By: Francis Kargbo
More than 65 percent of disaster-related calls received by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) now come through Africell Sierra Leone’s 1199 toll-free line, a development the Agency says has significantly improved emergency communication, disaster prevention, and public safety across the country.
The disclosure was made by the Director of Communication at the National Disaster Management Agency, Mohamed L. Bah, during an interview in which he commended Africell Sierra Leone for its continued support through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. He described the toll-free line as one of the Agency’s most impactful partnerships with the private sector.
According to Bah, before the introduction and promotion of the 1199 toll-free service, many people found it difficult to report disasters because they had to travel to the Agency’s office or search online for contact numbers. He said the widespread awareness of the toll-free line has transformed the way citizens communicate with the NDMA during emergencies.
“Today, about 65 percent of the disaster-related calls we receive come through the Africell 1199 toll-free line. It has been a significant achievement for us as an agency because people can now report incidents quickly and free of charge,” Bah said.
He explained that while the service has strengthened the Agency’s emergency response, its greatest impact has been in disaster prevention. According to him, members of the public now use the toll-free line to report potential disaster risks before they escalate, enabling the NDMA to intervene early, mitigate threats, and reduce the impact of disasters on communities.
Bah noted the initiative has also strengthened communication between the Agency and the public, allowing citizens to report incidents freely and ensuring that emergency information reaches responders much faster than in the past. He said the improved flow of information has enhanced coordination during disaster situations and contributed to more timely interventions.
Beyond the toll-free line, Bah praised Africell Sierra Leone for supporting disaster awareness through Afri Radio, where the company provides free airtime for public education programmes on disaster preparedness, prevention, and risk reduction. He said these initiatives have played an important role in increasing public awareness and improving disaster preparedness nationwide.
“Our partnership with Africell has contributed meaningfully to the work of the NDMA. From the toll-free line to the free radio airtime for public education, Africell has continued to support our efforts to protect lives and property. We look forward to strengthening this partnership even further,” he said.
Looking ahead, Bah revealed the NDMA hopes to establish a dedicated emergency call centre and expand the capacity of the 1199 service by increasing the number of SIM cards linked to the toll-free line. He expressed optimism that Africell Sierra Leone will continue to support these initiatives as part of its commitment to national development and public safety.
As disaster risks continue to evolve, the partnership between Africell Sierra Leone and the National Disaster Management Agency demonstrates how corporate social responsibility can deliver life-saving impact. By making emergency reporting free, accessible, and efficient, Africell is helping to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve emergency response, and build a safer and more resilient Sierra Leone.
