President Ernest Bai Koroma on Friday 28th August said the role of chiefs in the overall governance of the state is very important. He made this statement on the occasion of the official crowning ceremony of four paramount chiefs in northern Sierra Leone held at the Makeni City Council Hall, Bombali District.
The president stated that traditional leaders are expected to play a pivotal role in the ongoing implementation of post Ebola recovery programmes. “The programmes we are rolling out are significant because if they succeed in chiefdoms, they will succeed in towns, districts and the entire country,” he said.
President Koroma used the occasion to urge paramount chiefs to utilize the Constitutional Review Process (CRC) as an opportunity to enhance and further consolidate the role of chiefs in the governance of the country. He lamented the fact that the customs and traditions of respective communities have come under heavy attack over the years, but however admonished that core values must be maintained.
The head of state assured of government’s commitment to continue to strengthen the capacity of paramount chiefs to transform their communities and the lives of their people. He boasted that the country will see great development and transformation immediately after the Ebola virus disease (EVD) would have been completely defeated.
President Koroma went on to note that because of tangible development and the transformative leadership of his government, the ruling All People’s Congress Party will continue to stay in governance adding that government is keen and focused on the development of the nation. Amid thunderous applause, the president said the quantum of tangible and ongoing development that his administration has brought is unmatched since independence.
Presenting the four paramount chiefs to President Koroma for recognition and presentation of their staff, Local Government Minister Diana Konomani said government attaches great importance to paramount chieftaincy as this is the first time in the history of Sierra Leone for paramount chiefs to receive salaries.
The four installed paramount chiefs are PC Kandeh Sorie Kakandeh the 3rd of Tambaka chiefdom in Bombali district, PC Alikali Mellah the 2rd of Maforki chiefdom in Port Loko district, PC Fullahmansa Magbereh the 2nd of Yoni chiefdom in Tonkolili district, and PC Baibaro Maboleh Hashini of Malal Mara chiefdom in Tonkolili district.
