The National Tourist Board (NTB) has ordered the immediate closure of several commercial establishments along the Aberdeen–Lumley Beach Front after they failed to participate in a mandatory cleaning exercise aimed at restoring the country’s premier tourism strip.
The enforcement action follows a large-scale “After-Festive Season Beach Cleaning Exercise” held on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. The operation, organized after a stakeholder meeting on 7 January, was designed to rejuvenate the beach following weeks of intense festive activities that left the coastal belt heavily littered.
The initiative was launched on the directive of the NTB Board Chairman to reinforce collective environmental responsibility among beach operators. It also sought to strengthen cooperation between the Board and businesses such as bars, restaurants, hotels and casinos that depend on the cleanliness and safety of the beach ecosystem for their operations.
More than 100 volunteers turned out for the cleanup, organized into sweeping, waste collection, clearing, cleaning and grass-cutting units. Covering the full length of the Aberdeen–Lumley shoreline, the teams worked throughout the day to restore the beach’s natural appeal.
However, NTB officials say that despite clear instructions issued during the preparatory meeting, compliance from some business operators fell far short of expectations. All establishments were mandated to deploy staff and cleaning tools to address waste around their premises and adjoining areas.
Inspections conducted during the exercise, led by NTB officials and Trevor Young of Sierra Leone to the Top, revealed a sharp divide: while many businesses demonstrated full cooperation, others completely disregarded the directive.
Mohamed Bah, Product Development Officer at the National Tourist Board, confirmed the Board’s disappointment and firm response to the non-compliant entities.
“The National Tourist Board wishes to formally inform all establishments along the Aberdeen–Lumley Beach that failed or refused to comply with this collaborative cleaning exercise that such actions constitute a breach of operational expectations and environmental standards,” Mohamed Bah said.
Following this assessment, the NTB issued a formal enforcement notice ordering that all defaulting establishments be closed with immediate effect. They will remain shut until they meet compliance requirements and receive further directives from the Board.
The NTB emphasized that maintaining a clean, safe and attractive coastal environment is essential for tourism growth, public health and national image. Going forward, the Board insists that partnership and compliance from all beach-front operators will be mandatory and strictly enforced.
The closure marks one of the NTB’s strongest actions yet in its renewed commitment to sustainable tourism management and environmental protection.
