The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Sierra Leone’s Parliament has convened a landmark national dialogue aimed at strengthening the capacity of Local Councils and Chiefdom Authorities to generate and manage their own-source revenues more effectively.
The one-day engagement, held on Monday, 8 December 2025 at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, brought together more than 300 participants, including council officials, paramount chiefs, financial experts, civil society, and development partners.
The event was chaired by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and PAC Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh.
Following a series of presentations and deliberations, stakeholders unanimously adopted seven key policy recommendations, now collectively referred to as the Freetown Resolutions 2025. The resolutions are expected to guide reforms aimed at improving revenue collection, transparency, and fiscal accountability across local governance structures.
Representing the Ministry of Finance’s Fiscal Decentralisation Division, Assistant Director Sallieu Kamara highlighted that the dialogue aligns with ongoing national efforts to strengthen fiscal decentralisation.
He noted that sustained engagement with councils is crucial for boosting domestic revenue streams.
Madam Lydia S. Kargbo, Acting Director of the Public Financial Management Reform Department, acknowledged the persistent challenges councils face, including inadequate resources and weak systems.
She expressed optimism that the dialogue could mark a turning point for revenue reform at the local level.
The National Council for Paramount Chiefs was represented by its chairman, Hon. PC Sheku Tejan Fasuluku Sonsiama III, who underscored the long-standing role of chiefs in revenue mobilisation.
He cited gaps such as low remuneration and resource constraints that continue to hinder their effectiveness.
Speaking on behalf of Council Chairpersons, Dr. M.M.B. Sisay of Bombali District Council called for enhanced accountability and the introduction of digital revenue platforms.
He stressed that modernising revenue systems, broadening local tax bases, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms would significantly improve service delivery.
Freetown’s Deputy Mayor, Kweku Lisk, offered practical insights from the municipal perspective, outlining measures that could expand councils’ revenue potential.
In his keynote address, Hon. Tawa Conteh reiterated the indispensable role of chiefdoms in the revenue ecosystem. He said bridging the gaps between councils and chiefdoms remains critical for sustainable reforms.
He also confirmed that the PAC will extend these engagements to regional councils in the coming months.
“Our goal is to clearly define the roles of Local Councils and Chiefdom Authorities in revenue generation and to establish a fair and transparent formula for doing so,” Hon. Conteh said, calling for stronger collaboration across all actors.
The dialogue concluded with robust contributions from participants, who shared actionable recommendations for improving coordination, enforcement, and accountability in local revenue systems.
Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara delivered the vote of thanks, urging stakeholders to fully implement the newly adopted resolutions to drive development at the local level.
The event was moderated by Sheku Lamin Turay, Director of the Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, who also provided historical context on the evolution of local government in Sierra Leone.
