By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S.
Koidu City, Kono District – Saturday, October 25, 2025 – President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially coronated four Paramount Chiefs from the Southern and Eastern regions of Sierra Leone, urging them to support his government’s initiative for food sovereignty under the Feed Salone program. The ceremony took place in Koidu City and was attended by senior government officials, traditional leaders, and local stakeholders.
The newly recognized chiefs include Paramount Chief Amy Mitta Myers Benya VI of the Benya Ruling House in Small Bo Chiefdom, Kenema District; Paramount Chief Larry Bojohn Fangawa IV of the Fangawa Ruling House in Wandor Chiefdom, Kenema District; Paramount Chief Mohamed Kpakra Massally of the Kpakra Massally Ruling House in Perri Chiefdom, Pujehun District; and Paramount Chief Usman Ansumana Wai II of the Wai Ruling House in Barri Chiefdom, Pujehun District.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Ishaka Murana Turay, Provincial Secretary of the Eastern Region, highlighted the symbolic and constitutional significance of the event. He noted that it fulfills the provisions of the 1991 Constitution and the Chieftaincy Act, which empower the President to formally recognize and coronate Paramount Chiefs following a successful election process. He emphasized the chiefs’ responsibility to uphold law and order and promote peace and development within their communities.
The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Tamba John Sylvanus Lamina, expressed gratitude to President Bio for his unwavering support for traditional governance. “Your Excellency, thank you for always finding time, despite your busy schedule, to add value to the institution of chieftaincy. Today’s event reaffirms your dedication to preserving our traditions and empowering local leadership,” he stated as he presented the chiefs for recognition.
In his address, President Bio congratulated the newly coronated chiefs and acknowledged the Ministry of Local Government and the Eastern Regional Secretariat for ensuring a credible election process.
“Today is a proud moment for you and your people. The trust they have placed in you is both an honor and a duty. As a son of a Chief myself, I understand the significance of your roles in maintaining peace, unity, and progress within your communities,” President Bio remarked.
Reiterating his government’s vision under the Five Big Game Changers, he encouraged the new chiefs to lead national transformation efforts, particularly through the Feed Salone initiative. “I call on all Paramount Chiefs to mobilize your communities and make available vast tracts of land for farming. With the fertile land we have, Sierra Leone should not rely on rice imports. Together, we can achieve food sovereignty. Let us also invest in our children’s future through education and innovation,” he emphasized.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic handover of the traditional staff of office to each of the four Paramount Chiefs, marking their official recognition and assumption of traditional authority.
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