Bo — Deputy provincial secretary south has said that over the years the status of chiefdom police was appalling but that government was fighting hard to improve their condition of service and that of other chiefdom personnel.

George Penyikie said paramount chiefs nowadays are not opportune to walk with their chiefdom police "because they are good looking, presentable in any public gathering".

Deputy Minister 1 in the ministry of Local Government, Internal Affairs and Rural Development, Hadiru Kalokoh led a team to a two-day assessment and verification of chiefdom police personnel drawn from the 15 chiefdoms within the Bo district. The exercise was held at the Chiefdom Administrative Court No. 1 building, Ngelu in Bo.

Kalokoh said upon attaining office as president, Ernest Bai Koroma - while presenting his agenda for change - said he will do all within his powers to improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans in all aspects of life.

Kalokoh recalled that during the country's colonial period court messengers who today are referred to as chiefdom police, were very powerful and well respected in the eyes of the public. He said at the time when a court messenger is spotted in a village or town it became a concern until he or she enters a particular house before people could have relief.

He maintained that since Sierra Leone became independent the dignity and recognition in the authority of the chiefdom police has waned, adding that his ministry was going all out to restore the dignity and good image of the chiefdom police.

"Over the years, chiefdom functionaries ranging from the paramount chief, chiefdom speaker, court clerk, treasury clerk to the chiefdom police were going without salary," the minister noted.

He described such a situation as horrible and inhuman, adding that in a bid to address their problems the government of Sierra Leone dispatched two teams to undertake a nationwide assessment and verification and ensure the recruiting of young men into the chiefdom police unit.

He pointed out that during the assessment and verification process each team was charged with the responsibility to retain some of the old serving personnel who are still fit, recruit young people between 18 and 35 years and retire those who may one way or the order not meet the age requirement or the sick even if they are young regardless their age.

Kalokoh said those that will be fortunate to survive the assessment and verification process will also benefit from modern training, monthly salaries, and new uniforms. He added that those recommended for retirement will receive a retirement package.