Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Ak-Sawyerr, has raised strong objections to the government’s proposal to divide the capital city into two municipalities, warning that the move would deepen existing challenges instead of providing solutions.

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 the controversial plan. While announcing the consultation, Mayor Ak-Sawyerr reiterated her stance against the proposal, describing it as detrimental to the future of the city and its residents.

“I am not opposed to the plans because of how they may affect my tenure; I am opposed because they will negatively impact the lives of Freetonians,” she emphasized.

The Mayor argued that service delivery in Freetown is already undermined by coordination difficulties and insufficient financial resources. Splitting the city into two councils, she said, would only multiply those problems by requiring dual coordination with ministries and agencies while diverting scarce funds to administrative costs.

“This will not generate wealth or stimulate economic growth. Instead, it will increase the public sector wage bill and reduce the money available for essential services,” she explained.

Ak-Sawyerr also cautioned that the proposed division would create inequalities, particularly for the East End of Freetown, which she noted contributes only 20 percent of property rates despite having the largest population. “The East End will be the most disadvantaged under this arrangement,” she warned.

The Mayor further expressed concern over financial constraints, pointing out that as of September 15, 2025, Freetown City Council and other councils across the country had yet to receive their 2025 budget allocations for devolved functions.