In a historic move, three Paramount Chiefs from Diang, Sambaia, and Dansogoiah Chiefdoms in Koinadugu and Tonkolili Districts have officially consented to a landmark Land Lease Agreement with the Mineral Wealth Fund through the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC).
The agreement marks a significant step towards fostering responsible mining operations while ensuring that the host communities benefit from the wealth of their natural resources.
PC Sheku Magba Koroma III of Diang Chiefdom
The SLMMDMC, established by law, serves as the statutory vehicle for advancing mining development on behalf of the state, including launching new ventures and facilitating private sector participation.
The Paramount Chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development, stressing that the deal was reached after thorough consultations with their people. They expressed confidence that the agreement would promote economic empowerment, create job opportunities, and improve social services in their chiefdoms.
PC Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III of Sambaia Chiefdom
Paramount Chief Sheku Koroma Magba III of Diang Chiefdom welcomed the government delegation and described the lease agreement as a milestone. He recalled meeting with His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, alongside other Paramount Chiefs at State House, to deliberate on the agreement, emphasizing that while chiefs may sign the lease, final approval for land utilization rests with the government.
The Paramount Chief expressed gratitude to President Bio for involving traditional leaders in key national discussions on mining.
Paramount Chief of Sambaia Chiefdom , PC Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III, emphasized his full support to the initiative endorsed by President Julius Maada Bio. He stressed that the land belongs to the people and must bring them direct benefits.
The Paramount Chief expressed optimism that the minerals at Kasafoni would make Sambaia Chiefdom prosperous.
PC Alimamy Bockarie Yellan Koroma III of Dansogoiah Chiefdom
The Paramount Chief of Dansogoiah, PC Alimamy Bockarie Yellan Koroma III, expressed appreciation for receiving a high-powered government delegation in his chiefdom.
He stated that he and his people have given their full support to the government regarding the land lease agreement. PC Yellan III further expressed optimism that President Bio’s initiative in the mining sector through the Wealth Building Fund via SLMMDMC will change the narrative and bring significant benefits to the host communities.
He, however, expressed deep concern over the deplorable road conditions from Magburaka. PC Yellan III also appealed for the establishment of a skills training centre for the indigenes to better prepare them for employment opportunities within the mining companies.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in the three chiefdom headquarters of Kondembaia, Bendugu and Bumbuna Town, the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamandi Bangura, who led the government delegation, disclosed that His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio mandated the high-powered team to engage Paramount Chiefs and landowners in both Koinadugu and Tonkolili districts for the signing of land lease agreements.
He explained that following approval by the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, the agreements would pave the way for mining operations in the two districts, create job opportunities for young people, strengthen community development projects, and boost national revenue generation.
The Finance Minister stressed the importance of landowners giving consent through their Paramount Chiefs before the utilization of their lands, adding that the lease would also attract potential investors.
Minister Bangura urged the people to work in unity with the government to transform the development outlook of their chiefdoms. He highlighted the SLMMDMC’s mandate to identify credible investors for the benefit of host communities and the country at large.
According to Minister Bangura, the government has already secured partners who will establish an iron ore plant, railway, and port within a year to enhance Sierra Leone’s export capacity and national wealth.
He lamented the deplorable road conditions leading to their various chiefdom headquarters and assured residents that their road projects would be prioritized by government. The Minister reiterated that the development of the three chiefdoms could only be realized through the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL).
The Minister of Finance reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to all three chiefdoms while promoting responsible mining practices.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Mines Committee, Hon. Sahr Emerson Lamina, informed the gathering on the mandate of the SLMMDMC and the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act 2022 (as amended). He explained that the lease guarantees fair compensation and community participation.
Hon. Lamina praised President Bio’s vision in reforming mining laws to benefit host communities, noting that the share for landowners in surface rent had increased from 50% to 70%, while Paramount Chiefs, District Councils, and Members of Parliament would each receive 10%. He urged the people to uphold peace and cooperation, warning that investors would avoid conflict-prone areas.
Solicitor-General Robert Kowa, Esq. from the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice disclosed that the lease agreement runs for 49 years with the possibility of a 25-year extension. He added that the annual surface rent for Diang Chiefdom stands at US$76,000 and Sambaia Chiefdom – US$118, 000 subject to review every five years. The Solicitor-General also outlined the rights and obligations of landowners under the lease agreement.
