By Dadson A. Musa
Paramount Chieftaincy in Sierra Leone is a traditional system of local government and also an integral element of government. It was initially used for the gathering of men for war and defending territorial lands. Today, it has become an institution that plays pivotal role in our development. It is also anchored on sacred customs and traditions, consolidated in section 72, Act. No 6 of the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone. And the official recognition of Paramount Chiefs by the president is statutory provision prescribed in part lV 17(a) of the chieftaincy Act of 2009.
So at the Southern Arena in Bo on the 22nd. May 2024, twelve duly elected Paramount Chiefs were officially recognized and coronated by His Excellency, Rtd. Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio. Conspicuous among the twelve were two females which burnishes the reputation of this government for women’s empowerment.
The occasion was graced by cabinet ministers, sitting Paramount Chiefs and other government functionaries. And the atmosphere was electrifying as it was well attended. Chaired by the Provincial Secretary south, Moses Gbetu the ceremony was the climax of elections that were held over a three- month period starting in January and ending in March. The twelve Paramount Chiefs were from across the north and south-east region of Sierra Leone. In his brief statement, the chairman revealed that ” ceremony like this has not been held for a while now and that newly elected Paramount Chiefs had not had an idea on how to go about their work at the inception so they are inducted first before they start work.” He went further to say that they have been working tirelessly to bring reform to the system for which he thanked the local government minister, Tamba J. S. Lamina.
The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba J. S. Lamina introduced the twelve Paramount Chiefs and their respective chiefdoms. He read out their academic and professional backgrounds and experience over the years to loud applause. The newly elected Paramount Chiefs were accompanied by traditional dancers, praise singers and chiefdom elders.
In his keynote address, His Excellency Rtd Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio, himself a son of a late Paramount Chief revealed that ” the traditional chieftaincy system need to be strengthened to make sure government works.” That if the Paramount Chieftaincy is strengthened ” it forms the building blocks for national development.”
However, the president cautioned the Paramount Chiefs to live with their people and not get cozy with city or urban life. He encouraged them to put shoulders to the wheel and ensure the feed Salone drive succeeds. And called on all Paramount Chiefs, newly elected and old ones to ensure peaceful co- existence. He rounded up by stating categorically that Paramount Chiefs ” must ensure that young people are taken off kush.”
The occasion was climaxed by the decoration of medals and the handing over of staff which is the symbol of authority and the vote of thanks was given by one of the newly Coronated female Paramount Chiefs, Amy Tattor Kallon Tibbie.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Friday, May 24th , 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
