President Bio Pledges to Consider More Paramount Chief Seats in Parliament

President Julius Maada Bio has pledged to consider increasing the number of legislative representatives for Paramount Chiefs in Parliament as part of the ongoing constitutional review process, describing traditional leadership as a key pillar of Sierra Leone’s governance and national development.

The President made the statement 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.

The conference, held under the theme “Strengthening Chieftaincy for Security and Governance,” brought together Paramount Chiefs from across the country, senior government officials, local council representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss the role of traditional leadership in promoting governance, security, and development.

Addressing the gathering, President Bio said Sierra Leone’s chieftaincy institution remains an important part of the country’s history and governance structure, noting that traditional leadership existed long before the introduction of modern administrative systems.

“When you are building a state, you have to give it pillars. Before we brought the modern form of administration to Sierra Leone and the rest of Africa, there were people who governed this land,” President Bio said.

He described Paramount Chiefs as custodians of culture and traditions, as well as important partners in national governance, stressing that their voices must continue to contribute to decision-making processes across the country.

“Whether they are from any tribe, the voices of Paramount Chiefs must be heard,” he stated.

President Bio said strengthening the chieftaincy institution requires continued dialogue and cooperation between government and traditional authorities. He added that while the concerns and welfare of chiefs must be considered, they must also be held accountable for their responsibilities.

“If we can administer the chiefdoms effectively, leadership at the national level becomes a stronger pillar. Government will listen to the concerns of the chiefs, take them into consideration, ask them to perform, and also hold them accountable,” he said.

The President’s comments come amid ongoing discussions on constitutional reforms and the future role of traditional institutions within Sierra Leone’s governance framework.

He further encouraged Paramount Chiefs and chiefdom authorities to establish land banks to support agricultural investment, improve land management, and create more opportunities for development within their communities.

Describing the conference as a significant moment in the country’s history, President Bio urged traditional leaders to continue playing an active role in promoting peace, security, good governance, and national development.

The National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference continues in Bo, with participants deliberating on ways to strengthen the contribution of traditional leadership to Sierra Leone’s governance and development agenda.