By: Josephine Sesay

In a strategic effort to bolster national security and improve emergency response systems, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor Esq., has partnered with the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA) to modernize and upgrade the country’s emergency toll-free call lines.

The high-level meeting, held in Freetown, brought together key stakeholders, including the Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, and the Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the National Fire Force (NFF), Mr. John Santigie Koroma. They engaged with NaTCA’s Director General, Mr. Amara Brewah, and his senior management team to explore a unified and more efficient national emergency communication system.

Central to the discussions was the review of existing toll-free lines used by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the National Fire Force, with the aim of developing a comprehensive National Emergency Toll-Free Line that integrates police, fire, ambulance, and disaster response services under one platform.

Minister Lengor emphasized the life-saving importance of the initiative: “This is about saving lives and ensuring that citizens can access help quickly and efficiently during any crisis.”

It was agreed that a joint technical team would design a strategic framework covering short-, medium-, and long-term goals. This roadmap will address infrastructure needs, public awareness campaigns, and inter-agency coordination to restore public confidence and improve response times.

A key highlight of the plan is the introduction of a single, easy-to-remember number for all emergency services, simplifying access for citizens and guaranteeing faster assistance when it matters most.

NaTCA’s Director General, Amara Brewah, welcomed the collaboration, noting: “This is a critical step towards a more secure and responsive Sierra Leone. NaTCA is fully committed to supporting the Ministry of Internal Affairs in making this vision a reality.”

This engagement represents a milestone in the government’s efforts to modernize public safety infrastructure and strengthen emergency preparedness for all Sierra Leoneans.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,25th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)