By Jariatu S. Bangura
The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has officially launched its Community-Led Governance through Decentralization Initiatives, a project and strategic policy framework aimed at transferring governance power to the people and strengthening community participation in local decision-making.
The initiative, unveiled yesterday, focuses on promoting community-led governance through decentralization, not only in structure but also in spirit, with mechanisms to ensure that communities themselves monitor government activities for accountability and alignment with citizens’ needs.
In his welcome address, APRM Executive Secretary, Mohamed Sheriff, stated that the launch of the project and policy plan affirms a powerful truth: governance is stronger when it belongs to the people.
He described the initiative as a collective declaration that governance architecture must be rooted in the realities, voices, and leadership of citizens.
“For far too long, centralized structures have unintentionally silenced the ideas and energies of citizens and their grassroots,” Sheriff said. “Thankfully, this GIZ-supported project seeks to catalyze transformation. It is not just about bringing services closer to the people but empowering citizens to become active architects of their own local governance.”
He emphasized that such moment marks a critical point in strengthening institutions and promoting transparency, particularly in how governance responds to the aspirations of marginalized groups such as rural farmers, youth, local councils, and market women’s cooperatives.
Sheriff added that the project will ensure these voices shape decisions affecting schools, health centers, water sources, and livelihoods at the community level.
Representing GIZ, Dr. Chijioke Iwuamadi described the initiative as a pilot project with significant potential. He noted that GIZ is fully committed to supporting it and expressed hope that its success will inspire other African nations and the international community to learn from Sierra Leone’s approach.
“This initiative reminds us of the opportunity to express our gratitude and reaffirm our commitment to supporting governance programs across the continent—especially in collaboration with the African Union and national governments,” Dr. Iwuamadi said.
He described the initiative as timely, given that it provides Sierra Leoneans with a real opportunity to participate in governance at both local and sub-national levels.
Representing the Chief Minister, Ambassador Soulay Daramy emphasized that decentralization and community-led development align with the national economic agenda. He highlighted the role of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs in championing these efforts, with support from local councils.
“Since 2004, Sierra Leone has been on a decentralization journey. Although challenges remain, we have made great strides, and it can only get better,” Ambassador Daramy noted. “The government’s continued efforts to champion community development signal its unwavering commitment to a transformation process that must now be sustained.”
He stressed that governance must be vested in community action. “Decentralization and inclusive governance are no longer optional—they are necessary for sustainable development. Our ministry, now renamed the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, reflects our belief in the power of people, the strength of community, and the enduring promise of democracy.”
Deputy Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Hon. Philip Tondoneh, also addressed the gathering. He highlighted that Sierra Leone’s resilience and unity are essential foundations for this transformative journey toward a more democratic and responsive public service.
He stated that the project, with its focus on community-led governance, seeks to integrate citizens’ voices directly into decision-making, thereby promoting transparency, accountability, and cooperation.
“Our vision is to create a system where power is not concentrated in a few hands, but rather distributed to allow communities to address their unique challenges and develop solutions that reflect their local priorities and cultural contexts,” the Deputy Minister said.
He concluded by noting that decentralized governance is not merely an administrative reform, but a means to restore trust and strengthen the bond between government institutions and citizens. “Through this project, we are empowering local leadership and enabling community groups to play an active role in public administration ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and their needs are met with precision and care.”
