Freetown, 21st January 2026- The Eastern Police Clock Tower, one of Freetown’s most iconic colonial-era landmarks, is set to undergo a major restoration, reviving its historic look and symbolic significance at the heart of the capital.
Mayor Aki Sayer announced the commencement of the project last week, describing the tower as “a monument that filters into the rich history of Freetown.” She made the remarks while witnessing the second phase of restoration works at Old Fourah Bay College in Cline Town, another treasured heritage site.
Funds have already been secured, and work is expected to begin soon. “This historic monument will be restored to revive its symbolic significance as a colonial-era landmark,” Mayor Sayer said, underscoring her administration’s commitment to preserving Freetown’s cultural identity.
Erected in the late 19th century under British colonial administration, the Eastern Police Clock Tower was designed as both a civic utility and a symbol of authority and modernity. Located near the Eastern Police Station on Sanni Abacha Street, it quickly became a reference point for the bustling Eastend district, giving the neighborhood its name.
Over the decades, the tower has stood as a marker of urban identity, anchoring the eastern boundary of Freetown’s Central Business District. It has long served as a meeting point for residents, traders, and visitors, while the surrounding area grew into one of the city’s busiest marketplaces.
Beyond its colonial symbolism, the clock tower has become a living part of Sierra Leone’s social fabric. It has hosted memorials, civic gatherings, and reflections on the country’s post-war journey, embodying resilience and continuity. Preservationists have on several occasions maintained that maintaining the tower is vital for safeguarding Freetown’s layered history.
Like many historic structures, the tower has suffered from age, weather, and limited maintenance. The restoration project is therefore seen as a crucial step in protecting Sierra Leone’s heritage while restoring pride in one of the capital’s most recognizable landmarks.
