In June 2023, the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project (SLLAP), the National Council of Paramount Chiefs and Civil Society Organizations signed a partnership agreement (Memorandum of Understanding-MOU), for the efficient and effective implementation of the Customary Land Rights Act and the National Land Commission Act 2022(See Customary land Rights Act and National Land Commission Act 2022).The binding agreement(U.O.U) clearly explains the roles and responsibilities of the parties (Government and CSOs) in the implementation of the 2022 enacted land laws. One of the critical responsibilities of the traditional authority(Paramount chiefs) is to set the pace for the establishment of the Town/Village Area Land Committee(T/VALC), Chiefdom Land Committee (CLC), and organised public education or awareness raising on the customary Land Rights Act and the National Land Comision Act 2022 at chiefdoms and districts levels. The Sierra Leone Land Administration Project (SLLAP) was supported by Worl Bank. The Paramount Chiefs further received training on the new land laws(Custpmamry Land rights and the National Land Commission)
The Community Engagement and Communication Specialist at the Ministry of Lands, Abdul Karim Fonti Kabia said: “The training is being organised ahead of the establishment and implementation of the Chiefdom and Village Area Land Committees to support the reform process, he concluded”.
Sierra Leone Land Administration Project’s Coordinator, Dr Alphajor Cham expressed appreciation to the Paramount chiefs for their cooperation in the land reform process, most especially before and during the enacting of the new land laws. He commended the Minister of Lands, Dr. Turad Senesie for providing sound, visionary and professional leadership by making sure duty bearers pertinent to land-related issues are well informed.He said the Project aims to enhance and support an effective and transparent land management system in the country, which includes legal and institutional reforms and support.
Eastern Region Chairman of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs, PC David Keili-Coomber IV, who also doubles as the Chairman PC Select Committee on Land Reforms, praised the leadership role played by the Minister of Lands, which according to him, is responsible for the cooperation by the paramount chiefs on the land reform. He assured the nation the paramount chiefs will continue to support progressive reforms in the land sector because if the land sector in the protectorate enjoys peace, the paramount chiefs who are the custodians of the chief council will enjoy the peace. He called on the colleague’s paramount chiefs to continue to support the land reform process in the country.
Sierra Leone Land Administration Project (SLLAP) successfully conducted the maiden induction training for Paramount Chiefs (PC) in the Southern Region as part of the regional training for PCs in respect of the establishment of Chiefdom and Village Area Land Committees. Paramount Chiefs in the region used the opportunity to renew their commitment towards the land reform process. They described the process as a unique and professional leadership style of the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie.According to them, the respect the minister has accorded to them as PCs are responsible for the successes in the enactment of the Customary Land Rights Act and the National Land Commission Act.
