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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ANCILIARY OF GOVERNMENT

CRC Sub-Committee Progress Report

2014

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ANCILIARY OF GOVERNMENT MEMBERS1. Dr. Abubakar H. Kargbo (Chairman)2. Aruna Mans-DAVIES (Secretary)3. AMB. Dauda Kamara4. PC Charles Caulker5. Floyd Alex Davies6. Osman Koroma7. Alhassan Kanu8. Mary Harding9. Mohamed A. Deen10. Aminata Sillah11. Prince Baio

1. Habibatu Ojukutu Macauley - LTA2. Prince Williams - LTAAltina Syl- Turay – Admin Asst.

Summary

This Committee is established to review the provisions and related clauses of the Constitution of Sierra Leone pertaining to the Local Government and Other Ancillary Divisions of Government; examine the Report of the Peter Tucker Constitution Review Commission in a similar manner and make recommendations to the CRC.

In carrying out its responsibilities, the Committee may be guided by Sierra Leone constitutional history and such other knowledge gathered from external sources on constitutionalism.

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MEETING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUBCOMMITTEE HELD AT NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY (NCD) CONFERENCE ROOM. 30/9/2014

INTRODUCTION

After silent prayers, Mr. Mark Davies made the keynote introduction to the members of Local Government Decentralization and the meeting was chaired by Dr. Abubakar Kargbo who is also serving as the Chairman of the Decentralization Committee.

Dr. Kargbo explained in detail the rationale behind the creation of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC)A Public Consultation /Submission Form has been prepared by the CRC to facilitate the process and the Form for Local Government contains 32 questions bordering on all facets of Local Government.

Dr. Kargbo first of all made a brief presentation of the importance of Local Governance in a democratic state and emphasized the import of the debate against the backdrop that the 1991 constitution does not contain a chapter of decentralization and local government.

The process of soliciting the aspirations of the National Commission for Democracy (NCD) started by going through the 32 questions and the taking into account the various observations and contributions of members of staff of the Commission.

Dr. Kargbo made a vividly examples questions in the Public Submission form in the Local Government and asked the members about their own views or opinion about the questions in the booklet.

Some members made some suggestions like Mr. Kali Sillah who made a salient point on the questions that they were too academic for the common people to understand them. In response Rev.Gibrilla Kargbo observed that most of our problem today, he went on was that we were too lazy to read.

Dr. Kargbo buttress what Rev. Kargbo said that in certain cases one cannot escape the use of such terminologies .Questions were read from the Public Submission form of Local Government by Dr. Kargbo and members participated by answering the various questions and various suggestions were made.

Question one was a debatable question. Rev. Kargbo gives affirmative answer and he justified his answer while Mr. Sillah gives negative answer and he supported his answer.

Question six was another debatable question; some members were arguing that in some area in the country for them to even paid Le 5.000 for local tax is too much for them.

Members of the meeting responded negatively to question seven and justified their answers that local tax collection should be indirect and other suggested that they should create a data base in terms of collecting and ICT too should be encourage to collect taxes. Brima Robinson commented that in his own chiefdom Koinadugu, taxes are paid by household.

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Members responded to question ten positively because it will make the Council of Chiefs more democratic and on questions eleven and twelve the response was in the affirmative, but that supervision should be done by the judiciary. For question Twelve, there was general agreement that local residents in the ward committees should be involved in the decision making process.

On the question of whether Paramount chiefs’ election should create equal opportunity for both men and women, the answer was in the affirmative because it ensured gender equality.

On question 16 it was agreed that Local Council election should not be carried out on a partisan basis. The answer was therefore no.

On question 17 it was agreed that the functions of Council Administration should be reformed.

Capacity building and the provision of adequate resources were suggested for ensuring adequate transfer of functions to the local government for question 18.

On question 20 the response was ensuring the building of capacities, mapping out succession plan and the provision of adequate remuneration.

Question 21 dealt with the issue of staff retention the response was that officers working for government should be paid good salaries , while there was a general consensus that the retirement age should be sixty years but can be extended if and when necessary.

In response to question twenty five whether the new civil service code should be included into the proposed reviewed constitution, the response was that only reference should be made to document regulating institution such as Public Service Commission (PSC).While on question twenty six was agreed that while various service commissions can be created but their mandates should be clearly defined.

