Africell Sierra Leone’s 1199 toll-free emergency line has become the National Disaster Management Agency’s primary public reporting platform, with the Agency disclosing that more than 65 percent of disaster-related calls are now received through the service, significantly improving disaster prevention and emergency response nationwide.
The revelation was made by the Director of Communication at the National Disaster Management Agency, Mohamed L. Bah, during an interview in which he praised Africell Sierra Leone for its sustained support through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. He described the company’s partnership with the Agency as one of its most successful collaborations with the private sector, highlighting the toll-free emergency line as a major milestone in enhancing disaster management across the country.
Mohamed L. Bah explained that before the introduction and widespread promotion of the 1199 toll-free service, reporting emergencies was often difficult for many citizens. People frequently had to travel to the Agency’s headquarters or search online for contact information before they could report disasters, a process that often delayed emergency responses.
He said the introduction of the toll-free line has changed that situation dramatically by making it possible for people across the country to report emergencies quickly, easily and without incurring any cost.
“Today, about 65 percent of the disaster-related calls we receive come through the Africell 1199 toll-free line. It has been a significant achievement for us as an agency because people can now report incidents quickly and free of charge,” Mohamed L. Bah said.
He noted that while the toll-free service has significantly improved the Agency’s emergency response capability, its greatest contribution has been in disaster prevention. According to him, members of the public are increasingly using the service to report potential hazards before they develop into full-scale disasters, enabling the National Disaster Management Agency to intervene promptly, reduce risks and minimize damage to lives and property.
Mohamed L. Bah said the service has strengthened communication between the National Disaster Management Agency and the public by providing a reliable and accessible reporting channel. The improved flow of information, he explained, has enabled emergency responders to receive timely reports, coordinate more effectively and respond to incidents much faster than was previously possible.
He also commended Africell Sierra Leone for extending its support beyond the toll-free line through Afri Radio, where the telecommunications company provides free airtime for public education programmes focused on disaster preparedness, prevention and risk reduction. He said the initiative has played an important role in raising public awareness and equipping communities with the knowledge needed to reduce disaster risks.
“Our partnership with Africell has contributed meaningfully to the work of the National Disaster Management Agency. From the toll-free line to the free radio airtime for public education, Africell has continued to support our efforts to protect lives and property. We look forward to strengthening this partnership even further,” Mohamed L. Bah stated.
Looking to the future, Mohamed L. Bah disclosed that the National Disaster Management Agency intends to establish a dedicated emergency call centre to further improve its emergency communication system. He said the Agency also plans to expand the capacity of the 1199 toll-free service by increasing the number of SIM cards connected to the emergency line, thereby improving accessibility and ensuring faster handling of emergency calls.
He expressed confidence that Africell Sierra Leone would continue to support these initiatives as part of its commitment to national development, disaster resilience and public safety.
As Sierra Leone continues to face growing disaster risks, the partnership between Africell Sierra Leone and the National Disaster Management Agency stands as a strong example of how corporate social responsibility can make a tangible difference in protecting lives and communities. By providing free and accessible emergency communication services while supporting public education on disaster preparedness, Africell Sierra Leone continues to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s disaster management system and building a safer, more resilient nation.
