His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has formally recognised 17 new Paramount Chiefs, emphasising the sacred and strategic role of the chieftaincy institution in promoting peace, unity, and development throughout Sierra Leone. The newly recognised chiefs, drawn from the districts of Bo, Port Loko, Kambia, Falaba, Karene, and Tonkolili, were elected between 2024 and 2025 and formally presented with their staffs of office by the President in accordance with Part IV, Section 17(a) of the Chieftaincy Act of 2009.
“Today marks your official induction into a sacred responsibility, to serve your people and support government in driving development across your chiefdoms,” the president told the crowd. “Today is your official induction into a sacred responsibility: to serve your people and support the government in driving development across your chiefdoms,” President Bio told the audience.
“I have great respect for the chieftaincy and am committed to preserving it,” he said, urging the new Paramount Chiefs to act as vital liaisons between their communities and government agencies. President Bio reaffirmed that chiefdoms are the foundation of national development, encouraging traditional leaders to mediate local disputes, mentor young people, and set a good example for promoting peace and progress. Reiterating his administration’s fight against the dangerous drug kush, the President urged chiefs to play an active role in protecting their communities. “Kush is a poison that devastates our youth and future. We must all collaborate to eliminate it. “My government has already established rehabilitation facilities throughout the country to aid in recovery,” he emphasised. Tamba Lamina, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, revealed that the new inductees bring the total number of recognised Paramount Chiefs to 77 since President Bio took office in 2018, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening traditional governance.
Host Paramount Chief Bai Farama Tass Ngbak Bubu IV of Magbema Chiefdom greeted the President and reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to national unity and progress. “Our ancestors passed down the Chieftaincy, the smallest but most sacred unit of governance. We must protect its dignity,” he said, noting that Kambia has already set up a rehabilitation centre to help victims of harmful drugs. The ceremony concluded with the official presentation of Staffs of Office to the 17 newly recognised Paramount Chiefs, marking another step forward in President Bio’s ongoing collaboration with traditional leadership for national development.
