Decentralization has become a widely adopted
governance strategy worldwide, particularly in post-colonial African states.
Historically, these nations have suffered from centralized power structures
that have resulted in governance inefficiencies, corruption, and lack of
political participation at the local level (Olowu & Wunsch, 2004). In
Sierra Leone, decentralization is a crucial aspect of post-war governance
reconstruction, aimed at enhancing service delivery and empowering local
authorities (Fanthorpe, 2006).
Despite the enactment of the Local
Government Act (2004) and efforts to restore chiefdom and district
councils, decentralization in Sierra Leone continues to face structural
challenges, including conflicts between local and national authorities,
financial mismanagement, and lack of transparency in land governance
(Fanthorpe, 2005). The persistence of these challenges has hindered the
intended benefits of decentralization, raising critical concerns about
governance and development at the local level.
This study seeks to analyse the historical
evolution of decentralization in Sierra Leone and examine the roles of chiefdom
administrations, district assemblies, and provincial assemblies in governance.
It also assesses major governance challenges related to local administration and
resource management while providing policy recommendations based on successful
decentralization models in Ghana, Rwanda, and Botswana.
Addressing decentralization requires an
understanding of the historical factors that have shaped governance in Sierra
Leone, the role of traditional and district-level authorities in governance,
and the key challenges that decentralization efforts continue to face. This
research also explores how Ghana, Rwanda, and Botswana have successfully
implemented decentralization and offers policy reforms to strengthen local
governance in Sierra Leone.
The study adopts a qualitative research
approach through historical document analysis, focusing on colonial and
post-independence governance structures. Comparative case studies of Ghana,
Rwanda, and Botswana provide insights into best practices in decentralization.
Interviews with policy experts, traditional leaders, and governance specialists
complement the research, along with secondary data analysis from government
reports, academic articles, and legal frameworks.
The Historical Evolution of Decentralization in Sierra Leone
Decentralization in Sierra Leone has undergone
multiple transformations, marked by four key periods: pre-colonial traditional
governance, colonial indirect rule (1896–1961), post-independence
centralization (1961–2004), and the Local Government Act (2004–present).
Before colonial rule, governance in Sierra
Leone was structured around chieftaincy institutions, where chiefs functioned
as custodians of land and natural resources, arbitrators of justice, and
political and administrative leaders (Kilson, 1966). Governance structures
included paramount chiefs who were supreme rulers overseeing regional
territories, village chiefs and elders responsible for dispute resolution, and
secret societies such as Poro and Sande, which regulated customary laws and
cultural practices (Mamdani, 1996).
With the introduction of indirect rule by the
British colonial administration (1896–1961), chiefs were granted administrative
power but remained accountable to colonial authorities. This governance model
strengthened hierarchical power structures, allowing chiefs to serve as
intermediaries between the colonial government and local populations
(Fanthorpe, 2006). However, indirect rule institutionalized elite capture,
weakened local governance, and reinforced inequalities, leaving a legacy of
governance inefficiencies that persist today.
After gaining independence in 1961, Sierra
Leone’s governance system became highly centralized, resulting in the
dismantling of local governance institutions. The national government gained
increased control over traditional authorities, which led to governance
inefficiencies and escalating land disputes due to the lack of decentralized
decision-making (Ladner, 2016). These governance challenges were exacerbated by
the concentration of power within the executive branch, limiting the autonomy
of local governance structures.
Following the devastating civil war
(1991–2002), governance reforms were introduced to rebuild state institutions.
The Local Government Act (2004) sought to reintroduce district and municipal
councils, improve service delivery, and enhance participatory democracy by
re-establishing the authority of local governments and traditional leaders
(Government of Sierra Leone, 2004). However, despite these reforms,
decentralization continues to face challenges, particularly in terms of
financial management, land governance, and political interference.
Chiefdom Administrations and Local Governance
Chiefdom administrations remain central to
governance in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural areas where customary land
tenure systems dominate. These administrations play an essential role in
managing land, mediating conflicts, enforcing traditional laws, and negotiating
with investors in sectors such as mining and agriculture (Acemoglu, Reed, &
Robinson, 2014).
Despite their importance, chiefdom
administrations face significant challenges. Corruption and the misallocation
of resources have weakened their effectiveness in governance (Logan, 2013).
Chiefs are often accused of lacking transparency in land deals, leading to
disputes and conflicts among local communities. Political interference in the
selection and appointment of chiefs further complicates governance, as chiefs
frequently become aligned with political elites, compromising their neutrality
and governance roles.
