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The National Council of Paramount Chiefs has officially congratulated President Julius Maada Bio on his recent election as Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The commendation was delivered during a courtesy call held at State House in Freetown, where the Council also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration between traditional leadership institutions and the central government.
Leading the delegation, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba John Sylvanus Lamina, extended the Council’s heartfelt appreciation for President Bio’s leadership at both national and regional levels.
He noted that logistical delays had affected the timing of the visit but expressed gratitude to the President for accommodating the engagement despite his demanding schedule.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, Chairman of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs, Hon. PC Sheku Amada Tejan Fasuluku Sonsiama III, commended President Bio’s leadership and described his ECOWAS chairmanship as a significant achievement for Sierra Leone. The chiefs presented a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion and pledged their continued support to the President’s administration.
In his remarks, President Bio expressed gratitude for the gesture and highlighted the vital role traditional authorities play in governance and community cohesion. He stressed the importance of reintegrating traditional leadership into national decision-making processes and acknowledged past neglect of the chieftaincy institution as a missed opportunity for sustainable development.
“The chieftaincy institution remains the foundation of the state,” President Bio stated. “Direct engagement with our traditional leaders allows us to address local concerns with informed perspectives.”
President Bio reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional governance structures, including potential devolution of authority to Paramount Chiefs. He also urged them to continue promoting inclusive leadership and conflict resolution within their communities.
The meeting concluded with mutual expressions of support and a shared commitment to enhancing national unity, peace, and development. The event underscored the government’s intention to maintain a collaborative relationship with traditional leadership structures as a cornerstone of its governance strategy.
