Is Splitting Freetown In Two, A Great Move or a Dangerous Mistake?

Author: George Ojuku Momoh

Freetown has been the name of Sierra Leones capital since March 11, 1792. Founded by freed African Americans under the guidance of abolitionist Lieutenant John Clarkson, the land was christened Freetown by the Sierra Leone Company Directors as a symbol of liberty and new beginnings.

Two centuries and thirtythree years later, Freetown continues to be remain the beating heart of Sierra Leone, rich in history but burdened with challenges.

In June 2025, during the Civic Day series in Moyamba, the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Tamba Lamin, announced a bold proposal: to divide Freetown into two separate cities. From all indications, the only step remaining is the Presidents signature to make it official.

The question is: Will this be a visionary step toward progress,or a dangerous miscalculation?

The State of Freetown

For years, Freetown has struggled with countless inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding, and slow development. Many in and out of the country are arguing that even managing a single city has proven difficult, so how would splitting it in two solve the problem?

Some supporters claim it could bring administrative efficiency. Critics believe its a politically driven move that could deepen the citys woes.

The Pushback

Since the announcement, responses have poured in from local leaders, legal experts, civil society groups, and the press,many asking the same question: Why divide Freetown?

The Lawyers Society of Sierra Leone issued a strong statement:

Creating new districts or multiple localities within Freetown, apart from fragmenting communities, would place additional strain on the nations mined governance resources. With a major mining company shutting down and a global trade crisis ongoing, it’s essential for the government to prioritize critical economic needs rather than expanding expenditure on matters that have not been proven to be governance necessities.

They argue that instead of carving new boundaries, the government should channel more resources to strengthen existing councils.

The Mayors Stand

Freetown Mayor Yvonne AkiSawyerr also responded in an open letter to the Minister:

This proposed plan does not address any of the challenges emanating from the failure to devolve key urban management mandates but will instead create additional management and coordination challenges.

What Freetown needs is greater devolution of functions to the city council, and more consolidation in service planning not further disintegration.

Her stance is clear: best practice for a city as compact and densely populated as Freetown is integration, not division.

The Silence That Speaks

The most concerning thing is the governments silence following the statement s. No town hall meetings, no public consultations, no detailed explanation of how this plan would improve life for the people of Sierra Leone especially for Freetonians.

This is about more than drawing new lines on a map. Its truly history, identity, governance, and the daily realities of citizens.

The Final Question

At a time like this when the country is facing economic uncertainty, with many agencies struggling for funds, is this the moment to restructure it’s capital city ?

The people deserve a say. The city deserves clarity.

So, I ask again: Is splitting Freetown in two a great move,or a dangerous mistake?

Author: ©️ George Ojuku Momoh

@George the Invisible Writer