President Bio Inaugurates National Governing Council for APRM to Deepen Governance Reforms

May 2, 2025

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, officially inaugurated the National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) at State House, marking a major step forward in Sierra Leone’s pursuit of good governance, democratic accountability and transparency.

The ceremony signaled Sierra Leone’s renewed commitment to the Pan-African self-assessment framework designed to promote institutional strengthening, peer learning and homegrown solutions to governance challenges across the continent.

Speaking during the event, the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs and APRM National Focal Point, Hon. Amara Kallon, underscored the significance of the APRM in reinforcing democratic institutions and enabling inclusive dialogue. He noted that the newly inaugurated Council will guide Sierra Leone’s second self-assessment and peer review process, while promoting stakeholder engagement and championing reforms that enhance governance efficiency and accountability.

Professor Duramany Lakkoh, Chairperson of the newly appointed APRM Governing Council, outlined the body’s key responsibilities. Among its priorities, he said, is the coordination of the upcoming 3rd High-Level Forum on South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Development, positioning Sierra Leone as a regional leader in governance innovation and knowledge-sharing.

President Bio, in his keynote address, congratulated the Council members and praised their commitment to public service. He charged them to execute their duties with integrity, transparency and a strong sense of civic responsibility. The President emphasized that their work is vital to sustaining democratic gains and ensuring that public institutions remain citizen-focused and results-driven.

“With the establishment of the APRM National Governing Council, Sierra Leone takes another bold step toward institutional reform, democratic consolidation and regional collaboration,” President Bio declared. “The APRM provides a vital platform for reflection, dialogue and policymaking based on evidence and best practices. Our task now is to ensure that governance truly responds to the needs and aspirations of our people.”

The inauguration of the Council reaffirms Sierra Leone’s active participation in the African Union’s APRM framework and demonstrates its resolve to align national governance practices with continental and international democratic standards.

With the country preparing to undertake its next self-assessment, the National Governing Council is expected to play a central role in deepening accountability, fostering inclusive participation and advancing governance reforms that enhance the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

Vice President Highlights Labour Reforms at Inaugural National Conference

May 2, 2025

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In a landmark step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s labour market, the Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Wednesday 30^th April, 2025 officially launched the country’s inaugural National Labour Conference at the Miatta Conference Center in Freetown. The event brought together key stakeholders from Government, the private sector and workers’ organizations to deliberate on the future of work and job creation in Sierra Leone.

While delivering his keynote address at the inauguration of the two-day National Labour Conference, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commended the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security for organizing the event, which was initially proposed during last year’s May Day celebrations.

He noted that the forum creates a vital platform for tripartite dialogue among Government, employers and workers in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 144, which advocates for inclusive consultation on labour standards and social justice.

“This platform aligns with our broader commitment to fostering structured discussions on the future of work,” the Vice President said. “It reflects our dedication to fairness, inclusion and preparing our workforce for the evolving demands of the labour market.”

He reaffirmed the Government’s focus on its Big Five Game Changers, a development strategy designed to stimulate job growth, improve skills training and enhance economic resilience. A key pillar of that strategy includes the expansion of vocational training centres to equip youth with market-relevant skills.

Highlighting President Julius Maada Bio’s achievements since 2018, the Vice President cited the country’s advances in human capital development, including the fact that 9 out of 10 children are now enrolled in school, over 11,000 teachers have been employed and significant progress has been made in STEM education for girls. He also noted that 22% of the national budget is allocated to education; a testament to the Government’s long-term vision for workforce development.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also spotlighted the Feed Salone Project, a flagship agricultural initiative aimed at reducing Sierra Leone’s dependence on food imports, which made up 23% of total imports between 2016 and 2022. He welcomed recent data from the Central Bank indicating a drop in food inflation from 23% to 21%, describing it as an early sign of success.

“Agriculture holds immense potential for job creation,” the Vice President emphasized. “By stimulating private sector investment in farming, processing and commercialization, we are laying the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive employment pipeline.”

In another major announcement, the Vice President revealed that tourism has now been reclassified as a productive sector, citing its untapped potential to generate employment and foreign revenue. He shared that the Ministry of Tourism has already developed a comprehensive action plan to capitalize on that opportunity.

