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Kasafoni Land Dispute Deepens as Government Signs Parallel Concession Agreements

 

By Foday Moriba Conteh

A recent Government mission to Kasafoni Land in the Tonkolili and Koinadugu Districts has stirred controversy following the signing of concession agreements in three chiefdoms already bound by an earlier lease arrangement with the Gento Group of Companies.

On August 21, 22 and 23, 2025, a high-powered delegation comprising the Ministers of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Lands, Dr, Turad Senesie and Internal Affairs, Morie Lenghor plus other senior officials travelled to Diang, Sambaia and Dansogoia Chiefdoms respectively to secure agreements granting the Government sole control over the mineral-rich Kasafoni land. Their mission, however, met with mixed reactions from residents. Landowners in the three chiefdoms expressed disapproval, stating that they had already leased their land to the Gento Group, which had made surface rent payments and implemented visible community development projects.

Although the delegation was able to convince the Paramount Chiefs to sign the new agreements, many landowners and ordinary residents did not welcome the move. According to accounts from community members, their reluctance was influenced by the fact that Gento Group has already undertaken tangible development initiatives such as road construction, a dam, water facilities and a hospital, which they say stand as proof of the company’s commitment. The Government’s insistence on pressing ahead with a separate deal was seen as contradictory to the existing arrangement, raising the prospect of a legal dispute.

The action of the Minister of Finance to assemble a delegation to travel to the three chiefdoms and sign the concession agreements when earlier the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who was out of the country when the delegation went to Kasafoni land, but had earlier halted Parliamentary handling of the matter and promised to bring all parties together to chart an amicable solution has been described by some observers as governance inconsistency and something very peculiar.

Kasafoni Land has long been a subject of contention. By law, land cannot be claimed by two parties simultaneously. Gento Group was the first to secure a lease agreement with landowners in Diang, Sambaia and Dansogoia Chiefdoms, paying the required surface rent to legitimize its operations.

Under the Mines and Minerals Act, 2009, Cap 123, Section 14(1), a mineral lease issued with the consent of customary landowners and after payment of surface rent confers legal rights to the leaseholder to explore and exploit minerals. Section 16(2) further confirms that such a lease is binding on the landowners and enforceable in law, providing Gento Group with a solid legal foundation.

The Government’s subsequent signing of separate agreements has therefore opened the way for what observers describe as a potential violation of established legal principles. Analysts warn that the existence of two parallel agreements for the same land could discourage potential investors and create an unfavorable image for Sierra Leone’s investment climate.

The delegation’s activities were carried out under heavy security, with soldiers, some wearing masks and armed police officers present in large numbers. While Government officials maintained this was for safety and order, some civil society groups and social commentators have argued that the presence of heavily armed personnel created an atmosphere of intimidation, which could have influenced the outcome of the meetings with the local chiefs.

In Diang Chiefdom, protests erupted on August 21 when hundreds of landowners refused to meet with the Finance Minister’s team, insisting that their agreement with Gento Group be respected. The delegation eventually held closed-door talks only with Paramount Chief Sheku Magba III and his council. Similar sentiments were expressed in Sambaia and Dansogoia Chiefdoms, where landowners reiterated their commitment to Gento, pointing to the benefits already delivered under the existing arrangement.

Earlier this year, Parliament acknowledged the lease between Gento Group and the communities, though the Government had also declared through the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC) that it holds exclusive rights over Kasafoni’s iron ore deposits. This duality has fueled the current tension and deepened the sense of uncertainty.

A petition was earlier filed in Parliament by Paramount Chief MP Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III, stressing that the Gento lease was lawful and backed by the landowning families. Rights advocates had also urged that the matter be resolved transparently to protect community rights and maintain trust between citizens and the State.

As it stands, Kasafoni now has two conflicting lease agreements, one with the Gento Group and another with the Government. Analysts note that under the Mines and Minerals Act, the Gento lease, being legally recognized and supported by customary landowner consent and surface rent payment, has enforceable standing in law.

The legal conflict may require judicial interpretation to determine the lawful leaseholder, which could affect ongoing development projects and future investment. For residents of Diang, Sambaia and Dansogoia Chiefdoms, the issue is about securing their rights, honoring commitments and safeguarding the development initiatives already underway.

President Bio Urged to Face Journalists in Open Town Hall on Electoral Reforms

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Public calls are mounting for President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to directly engage with journalists in an open Town Hall meeting to clarify his position on proposed electoral reforms and the path forward for Sierra Leone’s democratic process.

Observers say that while the President has previously spoken at events, including the Sierra Eye Town Hall where he made a strong case for the Proportional Representation (PR) system as a tool to bridge divisions, critical questions remain unanswered. Concerns have been raised about how such reforms would work at the executive level, particularly given the President’s constitutional power to hire and fire.

