The Ministry of Finance has authorized Chief Administrators in local councils led by the All Peoples Congress to manage financial resources and oversee transactions, in a move aimed at ensuring continuity in public service delivery amid ongoing political uncertainty.

In a formal communication dated April 1, 2026, the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, confirmed that the decision aligns with a legal opinion provided by the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

The opinion clarifies that Chief Administrators, as the administrative heads of local councils, are to serve as “A” Signatories with authority to approve financial transactions through the Public Financial Management (PFM) Smart System.

According to the directive, Chief Administrators will carry out these functions under the supervision of the Accountant-General, whose prior approval is required before transactions are finalized.

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The Ministry noted that this measure is intended to preserve financial accountability while ensuring that essential services are not disrupted.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs has since instructed all Chief Administrators to immediately implement the directive. It emphasized the need for cooperation among stakeholders to support administrative continuity across affected councils.

The communication has been circulated to senior government officials, including the Chief Minister, the Attorney-General, the Finance Secretary, and relevant Deputy Ministers, as well as council chairpersons and mayors.

Officials described the arrangement as a temporary administrative intervention designed to maintain operational stability in APC-led councils during the current period.