Freetown, 3rd October 2026- The Lawyers’ Society has called on the government to withdraw a series of statutory instruments establishing new districts, cities, councils and chiefdoms, arguing that the required consultation and parliamentary procedures may not have been followed.
In a press release, the Society expressed concern over Government Notices 246 to 277, published as a supplement to the Extraordinary Sierra Leone Gazette of September 16, 2026, but reportedly first seen in circulation on September 30. According to the Society, the notices seek to create new administrative boundaries and local government structures without clear evidence that mandatory legal processes have been completed.
Particular concern was raised over Statutory Instruments No. 13, which establishes the Freetown City Council; No. 15, which creates the Freetown West City Council; and No. 19, which establishes the Lungi City Council.
The Society noted that it had previously warned against government plans to create Bandajuma and Kpanguma districts, split Freetown into two local government areas, divide the Western Rural District into three entities and grant city status to Lungi. In a press statement issued on June 7, 2025, it argued that the proposals raised significant legal questions and risked undermining social cohesion.
Citing provisions of the Local Government Act of 2022, the Society acknowledged that the President has the authority to declare districts, towns and cities through statutory instruments. However, it stressed that such powers are subject to constitutional and statutory safeguards.
According to the Society, Section 170(7) of the 1991 Constitution and the Constitutional and Statutory Instruments Act of 1999 require all statutory instruments to be laid before Parliament for 21 days before taking effect. It further pointed to Standing Order 18(2), which requires any such instrument to be accompanied by a memorandum explaining consultations held with relevant stakeholders.
The Society argued that these requirements presuppose meaningful public engagement before decisions are made.
It questioned the legitimacy of a government meeting held on September 18, 2025, which officials described as a consultation exercise. The Society maintained that the gathering amounted to a presentation of a predetermined proposal rather than a process through which stakeholders could meaningfully shape or influence the outcome.
In contrast, the Society highlighted a town hall meeting organised by the Freetown City Council on June 26, 2025, which drew more than 600 participants, including market women, commercial bike riders, youth groups, civil society organisations and representatives of the Lawyers’ Society. According to the Society, attendees overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to divide Freetown, a position reflected in Resolution FCC/2026/04.
The group also pointed to opposition from the Krio Descendant Union (KDU), describing it as a major stakeholder that has publicly condemned the proposed restructuring.
