination with key urban management agencies will now be required from two councils instead of one, and the already insufficient funds for services will be diverted to support another council office and staff. This will not stimulate economic growth but rather increase the wage bill and reduce available funds for essential services,” she explained.
The Mayor also raised concerns about inequity, particularly highlighting that the East End of Freetown, which contributes only 20% of property rates despite having the highest population density, would be disproportionately affected by the proposed division.
Additionally, she noted that as of September 15, 2025, neither the Freetown City Council nor other local councils had received their budget allocations for devolved functions for 2025, despite only receiving the final quarter of the 2024 allocation in August.
“Freetown deserves the opportunity to reach its full potential and thrive. The proposed division will not resolve any of our challenges; it will only worsen them. I will continue to advocate for the call to ‘Save Freetown!’” she declared.
The upcoming consultation will provide a platform for citizens to voice their opinions on this divisive proposal.
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