Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. A renewed partnership between the central government and traditional authorities took center stage in Koidu City as His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio formally coronated four Paramount Chiefs from the Southern and Eastern regions of Sierra Leone.
The President used the occasion to urge the newly validated leaders to accelerate rural transformation and champion national food sufficiency under his administration’s flagship Feed Salone initiative.
The four Paramount Chiefs receiving the staff of office were:
• PC Amy Mitta Myers Benya VI -Benya Ruling House, Small Bo Chiefdom, Kenema District
• PC Larry Bojohn Fangawa IV- Fangawa Ruling House, Wandor Chiefdom, Kenema District
• PC Mohamed Kpakra Massally- Kpakra Massally Ruling House, Perri Chiefdom, Pujehun District
• PC Usman Ansumana Wai II -Wai Ruling House, Barri Chiefdom, Pujehun District
Senior government officials, traditional leaders and community stakeholders witnessed the event, which reaffirmed the legal processes outlined in the 1991 Constitution and the Chieftaincy Act.
Provincial Secretary of the Eastern Region, Ishaka Murana Turay, described the ceremony as a constitutional milestone. He reiterated that the newly coronated chiefs are expected to safeguard peace, promote justice and support development efforts at the grassroots.
Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Tamba John Sylvanus Lamina, commended President Bio’s unwavering commitment to elevating the traditional governance system.
“Your Excellency continues to demonstrate respect for the institution of chieftaincy,” the Minister said while presenting the chiefs for presidential endorsement.
Addressing the gathering, President Bio highlighted the influential role Paramount Chiefs play in national development. He called on them to mobilize land resources for large-scale agriculture and support innovations that secure food sovereignty.
“We have the fertile land. We have the people. Sierra Leone should not depend on imported rice,” the President declared. He further encouraged chiefs to champion education and youth empowerment in their communities.
Drawing from his own heritage, President Bio reflected: “As a son of a Chief, I understand the magnitude of this responsibility. Your leadership is essential for peace and progress.”
The event concluded with the presentation of the traditional staff of office, symbolizing trust and responsibility vested in the Paramount Chiefs by both their people and the state. Jubilant cultural displays followed, signaling joy and high expectations across the represented chiefdoms.
Government representatives emphasized that the recognition marks the beginning of renewed collaboration to drive prosperity in rural communities.
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