AYV News, February 23, 2026
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, ChernorBah, has signaled the start of a nationwide operation to remove all unauthorised street banners, posters, and signboards, reinforcing a directive first issued in May last year.
In an interview with Radio Democracy, the Minister disclosed that the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Local Government have been instructed to work closely with the Sierra Leone Police and local councils to ensure immediate enforcement. The exercise will target public spaces where signage has been mounted without official clearance or payment of required fees.
The renewed action follows a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by Chief Minister David Sengeh on the directive of President Julius Maada Bio. The meeting brought together representatives from the Freetown City Council, as well as officials from the Ministries of Information, Local Government, Transport, and Internal Affairs. Key agencies, including the Sierra Leone Roads Authority and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, were also in attendance.
At the heart of discussions was the rapid increase in unregulated signage, particularly in major urban centers. Authorities say the unchecked display of banners and posters has contributed to visual clutter, safety concerns, and revenue losses for local councils.
An inter-agency technical team has now been established, jointly chaired by the Office of the Chief Minister and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. The team is tasked with reviewing existing regulations, tightening enforcement mechanisms, and restoring order to public advertising spaces nationwide.
Government officials are urging individuals, businesses, and organisations to comply with the law by securing proper approvals before erecting any signage. The move, they stress, is part of a broader push to promote civic responsibility, improve urban aesthetics, and uphold regulatory standards across the country.
