President Bio Announces Salary Review, 10 New Vehicles for Paramount Chiefs

President Julius Maada Bio has announced that his government is pursuing a salary review for Paramount Chiefs and has provided an additional ten vehicles to support their operations across Sierra Leone’s chiefdoms.

The President made the disclosure on Thursday, July 30, 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference held in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone, under the theme: “Strengthening Chieftaincy for Security and Governance.”

Addressing Paramount Chiefs, government officials, and other stakeholders, President Bio said his administration recognises the critical role traditional leaders play in promoting governance, peace, and development at the community level.

He disclosed that he has engaged the Ministry of Finance on plans to review the salaries of Paramount Chiefs as part of efforts to improve their welfare and strengthen their ability to serve their respective chiefdoms.

The President also announced the provision of ten additional vehicles for Paramount Chiefs, describing the initiative as part of government’s broader commitment to supporting traditional leadership structures across the country.

According to President Bio, empowering traditional leaders is essential to strengthening governance and ensuring they have the necessary resources to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

“When you are building a state, you have to give it pillars,” President Bio said, describing traditional leadership as one of the key foundations of governance.

He emphasised that while government remains committed to addressing the concerns and welfare of Paramount Chiefs, they are also expected to perform their duties effectively and remain accountable to the people they serve.

“Government will listen to the concerns of the chiefs, take into consideration their welfare, ask them to perform and also hold them accountable,” President Bio said.

The National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference brought together traditional leaders from across Sierra Leone, government officials, and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting chieftaincy, governance, security, and development.