By Amb. Sallieu Sankoh (Center)
The Port Loko District Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the thirteen (13) Paramount Chiefs of Port Loko District to strengthen revenue generation and establish a structured revenue-sharing framework.
The agreement was reached with the support and facilitation of the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) and forms part of the implementation of the Freetown Resolution 2025. The MoU clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of both the District Council and the Paramount Chiefs.
Over the years, the Port Loko District Council has faced significant challenges in the collection of key local revenues, including property taxes, local taxes, sand dues, market dues, cattle dues, and evacuation fees. Under the new arrangement, Paramount Chiefs will support the District Council in the collection of selected revenue streams, with agreed percentage sharing to enhance efficiency and accountability.
As part of the MoU, the District Council will facilitate the opening of escrow accounts for each chiefdom to promote transparency, accountability, and best financial management practices. In addition, the Council will develop implementation strategies to ensure the effective execution of the agreement.
To further strengthen local governance, Chiefdom Administrations will receive capacity-building support, including training in budget preparation. This is intended to ensure that shared revenues are properly planned and utilized for chiefdom development and the overall benefit of the people.