District and Provincial Assemblies: Roles and Challenges
District and provincial assemblies are
responsible for coordinating governance efforts between chiefdom
administrations and the central government. These assemblies are intended to
enhance decentralized governance by allowing greater local participation in
decision-making. However, they face significant challenges that undermine their
effectiveness.
One of the primary challenges is the conflict
between chiefs and elected officials, as power struggles often emerge over
control of land and resources. Budgetary dependence on central government
allocations limits the financial autonomy of district and provincial
assemblies, reducing their ability to implement policies effectively (Mokonzi,
2016). Furthermore, bureaucratic inefficiencies and weak policy enforcement
mechanisms make it difficult for local governments to function independently
and deliver essential services (Ladner, 2016).
Comparative Case Studies: Ghana, Rwanda, and Botswana
A comparative analysis of decentralization in
Ghana, Rwanda, and Botswana offers valuable insights into best practices that
Sierra Leone could adopt to strengthen its local governance system.
In Ghana, the establishment of the National
House of Chiefs has facilitated the integration of traditional leadership
into governance. Chiefs serve as advisors in policymaking and contribute to
land governance within legal frameworks (Ray, 2003; Ubink, 2007).
Rwanda has implemented a structured,
community-led decentralization model that emphasizes participatory governance.
Through initiatives such as Umuganda, a community service program that
fosters civic engagement, Rwanda has strengthened local governance by promoting
community participation in decision-making (Chemouni, 2014). The decentralized
resource allocation system has also improved service delivery at the local
level.
Botswana’s Bogosi Act (2008) has
provided a legal framework that defines the role of chiefs in governance. This
law has facilitated transparent revenue-sharing models, particularly in the
mining sector, ensuring that local communities benefit from natural resources.
By clearly delineating the responsibilities of traditional leaders, Botswana
has minimized corruption and governance inefficiencies in land and resource
management (Good, 2008).
Policy Recommendations
To improve decentralization in Sierra Leone,
lessons from Ghana, Rwanda, and Botswana should be applied. One key
recommendation is the enforcement of anti-corruption measures in chiefdom
administrations to enhance accountability and transparency. Establishing a National
House of Chiefs, like Ghana’s model, could provide a structured framework
for traditional leadership and land governance.
Sierra Leone could also adopt participatory
governance practices, such as Rwanda’s Umuganda, to encourage community
engagement in decision-making. Implementing a transparent land registration
system would help resolve longstanding land disputes and ensure equitable
access to land. Additionally, following Botswana’s example, Sierra Leone should
develop clear revenue-sharing mechanisms that guarantee local governments and
communities benefit from natural resource revenues.
Citation & References
A. Books & Academic Papers
Acemoglu, D., Reed, T., & Robinson, J. A.
(2014). Chiefs: Economic Development and Political Authority in Sierra Leone.
American Economic Review, 104(6), 1797–1825.
https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.104.6.1797
Chemouni, B. (2014). Explaining the Success
of Rwanda’s Governance: Centralization, Development, and Political Control.
Journal of Eastern African Studies, 8(2), 196-209.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17531055.2014.883770
Fanthorpe, R. (2005). On the Limits of
Liberal Peace: Chiefs and Democratic Decentralization in Post-War Sierra Leone.
African Affairs, 105(418), 27-49. https://doi.org/10.1093/afraf/adi074
Fanthorpe, R. (2006). Neither Citizen nor
Subject? ‘Lumpen’ Agency and the Legacy of Native Administration in Sierra
Leone. African Affairs, 105(421), 27-49.
https://doi.org/10.1093/afraf/adi074
Good, K. (2008). Diamonds, Dispossession,
and Democracy in Botswana. The Journal of Modern African Studies, 46(4),
637–660. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022278X08003496
Kilson, M. (1966). Political Change in a
West African State: A Study of the Modernization Process in Sierra Leone.
Harvard University Press.
Ladner, A. (2016). Local Government and
Decentralization: Strengthening Democratic Governance. Journal of
Political Reform, 12(3), 341-365.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14649388.2016.1187401
Logan, C. (2013). The Roots of Resilience:
Exploring Popular Support for African Traditional Authorities. African
Affairs, 112(448), 353-376. https://doi.org/10.1093/afraf/adt020
Mamdani, M. (1996). Citizen and Subject:
Contemporary Africa and the Legacy of Late Colonialism. Princeton
University Press.
