Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a bold move to reclaim the streets of the capital, the Sierra Leone government has unveiled a new multi-agency task force dedicated to combating lawlessness and strengthening public order across Freetown.
Internal Affairs Minister Morie Lengor announced the initiative, which brings together the Sierra Leone Police, the Freetown City Council (FCC), and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA).
The task force will target persistent urban challenges including illegal street trading, unregulated operations of okadas and kekehs, noise pollution, and other forms of disorder that have long undermined the city’s livability.
“Restoring discipline and strictly enforcing existing regulations are critical if we are to transform Freetown into a cleaner, safer, and more appealing city for tourism, business, and investment,” Minister Lengor said.
The government is already coordinating with the FCC on a major relocation drive for traders currently operating in unauthorized areas. Citing the successful clearance and reorganization of Wilberforce as a model, Lengor indicated that congested hotspots such as Lumley, Jui, and similar locations will be addressed once suitable alternative market spaces are ready.
The Minister stressed the need for a well-planned and organized Freetown free from indiscipline, describing the partnership between his ministry and the FCC as a potential blueprint for local councils across the country.
The announcement signals a renewed government push to modernize the capital’s urban management and improve the overall business and living environment in one of West Africa’s historic coastal cities.