On the issue whether the process of the nomination and of the Police Council was flawless (Q.27) It was agreed that the process should be more democratic and carried out on a non-partisan bases. On the functions of the HRMO, CSC and PSC, it was agreed that the functions overlap.

Question thirty dealt with the issue of mitigating Civil Service Personnel from involving in party politics. It was agreed that Public Officers/civil servants should perform duties against the backdrop of ethical foundations, professionalism and civic education. Question thirty one was whether recruitment to the civil service should be devolved to the respective Ministries and other Government Departments the general response was in the negative responses negatively but it must left with the assigned Public Service Commission .Question 32 dealt with the nature of recruitment in to the civil service has been responsible for the root causes of low performance , the general answer was no, but could be one of the factors.

After all questions and answers, the meeting ended by a closing prayer.

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ATTENDANCE LIST FOR VISIT TO NCD

NO NAME DESIGNATION INSTITUTION

1 Osman Koroma Member CRC

2 Aruna Mans- Davies Member CRC

3 Prince J. Baio Intern CRC

4 Dr.Abubakar Kargbo Member CRC

5 Kalie Sillah Special Asst NCD

6 Cynthia Will- Fornah Asst. Acc NCD

7 Mark A. Tholley Admin/HR NCD

8 Mustapha Fofana Prog. Manager NCD

9 Rev. Gibrilla Kargbo Comm & PR Manager NCD

10 Geogette de Mark Comm west NCD

11 A.B ES NCD

12 Edward Dumbuya Ass. PEO NCD

13 Jane Sesay Intern NCD

14 Joseph Sankoh Intern NCD

15 Sahr Sewa Intern NCD

16 Olu Kumbor Intern NCD

17 Isatu Bah Intern NCD

18 Mariatu Foday Intern NCD

19 Mariama Samura Intern NCD

20 Adama James Intern NCD

21 Brima Robinson Intern NCD

22 David Williams P.O NCD

23 Mohamed Bao IT NCD

24 Alusine Turay Asst. IT Officer NCD

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25 Kelvin O. Pratt IT Tech NCD

26 M.A. Deen Member CRC

27 Alhassan Kanu Member CRC

28 Isabella Harvey Gender Officer NCD

29 Aminata Silla Member CRC

30 Alhaji Sesay Member CRC

31 Evelyn Macauley Sec NCD

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MINUTES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ANCILLARY BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING WITH THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY HELD ON THE 14TH OCTOBER, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 11:15 a.m. The introduction of members present was made. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour introduced officers of his ministry present.

Mr Aruna Man Davies started the process of soliciting the aspiration of the Ministry of labour by saying that the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone makes no provision for Local Government because there was no local government structure at that time and it was deemed as a separate entity with self-governing status. The Local Government Act 2004 offers a perfect spring board for local councils to regulate its day to day affairs. He observed that relevant provisions from the Local Government Act 2004 can be enshrined in the new constitution to make devolution as envisioned by the aforementioned Act a reality. Mr Mans Davis noted that the Constitutional Review process offers a perfect opportunity to address some of the issues made by the submission form which he read and went through.

The questions in the Local Government Public Submission Form started with the tax collected and revenue allocation, the legislative powers of chiefs and traditional leader, and the civil service reforms.

Mr Mans Davies read the question one by one and deliberated each question. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security responded to what Mr Mans Davies submitted and he made some good responses about the tax collection and revenue allocation that taxes and other sources of revenue collected by central government which he said should be distributed based on their performances. . Mr Aruna Man Davies added that the Peter Tucker Report recommended the addition of a new Section 73 which shall now read Local Government through democratically elected local councils is hereby recognised and established its composition. Other speakers added that the civil service should be reformed and the retirement age should be sixty five years (65) The Permanent Secretary Mr Barba Fortune added that they should sit together as a Ministry to give their own input as per the question below being noted, and they would produce their own position paper and also the other recommendations would be made also for the other sub-committees.

Moreover, the CRC Local Government Committee informed the Ministry that it should be expecting other sub-committees to visit them also.

