President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has announced that traditional chiefs across Liberia will begin receiving government salaries through the national payroll effective July 1. The announcement was made as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen support for local leadership structures.
The President acknowledged the important role chiefs play in maintaining peace, resolving community disputes, and supporting development activities in their respective areas. He said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing contributions to national progress.
The move has been welcomed by many traditional leaders, who have long advocated for formal government support. With the new arrangement set to take effect next month, chiefs are expected to benefit from a more structured and reliable compensation system.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai officially announced that all appointed traditional chiefs across Liberia will be placed on the national government payroll starting July 1, 2026. The decision serves to fulfill a key administration goal to strengthen local governance and recognize the vital grassroots work traditional leaders do to maintain peace.
Appointed traditional leaders throughout the country, including paramount, clan, and town chiefs, will be placed on the government payroll to formalize compensation for traditional leaders, ensure reliable pay, and empower local leadership structures under the government’s decentralization push.
The Civil Service Agency (CSA) and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning were mandated to finalize the administrative processes required to add these officials to the central payroll system.
President Boakai announced that all appointed chiefs across Liberia will be placed on the government payroll effective July 1, 2026, marking a major step toward strengthening local governance and recognizing the contributions of traditional leaders.
Under the initiative, chiefs who have long served as community representatives will begin receiving government salaries through the national payroll system. President Boakai also revealed plans to provide buses in every county to facilitate the transportation of chiefs and elders to official functions.
The measures are aimed at improving the welfare of traditional leaders and enhancing their role in national development. The announcement has been widely welcomed as a historic milestone for Liberia’s traditional leadership sector.
