By Mariama Bundu
The Decentralization Secretariat Sierra Leone has said that local councils are legal entities that cannot be boycotted, stressing that their operations must continue regardless of political actions.
Director of the Secretariat, Alex Bonapha, said the law clearly establishes local councils as corporate bodies with perpetual succession under the Local Government Act. He explained that even in the absence of political leaders, councils are required to function to ensure continued service delivery.
Mr. Bonapha also highlighted that Chief Administrators serve as Vote Controllers, responsible for managing council finances. He said this position was confirmed following a request for legal clarification from the Attorney General’s Office Sierra Leone.
According to him, the legal interpretation affirms that Chief Administrators can oversee council operations transparently and accountably, ensuring that governance is not disrupted.
He further noted that the Local Government Act 2022 provides mechanisms for government intervention in cases where councils face operational difficulties, including actions that can be taken through Parliament or by the Minister of Local Government.
Meanwhile, civil society group Accountability Now Sierra Leone has called for dialogue to resolve the ongoing impasse.
Its Executive Director, William Sao Lamin, criticized the boycott by APC chairpersons, mayors, and councillors, saying it is negatively affecting ordinary citizens due to disruptions in service delivery.
He urged all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the situation in the interest of national development and public welfare.