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ATTENDANCE LIST FOR VISIT TO MINISTRY OF LABOUR





4 Dr.Abubakar Kargbo Chairman CRC

5 Barba B. Fortune Permanent Sec MLSS

6 Floy Davies Member CRC

7 Alim Musa Commissioner MLSS

8 E.K. Lansana Snr. Labour Officer MLSS

9 Patrick B. Aruna A.S MLSS

10 Hawa L. Kawley A.S MLSS

11 Ibrahim S. Kanu Finance MLSS

12 Herbert Smith SLI MLSS

13 Mohamed A. Koroma Chief Inp MLSS

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REPORT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUB- COMMITTEE VISITATION TO ANTI- CORRUPTION COMMITTION (ACC)

The Meeting started with silent prayers and was chaired by the Committee’s Secretary Mr Aruna Mans- Davies. The Acting Chair introduced members present and went on by stating the purpose of the meeting. He said the 2004 Local Government Act gave birth to local government after it was suspended in 1972. He noted that at the moment there is no portion in the 1991 constitution on local government, .Chapter 10 in the constitution has only one aspect dealing with the Public Service Commission. Mr. Mans Davis said that the purpose of the Local Government Committee was to solicit the aspirations of the Sierra Leone public on Local Government for the proposed constitution.

Mr. Mans Davis commented on the civil service sector, adding that its only chapter 10 of the constitution that made mention of the public service commission and the Peter Tucker made no recommendation on the issue. He observed that the current constitutional process served as an opportunity for all Sierra Leoneans to take part in the review of the constitution. He noted that the Anti – Corruption Commission was also an ancillary of government even though it is an independent body and therefore should take the opportunity to contribute into the process.

The Acting Chair observed that looking at the public service (PSC), there was a conflicting issue. He noted that according to the constitution the body that is responsible to recruit and service governance is the civil service commission but now HRMO recruits and the secretary to the president supervises and also the principal employee to the civil service, so there is a conflicting issue within the same body, he added.

Responding the Chairperson of the ACC Commission Mr Fitzgerald Kamara made a salient observation that there was no question whether they wanted chiefs or not, and that it should be the first question before any other, but Mr Mans- Davies said they will take it up.

The whole process was an interactive. All present went through the submission forms and answers came from different members present and the chairman promised that they will fill out the questionnaires and forward it with their position paper to the CRC Secretariat.

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MINUTES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ANCILLARY BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING WITH BOARD MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL ACTION (NACSA) HELD ON THE 21ST OF OCTOBER, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 2 p.m starting with an opening prayer and followed by introduction

of members present. Madam Haja Isatu Kamara, Deputy Commissioner (NaCSA) made the opening

remarks. In her opening remarks, she appreciated and welcomed the team from the Local Government

Sub-committee, and she said the (NaCSA) will make their contribution to the Constitutional Review

Committee (CRC) and ensured that everyone present had a copy of the submission from. She said that

National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) was setup in 2001 by an Act of Parliament that they

have been engaging the rural communities.

The Chairman replied that the committee was there to meet with them with a view to soliciting the

Commissions aspirations on the proposed constitution. He stated that the constitution of Sierra Leone

1991 made no provision for Local Government because it is deemed as a separate entity. The Local

Government Act 2004 offers a perfect spring board for local councils to take charge of its day-to-day

affairs. However, relevant provisions from the Local Government Act 2004 can be enshrined in the new

constitution.

Dr. Kargbo, Chairman for Local Government sub-committee asked the the Commission to look at the

Local Government Submission Form or Booklet that he would ask questions in the submission from

that, we have three areas to look: Tax Collection/Revenue Allocation, Legislative Powers of Chiefs and

Traditional Leaders and Civil Service Reforms.

Dr. Kargbo read the questions one after the other after which the Board of NaCSA answered and

deliberated on each of these questions. Deputy Commissioner, Madam Haja Isatu Kamara said that the

taxes and other sources of revenue collected by central government be distributed equally. The other

opinion argued that it should be based on needs, based, or performance. Another response made by the

Director of Works NaCSA stated that the issue of Paramount Chiefs and their the legislative powers of

should be limited only to making by-laws as may be deemed expedient for promoting the peace, law and

order and welfare of the people within his or her chiefdom.

