By Umaru S. Jah, Berlin-Germany

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the Mayor of the Freetown municipality in Sierra Leone, has been awarded the 2024 German African Award for her exceptional commitment to sustainable development. The German African Foundation (DAS) honours remarkable individuals with this award for their significant contributions in areas such as democracy, peace, human rights, accountability, and social issues.

Recognising her exceptional leadership and contributions to urban development, Dr. Uschi Eid, President of the German African Foundation, highlighted the mayor’s commitment to transforming Freetown into a more resilient and environmentally sustainable city. She specifically praised the Freetown TreeTown projects, viewing that as an exemplary model for urban development.

Shortly before presenting the prestigious award to Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Bärbel Bas, the President of the German Parliament (Bundestag), expressed her delight in attending the event. She highlighted Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s strong commitment to her work and described her as an inspiration for future politicians around the world. Bärbel Bas noted that Mayor Yvonne Aki Sawyerr is a person who feels at home everywhere and emphasized her commitment to sustainable development. She discussed the mayor’s efforts to enhance the living conditions of her constituents, contributing to a better life for all.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr has made significant contributions to urban development since she was elected Mayor in 2018. She expressed her excitement upon receiving the prestigious global award, stating, “This award means a lot to me. It has inspired and motivated me to do more with the support of everyone, especially our development partners.” She has dedicated the award to her team and the people of Freetown.

She further emphasised that the award is not just for her but for her team and the people of Freetown, who have been working tirelessly to achieve positive results.

She outlined the challenges she faces in her role as city Mayor. These challenges include the necessity of effectively planning the city by administering building permits to prevent the illegal construction of houses on hillsides and along waterways. The mayor left with the award and optimism for city support, especially regarding her city car project.

The award ceremony was witnessed by important dignitaries, including members of the African Diplomatic and Consular Corps, representatives from the Sierra Leone Embassy in Berlin, well-wishers, Sierra Leoneans and fellow party members in the Federal Republic of Germany.