By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a decisive move to safeguard the nation’s vital natural resources, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister on 12 August 2025 led a high-powered inter-ministerial delegation to the Western Area Peninsula Protected Area. The visit, aimed at assessing the proposed re-demarcation of the park, brought together senior officials from key ministries and agencies committed to environmental protection and national development.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by representatives from the Ministries of Environment, Lands, Internal Affairs, and Finance, as well as the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC), Office of National Security (ONS), Sierra Leone Police, and the Sierra Leone Armed Forces. This multi-sectoral approach underscored the government’s recognition of the protected area’s critical role in water security, climate resilience, and public safety.
Speaking on-site, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to President Julius Maada Bio’s national development agenda. He stressed that the re-demarcation process was not intended to reduce the size of the park, but rather to expand and secure its boundaries. This, he explained, will ensure the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem while addressing pressing issues of deforestation, encroachment, and illegal activities.
“The Western Area Peninsula is more than just a forest reserve,” he said. “It is the main source of water for Freetown and its surrounding communities. Protecting it means protecting lives, livelihoods, and the future of our environment. Our mission here today is to ensure that the boundaries are clearly defined, reforestation is prioritised, and the integrity of this natural heritage is preserved for generations to come.”
The Chief Minister noted that the government’s integrated approach combines environmental conservation with disaster risk reduction, community engagement, and improved service delivery. This aligns with broader national efforts to combat the effects of climate change, reduce flooding and landslides, and maintain biodiversity.
Officials from the NPAA and NDMA highlighted that the proposed boundary expansion will not only secure water catchment areas but also strengthen law enforcement against illegal logging and land grabbing. Guma Valley Water Company representatives emphasised that the integrity of the peninsula is directly linked to water supply reliability for Freetown’s growing population.
The Sierra Leone Police and Armed Forces pledged their continued support in enforcing the park’s regulations, ensuring that both environmental and public safety objectives are met. The Office of National Security further noted that protecting the peninsula reduces the risk of disasters that could displace communities and strain national resources.
Community leaders and residents welcomed the visit, expressing hope that the re-demarcation will bring clarity, reduce land disputes, and promote responsible land use. They also urged the government to complement enforcement with public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
This strategic visit marks a significant step in the government’s land management agenda, reinforcing the balance between conservation and community needs. By prioritising the protection of the Western Area Peninsula, the Bio administration signals its determination to deliver on its mandate to safeguard Sierra Leone’s natural heritage, strengthen climate resilience, and secure essential resources for sustainable national development.