On the issue of local council election, it was agreed that it should be carried out on a non-partisan basis

while it was agreed that the retirement age 60 years.

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Commenting on the submission form and the contributions of her Commission, the Deputy

Commissioner Madam Haja Isatu Kamara added that they will go through the questions and will send

the appropriate response to the CRC Secretariat.

The meeting ended with prayers.

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ATTENDANCE LIST FOR VISIT TO NaCSA






5 Kelvin Dixon Snr. Director Support Service

NaCSA

6 Obi Kamara Director NaCSA

7 Haja Isatu Kamara Commissioner NaCSA

8 Dr. Susan Robert Dir. M&E NaCSA

9 Mohamed U. Koroma Prog. Mgr NaCSA

10 James Harding Dir.SOCEP NaCSA

11 Sorie Turay Admin/HR NaCSA

12 Salifu Mansaray PM NaCSA

13 Amadu S. Bangura Prog.Magr NaCSA

14 Sainku B. Fofanah PM-M&E NaCSA

15 Forawa J. Bangura RC- East NaCSA

16 Sentho Kargbo Media Producer NaCSA

17 John Fomah Media Asst NaCSA

18 Prince Williams LTA CRC

19 Ousman Bangura Internal Auditor NaCSA

20 Rashid Bah Prog. Manager NaCSA

21 Saidu Sesay Fin. Manager NaCSA

22 Alhaji Sesay Member CRC

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MINUTES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ANCILLARY BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT SUB- COMMITTEE CUNSULTATION MEETING WITH THE POLITICAL PARTIES REGISTRATION COMMISSION (PPRC) ON THE 23RD OCTOBER 2014

Meeting was called to order at 11:20 a.m. by the Acting Registrar (PPRC) and was followed by self-introduction of members present.

In her opening remarks, Miss Zainab Kamara welcomed the CRC Sub-Committee, and observed that other CRC Committees had visited them also. She requested the Local Government Committee read out some questions and after which they will fill out the Submission Form later and send to the CRC Secretariat.

The Committee Chairman Dr. Abubakar Kargbo in his opening remarks said that the Committee was there to discuss issues pertaining to local government and other ancillary of Government with a view to soliciting aspirations for the constitutional review process. The Acting Registrar observed that other sub-committees that visited the PPRC only submitted the Submission Form and was left to be filled and sent back to the CRC Secretariat with their recommendation.

The Chairman of the Local Government Committee noted that Sierra Leone 1991 constitution made no provision for local government, because it was deemed as a separate entity with self-governing status.

He added that the local government Act 2004 offers a window of opportunity for the strengthening of the Local Government environment in the country. He said the current Local Government Act contain relevant provisions that can be incorporated into the reviewed constitution.

He started with the first question which reads thus, do you agree that taxes should be imposed and collected by central government? It was agreed that taxes should not be imposed and be collected by central government.

In the area of traditional leaders it was recommended that it should be entrusted to them with judicial powers supervised by the Chief Justice.

On the issue of whether the retirement should be raised or not, it was recommended that the age should remain 60years.

On local council elections it was agreed that they should not be partisan.

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ATTENDANCE LIST FOR VISITATION TO PPRC

NO. NAME DESIGNATION INSTITUTION

1 M.A. Deen Member CRC


3 Dr. Abubakarr Kargbo Member CRC

4 Zainab Umu Kamara Ass. Registrar PPRC

5 Ibrahim Dumbuya Finance Mgr PPRC

6 Prince B. Williams Member CRC

7 Charles Mbayo P&LO PPRC

8 Hawah N. Davies Admin & HR Mgr PPRC

9 Jonathan Browbe Admin & Finance Asst

PPRC

10 Timothy T. Fanday Admin/ Fin Ast- North

PPRC

11 Yusif Kamara IT Officer PPRC

12 Lucien H.L Marah Outreah PPRC

13 Olushogo A. Davies Mediation & Program

PPRC

14 Alimamy M. Jalloh Gender Affairs Asst. Officer

PPRC

15 Angela Bengeh Sec to Chair PPRC

16 Elizabeth Kamara Gender Affairs Asst.

PPRC

17 Hafisatu Alpha Mediation & Program

PPRC

18 Solomon G. Brima Ag. Admin Asst. PPRC


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MINUTES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ANCILLARY BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT MEETING WITH THE FREETOWN CITY COUNCIL (FCC) HELD ON THE 28TH OCTOBER, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 12:20 p.m. by the Human Resource Manager (HRM) Freetown City Council .In his opening remarks he called on each member present to pray individually and self-introduction. He welcomed the Local Government sub-committee members on behalf of His Lordship the Mayor and other members of the Freetown City Council (FCC) that were absent in the meeting.

