By Thaimu T Kamara

The National Council of Paramount Chiefs (NCPC) has called for improved welfare, stronger institutional support and enhanced collaboration with government institutions to strengthen traditional leadership and promote effective local governance across Sierra Leone.

The call was made during a courtesy visit by the Council to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA), aimed at strengthening institutional coordination and addressing key challenges affecting Paramount Chiefs in the country.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the NCPC, PC Dr Masakma Madibie II, emphasised the important role Paramount Chiefs play in promoting local governance, strengthening community engagement, maintaining social cohesion and supporting sustainable development at the grassroots level.

He noted that traditional leaders remain essential partners in governance, given their close relationships with local communities and their involvement in addressing issues affecting the welfare and development of their people.

PC Dr Madibie II stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the NCPC and the Ministry to ensure that Paramount Chiefs receive the necessary institutional support and are adequately represented in decisions concerning traditional leadership and local governance.

He outlined five priority areas requiring the Ministry’s attention, including improved coordination with government institutions, stronger representation through the NCPC, resource mobilisation, transportation and healthcare support for Paramount Chiefs.

On institutional coordination, the NCPC Chairman urged the Ministry to facilitate stronger engagement between the Council and other ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

He explained that such collaboration would enable Paramount Chiefs to contribute more effectively to national development initiatives and ensure that the concerns of local communities are considered in government policies and programmes.

He also called on the Ministry to make the NCPC the first point of contact for matters directly affecting Paramount Chiefs.

According to him, channelling such issues through the Council would strengthen representation, improve coordination and facilitate the timely resolution of concerns affecting traditional leaders across the country.

The Chairman further highlighted the need for financial support and assistance in mobilising resources to sustain the Council’s operations and strengthen its institutional capacity.

He noted that additional resources would help the NCPC carry out its responsibilities more effectively while reducing its dependence on government funding.

Transportation was another major concern raised during the meeting. PC Dr Madibie II appealed for reliable vehicles to enable the Council and traditional leaders to attend official meetings, participate in government engagements and fulfil their responsibilities.

He explained that improved transportation would enhance the Council’s ability to engage with stakeholders and respond to issues affecting Paramount Chiefs and their communities.

The Chairman also drew attention to the health and welfare of Paramount Chiefs, calling for greater attention to their medical needs.

He advocated regular health check-ups, early diagnosis and timely treatment to ensure that traditional leaders receive appropriate healthcare support.

He emphasised that the welfare of Paramount Chiefs should remain an important consideration, given their responsibilities in community leadership, conflict resolution and local development.

PC Dr Madibie II reaffirmed the NCPC’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry and other government institutions to strengthen traditional leadership and improve local governance.

Responding to the concerns raised, the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, acknowledged the importance of the NCPC in promoting effective local governance and community development.

He reaffirmed the government’s recognition of the contribution traditional leaders make to community engagement, social cohesion and national development.

The Minister stressed the importance of strengthening coordination among the NCPC, the Ministry and local councils to ensure that issues affecting traditional leadership are addressed through effective institutional arrangements.

He also underscored the need to work through established channels when addressing concerns affecting Paramount Chiefs, noting that proper coordination would help ensure their views are adequately represented in governance processes.

Ambassador Lamina acknowledged the resource constraints facing institutions and emphasised the importance of continued engagement and practical approaches to addressing the challenges confronting the Council.

He highlighted the need for constructive discussions on transportation, welfare and the resources required to improve the effective functioning of the NCPC.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to discuss ways of strengthening their working relationship and improving support for traditional leaders.

The engagement also highlighted the importance of recognising Paramount Chiefs as key stakeholders in local governance, particularly in promoting community participation, resolving local disputes and supporting development initiatives.

As Sierra Leone continues to strengthen local governance structures, collaboration between the government and traditional leadership institutions remains important in ensuring that communities are represented and their concerns are addressed.

The courtesy visit reaffirmed the NCPC’s commitment to constructive engagement with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, with a focus on improving the welfare of Paramount Chiefs, strengthening institutional coordination and enhancing their contribution to national development.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 19th October 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)