As the Tourism For All Campaign’s themed month of “Monuments and Relics” came to a close in June, Sierra Leone celebrated a remarkable series of events and initiatives that highlighted the country’s rich cultural heritage and renewed commitment to preserving its iconic sites.
The month-long celebration began with a vibrant launch in the heart of Bai Bureh’s land in Port Loko District, where the descendants of the legendary leader and many others came together to commemorate their shared history and identity. The energy was exhilarating, and the event sparked a renewed commitment to preserving Sierra Leone’s cultural relics.
Continuing the momentum, the newly configured Directorate of Culture, Creativity, and Innovation organized public lectures in schools and universities across Freetown, Leicester, Waterloo, Makeni, and Lunsar. These lectures delved deeper into the significance of monuments and relics, underscoring their role in defining the nation’s identity.
The National Tourist Board team also concluded an innovation challenge that was launched in March, presenting practical, homegrown solutions to address the challenges limiting growth in Sierra Leone’s tourism industry.
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the Monuments and Relics Commission generously waived all entry fees to the National Museum and Railway Museum, resulting in an unprecedented number of visits. Pupils from selected schools were particularly enthusiastic about touring these relics, and time was dedicated to cleaning up the ‘Old Wharf Steps,’ an embodiment of the country’s complex history.
In a gesture to honour past and present legends, the government unveiled a memorial plaque recognizing the profound impact of Mr. Amara Kabba’s music on Sierra Leonean society. Additionally, the office perimeter fence was adorned with vibrant pictures of the country’s spectacular touristic areas, inviting passersby to explore the nation’s wonders.
The campaign’s partners have continued to support the initiative, with the restoration of significant monuments such as the Kings Yard Gate at Connaught Hospital and the Gun at the Ross Road roundabout (Upgun). They have also released educational videos and messages in Krio, and provided airtime on various radio and television stations to further promote the importance of preserving Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage.
“Sierra Leone’s uniqueness, evidenced by our monuments and relics, is a testament to the ingenuity, creativity, and spirit of past generations,” said Nabeela Tunis, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. “These sites and relics serve as windows into our history and bridges connecting us to our roots, shaping our collective identity.”
The minister emphasized the urgent need to protect and preserve these treasures, warning that the loss of such cultural heritage would mean losing a part of Sierra Leone’s identity and depriving future generations of the chance to connect with their past. She called on all Sierra Leoneans to return any relics to their rightful place in the country’s museums, ensuring they are accessible to all.
“Tourism is everyone’s business,” the minister concluded, “and we encourage all who know the whereabouts of any of our monuments and relics to return them, ensuring they are accessible to all Sierra Leoneans in our museums—the best place for the relics we revere.”
