His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Thursday, 18 September 2025, officially commissioned the modern Sewa Grounds Market, a state-of-the-art trading complex strategically located in the heart of Freetown’s Central Business District.
The newly constructed Sewa Grounds Market, built by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NaSSIT) with funding from workers’ social security and pension contributions, comprises 1,544 trading spaces, a car park and a wide array of modern facilities. These include 176 toilets, boreholes and water towers, a daycare centre, fire force and police posts, fire extinguishers, 76 lockup shops, 277 small shops and 170 district shops.
The project, inaugurated on 18 September 2025, is designed to reduce street trading in Freetown and provide traders with a dignified and secure space to do business. The market is equipped with CCTV cameras and 24-hour security, ensuring the safety of traders, their goods and customers.
In his keynote address at the commissioning of the Sewa Grounds Market, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio commended the Management and Staff of NaSSIT for delivering what he described as “yet another human-capital-driven development in the trade sector.” He noted that although his Government inherited the project, its completion had been long overdue. He praised small business owners, particularly women traders, for their resilience in working under harsh conditions without adequate sanitation and security.
“This market is more than a safe and dignified space for our traders,” President Dr. Julius Maada Bio stated. “It will boost the productivity of small and medium enterprises, improve livelihoods and contribute significantly to the local economy of Freetown.”
The President further underscored his Government’s recognition of the informal sector’s invaluable contribution to Sierra Leone’s economy. He disclosed that plans were underway to establish a pension scheme for informal workers, including petty traders, bike riders and commercial drivers, with NaSSIT leading the process. “This scheme will enhance the well-being and secure the future of our citizens, giving them the opportunity of a dignified retirement,” he assured.
A major highlight of the ceremony was President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s announcement that although NaSSIT had initially set the stall rent at NLe 12,000, his Government had reduced it to NLe 6,000 per stall. “This cost will remain the same until the end of my tenure in office. It is a demonstration of my Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Sierra Leoneans and supporting businesses to thrive,” he declared.
Director General of NaSSIT, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, highlighted the contributions of scheme members to the successful delivery of the Sewa Grounds Market. He pledged to maintain the facility to the highest standards and expand NaSSIT’s interventions by constructing more markets across the country. “This has not been an easy journey, but we are grateful to His Excellency for his leadership and support in completing the Sewa Grounds Market,” Mohamed Fuaad Daboh stated.
Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, described the commissioning on 18 September 2025 as long overdue, pointing out that the project had been influenced by public demand. “This clearly shows that President Bio is a listening leader. As a Government, our actions are shaped by the voices and contributions of our people,” he said.
Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray further congratulated NaSSIT’s Management and Board for actualizing one of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s longstanding development priorities. He reiterated the President’s call for NaSSIT to construct more markets nationwide and encouraged informal workers to enroll in NaSSIT schemes for their long-term financial security.
The commissioning of the Sewa Grounds Market on Thursday, 18 September 2025, marks a milestone in Government’s efforts to modernize trading spaces in Freetown, reduce congestion in the city centre and provide traders with an environment that enhances dignity, security and economic growth.
