LIBERIA – On Thursday, August 8, 2024, Chief Zarzar Kawor’s decade-long tenure as the head of Liberia’s National Chiefs and Elders Council (Traditional Council) came to an end. The transition was marked by the election of Chief Arthur Dowah from Bong County as the new Chairperson of the Council.
The elections, which also included representatives from RiverCess and Maryland, concluded with Chief Dowah securing the top position. This change in leadership follows Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin’s recent announcement that Chief Zarzar Kawor is no longer in charge of the Council. Minister Nyumalin made this declaration during a press conference at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, emphasizing the need for compliance with Chapter 3 of the Local Government Act of 2018.
The Act mandates the establishment of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia, and the upcoming gathering in Ganta will see the 15 Chairpersons of the County Council of Chiefs electing their National Chairperson and other members of the National Council leadership. This reshuffling is expected to align with the Local Government law and enhance the Council’s effectiveness in traditional governance.