By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Executive Director of Lifeline Nehemiah Projects (LNP), Prince Tommy Williams, has clarified that the land at Upper Approved School in Kuntorloh belongs to Lifeline Nehemiah Projects. Mr. Williams made this statement at a press conference in Upper Kuntorloh, located on the east end of Freetown.
Addressing journalists, Director Williams emphasized that the organization wishes to address recent concerns arising from a public notice issued by the Ministry of Social Welfare on 19th September 2025, which contained inaccurate references to Lifeline. “Our intention is not to escalate tensions but to provide factual information and reaffirm our long-standing commitment to national development,” he said.
One of the key points discussed by Director Williams was the visit of the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, to the Lifeline field at Upper Approved School on 5th September 2025. During her visit, the Minister mentioned that the land had been earmarked for the construction of a training center for persons with disabilities, a decision that was reportedly made under high-level government instructions.
Director Williams said the Lifeline Nehemiah Projects and the Ministry of Social Welfare have worked together since 1996 to serve vulnerable children, youth, and inmates of the Approved School. The land in question is fully documented and registered through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning and the Administrator General’s Office.
The field has long been reserved to support education, vocational training, youth development, and community welfare.
Director Williams pointed out that there have been repeated attempts to grab the land, particularly by Mr. Mohamed Tunde Macarthy (commonly known as “Tumac”), often with the involvement of police officers from the Approved School post and the Kissy Police Division. These attempts have disrupted Lifeline’s services and led to ongoing legal proceedings, including a court injunction currently in place.
Despite several efforts to engage constructively, Director Williams expressed Lifeline’s regret that the Honourable Minister has not provided space for meaningful dialogue on these matters. Nonetheless, he reassured the public that Lifeline remains committed to following the law, adhering to due process, and pursuing constructive partnerships.
For nearly three decades, Lifeline Nehemiah Projects has provided vital services to over 25,000 Sierra Leoneans in areas such as education, vocational training, health, agriculture, leadership development, and community empowerment. Director Williams emphasized, “We continue to complement government priorities and will safeguard the rights of children, women, youth, and families who depend on our services.”
He urged the public to remain calm and assured them that Lifeline would continue to handle the matter peacefully, transparently, and in accordance with the law.
Earlier, Mr. Philemon S. Kamara provided a brief background on Lifeline Nehemiah Projects, detailing its work since its founding in 1996.
Lifeline Nehemiah Projects’ Media and Information Officer, AbdulAziz Samura, who moderated the press conference, mentioned that the field is currently being used by over thirty schools for football, sports, and other social events. He further disclosed that the field also serves the local community for activities such as crusades and other gatherings.
Pa Alimamy Sesay, the Community Chief for Kuntorloh, appealed to the government to leave the land for the community’s use, stressing its importance for local activities and development.