By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Minority Leader of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Abdul Kargbo, has stated that the Local Government Act 2022 does not recognize the position of an acting mayor, stressing that any such arrangement lacks legal backing.
Hon Kargbo made the clarification amid ongoing public discussions about leadership structures within local councils, particularly in situations where an elected mayor is temporarily absent. He explained that the law provides clear guidelines on how councils should function and does not permit the transfer of full mayoral authority to another individual outside established procedures.
According to him, councillors are only empowered to appoint someone to preside over council meetings when the mayor is unavailable. However, he emphasized that this role is limited in scope and does not amount to assuming the full powers and responsibilities of the mayor.
“The law is clear,” he noted, adding that the position of mayor cannot be treated as vacant unless due process is followed. He outlined that such conditions include death, resignation, or lawful removal from office in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Hon Kargbo further warned that attempts to create or recognize the role of an acting mayor could lead to legal complications. He said any decisions taken under such an arrangement may be subject to challenge, especially if they are not supported by proper legal authority.
He also raised concerns about quorum in council decision making, noting that the validity of resolutions depends on adherence to procedural requirements. “Any council decisions made without proper quorum risk being declared invalid,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of following due process in all council activities.
The Minority Leader stressed that a temporary absence of a mayor does not justify the appointment of an acting mayor or the transfer of executive powers. He urged local councils to operate strictly within the framework of the law to avoid disputes that could undermine governance at the local level.
His comments come at a time when issues surrounding local government administration have drawn increased public attention. Observers say clarity on legal provisions is essential to prevent misinterpretation and ensure that councils function effectively.
Hon Kargbo reiterated that respect for the rule of law is critical in maintaining public confidence in governance systems. He called on stakeholders to prioritize legal compliance and institutional integrity when addressing leadership gaps within councils.
He concluded by encouraging all parties involved in local governance to seek proper legal guidance where necessary, noting that adherence to the law will help safeguard the legitimacy of council decisions and promote stability in local administration.
The statement is expected to contribute to ongoing debates about the structure and limits of authority within Sierra Leone’s local government system, as stakeholders continue to interpret and apply the provisions of the 2022 Act.
