The Government of Sierra Leone announced on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, that tough measures against All People’s Congress (APC) council officials who continue to boycott their duties, warning that salaries, official vehicles, and other benefits will be withheld if they fail to resume work.
Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb. Tamba Lamina, speaking on Radio Democracy 98.1 FM, described the boycott as “illegal and harmful to citizens,” stressing that elected officials have a responsibility to deliver essential services. He cautioned that council leaders who abandon their roles effectively render themselves redundant and deny their constituents the services they voted for.
Citing provisions of the Local Government Act 2022, the Minister explained that councils are mandated to meet regularly and ensure continuous service delivery. He emphasized that governance cannot be allowed to stall due to political disagreements, adding that Chief Administrators have been directed to step in and maintain operations in the absence of political heads.
The Minister disclosed that steps are already underway to enforce these measures, including collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General’s office to unblock council funds and guarantee continuity in local governance.
Beyond the boycott issue, Amb. Lamina highlighted broader efforts by his ministry, including ongoing reviews of decentralization policies and laws, plans for the creation of new districts based on census data, and the successful conduct of numerous paramount chieftaincy elections. He also noted that reforms to the Chieftaincy Act are being considered to address gender equality, boundary disputes, and conflicts within chiefdoms.
Reaffirming government’s commitment, the Minister concluded that service delivery will continue uninterrupted, regardless of political actions. “The welfare of citizens remains our top priority,” he said.
By Frederick V. Kanneh, Senior Information Officer, MLGCA