By Saidu Dumbuya
One of the leading mining companies in Sierra Leone, CTC Mining company has paid the sum of NLe2.4 million surface rent to landowners and community stakeholders of Marampa and Maforki chiefdoms.
The payment of this surface rent took place on the 26th April , 2025, at the Port Loko district Council conference hall in Port Loko city.
Before handing over the cheques to beneficiaries of the surface rent, CTC Project Coordinator, Dr. David Koroma rrminded the hundreds of attendees and stakeholders that the payment was not merely a contractual obligation but a recognition of the landowner’s rights and contributions to the mining process.
According to Dr Koroma, the Mines and Minerals Act stipulates that surface rent shall be distributed as following, 70 percent to landowners, 10 percent to the Paramount Chief, 10 percent to Constituency Development Fund, and 10 percent to the District Council.
He said these allocations are designed to ensure that the benefits of mining activities are equitably shared among all stakeholders, this he said, fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community.
Admonishing landowners while giving his chairman’s opening remarks, the Resident Minister Northwest, Ambassador Umaru B. Wurie appealed to them to refrain from strikes actions as according to him such behaviours hinder the progress of not only the company but also the community where the mining is taking place.
Ambassador Wurie said that should the landowners have any grievances against the operation of the company, they should channel it to the relevant authorities so that it will be amicably resolved.
Parliament Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, Koblo Queen ll, thanked the landowners for their sacrifice in providing the land where CTC is operating.
He said as PCs they will ensure that what due them is given to them and the landowners as well should abide by the agreement they have signed.
Parliament Chief of Maforki chiefdom, Bai Forki-Fainkall,
maintained that the landowners just started to enjoy the lagess of their land, underscoring that the people stand to benefit more as the mining progresses.
He said when the CTC mining company shall have paid the CDA, Marampa and Maforki chiefdoms will be a paradis, as lots of Development projects will be brought to those two chiefdoms.
On his part, the Honorable member of Parliament, representing Port Loko district, Abdul Karim Koroma, thanked the CTC mining company for honoring its responsibility.
The MP used the occasion to ask for the Community Development Agreement, which he said CTC has not yet honoured.
Representing the National Minerals Agency was the Director of Community Affairs, Ibrahim Satti Kamara who thanked the landowners and community people of both Marampa and Maforki chiefdoms for allowing the operation of CTC mining company to go on unhindered.
Other speakers who gave meaningful contributions during the ceremony include the Port Loko district Chairman, Senior District Officer, Ishaga Turay among others.
One of the landowners, Pa Santige Kargbo expressed appreciation to CTC mining company, stating that many companies have come and gone with no tangible things been done in their communities, but that with the coming of CTC they have started enjoying benefits.He urged CTC to continue the good work they have started.
The ceremony was climaxed by the distribution of cheques to beneficiaries amidst pump and pageantry.