The Chairman, CRC Local Government and other Ancillary Branch of Government, Dr. Abubakar Kargbo in his opening remarks introduced the Local Government Public Submission Form and added that the 1991 constitution makes no provision for Local Government because it is deemed as a separate entity with self-governing status. In the Local Government Act 2004 offers a perfect spring board for local councils to take charge of their day to day affairs. He noted that relevant provisions from the Local Government Act 2004 can be incorporated into the revised constitution.

On the issue of tax collection/revenue allocation, it was agreed that taxes including local should not be imposed and collected by central government and in the area of who should to pay local tax it was agreed that the citizen and 18 years and above. They were not satisfied with the way local taxes are collected. Respondents rejected the idea that the taxes and other sources of revenue be collected by central government and should not be distributed equally. It was agreed that the legislative powers of Chiefs and Traditional leaders be entrusted with judicial powers supervised by the Chief Justice. Respondents agreed that local residents be involved in the decision making process and that the Ward Committee members should be capacitated. Respondents also agreed that Chiefdom Councils be maintained to work side by side with the local councils based on defined terms of reference. On the nature of Council elections the general agreement was that they should be conducted on a non-partisan basis.

On the issue of the civil service it was agreed that the new civil service rules and regulations be included in the review constitution and that the human resources deficiency in the civil service could be mitigated through the provision of adequate resources and the promotion of a good environment. And that the terms and condition of civil service of civil servants be improved by better ensuring condition of service including logistics, capacity building and access to training facilities. On the retirement age of civil servants, the age of 65 years was recommended. Councilor Kabia of the Freetown City Council said that the CRC should recommend that Councilors should be provided with offices and they should be paid adequate salaries. The CRC Chairman on Local Government Dr. Kargbo advised that Council s include such a statement in their position paper and present it to the CRC.

The meeting ended with closing prayers.

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ATTENDANCE LIST FOR VISIT TO FCC






5 Mary Harding Member CRC

6 Ibrahim Kamara Councillor FCC

7 Mohamed Deen Member CRC

8 Alie Conteh Councillor FCC

9 Sheka Bangura Councillor FCC

10 Amadu Kargbo Councillor FCC

11 Hassan Bangura Councillor FCC

12 Abdul Serry Councillor FCC

13 Abu Bakarr Kamara Councillor FCC

14 Sheka Lamin Dumbuya Councillor FCC

15 Manlemeh Condoh Councillor FCC

16 Abioseh A. Wilson Councillor FCC

17 Emmanuel S. Conteh Councillor FCC

18 Salomie M.K. Kamara Councillor FCC

19 Ayo Bangura Councillor FCC

20 Edwin Howard Councillor FCC

21 Percy A.J Nicholson Councillor FCC

22 Massood M. Sesay Councillor FCC

23 Tommy Turay Councillor FCC

24 Shadrach Amed Kagbo Councillor FCC

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25 Mariatu Kamara Councillor FCC

26 Hajaratu F. Samura Councillor FCC

27 Abdul Karim Turay Councillor FCC

28 Francis Kamara Councillor FCC

29 Hajaratu Sesay Councillor FCC

30 Abdul Karim Samura Councillor FCC

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MINUTES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ANCILLARY OF GOVERNMENT MEETING WITH THE ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) HELD ON THE 28TH OCTOBER, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 3:15 p.m. by one of the Directors of EPA Mr. Lahai S. Kaita with opening prayers and self-introduction. He welcomed the meeting and noted that due to unavoidable circumstances the Head of the Agency was not going to be present though she would have loved to be part of the consultations. Ambassador Bash Conteh who is a board member acted on her behalf and welcomed the CRC Local Government sub-committee.

