By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has announced that all political posters displayed across the streets of Freetown will be removed, describing them as illegal and a major contributor to the untidy state of the capital city.
The Minister made this statement while addressing the public at 98.1 fm good morning Salone program, stressing that the continued display of political posters on walls, electric poles, street signs, and public buildings violates existing laws and regulations governing public spaces. He said the government is determined to restore order and cleanliness to Freetown and will no longer tolerate practices that undermine those efforts.
According to Mr Bah, political posters are not only being mounted without authorization but are also creating visual pollution and damaging public infrastructure. He noted that Freetown, as the capital city, must reflect discipline, order, and respect for the law.
“The indiscriminate posting of political posters is against the law and it is making our city untidy,” the Minister said. “We cannot allow Freetown to be turned into a dumping ground for illegal posters under the guise of political expression.”
He explained that the move to remove all political posters is part of a broader government initiative to improve urban management, enhance civic responsibility, and promote a culture of lawfulness among political actors and citizens alike.
The Minister emphasized that the directive applies to all political parties and individuals without exception. He warned that enforcement teams, working with relevant city and security authorities, will begin the removal exercise and that those found violating the regulations could face sanctions.
Chernor Bah also called on political parties to educate their supporters on lawful ways of engaging in political communication. He encouraged the use of approved platforms such as town hall meetings, community engagements, and regulated media spaces rather than illegal street postings.
He further urged citizens to support the initiative by refusing to allow posters to be placed on private properties and by reporting violations to the appropriate authorities.
The Minister noted that maintaining a clean city is a shared responsibility and that civic education plays a key role in changing attitudes toward public spaces. He said the Ministry will intensify public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about laws related to sanitation, environmental protection, and responsible political participation.
Residents of Freetown have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement. While some welcomed the decision as a necessary step to improve the appearance of the city, others called for consistent enforcement to ensure fairness and sustainability.
The government has assured the public that the removal of political posters is not intended to suppress political activity but to uphold the rule of law and protect the environment. Officials say the exercise will help create a cleaner, more organized Freetown that reflects national pride and respect for civic values.
The removal exercise is expected to begin immediately as part of ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and urban order in the capital.
