Freetown, 11th November, 2025 –The Freetown City Council (FCC) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as undue interference and intimidation from central government officials, warning that such actions are threatening the Council’s ability to function effectively.
Speaking at a press conference held at City Hall, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, flanked by Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk Esq., Chief Councillor Zainab Conteh, and several elected councillors, condemned the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs for what she called “ill-timed and disruptive” staff transfers.
The Mayor clarified that while the Council is not opposed to staff movements in principle, it insists that due process must be respected. She specifically objected to the proposed transfer of the Council’s Finance Officer, describing it as “inopportune and destabilizing,” especially as FCC is in the final stages of preparing its 2026 budget.
“This is not just any moment,” she said. “We are the only local council piloting the Public Financial Management Smart System. Removing our Finance Officer now undermines both innovation and accountability.”
The Council’s objections follow a press release issued by the Ministry on November 4, titled ‘Minister of Local Government directs implementation of Council Staff Transfers, urges end to stagnation’. In response, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized that staff matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Local Government Service Commission, not the Ministry.
She also cited a deteriorating working relationship with Chief Administrator Raman Tom Farmar, accusing him of failing to cooperate with elected officials. “I have formally written to the Local Government Service Commission requesting his transfer,” she added.
Chief Councillor Zainab Conteh echoed the Mayor’s concerns, recounting what she described as “instances of intimidation and bullying” by both the Chief Administrator and the Minister of Local Government. “These actions are not only disrespectful, they are obstructive,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk reaffirmed the Council’s position, stating that the Ministry’s involvement in staff transfers amounts to an overreach. “The Local Government Service Commission is the legally mandated body for these decisions. The Ministry’s directive undermines that authority and sets a dangerous precedent,” he said.
The press conference also highlighted broader systemic challenges. According to the Mayor, the Government has only disbursed the final quarter of the 2024 allocations to local councils since the start of the year, leaving FCC and others grappling with severe funding delays.
