President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially recognized and handed over the staff of office to four newly elected Paramount Chiefs during a colorful ceremony held in Kono District. The event, which was attended by traditional leaders, government officials, and local residents, marked another milestone in the government’s ongoing effort to strengthen traditional governance and community leadership across the country.
The ceremony was called to order by Brima Newman Combey, Director of Local Government, and chaired by Ishaga M. Turay, Provincial Secretary of the Eastern Province. In his opening remarks, Turay underscored the significance of the event, emphasizing the crucial role traditional leaders play in national security and development. He cited Section 17(a) of the Chieftaincy Act of 2009, which mandates presidential recognition of duly elected Paramount Chiefs, and urged the new leaders to collaborate closely with local and national governance structures for the benefit of their people.
Delivering a statement before the official recognition, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, thanked President Bio for gracing the occasion. He noted that, at the President’s request, the ministry had introduced an induction programme, locally referred to as an administrative kanta to orientate newly elected Paramount Chiefs on their duties and responsibilities.
Minister Lamina explained that many newly elected chiefs often lack administrative experience despite belonging to ruling families. To address this, the ministry now organizes an induction exercise focused on the principles of chieftaincy, governance, and community leadership. He disclosed that following the recognition of the four chiefs in Kono, the ministry plans to present 17 more Paramount Chiefs in Kambia District for similar official recognition and training.
Reading the background of each newly elected Paramount Chief, Minister Lamina highlighted their respective contributions and the importance of their new responsibilities.
In his keynote address, President Bio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding the traditional institution of chieftaincy as an essential pillar of national unity and development.
“The recognition and coronation of Paramount Chiefs today is not only a constitutional requirement enshrined in Part IV, Section 17(a) of the Chieftaincy Act of 2009,” President Bio said, “but also a moment for Paramount Chiefs to reclaim their mantle of leadership towards building a future free from hunger and poverty.”
The President urged the chiefs to become active partners in promoting food security, public health, and peacebuilding in their communities. He emphasized that maintaining peace remains a core duty of the traditional leadership structure, noting that stability is the foundation for sustainable development.
President Bio also called on the newly elected chiefs to play a leading role in raising awareness against drug abuse, particularly the growing use of the dangerous substance known as “Kush.”
“This fight is critical to the success of the Big Five Agenda,” he warned, “as our youth who are expected to drive its realization are being negatively affected by this scourge.”
As the son of a Paramount Chief himself, President Bio expressed pride in the chieftaincy institution, describing it as sacred and central to Sierra Leone’s customs and traditions. He assured that his administration would continue to uphold and protect the dignity of traditional leadership while fostering closer collaboration between chiefs and state institutions.
The President further reaffirmed his government’s commitment to food system transformation, the Feed Salone Initiative, and road construction and infrastructure development projects in Kono District and beyond.
Those recognized and presented with staffs of office were:
Paramount Chief Amy Miatta Myers VI of Small Bo Chiefdom, Kenema District, Paramount Chief Larry Bojohn Fangawa IV of Wandor Chiefdom, Kenema District, Paramount Chief Mohamed Kpakra Mansallay IV of Perri Chiefdom, Pujehun District, Paramount Chief Usman Ansumana Wai II of Barri Chiefdom.
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M.L.G.C.A
Paramount Chief Amy Miatta Myers Benya VI from small Bo Chiefdom, Kenema District Eastern Region
Paramount Chief Larry Bojohn Fangawa IV of wandor Chiefdom Kenema District
Paramount Chief Mohammed kpakra Mansally IV perri Chiefdom Pujehun district southern Region
Paramount Chief Usman Ansumana Wai II from Barri Chiefdom, Pujehun District
