FROM AIRFIELD TO BARRACKS…
STATE LANDS VANISH IN SECRET DEALS
By Ibrahim Alusine Kamara (Kamalo)
The disposal of prime state lands and strategic military assets by the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is generating increasing public debate, with concerns being raised about transparency, valuation and the long-term implications for national security and public ownership.
At the centre of the controversy is the reported transfer and redevelopment of portions of the historic Hastings Airfield, once considered a key national aviation facility. While government officials have previously indicated that competing land claims at Hastings were under review by a Cabinet sub-committee, sections of the former airfield have since been developed by private interests.
Public commentary has frequently linked the acquisition of parts of the Hastings property to Lebanese-Sierra Leonean businessman Ahmed Mackie. However, no publicly released government documentation has formally confirmed the terms of any sale, lease arrangement, or transfer of ownership, nor has the businessman publicly addressed the allegations circulating in political discourse.
The lack of publicly available details regarding valuation, bidding processes or contractual terms has fueled questions among civil society groups and opposition figures, who argue that such a strategic national asset should be subject to open and transparent procedures.
Similar concerns have emerged over decisions affecting military properties in and around Freetown.
The Defence authorities recently confirmed plans to dispose of the Juba Barracks, indicating that proceeds would be used to improve housing and welfare conditions for military personnel. However, details regarding valuation, procurement processes and prospective buyers have not been made public.
In addition, portions of the Kissy Barracks field have reportedly been transferred for private development in past years, while the Wellington Barracks property was reportedly disposed of approximately two years ago. As with other transactions, documentation outlining competitive bidding, pricing and beneficiary entities has not been widely published.
Government officials maintain that under existing laws governing public lands and defence properties, the state retains authority to dispose of underutilised assets in the national interest. They argue that proceeds from such transactions can be redirected toward infrastructure, housing and modernization projects.
Critics, however, say the issue is not whether the state has the legal authority to sell assets, but whether those sales are conducted in a transparent manner that protects the public interest. They contend that the disposal of strategic lands — particularly military installations and transport infrastructure — requires parliamentary scrutiny, clear valuation processes and full disclosure of beneficiaries.
Land rights advocates warn that once prime state lands are transferred into private hands, reclaiming them becomes nearly impossible, potentially limiting future public planning and national development options.
As public debate intensifies, calls are mounting for the government to publish a comprehensive list of state properties sold in recent years, including sale prices, purchasers, tender procedures and intended use of proceeds.
The issue is fast becoming a broader governance question: how Sierra Leone balances fiscal needs with the protection of strategic national assets in a manner that is accountable, lawful and transparent.