— The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Commonwealth Heritage Forum, the World Monuments Fund, and other partners for their continued confidence in the restoration of Old Fourah Bay College.

The Minister Nabeeal Farida Tunis described the additional investment as a powerful endorsement of the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to safeguarding national heritage.

“As we celebrate the Year of Culture and Creativity, this revival is more than bricks and mortar,” the Minister noted. “It is about preserving our identity, honouring our intellectual legacy, and opening new doors for culture, education, and tourism.”

The restoration of Old Fourah Bay College, once hailed as the “Athens of West Africa”, is widely seen as a landmark project that will reconnect Sierra Leoneans with their history while positioning the site as a global attraction.

Together with its partners, Sierra Leone is not simply restoring a historic building but bringing a national symbol back to life.

It could be recalled that the rehabilitation of Old Fourah Bay College in Freetown is being spearheaded by the Commonwealth Heritage Forum and the World Monuments Fund, with a £300,000 grant marking a major milestone in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage. The project is restoring the oldest Western-style higher education institution south of the Sahara, transforming it into a cultural hub for education, tourism, and community regeneration.