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Sierra Leone’s Director of the Decentralization Secretariat, Alex Bhonapha Esq., has reaffirmed the legal and institutional resilience of local councils, stressing that their operations cannot be halted by political boycotts or the absence of elected officials.
Speaking amid growing concerns over disruptions in local governance, Bhonapha emphasized that councils are statutory bodies whose authority is rooted in law rather than political participation.
He pointed to Section 3 of the Local Government Act, which establishes councils as corporate entities with perpetual succession ensuring their continuity regardless of political turbulence.
“Local councils cannot be crippled by boycotts or political absence. They are institutions established by law, designed to function regardless of turbulence,” he stated.
According to the Director, even in the absence of political heads, councils remain legally obligated to deliver essential services to citizens. He stressed that governance structures have been designed to anticipate periods of instability and provide mechanisms to maintain operations.
Central to this framework is the role of the Chief Administrator. Bhonapha cited Section 32(2b) of the Local Government Act, which designates the Chief Administrator as the Vote Controller, responsible for overseeing financial management and ensuring continuity in council operations.
To clarify the legal standing of this role, the Ministry of Local Government sought interpretation from the Attorney General’s Office regarding the relationship between the Public Financial Management Act and the Local Government Act 2022.
The Solicitor General affirmed that the Chief Administrator is the legally recognized Vote Controller, with the mandate to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Bhonapha also highlighted additional safeguards within the Local Government Act 2022 aimed at preserving institutional stability. He referenced Sections 108 and 138, which provide for presidential intervention subject to parliamentary approval in cases of serious operational challenges affecting councils. Furthermore, the Minister of Local Government retains the authority to introduce regulations to stabilize council activities when necessary.
The Director’s statement notably reflects the government’s broader commitment to safeguarding decentralization and preventing governance systems from being undermined by political disputes. He maintained that the legal framework underpinning local councils is designed to ensure resilience and uninterrupted service delivery.
“At its core, decentralization is about resilience,” Bhonapha said. “Councils are protected by law. They are built to withstand political disruptions and must continue to deliver essential services to the people.”
His statement comes at a time when questions around political participation and administrative continuity have sparked debate, placing renewed focus on the strength and adaptability of Sierra Leone’s local governance system.