The Chairman Local Government sub-committee, Dr. Abubakar Kargbo in his opening remarks extended special greetings behalf of the Constitutional Review Committee and its Chairman Justice Cowan The Local Committee Chairman said that Local Government has no provision in the 1991 constitution and added that the consultations was a window of opportunity for the Sierra Leone public to participate in the review of the constitution, He said that the Submission Form contained questions boarding on local government and other ancillary bodies of government which was an entry point for the consultations.

Mr. Lahai S. Keita observed that they had received similar committees who were requested to live the Submission Forms to be filled adding that it will give the Board to adequately respond to the questions with their recommendations Dr. Kargbo encouraged the EPA to also send their position paper on Local Government and Ancillary Brach of government.

The meeting ended with closing prayers.

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ATTENDANCE LIST FOR VISIT TO EPA






5 Susi Kargbo EPA

6 Amadu Tucker EPA

7 MOMODU A. Bah EPA

8 Lahai S. Keita EPA

9 Samuel M. Kamara EPA

10 Syl- Brian Kamara EPA

11 Victor Sawyer EPA

12 BUCH M. Conteh EPA

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MINUTES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ANCILLARY BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING WITH THE HUMAN RIGHT COMMISSION SIERRA LEONE (HRC/SL) HELD ON THE 12TH NOVEMBER, 2014

Meeting was called to order at 11:15a.m by the Chairperson HRC/SL. After observing silent prayers, the

Chairperson welcomed members of the CRC sub –committee on local government. An introduction of

members present was done and the CRC sub-committee on local government was called upon to start to

start the consultation process.

In his opening remarks the Chairman of the sub-committee Dr. Abubakar Kargbo first of all extended

fraternal greetings from the Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) Justice Edmond

Cowan. Dr. Kargbo informed the gathering that the review of the 1991 constitution process started in

2013 and consisted of eight sub-committees.

Before Dr. Kargbo started to go through the questions in the submission form he asked the Chairperson

of HRSL about their views on local government and whether they would like to add more questions. The

Commission responded that they had set up a committee that will review the questions.

The first question posed during the consultations was whether there was the need to have a special

chapter on local government in the proposed review constitution. The answer was in the affirmative. On

the issue of taxes there was a general agreement that taxes including local should be imposed and

collected by local councils and supervised by central government. It was also agreed that adequate

revenue was allocated to local councils based on performance related basis. On the question who was

qualified to pay local tax, respondents agreed that it should be everyone 18 years and above including

the President and a maximum age of 60 years.

Dealing with the area of Legislative powers of Chiefs and traditional leaders; it was agreed that

traditional leaders should be given legislative powers but supervised by the Chief Justice. It was also

agreed that the Councils of Chiefs should be reformed; that traditional leaders should be entrusted with

judicial powers but they should play mediatory rules and the local council election should not be

conducted on partisan basis.

On Civil Service Reforms respondents agreed that there is the need to address the human resources deficiency in the civil service including coordination, and capacity building and the area of civil service

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terms and conditions of service be improved etc. The civil service retirement age should be 65 years and civil service rules and regulations should not be included in the review constitution.

The overlapping of functions that characterised Commissions such as, HRMO, Civil Service Commission, Public Service Commission was identified.

ATTENDANCE LIST FOR VISIT TO HRCSL






5 Jamestina King Commissioner HRCSL

6 D. Olu-Williams Vice Chairman HRCSL



9 Bryma O.S Kebbie Commissioner HRCSL

10 Amed B. Wurie HRO HRCSL

11 Lucian P.S Caulker Complaint Registrar HRCSL

12 Joseph Kamara DMR HRCSL

13 Francess Alghali Executive Secretary HRCSL

14 Patrick J. Taylor DANDO HRCSL

15 J. Thompson- Shaw SHRO HRCSL

16 Abu B. Kamara SHRO HRCSL

17 Gloria Bayoh SHRO/WCR HRCSL

18 Annusatu Sesay SAA HRCSL

19 Hassan A.B. Sesay SAA HRCSL

20 Larry Tucker Intern HRCSL

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MINUTES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ANCILLARY BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING WITH MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE MINISTRY HELD ON THE 13TH NOVEMBER, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 2 p.m. with opening prayers and opening statement by the Permanent

Secretary of the Ministry with introduction of members present at the meeting.

