Mohamed Gento Kamara-founder and owner of the Gento Group of Companies
Gento Group has reaffirmed the legitimacy of its operations in the Tonkolili North-Kasafoni Iron Ore Deposit, emphasising its adherence to Sierra Leone’s legal framework and the consent of legitimate landowning communities, in a strong rebuttal to recent assertions made by the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SIMMDMC). This clarification is in response to a public notice issued by SIMMDMC on June 5, 2025, claiming that the Corporation has exclusive control over the Kasafoni concession, as stated in the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (Allocated Minerals and Mineral-Related Assets) Regulations, 2024, as referenced in Statutory Instrument No. 11 of 2024.
Gento Group contends that, while the 2024 Regulations may grant SIMMDMC administrative responsibilities for certain state-allocated mineral assets, such authority does not imply unilateral control over lands customarily owned by indigenous communities. According to legal experts, Statutory Instruments are a type of subsidiary legislation that is subordinate to Parliamentary Acts. As a result, the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2023, as the primary legislation, takes precedence over any conflicting provisions in the 2024 Regulations.
The 2023 Act explicitly protects the rights of landowner families, particularly in Part VII. Section 33(1) requires that all mineral licenses respect surface landowners’ rights, while Section 33(3) prohibits the issuance of any mineral license without a valid lease or legal agreement with the landowning communities. Furthermore, Section 33(6) requires the payment of surface rent and emphasizes the importance of preserving community livelihood. These provisions emphasize the importance of landowners in the mining industry decision-making and investment partnerships.
Gento Group’s operations were formally recognized on June 4, 2025, when the people of Tonkolili District, represented by three Paramount Chiefs and supported by their Members of Parliament, signed a historic land lease agreement with the company. This significant event occurred in Bendugu Town, Sambaia Chiefdom, during the ceremonial return of newly sworn-in Paramount Chief MP Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III. The agreement was a watershed moment in promoting local autonomy and community-driven development, as it granted Gento Group access to Kasafoni’s mineral-rich lands.
During the ceremony, Paramount Chief MP Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III praised Gento Group for meeting its community obligations, focusing on the timely payment of surface rents, which previous operators had consistently neglected. He described Mohamed Gento Kamara, the head of Gento Group, as a man of integrity with strong ancestral and emotional ties to the district. His dedication to inclusive, people-centered development was recognized as a critical component in the agreement’s success. Hon. Jawa Sesay, who presided over the event, described it as a watershed moment for community empowerment and responsible natural resource governance in Sierra Leone.
Legal analysts have criticized SIMMDMC’s efforts to undermine this legitimate, community-supported agreement, describing them as legally flawed and potentially destabilizing. They argue that dismissing the rights enshrined in the 2023 Act violates the established legal hierarchy and undermines decades of advocacy for equitable development and community ownership. Historically, foreign companies have dominated Sierra Leone’s mining sector, often ignoring local voices and long-term national interests. Gento Group’s approach deviates significantly from this trend, based on legality, respect, and genuine collaboration with the local population.
As Sierra Leone seeks to maximize the value of its abundant mineral resources, it must uphold the rule of law, truly empower host communities, and prioritize transparent and inclusive investment strategies. Tonkolili residents have expressed their concerns through elected officials and traditional leaders. Their decision to entrust their land to Gento Group is not only valid but also legally protected by the country’s highest laws. This decision must be respected, upheld, and defended by all stakeholders who care about justice and sustainable national development.
Finally, Gento Group remains committed to fostering a responsible and equitable mining industry in Sierra Leone that respects the rights of local communities while adhering to the legal framework established by the country’s laws. As the situation progresses, all parties involved must engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that the interests of Sierra Leone’s people and resources are protected for future generations.
