AYV News, July 9, 2025
Sierra Leoneans in and out of the country have showered accolades and appreciations on the Chief Executive Officer of Chapter One Night Club and Restaurant in Freetown, Mr. Fassally Tarawally on the grand opening of the Club.
Many have described the move as a bold and significant investment that holds great potential to positively impact Sierra Leone’s local economy, adding that with the right strategy, Chapter One can become a premier destination, offering a nightlife experience comparable to those in Lagos, Nairobi, or even Philadelphia.
Highlighting a few important considerations for long-term success of Chapter One, a Sierra Leonean entertainer, owning entertainment empires in Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana, said maintenance culture remains a challenge in Sierra Leone.
However, he encouraged the management of Chapter One to hire a dedicated team capable of maintaining the facility to international standards and to further ensure they receive proper training in customer service, cleanliness, and upkeep.
To preserve the high-profile image of Chapter One, he said suggest fostering collaboration with nearby businesses to uplift the Aberdeen and Lumley communities, adding that one area of concern is the increasing presence of hawkers and loiterers, especially late at night.
“This can sometimes lead to harassment of patrons through persistent begging or even petty theft. While it is a complex issue, there are community development strategies that can help manage it”, he said.
Earlier, the CEO of Chapter One Night Club & Restaurant, Mr. Fassally Tarawally, said the vision behind the project was to provide a genuine world-class spot with global standards, aligning with the government’s broader objectives of building infrastructure and creating jobs.
Freetown witnessed a vibrant addition to its nightlife and tourism sector as the President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, officially unveiled the highly anticipated Chapter One Entertainment Complex on Lumley Beach Road in Freetown.
Situated at the heart of Freetown, the world-class entertainment centre promises to become a key driver in attracting both local and international tourists to Sierra Leone. The grand opening ceremony drew celebrities, influencers, local and international business leaders, and government officials.
Chapter One Entertainment Complex features a state-of-the-art sound system, luxurious VIP lounges, international DJs, and a fusion of local and global cuisines. Its sleek design and panoramic views of the sea offer a world-class nightlife experience that will attract tourists and boost Freetown’s evening economy.
Permanent Secretary Edward Kwame Yankson, on behalf of Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, hailed the initiative as a strategic move aimed at enhancing Sierra Leone’s appeal as a modern tourist destination.
As the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs gears up to host the 3rd UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum in April 2026, Chapter One has added a new layer to Freetown’s urban tourism appeal. It has enhanced the city’s nightlife, giving both tourists and residents a safe, modern and immersive space to enjoy live performances, fine dining and premium events.”
President Bio applauded local entrepreneur Fassally Tarawallyfor such a laudable venture.
He mentioned that private sector investment is crucial to the development of a nation; hence, his government has created the enabling space for them to thrive. He emphasised that, as a key driver in the Big Five government agenda, Tourism is well-positioned to create jobs and contribute to the growth and development of the nation, while encouraging more private sector investments in the sector.
Tourism experts believe that the opening is timely as the government continues to invest in infrastructure and branding campaigns under the “Year of Ecotourism 2025” initiative. The complex is also expected to partner with hotels, tour agencies, and airlines to offer package deals for visitors.
