Post a comment 
The forthcoming National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference 2026 is expected to mark a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s governance landscape, as the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs prepares to bring together major local governance institutions under one platform for the first time.
Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb. Tamba John Lamina, announced the initiative during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s Weekly Press Conference, stating that the conference will not only strengthen the role of traditional leadership but also address long-standing institutional challenges affecting effective local governance.
A key issue on the agenda is the overlap of responsibilities between local authorities, particularly in revenue generation and revenue-sharing. According to the Minister, these disputes have often strained relations between chiefdom administrations and local councils. To address the issue, the conference will bring together the Ministry of Finance, development partners, and other key stakeholders to review existing frameworks and improve compliance. Amendments to the Chieftaincy Act may also be considered to strengthen the legal framework governing traditional administration.
Beyond chieftaincy elections, the conference will also focus on land governance, conflict prevention, and environmental sustainability. Amb. Lamina noted that these issues are closely linked to national security and sustainable development and require coordinated action from all stakeholders.
The Minister also underscored the importance of Chiefdom Committees as decision-making bodies that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. He said the committees encourage collective leadership, help reduce disputes, and strengthen grassroots administration.
Highlighting progress in the conduct of chieftaincy elections, Amb. Lamina said improved preparedness, civic sensitisation, and stakeholder engagement have significantly reduced tensions during electoral processes. He reaffirmed that postponing elections, where necessary, is preferable to conducting them without adequate preparation.
Describing the conference as more than a ceremonial gathering, the Minister said it will serve as an interactive platform where paramount chiefs, local councils, government ministries, and development partners will deliberate on practical governance challenges and identify sustainable solutions.
He expressed confidence that the conference will strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and contribute to improved peace, accountability, and sustainable development across Sierra Leone.
