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The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has launched a national drive to enhance own-source revenue for Local Councils and Chiefdom Authorities.
Chaired by Deputy Speaker Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, a one-day National Dialogue was held on Monday, 8th December 2025, at the Freetown City Council Auditorium.
The Dialogue aimed to strengthen the mobilisation, management, and utilisation of local revenues to support sustainable development across jurisdictions.
Sallieu Kamara, Assistant Director in the Ministry of Finance’s Fiscal Decentralisation Division, stated the discussion “directly aligns with the Ministry’s mandate.” He emphasised that the forum would “help to improve fiscal decentralisation and chart a clear path for progress.”
Stakeholders highlighted both the potential and the challenges. The Chairman of the National Council for Paramount Chiefs, Hon. PC Sheku Tejan Fasuluku Sonsiama III, reflected on the historical role of Chiefs in revenue collection but outlined persistent issues such as “low salaries and limited resources.” Deputy Mayor of Freetown, Kweku Lisk, provided practical insights for improving municipal revenue.
In his keynote address, PAC Chairman Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh reiterated the vital role of chiefdoms. “We must work together and collaborate to strengthen and modernise the activities of Councils,” he stated, stressing the need to define roles clearly and establish a transparent revenue formula. He confirmed the PAC would continue these engagements regionally and called on development partners and civil society to support innovative approaches.
The Dialogue sparked robust discussions, with participants offering concrete recommendations on improving operational collaboration between Councils and Chiefdoms.
