By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Gento Group of Companies has strongly rejected a public notice issued by the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development Corporation (SLMMDC), describing it as “misleading” and “defamatory.” The SLMMDC notice questioned the company’s legal standing to engage in mining activities at the Tonkolili North Kasafoni Iron Ore Deposit.
In a Press Release dated June 5, 2025 and signed by Public Relations Officer, Alex Bolton, Gento Group accused SLMMDC of attempting to damage its reputation and misinform the public, Government agencies and investors. The company stressed that the notice contradicted the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022 and ignored the fundamental rights of indigenous landowners.
Gento Group’s involvement in Kasafoni is based on a valid lease agreement with the traditional landowning authorities of the Sambaia, Dansogoia and Diang Chiefdoms. The company explained that this lease is a legally required step under Sierra Leonean law to secure a large-scale mining license.
“The Gento Group is a 100% Sierra Leonean-owned Company fully compliant with national laws,” the release stated. “While we have not yet obtained a mining license, the law clearly mandates land lease agreements with local authorities before mining applications can proceed. We have rightfully secured such agreements.”
Supporting that claim, the three Paramount Chiefs of Sambaia, Dansogoia and Diang Chiefdoms sent a joint letter to the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources on June 5, 2025. The letter confirmed the unanimous signing of the land lease with Gento Group, emphasizing the broad community support including from youths and women.
The Chiefs highlighted that their choice reflects a preference for a trustworthy, indigenous partner who respects local customs and promotes community development. They criticized previous negative experiences with foreign mining firms and praised Gento Group’s transparent and collaborative approach.
“As custodians of the land, we will not recognize any other company attempting to mine Kasafoni without Gento Group’s approval,” the Chiefs warned. They urged the Ministry of Mines to honor their decision and directed any interested parties to engage solely with Gento Group.
Gento Group’s Press Release also condemned SLMMDC for issuing its notice without prior consultation, calling the move unprofessional and disruptive to private sector investment. The company demanded that SLMMDC retract the damaging statement and cease further actions that distort legal facts and undermine credible investors.
“We are committed to the rule of law and due process,” the statement declared. “Gento Group will defend its reputation, business and the rights of our host communities through all legal channels if necessary.”
The company reaffirmed its dedication to responsible, transparent and lawful investment. It thanked the local communities of Tonkolili North for their trust and assured Government agencies and partners of its commitment to Sierra Leone’s economic development.
This dispute underscores the vital role indigenous businesses play in building trust, empowering communities and fostering lawful resource development as Sierra Leone positions itself as a premier mining investment destination.
The backdrop to this controversy was the historic signing of the land lease on June 4, 2025, when residents of Tonkolili District, led by three Paramount Chiefs and Members of Parliament, formally granted Gento Group the rights to operate and invest in the mineral-rich Kasafoni Land.
The ceremony took place during the homecoming of newly sworn-in Paramount Chief Member of Parliament Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III in Bendugu Town, Sambaia Chiefdom, drawing thousands of local supporters.
Paramount Chief Alhaji Musa Bamba Jalloh III praised Gento Kamara and his company for their integrity and commitment to local empowerment. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the people for the timely surface rent payments made under the lease agreement; a stark contrast to previous dealings with other investors.
“When we signed with Kingho Mining, we received no jobs or community benefits,” the Chief said. “With Gento Group, we have already received surface rent and we believe this partnership will bring lasting benefits including jobs and infrastructure development.”
The Paramount Chief affirmed that Sambaia Chiefdom and wider Tonkolili have given their full endorsement to Gento Group as the sole rightful investor in Kasafoni Land. “We are not prepared to work with any other investor. We consulted our ancestors who gave a positive nod to Gento Kamara. He is one of us, a Sierra Leonean who understands our needs and will deliver.”
Honorable Jawa Sesay, who chaired the event, described the day as historic, not only for the lease signing but for uniting the region. “For the first time, a native of Koranko land represents Tonkolili in Parliament and our lands are entrusted to someone who respects local ownership, Gento Kamara,” he said.
He commended Gento for his notable national infrastructure contributions, especially in road construction, which has improved connectivity across Sierra Leone. “This is localization at work; empowering our own to bring lasting change.”
Kasafoni Land, long underutilized despite its mineral wealth, is now poised for responsible development under Gento Group. Local communities anticipate job creation and improvements in roads, schools and health facilities as part of the company’s community commitments.
This decision aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s directive that mining licenses require valid land lease agreements signed by host communities. Tonkolili has proactively entrusted a homegrown investor with a proven track record of delivering on promises.
“We’ve seen what happened with Koidu Limited and Kingho Mining; so many promises, so little return,” said another chief. “This time, we choose transparency, action and above all, Gento.”
The mood across Sambaia Chiefdom was one of hope and renewal, marking a new chapter where local resources benefit local people and trust is placed in homegrown solutions. At the heart stands Mohamed Gento Kamara, regarded not only as a businessman but as a brother and builder of communities.
