By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) has begun demolishing completed and partially completed buildings erected beyond the approved cut-off line in the Bathurst and Regent communities within the Western Area Peninsula National Park, in a decisive move to protect one of Sierra Leone’s most important protected forest reserves.
The enforcement exercise, led by the Executive Director of the NPAA, is being conducted with the support of the Sierra Leone Police and more than 100 game guards deployed to provide security and ensure the smooth implementation of the operation.
According to the Authority, the affected structures were illegally constructed within protected sections of the national park where all forms of development are prohibited under Sierra Leone’s environmental conservation laws. The demolition exercise is intended to halt further encroachment into the protected area and preserve the ecological integrity of the forest reserve.
The Western Area Peninsula National Park is widely recognised as one of the country’s most valuable environmental assets. It contains rich biodiversity, supports a variety of wildlife species, and protects vital water catchment areas that supply a significant proportion of the potable water consumed by residents of Freetown and surrounding communities.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that unchecked encroachment, illegal land occupation, and unregulated construction within the park threaten fragile ecosystems, accelerate deforestation, reduce biodiversity, and increase the risks of flooding, landslides, and water shortages. These environmental pressures have become increasingly concerning as urban expansion continues to extend into protected landscapes.
Officials said the presence of police officers and game guards during the demolition is aimed at maintaining law and order while ensuring the operation is carried out safely and in accordance with the NPAA’s legal mandate. Authorities emphasised that the exercise is not only an enforcement action but also part of broader efforts to safeguard Sierra Leone’s natural heritage for future generations.
The NPAA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all designated protected areas across the country, stressing that illegal occupation and unauthorised development within national parks will not be tolerated. The Authority noted that preserving protected forests is essential for environmental sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and the long-term security of the nation’s natural resources.
As the demolition exercise continues, the NPAA has urged members of the public, developers, and landowners to respect established protected area boundaries and comply with environmental regulations.
The Authority also called on communities to support conservation efforts, highlighting that protecting the Western Area Peninsula National Park is critical to ensuring a healthier environment and a sustainable future for Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 27th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
