By Sorie Kanu
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, has condemned an ongoing boycott by political heads in local councils, calling it a deliberate attempt to undermine effective local governance.
Speaking on African Young Voices Television (AYV), Lamina said the refusal of mayors, chairpersons and councillors to perform their duties was disrupting service delivery and slowing development efforts.
“The whole essence of local government is to bring governance closer to the people,” he said, stressing that councils are the highest authorities at the local level and must function accordingly.
The boycott, which has persisted for weeks in some areas, raises concerns about the commitment of elected officials to their responsibilities, the minister said, adding that abandoning their roles reflects a lack of understanding of their mandate.
Lamina also rejected claims by the mayor of the Freetown City Council that the central government had failed to provide funding, describing the allegations as “false and misleading.” He said councils continue to receive allocations despite economic constraints, and noted they are also empowered to generate their own revenue.
He attributed delays in disbursements to global economic pressures, shifting government priorities and adjustments by donor partners.
Addressing tensions with the Freetown City Council, Lamina said the ministry, which is constitutionally mandated to supervise local councils, has faced resistance, particularly over staff transfers. He described such transfers as an administrative responsibility of the ministry and accused some councils of failing to comply with established procedures.
“Governance issues should be addressed through institutional dialogue, not public confrontation,” he said.
The minister also raised concerns about what he described as “unacceptable practices,” including the rejection of staff transfers on ethnic grounds.
Citing the Local Government Act 2022, Lamina said chief administrators are legally empowered to take over council operations in the absence of elected officials, and assured the public that councils remain functional despite the boycott.
He added that the government has advised the Ministry of Finance to suspend salaries and benefits of officials participating in the boycott, saying public funds must be tied to active service.
Lamina further criticised reported attempts by some officials to lobby development partners to halt projects, calling such actions unpatriotic and harmful to local communities.
On administrative reforms, he said the creation of new districts and localities is under consideration following consultations and the submission of reports for presidential review. He said the initiative aims to improve governance and expand service delivery, citing Falaba District as an example.
The minister urged boycotting officials to return to work and resolve grievances through appropriate channels without disrupting governance and public services.
