Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the National Tourist Board (NTB), on 7th April 2025 ordered the immediate closure of several beachfront establishments operating along Lumley Beach and Aberdeen for persistent non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
The directive follows years of unresolved issues, including the non-payment of beachfront fees from 2021 to 2024 and failure to manage waste within and around their premises, as mandated by national beach guidelines.
In an official press release issued on Monday, the NTB stated that repeated efforts had been made to engage operators through reminders and outreach, but some businesses failed to meet their statutory obligations.
“Despite multiple invoices and reminders, including engagement with operators to manage their waste, certain operators have neglected to fulfill their statutory obligations,” the statement reads.
As a result, the Ministry has released a list of 23 establishments—including beach bars, restaurants, gyms, and playgrounds—identified as defaulters. These include popular spots such as Olive Garden Beach Bar, Hotel De La Joie, Chicken Town, and Axxess Beach Bar, among others.
The NTB emphasized that the list will be updated regularly to reflect payments made and changes in the financial standing of listed operators. Compliant businesses were commended for their cooperation, while others were reminded of the importance of maintaining standards essential for the integrity and sustainability of Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.
General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Mida Carew, signed the directive, reinforcing the government’s commitment to upholding fair and equitable practices in the tourism industry.
