The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, has publicly rebuked Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr for her opposition to the government’s proposed plans to divide the city into two local councils.
Speaking in an interview with Truth Media, Minister Lamina described the Mayor’s June 3 open letter as “very disingenuous,” asserting that raising concerns on social media is not the appropriate avenue for public officials to engage on policy matters.
“You are the Mayor of Freetown; you don’t raise concerns on social media. That’s not how we engage,” he said, emphasizing that formal channels should be used to address contentious issues.
Mayor Ak-Sawyerr’s letter had warned that the proposed redistricting could have adverse effects on service delivery, coordination, and equitable resource distribution within the capital.
However, Minister Lamina stressed that such issues should be discussed through structured dialogue with the relevant government bodies rather than through public platforms, which he suggested could unnecessarily inflame public sentiment.
The comments come ahead of the scheduled public consultation on September 18, 2025, at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, where citizens and stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide input on the government’s plans.
This advert serves to notify interested and/or affected persons/parties of the Environmental Social Health Impact Assessment was conducted for the Long Lush (SL) LTD, Freetown Sierra Leone.
In conformity with the Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency Act 2008, the LONG LUSH (SL) LTD Project needs to be planned and designed in a manner that minimizes potential negative social and environmental impacts.
This is expected to be achieved through the ESHIA Process that was undertaken by Geomining Consultancy (SL) Ltd.
The Environmental Social Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) report has been presented to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-SL) to be presented to the affected and interested stakeholders during the public disclosure processes for discussion.
Geomining Consultancy, EPA – SL and Long Lush Group (SL) Ltd, propose to conduct stakeholder engagement process at the following locations and dates: Babatok Village, Upper Banta Chiefdom, Moyamba District on 12th January 2024
Senuhun Village, Bagruwa Chiefdom, Moyamba District on 13th January 2024
The report is now available for reference purposes at any time at the following locations:
The Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) office, 92 Dundas street, Brookfield, Freetown;
Long Lush (SL) Ltd, 65 Siaka Steven Street Freetown
Geomining Consultancy at 33 Victoria Street Freetown.
Stakeholders and/or interested person/parties are invited to participate in the consultation process for the Public Disclosure processes at the above-mentioned locations.
Your input and any issues or insights that you may have regarding the projects will be valuable.
Comments can be submitted verbally at the Stakeholder’s workshop or written format. Written comments must be sent to the following contacts below.
We look forward to your participation in the consultation and disclosure process.
In a strategic move towards appreciating the good work of its Agents and Customers, RCBank has held a Public Lecture and an Award ceremony for its customers and Simkorpor Agents for their outstanding contributions towards the development of the Bank on Friday, 11th August 2023, at the D’ Bim D’ Bam Hall Wellington Street, Freetown.
Mrs. Kezia Salankole, Head of Simkorpor at RCBank, pointed out that the award ceremony is in line with the Celebration of Simkorpor 5 years Journey. In commemoration of the event, she further revealed that they have looked at their journey, picked out the best of their customers and Partners that have helped them through their five-year trajectory of Success.
Chairman of the Programme, Mr. Aruna Dumbuya pointed out in his Public Lecture that the Bank Prioritizes financial literacy in a bid to enhance customers Protection. He affirmed that over the years, the leadership of RCBank have been doing public Lectures at Universities and in Public Places both national and International.
He added that as a bank, they have seen how climate Change and environmental issues are impacting the world, and they recently celebrated their 4th anniversary of tree Planting Project at Petifu Masiaka on 27th July 2023 in a bid to become a green friendly Bank. He added that RCBank Limited is also committed towards protecting and preserving the environment.
The Managing Director Dr. Ekundayo Gilpin revealed that as a bank they are on a Journey, a path towards digital exploit in Sierra Leone. He admitted that he has been a customer and also experienced financial inclusion in other countries which he believes can be replicated in Sierra Leone. This led to his recognition that there was a gap in digital Banking as far as expectations and deliverables are concerns in in the country. In 2017, he realized that Sierra Leonean bank can take the lead.
”When I came back in 2017, I saw an opportunity to make this happen in Sierra Leone and I believe that despite the presence of Nigerian banks, Sierra Leonean Banks, we can take the lead. I believe 5 years down the line, I believe we have been able to make big input. We have been able to support financial transactions to vulnerable people, thousands around the world, right now we are working along with the Orange, Africell and other Teleco companies. We are piggy banking on the policies and the variables coming from the regulators. We are strongly part of the National switch and strongly part of the financial Inclusion that is being read out by the central Bank” Dr. Gilpin stated.
Representing the Ministry of Finance, Acting Director of Research and Delivery Division, Alhaji Abu Komeh expressed appreciation to the management of RCbank for giving them the opportunity to deliver a statement on digitalization in financial transactions.
He pointed out that this event marks an important milestone in emphasizing the financial sector role in enabling economic transactions, financial Inclusion, Facilitating trade, creating employment and contributing to inclusive economic growth.
He further admitted that in this age of globalization, rapid expansions on the use of green technology and innovative business approaches, the world has keep on providing digital financial services which is now a game changer in low income countries like Sierra Leone.
He affirmed that beyond, the traditional financial services offered by commercial Banks such as Account opening and credit facilities, digital financial services has become a great way to reach financially excluded communities. RCBank recently unveiled five new kiosks as part of its Agency Banking Initiative, strategically placed at Mile 91, Rutile , and Lunsar, Kambia and Port Loko as a Key component of the bank’s vision to foster accessibility and streamline financial Processes in Sierra Leone.
As the programme climaxed with the presentation of awards, distinguish customers and Agents Praised the management of RCBank for acknowledging their roles and contributions towards the successful operations of the Bank.
