By Hassan Gbassay Koroma
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has stated that, in order to maintain the cultural heritage of Freetown city, they will preserve Freetown’s historic fallen cotton tree in the museum and tell it history to the generation yet unborn.
The ministry made the confirmation through a press release last Thursday May 25, and noted that they have taken immediate action to ensure such preservation is done.
“The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs notes the destruction of the historic Freetown Cotton Tree due to a heavy storm on the night. In order to preserve the remains of the rich cultural heritage of our beloved city, relics of the fallen tree will be secured and preserved. Government has taken immediate action to ensure such preservation is done,” he said.
The Ministry had called on members of the public to refrain from cutting log of the Cotton Tree, stating that the Government has instructed the Sierra Leone Police to secure the logs and snags until they are taken to the National Museum by the Monument and Relics Commission.
On his visit to the site of the fallen cotton tree, President Julius Maada Bio said he would like the remains of the historic tree be preserved.
According to history, the tree which is believed to be over 250 years old gained importance in 1792 when a group of freed slaves from America settled under it and it is also believed that the Cotton Tree was the oldest of its type in Freetown.