Following the Vice President’s address, the conference continued with six panel sessions covering a broad range of critical topics, including:

National Strategies for Job Creation
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment
Ensuring Decent Work, Fair Wages and Safe Working Conditions

The National Labour Conference is being widely viewed as a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s labour policy development, aimed at institutionalizing labour reforms and promoting inclusive economic growth. Stakeholders from across the country expressed optimism that the initiative will lead to concrete policies that improve job opportunities and working conditions for all Sierra Leoneans.

NP (SL) Promotes Employee Wellness as a Pillar of Operational Success

May 2, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) continues to stand tall as Sierra Leone’s leading petroleum marketing company, an indigenous success story that has redefined service delivery, innovation and safety in the energy sector. Fully owned and operated by Sierra Leoneans, NP (SL) has become a household name, trusted for its reliability, accessibility and strong customer care culture.

Recognized nationwide as “1st for Customer Care,” the company has built a reputation for consistently prioritizing customer satisfaction. Whether in city centers or remote towns, NP (SL)’s commitment to serving individuals and businesses, with professionalism and efficiency, remains at the forefront of its operations.

One of the company’s most transformative innovations is the NP Energy Pass Card; a digital payment solution that allows customers to buy fuel in advance and monitor their consumption with ease and transparency. This modern tool enhances fuel management, reduces risks linked to cash handling and offers convenience for both individual and corporate clients.

NP (SL) also markets NP Gas, a clean and environmentally friendly cooking solution that is helping to shift households away from harmful traditional fuels. Readily available at NP stations and through authorized dealers, NP Gas is safer, more efficient and aligns with the country’s drive toward sustainability and environmental protection.

While NP (SL)’s innovative services and expanding footprint are central to its success, the company’s strongest focus lies in its unwavering commitment to health and safety at the workplace. Safety is deeply ingrained in the company’s culture, with strict protocols in place at all levels, from fuel depots to Filling Stations, to protect staff, customers and the wider public. Regular safety training and compliance checks ensure that operations meet the highest national and international standards.

In addition, NP (SL) places employee wellbeing and professional development at the heart of its corporate strategy. The company provides a supportive work environment that promotes capacity building, inclusivity and job satisfaction. It is this people-first approach that has created a motivated workforce and sustained operational excellence over the years.

NP (SL)’s expansion across Sierra Leone has also played a vital role in reducing energy poverty. By establishing service stations in underserved and hard-to-reach areas, the company has increased access to petroleum products, supported local economic activity and contributed to national development.

From innovation to safety, from clean energy to human capital development, NP (SL) Ltd remains a shining example of private sector leadership in Sierra Leone. Its enduring success reflects not only sound business practices but a deep-rooted commitment to advancing the country’s energy goals and improving lives across all regions.

Mabel’s Cottage Launches National Cake Festival to Spotlight Sierra Leonean Baking Talents

May 2, 2025

Zainab PYF Turay, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mabel’s Cottage Pastry Store

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to empower young women and celebrate Sierra Leone’s rich culinary and cultural heritage, Zainab PYF Turay, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mabel’s Cottage Pastry Store, has on Wednesday 30^th April, 2025 officially launched the second edition of the National Cake Festival Competition. The launch event took place at her pastry store on Cockle Bay, off Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen in Freetown.

Held under the theme: “A Good Way to Get Teenage Girls Off the Street,” the festival aims to use baking as a tool for empowerment, creativity and economic opportunity, especially for girls and young women. The main event is scheduled to take place on the 6^th to 8^th November 2025, with the proposed venue being Youyi Building in Freetown.

Speaking at the launch, Zainab PYF Turay said the initiative was borne out of a passion to highlight the talent of Sierra Leonean bakers and to elevate the status of baking in the country.

“Baking is an art and a craft, not just standing behind an oven,” she said. “Sierra Leone has great talents that need to be recognized and this festival is a platform to showcase them.”

Now in its second edition, the festival will not only feature a cake competition but also serve as a cultural exhibition, allowing participants to showcase traditional foods, crafts and customs from various ethnic groups in Sierra Leone.

To participate as a baker, contestants are required to pay a registration fee of Le500, while cultural exhibitors will pay Le1, 500 for a booth to display and sell traditional items strictly non-European and authentically Sierra Leonean.