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs observed that limiting the tenure of Paramount Chiefs

would foster accountability and improve good governance at community levels.

The Permanent Secretary said the legislative powers of traditional leaders must be upheld and

strengthened by statute. He said “Entrusting local traditional leaders with judicial powers is crucial but

the chiefdom councils must be maintained to neutralize the excesses local rulers,”

Respondents unanimously agreed that party politics must be divorced from the local council elections to

engender development in every region and district irrespective of which political power in power.

Aruna Mans-Davies was the focal person during the consultations; he said the 1991 Constitution made

no provision for Local Government because it was deemed as a separate entity with self-governing

status. He added that the constitutional review process offered a perfect opportunity to address some of

the controversial issues that need constitutional attention.

The Ministry of Tourism recommended that revenue must be allocated to local councils based on the

revenue generated from their localities. Other issues discussed included maintaining the retirement age

at 60 years, the payment of local tax, the need for capacity building of civil servants.

Like many other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs

pledged to present a position paper to the Constitutional Review Committee that would encapsulate their

views and aspirations for the reviewed constitution.

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ATTENDANCE LIST FOR VISIT TO THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM





4 Peter B. Konteh Minister MTCA

5 Foday Jalloh Director of Culture MTCA

6 Sahr F. Mondeh AS MTCA


8 Sonny Allen Snr. ICT Officer MTCA

9 John W. Teyl T G MTCA

10 Patrick M. Sama SAS MTCA

11 Moses Kamara HRO MTCA

12 Nancy K.S. Tegbeh Ag. Per. Sec MTCA

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MINUTES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ANCILLARY BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING WITH THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION (NAYCOM) HELD ON THE 18TH NOVEMBER, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 11.20 a.m and followed by the observation of opening prayers.

After the introduction of members present, the Deputy Commissioner, Madam Aminata Sillah

welcomed the sub-committee on behalf of the commissioner and the staff of the National Youth

Commission. She noted that the commission does not have adequate on Local Government and her

Commission was therefore pleased to hear from the sub-committee.

In his response on behalf of the Local Government CRC sub-committee, Mr. Aruna Mans Davies

extended fraternal greetings from the Chairman of the CRC and observed that the constitution of Sierra

Leone 1991 makes no provision for Local Government because it was deemed as a separate entity with

self-governing status.

The Deputy Commissioner requested for the submission forms to be handed to the Commission which

will be sent back including a position paper. At this juncture, Mr. Mans Davies said that he wanted to

go through the questions and the Deputy Commissioner replied that there were many and that they had

only an hour to go through the questions and answer. Mr. Mans Davies asked whether the commission

wanted Local Government to have its own chapter in the proposed revised constitution, the answer was

in the affirmative.

On tax collection/revenue allocation respondents agreed that taxes should be imposed and collected by

local councils and that revenue should be allocated based on performance related basis and taxes and

other sources of revenue to be collected by central government and be distributed equally. On the issue

of the legislative powers of Chiefs and traditional leaders, it was agreed that the Institution should be

mordenised to ensure accountability and transparency. On the Civil Service Reform, terms and

conditions of the civil service be improved including ,capacity building, logistic and the retirement age

is recommended for 65 years.

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ATTENDANCE LIST FOR VISIT TO NAYCOM



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4 Fatmata M. Sankoh Admin Asst. NAYCOM

5 Mosina P. Sie HR Officer NAYCOM

6 Yusuf S. Kamara M&E Manager NAYCOM


8 Aminata Sillah Deputy Commissioner NAYCOM

9 Manso Bangura Youth Empowerment Officer

NAYCOM

10 Prince B. Williams LTA CRC

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MINUTES OF THE LOCAL COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING WITH THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS HELD AT THE OFFICE OF THE MINISTRY ON THE 2ND DECEMBER, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 11:15 a.m., followed by opening prayers and introduction of

members present.

The Hon. Minister of Tourism and Culture welcomed the sub-committee which he observed was the first

consultation held with his Ministry on the 18th November, 2014.

