Freetown’s Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, has officially announced her candidacy for the All People’s Congress (APC) party’s flagbearer position in the upcoming 2028 elections.
This declaration positions her as a prominent contender for the party’s leadership.
In a recent interview, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr expressed her commitment to the APC and her aspirations for its future.
“I am vying for the leadership of the political party that I’m humbled to serve and proud to be a part of,” she stated. She emphasized her reliance on divine guidance and party support, noting, “I believe that by God’s grace… if it is His will and with the support of the party that I love and the people that vote for that party… this is something we will achieve.”
Reflecting on her tenure as mayor, Aki-Sawyerr highlighted her dedication to development and governance.
“Over the years, I have demonstrated strong leadership, effective governance, and a commitment to development, both within my party and for the people of Sierra Leone,” she remarked.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr’s journey into politics is underpinned by a robust background in finance and public service. Born and raised in Freetown, she graduated with honors in economics from Fourah Bay College in 1988 and later earned a master’s degree in international relations and politics of the world economy from the London School of Economics. Her professional career includes over 25 years in strategic planning, risk management, and project management within the private sector.
Her transition to public service was marked by significant contributions during the Ebola outbreak in 2014, where she played a pivotal role in the National Ebola Response Centre.
In 2018, she was elected as the Mayor of Freetown, becoming the city’s first female mayor since 1980. Her tenure has been characterized by initiatives aimed at transforming the city’s infrastructure and environment through inclusive, data-driven approaches. c
The APC has a history of promoting women’s leadership, having previously appointed female ministers and heads of parastatals, and nominating the first female mayor in Freetown.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s announcement signifies a potential shift in the party’s leadership dynamics, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity.
