I am deeply troubled by yesterday’s fire at the State House in Freetown, a tragic incident that raises urgent questions about the preparedness, oversight, and accountability of our national institutions.
The destruction of offices is not merely the loss of government property. It is a blow to the institutional integrity that sustains our democracy. For too long, we have treated such disasters as isolated misfortunes, only to return to business as usual. This time must be different. The State House is not just the seat of the Presidency; it is the epicentre of executive power, a reflection of the state’s capacity, and a symbol of the people’s trust. A fire within its walls should not and must not be treated as routine.
This tragic event follows a string of recent fire outbreaks in the capital, including the devastating incidents at Baimbrace Community, Dundas Street in Freetown, and the Special Care Baby Unit at Makeni Regional Government Hospital. These recurring calamities reflect a systemic failure – a failure of preventive planning in infrastructure management and of responding to early warnings that are too often ignored. We must confront these challenges with clarity, urgency, and an unwavering commitment to action.
I call for a full and transparent investigation into the causes of this incident. The people of Sierra Leone have a right to know whether it resulted from negligence, structural decay, or something else. If we are to restore public confidence in governance, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
But investigation alone is not enough. This must be a turning point for real reform. This tragedy must galvanize us, across all political parties, into action, making the safety and resilience of our public institutions a national priority. That means strengthening emergency response systems, investing in modern fire prevention technologies, and ensuring that all government facilities, especially those housing critical state functions, are protected by protocols and infrastructure worthy of their significance.
The fire at the State House is a wake-up call, not only to those in power, but to every citizen who dreams of a better Sierra Leone. Let us seize this moment to demand more, to build better, and to lead with courage.
My thoughts are with all those affected, both directly and indirectly, by this tragedy. Let this be our moment of reckoning and resolve to address it, with a focus that is firmly on the future where no child wakes up to the sound of fire consuming their home; where public buildings are no longer reduced to ashes; and a future where government does not merely react to tragedy but works every day to prevent it.
My inestimable thanks to our brave firefighters and all the first responders who worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire. Your dedication and sacrifices are deeply appreciated.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura
All Peoples Congress Flagbearer Aspirant
God Bless Sierra Leone