One of the unique highlights of the event is the grand prize: a fully-sponsored trip to Abuja, Nigeria, including accommodation at a five-star hotel and a two-week pastry and culinary training course. According to Zainab PYF Turay, judges for the competition will include both international professionals from Europe and the United States, as well as the event audience, who will have voting power.

“It’s a two-way competition,” she noted. “We want the people to have a say as well it’s not just about what the judges think.”

While the second and third place prizes have not yet been disclosed, Zainab PYF Turay promised they would also be significant, adding to the excitement and competitive spirit of the event.

She concluded with a passionate appeal to Sierra Leonean bakers:

“It’s time to put Sierra Leone on the map when it comes to baking. We want the world to know that we have talents here.”

Organizers expect the festival to draw wide participation from bakers, cultural groups and the public, making it a landmark event for both culinary arts and cultural celebration in Sierra Leone.

On International Labour Day… Kobi Walker, President of SLEF, Underscores the Role of Employers in Advancing Labour Rights

May 2, 2025

Kobi Walker, President of the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation

By Amin Kef-Ranger

During the 2025 International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, event held on 1st May, 2025 at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, Kobi Walker, President of the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation, called for renewed collaboration among stakeholders to address emerging challenges in the world of work and to promote equity as well as sustainability.

Speaking under the national theme: “Shaping the Future of Work”, Kobi Walker outlined the Federation’s ongoing initiatives and vision to ensure that the evolving world of work benefits all Sierra Leoneans; employers, employees and the broader society.

“No economy grows without its workers and no worker thrives without a dignified, fair and secure environment,” Kobi Walker stated, reaffirming the Federation’s commitment to the International Labour Organization’s principles of decent work, social justice and sustainable enterprises.

The President of the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation praised the progress made through institutions such as the Joint National Negotiation Board and the Tripartite Labour Council, calling dialogue the foundation of industrial peace and development. He invoked the words of Nelson Mandela: “It is through cooperation, rather than confrontation, that we will achieve progress.”

Acknowledging the global shifts caused by digital transformation, automation and artificial intelligence, Kobi Walker detailed the Federation’s strategic partnerships with technical institutions and the private sector. He noted that over 500 workers and jobseekers have been trained this year in ICT, entrepreneurship and workplace safety; part of a wider initiative to prepare Sierra Leone’s workforce for the future.

Highlighting workplace safety as a national priority, he noted the Federation’s support for the development of Sierra Leone’s National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and other stakeholders. “A safe workplace is a productive workplace,” he reminded attendees, quoting the ILO.

In a bold statement on women’s empowerment, the President of the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation announced that 40% of companies affiliated with the Federation now have women in senior management, up from just 22% five years ago. He described gender parity not as a token gesture but as a “strategic imperative” for sustainable growth.

Kobi Walker also celebrated the Federation’s role in the consultative process that led to the enactment of the Employment Act 2023. He emphasized the Federation’s commitment to educating employers on compliance with the new law, which expands rights for workers and sets clear standards on leave, benefits and fair treatment.

Concluding his address, Kobi Walker urged all stakeholders, Government, workers and employers to act with urgency and unity.

“Shaping the future of work is not a task for tomorrow. It is an agenda for today,” he said. Quoting renowned management thinker, Peter Drucker, he added, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

The Employers’ Federation, he affirmed, stands ready to create a work environment in Sierra Leone that is “inclusive, dignified, innovative and sustainable.”

The May Day event served as a rallying point for tripartite partners to reflect, realign and recommit to building a resilient and forward-looking workforce for the nation.

Julius Mattai’s Leadership Signals New Era for Sierra Leone’s Mining Sector

May 2, 2025

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Sierra Leone’s mining sector is charting a bold new course under the leadership of Julius Daniel Mattai, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, as it records major strides that signal a new era of economic transformation. The most recent breakthrough is the signing of a landmark USD 330 million senior debt facility for FG Gold Ltd’s Baomahun Gold Project, Sierra Leone’s first large-scale commercial gold mine.

