Ambassador Tamba John Lamina, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, has set out the main governance challenges that will dominate the National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference 2026, calling for closer teamwork between government, traditional leaders and communities to boost security, good governance and development.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press conference at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday under the theme “National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference 2026: Strengthening Chieftaincy for Security and Governance,” the Minister said the gathering will give all stakeholders a chance to openly discuss the country’s toughest local governance problems.
On the heated public debate around land issues, particularly on social media, Amb. Lamina said government will not respond to every online comment. Instead, the Ministry of Lands has been invited to the conference to give expert advice and guide constructive talks. Bringing everyone to the same table, he said, will help Sierra Leoneans better understand land governance and find workable solutions.
Conflict prevention and resolution will also top the agenda. The Minister stressed that security and governance go hand in hand. Environmental sustainability has equally become a major concern because of its effect on communities and livelihoods, and discussions on environmental management and its link to peace and development will feature on the second day.
Amb. Lamina described the conference as a true national dialogue, not a series of lectures. Participants will actively examine practical issues facing chiefdoms and local councils. A key focus will be the effective work of Chiefdom Committees – the main decision-making bodies in chiefdom administration. These committees, he explained, allow Paramount Chiefs and other local leaders to take collective decisions that promote transparency, accountability and inclusive governance, while reducing disputes that arise when decisions are made alone.
For the first time since his appointment, the Minister said, the conference will bring all major local governance institutions onto one platform. This is a big step towards better coordination and ensuring every governance actor works together for effective local administration and national development.
One persistent problem has been the overlap of responsibilities, especially over revenue generation and sharing. These misunderstandings have sometimes caused unnecessary disputes among local authorities. The conference will therefore involve the Ministry of Finance, development partners and other institutions to review existing revenue-sharing arrangements and improve compliance. Possible amendments to laws, including the Chieftaincy Act, may also be considered to strengthen the legal framework for traditional administration.
On chieftaincy elections, Amb. Lamina highlighted clear progress in making the process more transparent, credible and accountable. The Ministry has introduced thorough readiness measures so that chiefdoms are properly prepared before any election. These include wide stakeholder engagement, civic sensitisation and confidence-building steps so that everyone understands the process and accepts the results.
These efforts, he said, have greatly reduced tensions around chieftaincy elections nationwide. While such elections can still stir strong emotions, Ministry officials continue to engage communities, promote dialogue and address grievances before voting day. This proactive approach has led to more peaceful elections and greater public trust in the process.
Amb. Lamina reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to peaceful, credible and transparent chieftaincy elections across Sierra Leone.
He stressed that it is better to postpone an election if communities are not fully ready than to rush ahead.
He expressed confidence that the 2026 National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference will deepen collaboration between traditional authorities, government institutions and development partners, and help advance peace, good governance and sustainable development throughout the country.
