Freetown, August 20, 2025 – In a sweeping step toward more localized governance, Sierra Leone’s Cabinet has greenlit the creation of two new districts— Bandajuma and Kpanguma —while restructuring the capital region with additional administrative bodies.
At a briefing under the Civic Day Series hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in Moyamba, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamin, announced that Bandajuma will be carved from portions of Bo and Pujehun Districts, while Kpanguma will emerge from areas of Kenema and Kailahun.
The government argues that this redistricting—bringing the total to 18 districts—will deepen local governance, boost infrastructure, and improve service delivery to historically underserved areas.
Freetown itself is poised for transformation: the Western Urban Area will be divided into two separate administrative councils, while the Western Rural Area will be reorganized into three distinct councils.
Additionally, Lungi Township —home to Sierra Leone’s main international airport—will be elevated to city status, reflecting its growing economic and strategic importance.
Drawing on the powers granted by the 2022 Local Government Act, Minister Lamin emphasized that, while the President possesses the authority to declare new administrative units, the current initiative follows extensive consultations. These include input from key stakeholders and collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone for accurate boundary demarcation.
Opposition Voices Alarm, Accuse Move of Political Motives
The All People’s Congress (APC) has reacted sharply to the announcement. In a statement released at the end of May, the opposition party condemned the move as “undemocratic,” “illegal,” and “politically motivated”. They argue the decision was made without proper national consultation or reliable census data.
The APC described the government’s action as a “dangerous provocation,” warning that it could be a calculated attempt to manipulate the country’s administrative and electoral boundaries for partisan gain. They stressed that the current census process has not even formally begun, calling for any administrative changes to await credible demographic data.