The agreement, finalized on April 28, 2025, is being hailed as a milestone that not only advances the mining sector but also accelerates the country’s broader economic aspirations. In a compelling address during the signing ceremony, the Mines Minister described the investment as a direct result of President Julius Maada Bio’s visionary leadership, which has fostered a stable, transparent and investor-friendly climate in the country.

He pointed specifically to the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2023, a comprehensive piece of legislation that embeds international best practices and enhances transparency, as a cornerstone of recent success. “The transformation we are witnessing in the mining sector is deliberate, structured and people-centered,” Julius Daniel Mattai said.

The Baomahun Gold Project is set to become a major pillar of the national economy. With a certified JORC resource of 5.81 million ounces of gold and an anticipated annual production of 150,000 ounces over 12.5 years, the project is expected to significantly boost Sierra Leone’s GDP. Beyond the macroeconomic impact, the project will also generate approximately 1,200 direct jobs.

Importantly, the agreement includes a provision that allocates 1% of the project’s gross revenues to a Community Development Fund, aimed at supporting vital local initiatives in healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure.

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources commended FG Gold Ltd for its inclusive approach to development. He lauded the company’s efforts to upgrade infrastructure and implement sustainable development practices, including a hybrid renewable energy system developed in partnership with CrossBoundary Energy. That initiative is projected to prevent 380,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions over the mine’s lifespan, demonstrating a firm commitment to environmental stewardship.

“These are not just investments in infrastructure,” Julius Daniel Mattai declared. “They are investments in people, in future and in hope.”

He further acknowledged the strong show of confidence from both African and international financial institutions, which he said reflects the growing trust in Sierra Leone’s reformed legal and investment framework. The Minister called on global investors to seize the opportunity to participate in the country’s mineral revolution, emphasizing the robust protections and returns offered by the sector.

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources concluded by extending an invitation to stakeholders across Africa and beyond to deepen their engagement with Sierra Leone further painting a vision of a future where African natural resources not only power global industries but also drive sustainable prosperity for African communities.

“Let us demonstrate that, with the right leadership, the right laws and the right partnerships, mining can be a force for transformation, empowerment and hope,” he said.

Poised for a mining-driven economic renewal, the country is gaining momentum under the leadership of the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources and the forward-looking vision of President Bio, as confidence in Sierra Leone continues to grow both at home and abroad.

Evangelist Bishop Dag Heward-Mills Meets President Bio in Strengthening Faith-Based Partnership

May 2, 2025

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills & by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, the esteemed Ghanaian evangelist and founder of the United Organization of First Love Churches, on Wednesday, 30 April 2025 paid a courtesy visit to State House in Freetown, where he was formally received by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

The visit underscored the growing collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone and faith-based organizations in promoting national development, peace and moral leadership.

Bishop Heward-Mills, celebrated across Africa for his evangelistic “Healing Jesus Campaigns,” praised President Bio for his visionary and inclusive leadership. He commended the President’s unwavering commitment to peace, stability and social cohesion in Sierra Leone, while emphasizing the importance of moral and spiritual renewal in shaping national progress.

In a warm exchange, President Bio expressed gratitude for the Bishop’s visit and spiritual support. He acknowledged the critical role faith leaders play in uniting communities, promoting values-driven governance and strengthening the moral fabric of the nation.

“The involvement of religious leaders and faith-based organizations remains central to our national development efforts,” President Bio stated. “We believe that integrating spiritual values into public policy not only promotes ethical governance but also builds stronger, more compassionate societies.”

The meeting also reflected on the importance of divine guidance in leadership, with both men agreeing on the transformative power of faith in public service. Bishop Heward-Mills offered prayers for the President and the country, invoking divine wisdom and protection over Sierra Leone’s leadership and people.

President Bio reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to engaging faith-based actors in national dialogue and development initiatives, recognizing their outreach and influence in shaping public consciousness and community development.

The visit by Bishop Heward-Mills is the latest in President Bio’s ongoing efforts to deepen engagement with spiritual leaders, as part of a broader strategy to foster unity, ethical leadership and inclusive progress across Sierra Leone.

Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi Appointed as Supreme Court Judge in Sierra Leone

May 2, 2025

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Honourable Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi has been officially appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, following approval by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. Her elevation comes on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) and marks a significant milestone in a distinguished legal career that has spanned over twenty years.

Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi brings to the Supreme Court a wealth of legal expertise gained from both national and international platforms. She ascends to the apex court having served previously as a High Court Judge and more recently as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Her judicial career has been widely lauded for its integrity, dedication to justice and commitment to upholding the rule of law.

She was called to the English Bar 24 years ago at the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple and to the Sierra Leone Bar nearly 22 years ago. She is an alumna of the University of Surrey’s Roehampton Institute (BA Hons. in Education and Sociology), Middlesex University (Postgraduate Diploma in Law) and the University of Liverpool (LLM in International Finance and Banking Law).

Her early education began at St. Ann’s Primary School and St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Freetown, before continuing her studies in the United Kingdom. She held key roles in the UK’s Parole Board and Home Office before returning to Sierra Leone in 2002.

Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi has extensive experience in both private and public legal practice. She worked with renowned law firms in Freetown, served as a State Prosecutor at the Law Officers’ Department and was an Independent Prosecutor and Investigator at the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Her legal acumen extended into the banking sector, where she held senior management roles at Guaranty Trust Bank (SL) Ltd and led the Legal Affairs Department of the Financial Intelligence Unit.

Appointed to the High Court in 2015, she served across various divisions, including Commercial, Criminal, Civil and Anti-Corruption, before her promotion to the Court of Appeal in 2020. Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi is also an academic, lecturing in Professional Ethics and Commercial Law at the Sierra Leone Law School.

Throughout her career, Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi has played pivotal roles in legal reform and judicial administration. She has served on several key committees within the Judiciary, including the Rules of Court Committee, the Integrity Management Committee and the Judicial and Legal Training Institute.

She is a former Vice President of both the Sierra Leone Bar Association and L.A.W.Y.E.R.S., a female lawyers’ organization advocating for women’s rights. Her work in championing social justice, especially for women and girls, has earned her numerous accolades.

In 2021, she was awarded by the Women’s Forum of Sierra Leone for her contribution to justice and women’s empowerment. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first African and first Sierra Leonean to be Called to the Bench of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple Inn, one of England and Wales’ prestigious Inns of Court.

Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi’s appointment is widely seen as a testament to her unwavering commitment to judicial excellence and public service. As she assumes her new role at the Supreme Court, expectations are high that she will continue to deliver fair and principled judgments that reinforce the integrity of Sierra Leone’s judiciary.

Her appointment further reflects President Bio’s continued efforts to strengthen judicial independence and enhance legal institutions across the country.

Amid Growing Discontent, Pressure Builds on President Bio to Resolve Rice Entitlement Delays

May 2, 2025

Across Sierra Leone’s security institutions, frustration is escalating into a significant concern, one that poses a serious threat to the morale of the nation’s security personnel. The root cause is the delayed supply of rice, a basic entitlement for those who serve in the country’s armed forces, police and correctional services. What started as a minor logistical hiccup has now evolved into a serious issue.

While suppliers have met their obligations, providing the rice as agreed in their contracts, the payments for those supplies have been withheld for months. The Ministry of Defence has submitted the necessary payment vouchers multiple times, yet the funds remain trapped within the Ministry of Finance due to a series of delays and bureaucratic hurdles. This failure to release the required funds has resulted in the suspension of rice deliveries, an issue that now extends well beyond simple supply chain management.

For the men and women in Sierra Leone’s security forces, the growing disillusionment is evident in the mounting frustration expressed by personnel from the armed forces, the police and the prisons service. The breakdown in this fundamental aspect of their wellbeing sends a negative message: that those who protect the nation are not a priority.

The situation has deteriorated further in recent months. What initially started as a delay in deliveries has grown into a severe shortfall. Reports indicate that the rice shortage, which began as a five-month delay in 2023, has now stretched to an alarming seven-month gap in 2024. This shortage is impacting not only the armed forces and police but also the correctional services, where prison officers and inmates are experiencing similar difficulties. These institutions are already under significant strain and the additional pressure of a food shortage only worsens the already fragile state of affairs.