On behalf of the Chairman of the subcommittee, Dr. Abubakar Kargbo, Mr. Aruna Mans Davies

extended the fraternal greetings from the Chairman of the CRC, Hon Justice Edmond Cowan. He first of

all noted that the 1991 constitution does not make any provision for Local Government adding that it

was deemed as a separate entity with self-governing status. Mr. Aruna Mans Davies requested the

Minister and staff to open the public submission form and answer the questions.

The first question posed by Mr. Mans Davis was whether local government should have its own chapter

in the reviewed constitution .The Minister and staff were in agreement that the local government

should have its own chapter .On the issue of taxes it was agreed that taxes should be imposed and

collected by local councils and revenue also be allocated to local councils based on performance , and

taxes and other sources of revenue be collected by central government and be distributed equally.

The qualified age to pay local tax should be 18 years and above and a maximum age of retirement was

60 years.

In the area of Legislative powers of Chief/traditional leaders there was the consensus that local council

should make legislative powers for Chiefs and traditional leaders and that limiting the term of office of a

Paramount Chief will ensure accountability and transparency., It was also agreed that traditional leaders

should be entrusted with judicial powers but they should perform only mediatory role. There was a

consensus that local councils election should not be conducted on partisan basis and that the issue of

chiefdom boundaries be included in the revised constitution.

In the area of Civil Service it was agreed that terms and conditions of service for civil servants be

improved regularly and should be complemented by capacity building, logistics. 65 years was

30

recommended as retirement and it was agree that the civil service rules/regulations should not be

included in the review constitution.

31

ATTENDANCE LIST FOR VISIT TO THE MINISTER OF TOURISM





4 Peter B. Konteh Minister MTCA

5 Alhassan Kanu Member CRC

6 Sahr F. Mondeh MTCA MTCA



32

MINUTES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUB-COMMITTEE WITH THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (PSC) HELD ON THE 9TH DECEMBER 2014

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman of the PSC at 2:20 p.m., followed by opening prayers

and the introduction of members present.

The PSC Chairman welcomed the sub-committee. The Committee was requested to start the process of

soliciting the aspirations of members present.

In his presentation Mr. Aruna Mans Davies extended the fraternal greetings on behalf of the Chairman

of the CRC He first of all observed that the Sierra Leone 1991 constitution makes no provision for Local

Government because it was deemed a separate entity with self-governing status. The first question posed

was whether was Local Government should have its own chapter in the reviewed constitution? The

answer was in the affirmative.

On the issue of taxes and its collection respondents disagreed that the taxes and other sources of

revenue collected by Central Government should not be distributed equally and added that revenue be

allocated to Local Councils in proportion to taxes collected by the Local Council. It was agreed that

citizen should not be required to pay local taxes and that Chiefs/traditional leaders should have

legislative powers but they should be regulated. It was agreed that the council of chiefs should be

reformed and the local traditional leader be entrusted with judicial power. It was recommended that local

residents should be involved in the decision making process .It was agreed that there should be a

national house of chiefs in replacement of their legislative powers. Chiefdom councils are to work side

by side with local council but with defined roles and responsibilities. Respondents agreed that

Paramount Chief Election should create equal opportunity for both sexes across all regions and that local

council election should not be conduct on partisan basis .It was agreed that council administration

should be reformed and to allow adequate transfer of functions or power to the councils. With regards

the PSC Chairman advice it presents a position paper on Local Government.

33

34

ATTENDANCE

NO. NAME DESIGNATION INSTITUTION

1 Max A. Sesay Chairman PSC

2 Alex S. Konteh Commissioner PSC

3 Mabel E. Mbayo Commissioner PSC

4 Augustine T. Mansaray HR Officer PSC

5 M. Jusu Secretary PSC

6 Amara I. Bangura Acting HOD Research

PSC

7 Amadu J. Kamanda Career/ Communication Strategy Officer

PSC

8 Emmanuel Kamara Internal Auditor PSC

9 Brima Quate S.A.P.O PSC

10 Andrew M. Aruna Records Officer PSC


12 John P. Lebbie Accountant PSC

13 Daniel Banya Braima M&E Officer PSC

14 Aruna Mans-Davies Member CRC

15 Pc. Charles Cauker Member CRC/PSC


17 M. A Deen Member CRC

18 Floy Alex Davies Member CRC

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