By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

Authorities in Panga Krim Chiefdom, Pujehun District, have commenced a major three-year statutory tax assessment exercise aimed at updating the chiefdom’s taxpayer register and strengthening local administrative records.

The exercise, which commenced with stakeholder engagements in Wombey and Baiyama communities, is being conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act of 2004, which requires chiefdom authorities to undertake tax assessments every three years under the supervision of the District Officer or an authorised representative.

The assessment is expected to cover communities and sections across Panga Krim Chiefdom as authorities seek to establish an accurate and up-to-date register of taxpayers.

Speaking during engagements with residents, the Regent Chief of Panga Krim Chiefdom, Alhaji Ibrahim Moyamba Koroma, assured community stakeholders that the exercise would be conducted in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful manner.

He described the participation of residents in the stakeholder meetings as an important demonstration of their commitment to the development, unity and stability of the chiefdom.

The Regent Chief explained that the tax assessment goes beyond the collection of revenue, noting that it is an important administrative process that enables the authorities to update the chiefdom’s taxpayer register.

He said the exercise would help identify eligible taxpayers who should be included on the register while removing the names of individuals who are no longer eligible due to death, ill health or other legitimate circumstances.

He further explained that maintaining an accurate taxpayer register is particularly important because it helps determine eligibility to participate in future Paramount Chieftaincy elections.

“This tax assessment will be conducted fairly, transparently and peacefully in the interest of every resident of Panga Krim Chiefdom,” the Regent Chief assured residents.

He emphasised his personal commitment to integrity, stressing that the exercise would not be manipulated to favour individuals or groups.

“I fear God and I will never mortgage my integrity for anyone,” he declared, while urging residents to cooperate with the assessment team throughout the process.

The Regent Chief also reminded residents that payment of taxes is both a civic responsibility and a legal obligation.

He appealed to eligible taxpayers, town chiefs and tribal authorities to cooperate fully with officials undertaking the assessment, noting that timely payment and accurate registration would contribute to effective administration and development within the chiefdom.

According to him, maintaining peace and unity remains one of his primary responsibilities as Regent Chief, and he called on residents to avoid actions or misinformation that could undermine the assessment process.

The stakeholder engagements also provided an opportunity for community representatives to raise concerns and seek clarification about the exercise.

Speaking on behalf of residents of Wombey, Town Chief Mahmoud Sheriff expressed appreciation to the chiefdom authorities for engaging communities before the commencement of the assessment.

He acknowledged that there had been concerns and misinformation surrounding the exercise, but said the explanations provided by the Regent Chief had helped to clarify the purpose and procedures of the assessment.

Town Chief Sheriff pledged the full cooperation of the people of Wombey, saying residents were prepared to work with the authorities to ensure that the exercise was completed successfully.

He also prayed for continued guidance, protection and wisdom for the Regent Chief as he leads the chiefdom.

In Baiyama, Town Chief Simah Gbonda similarly welcomed the visiting delegation and commended the leadership of Regent Chief Alhaji Ibrahim Moyamba Koroma.

He assured the authorities that the people of Baiyama would fully support the tax assessment and cooperate with officials to ensure that the process remained peaceful and orderly.

“I have no iota of doubt in the leadership of the Regent Chief,” Town Chief Gbonda said, reaffirming the community’s commitment to maintaining peace and supporting the exercise.

The Chiefdom Treasurer and Clerk, Mr Bah, also provided residents with an updated list of taxpayers and explained the procedures governing tax collection.

He urged eligible taxpayers to fulfil their tax obligations promptly, stressing that accurate and timely record-keeping is essential for effective chiefdom administration.

The assessment exercise comes at a time when local authorities continue to emphasise the importance of strengthening community-level governance and ensuring that administrative records accurately reflect the population and taxpayer base.

For Panga Krim Chiefdom, the exercise is expected to provide authorities with updated information that can support local administration while ensuring that eligible taxpayers are properly recognised within the chiefdom’s records.

The process is expected to continue in various towns and sections of Panga Krim Chiefdom in the coming days.

As the exercise progresses, community cooperation will remain critical to ensuring that the assessment is completed without conflict and that the resulting taxpayer register is credible, inclusive and reflective of the current situation across the chiefdom.

The successful completion of the exercise could also strengthen confidence in future local administrative processes, particularly those linked to taxation, community governance and eligibility for Paramount Chieftaincy elections.

Authorities have therefore called on residents to participate responsibly, provide accurate information and work collectively to ensure that the three-year statutory assessment is conducted in accordance with the law and in the broader interest of peace, good governance and development in Panga Krim Chiefdom.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 12th August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)