Mokonzi, C. (2016). Customary Land Tenure
and Decentralization in Sierra Leone. International Journal of African
Governance, 19(3), 251-268. https://doi.org/10.1093/afraf/adw002
Olowu, D., & Wunsch, J. S. (2004). Local
Governance in Africa: The Challenges of Democratic Decentralization. Lynne
Rienner Publishers.
Ray, D. I. (2003). Ghana: Traditional
Leadership and Rural Local Governance. Canadian Journal of African
Studies, 37(2-3), 283-312. https://doi.org/10.1080/00083968.2003.10756405
Richards, P. (1996). Fighting for the
Rainforest: War, Youth & Resources in Sierra Leone. Heinemann.
Ubink, J. (2007). Traditional Authorities
in Ghana: Surrogate Government Agents or Real Authorities? Leiden Law
Journal, 21(4), 77-102. https://doi.org/10.1093/ghd/21.4.77
B. Government Reports & Legal Documents
Botswana Government. (2008). The Bogosi
Act: Governance and Chieftaincy Reform. Government of Botswana.
Government of Ghana. (1992). Constitution
of the Republic of Ghana. Government Press.
Government of Sierra Leone. (2004). The
Local Government Act. Government of Sierra Leone.
Government of Sierra Leone. (2009). The
Chieftaincy Act. Government of Sierra Leone.
Government of Sierra Leone. (2020). National
Development Plan 2020–2025. Freetown: Ministry of Planning and Economic
Development.
Rwanda Governance Board. (2016). Decentralization
Policy Review. Government of Rwanda.
C. Case Studies & Reports from International Organizations
Afrobarometer. (2016). Traditional Leaders
in Modern Africa: Can Democracy and Chieftaincy Coexist? Afrobarometer
Briefing Paper No. 145. https://doi.org/10.1093/afrobarometer.bp145
Commonwealth Local Government Forum. (2018). Decentralization
in Africa: Trends and Policy Recommendations. London: CLGF.
International Institute for Environment and
Development (IIED). (2019). Land Governance and Customary Tenure in West
Africa. https://doi.org/10.1080/14649388.2019.1597401
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
(2018). The Role of Traditional Authorities in Post-Conflict Governance.
UNDP Policy Brief.
World Bank. (2017). Decentralization and
Local Governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Washington, D.C.: World Bank.
D. Additional Online References
Sierra Leone Ministry of Local Government and
Rural Development. (2021). Annual Report on Decentralization. Retrieved
from https://mlgrd.gov.sl/reports
Transparency International. (2022). Corruption
and Local Governance in Sierra Leone. Retrieved from
https://transparency.org/reports/2022/sierra-leone-local-governance
World Economic Forum. (2021). Decentralization
and Economic Development in Africa. Retrieved from
https://weforum.org/reports/africa-decentralization
E. In-Text Citations
- Historical
Context: - Decentralization
in post-independence Africa has been largely influenced by colonial
governance structures, where chiefs served as intermediaries
between local communities and colonial administrators (Mamdani, 1996;
Olowu & Wunsch, 2004). - In
Sierra Leone, chieftaincy institutions were formalized under indirect
rule, which centralized power while maintaining customary law
(Fanthorpe, 2006). - Governance
Challenges: - Logan
(2013) argues that chiefdom administrations in Sierra Leone suffer
from corruption and political interference, limiting their
effectiveness in local governance. - Studies
show that district and municipal councils remain financially dependent
on central government allocations, making them susceptible to elite
capture (Ladner, 2016; Fanthorpe, 2005). - Case
Study Comparisons: - Ghana
has successfully integrated traditional leadership into governance
through the establishment of the National House of Chiefs (Ray,
2003; Ubink, 2007). - Rwanda’s
community-led decentralization strategy, known as Umuganda,
has improved citizen participation and service delivery (Chemouni,
2014). - Botswana’s
Bogosi Act (2008) has legally defined the role of chiefs in
land and natural resource management, reducing corruption in land
governance (Good, 2008). - Policy
Recommendations: - To strengthen
decentralization in Sierra Leone, scholars recommend creating a
National House of Chiefs like Ghana’s model (Government of
Ghana, 1992). - Adopting
Botswana’s revenue-sharing model in mining and land governance
could reduce economic disparities and increase local autonomy
(Botswana Government, 2008; World Bank, 2017).
