The Government of Sierra Leone has officially announced the establishment of two new districts, several local councils, and a new city, aiming to overhaul the country’s local governance system.
The newly created districts are Bandajuma District, formed from areas of Bo and Pujehun Districts, and Kpanguma District, which comes from parts of Kenema and Kailahun Districts. This increase brings the total number of administrative districts in Sierra Leone to 18.
Published in a special edition of the Sierra Leone Gazette in September 2026, the changes also introduce new local councils and elevate specific areas. Notably, Freetown has been split into two city administrations: Freetown City Council and Freetown West City Council. Additionally, Lungi has been designated as a city (Lungi City Council) due to its significant economic role and proximity to Freetown International Airport, raising the number of local councils to 28.
Furthermore, the Western Rural District has been transformed into three new rural councils: Mountain Rural District, Waterloo Rural Council, and York Rural Council. This redistricting initiative, led by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s administration and coordinated by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Affairs, aims to enhance the efficiency of local governance, improve resource distribution, and boost access to healthcare and education in fast-growing areas while promoting local economic development.
