By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb. Tamba John Lamina, has highlighted key governance issues set to dominate discussions at the forthcoming National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference 2026.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, July 28, at the Miatta Civic Centre, Amb. Lamina emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between government institutions, traditional authorities, and local communities to enhance security, governance, and sustainable development.
Under the theme “National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference 2026: Strengthening Chieftaincy for Security and Governance,” the Minister said the conference will serve as an inclusive platform for constructive dialogue on pressing governance challenges.
Land Governance and Conflict Prevention
Addressing public debates on land administration, Amb. Lamina noted the growing discourse on social media and stressed that the Ministry of Lands has been invited to provide expert guidance during the conference. He underscored that collective discussions will help promote public understanding and practical solutions to land governance issues.
Conflict prevention and resolution were also identified as major priorities. The Minister emphasized that security and governance are closely linked, adding that environmental sustainability will feature prominently in the second-day deliberations due to its impact on communities and livelihoods.
Strengthening Chiefdom Committees
Amb. Lamina described the conference as an interactive national dialogue, not a series of lectures. He said participants will engage in practical discussions on chiefdom governance, particularly the effective functioning of Chiefdom Committees. These committees, he explained, are central to transparent and inclusive decision-making, reducing disputes that arise from unilateral actions.
Institutional Coordination and Revenue Sharing
For the first time since his appointment, the Minister disclosed that all major local governance institutions will convene under one platform. He described this as a significant step toward strengthening institutional coordination and fostering collaboration.
He acknowledged recurring challenges in local governance, particularly overlapping responsibilities in revenue generation and sharing. To address these disputes, the conference will involve the Ministry of Finance, development partners, and other stakeholders in reviewing revenue-sharing mechanisms and compliance frameworks. Amendments to legislation, including the Chieftaincy Act, may also be considered.
Chieftaincy Elections
Amb. Lamina highlighted progress in improving transparency and credibility in chieftaincy elections. He said the Ministry has introduced readiness mechanisms, including stakeholder engagement, civic sensitisation, and confidence-building measures, which have reduced tensions and improved public trust in the process.
While acknowledging the emotional nature of such elections, he commended officials for proactive community engagement that has contributed to more peaceful outcomes. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to conducting credible elections, stressing that adequate preparation is preferable to rushing into polls when communities are not ready.
Commitment to Peace and Development
Concluding his remarks, Amb. Lamina expressed confidence that the 2026 Paramount Chiefs Conference will strengthen collaboration among traditional authorities, government institutions, and development partners. He said the initiative will advance peace, good governance, and sustainable development across Sierra Leone.