Paramount Chiefs and stakeholders from Sambaia, Dansogoia, and Deing Chiefdoms in the Tonkolili District have pledged their exclusive support for the Gento Group of Companies in an extensive land lease agreement, which is a significant move that reflects a growing trend of local empowerment in Sierra Leone’s mining sector.
This announcement comes at a time when communities are increasingly wary of foreign mining companies, pushing for more responsible and equitable partnerships.
The chiefs have formally notified the Ministry of Mines, through a letter, articulating their commitment to working solely with the Gento Group for mining operations in the Kasafoni area. The signed agreement has been described as a landmark decision, with the chiefs emphasizing their roles as custodians of the land and representatives of local landowners.
“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…,” the letter states. The chiefs further conveyed a collective sentiment, stating that their decision was founded on mutual respect, the welfare of their communities, and adherence to the law as per the Mines and Mineral Development Act.
At a recent meeting, Paramount Chief Alimamy Bockarie Yalan Koroma III of Dansogoia Chiefdom articulated the significance of this moment, remarking: “This is the first time we see a Sierra Leonean taking over the mines. Over the years, we have foreigners taking care of our mines. We are ready to give him our greatest support.” He further emphasized the importance of local engagement in the mining process, stating that Gento Group’s commitment to the people stood out in a sector often criticized for neglecting local interests.
The Paramount Chiefs expressed that the agreement with Gento Group represented a shift towards more beneficial collaborations. Historically, many foreign companies in Sierra Leone have faced criticisms for failing to deliver on promises made to local communities. This has led to skepticisms among locals, as illustrated by the experiences with Kingho Mining in Kono District, where community expectations were unmet.
Moreover, the chiefs affirmed that the women and youth of their chiefdoms held a fundamental right to choose the best partners for their lands. In meetings leading up to the agreement, they reiterated their desire to support a local entity that understands and respects their needs. “Gento Group will bring more jobs and opportunities to our people and community,” declared Paramount Chief Koroma.
Hon. PC Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III, a Member of Parliament representing the Sambaia Chiefdom, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the people were now fully awake to the possibilities of local investment.
He highlighted the failures of previous arrangements with foreign miners, contrasting them with the potential benefits of partnering with a local company like Gento Group. “They have not realized anything from the company despite the promises made. With Gento Group, they are happy to have a surface lease agreement payment,” he said.
The chiefs also stressed that under the current laws governing mining licenses in Sierra Leone, any company seeking to establish mining operations must first obtain a lease agreement with the landowners. The agreement with Gento Group fulfills this requirement, granting them authorization to proceed.
In addition to assuring support for Gento Group, the chiefs took 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 recognized as the sole operator for the Kasafoni area, emphasizing that any prospective mining investors must approach Gento Group for collaboration.
The government, led by President Julius Maada Bio, has made clear its stance on ensuring that all mining activities align with local agreements. During discussions related to this new development, the President reinforced the necessity of 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 noted that, “President Julius Maada Bio should know that Mohamed Gento Kamara is the solution to our problems”. This endorsement reflects a growing confidence among the local leadership 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 marks a pivotal shift towards local empowerment in Sierra Leone’s mining narrative.
With a firmly signed land lease agreement, the chiefs expressed optimism for the future—a future characterized by greater job creation, responsible resource, and economic boom.