By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA), Tamba Lamina has recognized Chief Kandeh Sorie K. Kamara as the new Loko Tribal Headman for the Western Area.
The recognition was done at the conference room of the Ministry at Youyi Building on the 9th of March 2023.
In his opening statement, Director of Local Government, Brima Newman Kombay noted that the issue of tribal heads commenced in 1808. He said the appointment of any tribal head starts with consultation, and presentation of candidates’ names, followed by a background check from the ministry. The candidate with the largest endorsement from the people is appointed as tribal head for the Western Zone.
He said the same process applies to selecting the Loko Tribal Head, whose name after being presented to the minister was vetted and sent to State House for confirmation by President Julius Maada Bio.
Director Kombay ended by asking those present to observe a moment of silence for the late Loko Tribal Head, Alhaji Alpha Sahid Sesay whom he said was dynamic during his tenure as Loko Tribal Head.
The Chairman of Council of Tribal Heads who is also the Kono Tribal Head, Chief Sahr Orlando Gbekie pointed out that recognition of tribal heads started way back in 1962 and that the ministry has made so many transformations in view of the serious fights that took place in the past to name a successor.
He said the infighting was now a thing of the past and that it now takes a few days for a tribal head to be replaced since the appointment of the current Minister of Local Government.
Minister Lamina explained that the idea for tribal leadership came after Freetown was declared a Colony, different from the Protectorate, which is the interior part of the country.
He further said that, so many tribes have penetrated Freetown and have been staying in the city for so long, hence the need to administer and link them up with their tribes’ people. He said when President Bio took over office, there were so many vacancies for Chiefs, and he advised that all those 16 positions be filled.
Lamina described the New Loko tribal headman as a disciplinarian even before assuming his new role. He said the responsibilities of a tribal headman include putting structures in place to maintain peace and support government policies.
“Tribal heads have played a great role throughout the past five years in carrying out government messages in the country,” he said.
He urged the new chief to promote the culture of the Loko ethnic group, respect his people, and work with other tribal heads in Freetown, saying his position is not limited to a well-defined Loko catchment area. He condemned the issuance of huge fines to people by some tribal heads saying it is not a money making position.
He encouraged him to be an intermediary between his people and also advised the Loko people to respect and listen to their chief.
In his vote of thanks, Chief Kamara thanked his colleagues’ tribal heads and the Local Government Minister for gracing this particular event. The said his power as tribal head belongs to all the Loko people and promised to work with them all and that he will listen to the minister’s advice.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (10/3/23)