Despite numerous appeals from the Ministry of Defence and clear documentation of the funds required, the Ministry of Finance has not taken the necessary steps to release the payments. The Government’s inability to address the issue has led to mounting dissatisfaction and anxiety across the ranks. This is no longer just a matter of unfulfilled logistics; it is a question of national stability.

At this critical juncture, some have opined that President Julius Maada Bio, as both a former military officer and the Commander-in-Chief, must step forward decisively. The situation demands more than bureaucratic processes and backdoor negotiations. The President, it is furthered, must intervene immediately to ensure that the funds are released and the rice supply reaches the nation’s security personnel without further delay. According to a School of thought his leadership is paramount at this moment.

It has been suggested that President Bio’s intervention would not only restore the much-needed provisions but also reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the wellbeing of those who serve. Effective leadership, it was added, is defined not by moments of peace, but by how one responds to moments of pressure.

“The Government must act swiftly to restore the trust of the nation’s security forces and ensure that the situation does not escalate further,” a Political Commentator suggested.

The urgency of the issue cannot be overstated and the longer the Government delays in resolving the ugly situation, the greater the risk to national stability and public trust. The question now is not whether this is a serious problem; it is whether the Government will act swiftly and decisively to address it. It was stated that the security forces of Sierra Leone deserve better and it is time for the Government to deliver.

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr Unveils Modern Wilberforce Village Market Complex to Boost Local Trade

May 2, 2025

In a landmark event marking a significant step toward improving local trade infrastructure, the Mayor of Freetown, Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, officially commissioned the newly completed Wilberforce Village Market Complex on the 30^th April, 2025. The commissioning fulfills a long-standing promise made to the residents of Wilberforce and highlights the value of continuity in governance and development.

The multi-storey market complex, originally conceptualized during the administration of former Mayor Franklyn Bode Gibson, was left incomplete for years. In 2018, during community engagements with market women and stakeholders, residents appealed to Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr for its completion. Under her leadership, the project was revitalized and expanded into a modern, functional trading facility.

The newly inaugurated market complex goes beyond traditional expectations. It now comprises:

A wet goods market on the ground floor;
11 purpose-built shops for dry goods and textiles on the second floor;
A third-floor entertainment area featuring a built-in stage;
Storage facilities located in the basement and at the rear of the building.

“This is more than just a market it’s a symbol of partnership between Government and community and of what we can achieve through innovation and commitment,” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr said during the commissioning ceremony.

The NLe5.5 million (5.5 billion old Leones) project was primarily financed through Freetown City Council’s internally generated revenue, including property rates and business licenses paid by residents. Bloomberg Philanthropies also contributed generously with a donation of USD 200,000. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr commended Freetonians for their civic contributions, stating that: “This market was built by Freetonians for Freetonians.”

She expressed gratitude to the contractor, Alpha Sesay of Ya Marie Enterprises, for his dedication, as well as to the Deputy Mayor, Kweku Lisk Esq., Councillors and the FCC administrative team for their support in executing the project.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr extended appreciation to key community stakeholders and former officials whose efforts laid the groundwork for the project, including former Mayor Franklyn Bode Gibson, former MPs Hon. Alimamy Kamara and Hon. Chernor Maju Bah, former Defence Minister, Alfred Paolo Conteh, and former Councillor Aminata Gibril. She also praised Market Chairlady, Nanah Benjamin and community elder, Pa Jones, for their continued advocacy.

“This market belongs to all of us—it’s a collective achievement,” the Mayor noted.

At the event, attended by the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Jamiru and representatives of market leadership across the city, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr announced future plans for market development. Engineering assessments have been completed for 44 markets in Freetown and major repairs are set to begin at Kroo Town Road, Portee, Bombay Street and Lumley markets. A new market will also be constructed in Allen Town by the end of 2025.

However, the Mayor emphasized that continued development is dependent on civic responsibility: “The progress we make depends on your continued support through timely payment of property rates and business licenses.”

To ensure long-term maintenance and effective operation of the Wilberforce Market Complex, the FCC will engage a professional management company. This strategic move aims to preserve the structure’s integrity and ensure it remains a clean, safe and organized space for traders and customers alike.

The commissioning has been hailed as a significant achievement not just for Wilberforce but for Freetown at large. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr concluded, “Today is a reminder that hope, backed by action, can be transformed into reality.