05/03/2026
Minister of Local Government summons emergency meeting to resolve Freetown City Council funding crisis
5 March, 2026- Amb. Tamba Lamina has convened an emergency meeting to address the ongoing financial and operational challenges facing the Freetown City Council, following a suspension of the council’s access to its funds that has disrupted sanitation services and day-to-day operations in the capital.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, was called in response to the growing sanitation concerns across Freetown. The situation reportedly arose after administrative issues linked to the transfer of the council’s former Finance Officer, Ismeila Bah, to another council, which resulted in the council being unable to access its operational funds.
Because of the funding standstill, the council has struggled to carry out key functions, particularly in sanitation management. Waste collection and other essential services have slowed significantly as suppliers and contractors responsible for providing fuel and sanitation services remain unpaid.
Minister Lamina said the emergency meeting was necessary to break the administrative impasse and restore the council’s ability to function effectively.
“This situation is not about individuals,” he emphasized during the discussions. “It is about ensuring that the city continues to function and that sanitation services are restored for the people.”
The emergency session brought together several key officials responsible for local governance and financial administration. Among those present were the Chief Administrator of the Freetown City Council, the current and former Finance Officers, the Acting Chairman and the Executive Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission. Director of Fiscal Decentralization Directorate, Director of Decentralization Secretariat, Deputy Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry were likewise present.
During the meeting, officials discussed the urgent need to unblock access to the council’s funds to enable the payment of sanitation contractors, fuel suppliers, and other service providers who are critical to maintaining waste management operations in the city.
The Chief Administrator also noted that several suppliers have not been paid for months, contributing to the slowdown in sanitation services and affecting the council’s ability to effectively manage waste across the city.
To address the situation, the minister directed council officials to immediately prepare a detailed report outlining all outstanding financial obligations, including payments to suppliers, sanitation workers, and utility service providers. The report will be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance to facilitate the administrative processes required for the council to regain access to its funds.
Officials at the meeting agreed that swift action is necessary to restore sanitation services and stabilize the operations of the Freetown City Council.
Minister Lamina assured participants that the government remains committed to resolving the issue quickly so the council can resume normal operations and continue delivering essential services to the residents of Freetown.
For more details:
Frederick V Kanneh
Senior Information Officer
MLGCA
