By David Yankay Sesay
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr Responds to Proposed Division of Freetown in Open Letter to Minister of Local Government
In a press conference held at the Freetown City Council chambers on Saturday, June 7, 2025, Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, delivered a strong and carefully worded response to the recently announced proposal to divide the capital city into two separate administrative entities.
The event, which drew a wide cross section of attendees including journalists, civil society activists, local stakeholders, and other relevant authorities centered on an open letter addressed to the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Ambassador Tamba John Lamina.
In her address, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr firmly expressed concern over the plan, citing the potential negative consequences such a division could have on the social, economic, and administrative fabric of Freetown.
Freetown is a vibrant and historically unified city that thrives on its diversity and interconnected communities, said Mayor Aki-Sawyerr. The proposed division risks disrupting that unity and undermining the progress we have collectively made in strengthening governance, promoting inclusivity, and improving service delivery.
She went on to emphasize that any decisions affecting the capital city must be informed by inclusive consultations, data driven assessments, and a clear understanding of both the short and long term implications for residents.
The mayor’s statement also highlighted concerns about resource allocation, potential duplication of administrative functions, and the risk of politicizing urban governance at a time when the city is making notable strides in areas such as climate resilience, waste management, and citizen engagement.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr concluded by calling for constructive dialogue between the Ministry of Local Government, the City Council, and Freetonians at large, advocating for a collaborative approach to urban planning that puts the people first.
The letter has since sparked widespread discussion among citizens and stakeholders, many of whom have taken to social media and community forums to voice their opinions on the matter.
As the debate continues, the mayor’s intervention has set a tone of cautious scrutiny and collective reflection, ensuring that the future of Freetown remains a subject of public concern and transparent governance.
