By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Chairman of the Western Area Rural District Council (WARD-C), Kasho Holland Cole, has strongly opposed government’s proposed plans to establish additional localities, describing the move as untimely and lacking proper consultation.
Speaking on Liberty Online TV Thursday, 28 August 2025, Chairman Cole raised serious concerns about the way the proposal has been handled, arguing that the government failed to engage with relevant stakeholders before making the decision public. He said such an approach undermines the role of local authorities, who are directly responsible for the governance and development of their communities.
“The government should have engaged us properly and ensured that things were done the right way,” Cole stated. “What we are seeing instead is a decision being imposed without considering the views of those who manage the affairs of the people at the local level.”
According to him, the introduction of additional localities at this time is not only premature but also risks creating confusion in local governance. He maintained that the government should focus on strengthening existing structures rather than creating new ones, which could stretch limited resources and weaken service delivery.
Chairman Cole stressed that while decentralization remains important for promoting development, it must be carried out in a transparent and inclusive manner. He accused the government of “taking things out of the hands” of local authorities by making unilateral decisions without dialogue or consultation, as it undermines the spirit of partnership that should exist between central government and local councils.
He also expressed worries about the financial and administrative implications of creating new localities. With the country already struggling economically, Cole argued that it is unwise to embark on policies that would increase expenditure without a clear plan on how to sustain them. “Resources are already limited. Instead of adding more administrative layers, the government should prioritize strengthening service delivery in education, health, and infrastructure within the existing structures,” he noted.
Chairman Cole noted that the people of the Western Area Rural District expect their leaders to advocate for their interests, reiterating that he is not against reforms but insisted that any initiative of such magnitude should be carefully planned, discussed, and aligned with the needs of the communities.
His comments add to the growing debate surrounding government’s decentralization agenda, which has faced criticism from several quarters. Many observers believe that the sudden push for new localities may be politically motivated, rather than being a genuine step toward development.
Cole called on the central government to revisit its approach, engage in broad-based consultations, and ensure that local councils are fully involved in the process. He noted that the voices of traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and the general public must be considered if decentralization is to succeed.
“The government must do things right. We all want development, but it should be development that reflects the needs of the people and not one that is imposed from the top,” he concluded.
As discussions continue, the issue of additional localities remains a point of contention, with local authorities like Chairman Cole determined to ensure that their role in governance is not diminished.
