Paramount Chief Alimamy Bockarie Yalan Koroma III ofDansogoia Chiefdom, Tonkolili District-and PC Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III, ofSambaia Chiefdom
In a groundbreaking development for Sierra Leone’s mining sector, Paramount Chiefs and community stakeholders from the Sambaia, Dansogoia, and Deing Chiefdoms in the Tonkolili District have united to pledge their exclusive support for the Gento Group of Companies. This decision marks a significant shift in the dynamics of local empowerment within the industry, as communities increasingly seek responsible and equitable partnerships with mining entities.
The chiefs have formally communicated their commitment to the Ministry of Mines through a letter, affirming that they have entered into a land lease agreement with Gento Group for the mining operations in the Kasafoni area. This landmark agreement is seen as a pivotal moment, with the chiefs emphasising their roles as guardians of the land and representatives of the local landowners. The letter states, “We, the three Paramount Chiefs, hereby write to notify your ministry that we have signed a land lease agreement with the Gento Group of Companies for land situated in and around the Kasafoni area.”
At a recent community gathering, Paramount Chief Alimamy Bockarie Yalan Koroma III of the Dansogoia Chiefdom expressed the significance of this agreement, stating, “This is the first time we see a Sierra Leonean taking over the mines. Over the years, we have had foreigners managing our mineral resources. We are ready to give him our greatest support.” Chief Koroma’s remarks highlight the importance of local participation in the mining sector, asserting that Gento Group’s commitment to the community distinguishes it in an industry often criticised for neglecting local interests.
The chiefs voiced their belief that the agreement with Gento Group signifies a critical shift towards more beneficial collaborations. Historically, foreign mining companies in Sierra Leone have faced backlash for failing to fulfil their promises to local communities, leading to widespread scepticism. This sentiment is echoed in the experiences of residents from Kono District, where Kingho Mining’s operations left many community expectations unmet.
Moreover, the chiefs underscored the fundamental rights of women and youth in their chiefdoms to choose the best partners for their lands. In the lead-up to the agreement, they reiterated their desire to support a local entity that genuinely understands and respects their needs. Chief Koroma emphasised, “Gento Group will bring more jobs and opportunities to our people and community.”
Hon. PC Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III, a member of parliament representing the Sambaia Chiefdom, echoed these sentiments, stating that the people are now fully aware of the potential benefits of local investment. He drew attention to the failures of past arrangements with foreign mining companies, contrasting them with the promising prospects of collaborating with a local company like Gento Group. “They have not realised anything from the company despite the promises made. With Gento Group, they are happy to have a surface lease agreement payment,” he shared.
The chiefs also highlighted the legal framework governing mining licenses in Sierra Leone, which mandates that any company seeking to establish mining operations must first secure a lease agreement with the landowners. The agreement with Gento Group fulfils this crucial requirement, allowing them to proceed with mining operations.
In a decisive move, the chiefs have taken a firm stance against any negotiations with other companies regarding mining activities on the designated land. They are committed to ensuring that Gento Group is recognised as the sole operator for the Kasafoni area, emphasising that any prospective mining investors must approach Gento Group for collaboration.
The government, led by President Julius Maada Bio, has made it clear that all mining activities must align with local agreements. During discussions regarding this new development, the president reinforced the importance of securing land lease agreements with local communities before issuing any mining licenses, a policy that strengthens the position of the chiefdoms and aligns with their priorities.
Chief Jalloh pointedly remarked, “President Julius Maada Bio should know that Mohamed Gento Kamara is the solution to our problems.” This endorsement reflects a growing confidence among local leaders regarding the involvement of Sierra Leonean businesses in sectors traditionally dominated by foreign entities.
The commitment from the Paramount Chiefs of Sambaia, Dansogoia, and Deing Chiefdoms to exclusively support the Gento Group of Companies represents a pivotal shift towards local empowerment in Sierra Leone’s mining narrative. With a firmly signed land lease agreement, the chiefs express optimism for a future characterised by greater job creation, responsible resource management, and an economic boom that benefits their communities.