Critics argue that while the President’s explanation at Sierra Eye was almost convincing, political foot soldiers derailed the debate by focusing on threshold issues and turning the matter into a political football. Two years on, the discussion around electoral models is once again clouded with partisanship, with stakeholders holding on tightly to their respective positions.

“What is missing is an opportunity for the President himself to sit before the Press and explain his vision in detail,” one commentator noted. “Let him face journalists openly and allow questions that reflect the concerns of citizens about how he intends to achieve those reforms.”

Many believe that taking that step would not only clear lingering doubts but also foster transparency and national ownership of the process. They argue that if electoral reforms are to be part of a new constitution, it should be through a referendum where the people themselves make the final choice, rather than leaving such a crucial decision to a few Members of Parliament.

Advocates for the Town Hall say a media round by the President would also help citizens understand why the reforms are being proposed now and whether they will truly strengthen democratic governance in Sierra Leone.

As Over 1,500 Eyes Restored in 2025… Choithram Memorial Hospital Announces 2026 Cataract Surgery Camp

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Following the success of its 2025 Cataract Surgery Outreach Program, which provided free eye care to thousands, Choithram Memorial Hospital (CMH) has announced that it will host another Cataract Surgery Camp from March to May 2026.

During the last outreach, CMH screened 9,117 patients and successfully carried out 1,542 free cataract surgeries, giving many Sierra Leoneans the chance to regain their sight. The initiative, widely praised by beneficiaries, was described as a significant step in tackling preventable blindness in the country.

Hospital officials confirmed that the upcoming camp will once again be held free of charge and will be delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Choithram Netralaya (Eye Hospital) in Indore, India, the Noor Dubai Foundation, a member of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), Dubai, UAE and the Choithram International Foundation.

Screenings for patients will take place at Choithram Memorial Hospital, Freetown, between 2nd September 2025 and 15th February 2026. Depending on medical needs, patients will undergo either Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) or Phacoemulsification, performed by visiting international surgeons working alongside CMH’s ophthalmology team.

In addition to providing treatment, CMH noted that the camp will also focus on capacity building, with local doctors and nurses receiving hands-on training in advanced cataract surgery techniques. According to the hospital, this will help strengthen Sierra Leone’s eye health services in the long term.

Meanwhile, the hospital has urged members of the public experiencing vision problems due to cataracts to take advantage of the upcoming screenings. Tokens for screening will be distributed from 27th August 2025 between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at CMH.

Judiciary Denounces False Corruption Claims from 2023 Auditor General’s Report

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has on August 22, 2025 issued a scathing rebuttal to what it describes as baseless and misleading corruption allegations arising from the 2023 Auditor General’s Report. In a Press Release from the Judiciary Communications and Public Affairs Unit, the institution firmly rejects claims of “massive corruption” within its ranks, particularly those tied to an audit query involving sixty-nine thousand, five hundred and fifty-nine Leones (Le69,559). That amount, allegedly collected by the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on behalf of the Judiciary, has sparked controversy, but the Judiciary insists the accusations are unfounded and deliberately exaggerated to tarnish its reputation.

The Judiciary asserts that the disputed sum relates to legitimate court fines, search fees and service charges, including costs for filing affidavits, affidavits of service, ejectment notices, subpoenas, consent judgments and official court document copies. Those revenues, it emphasizes, are either collected or handled directly by the Judiciary across its court premises nationwide. The institution maintains that it is solely responsible for collecting and banking those funds, a process overseen with diligence. The NRA has corroborated that, confirming that the Le69,559 was duly paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund or approved banks, with supporting bank statements submitted to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament.

The PAC’s review of the 2023 Auditor General’s Report revealed discrepancies noting that the Auditor failed to include critical bank statements and NRA documentation that would have clarified the matter. During deliberations, the Committee highlighted that the NRA’s follow-up responses provided to the Judiciary and intended to address the audit findings, were inexplicably omitted from the final report. That omission, the Judiciary argues, has fueled a misleading narrative. Attached to the Press Release is the NRA’s official response, further defending the Judiciary’s position.

The Judiciary expresses deep regret over the actions of certain journalists who, it claims, circulated those false allegations without verifying facts, as required under the Independent Code of Practice (Paragraph 1, page 12). That code mandates accurate reporting, yet some media outlets have instead propagated sensationalized stories of corruption where no evidence exists. The Judiciary underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, operating under a robust system of checks and balances. Its financial transactions are subject to the same scrutiny as other public institutions, ensuring integrity under its current leadership.

In light of that, the Judiciary urges the Press to uphold responsible journalism by verifying information before publication and refraining from spreading narratives that erode public trust without justification. The institution remains open to legitimate inquiries and welcomes efforts to promote transparency and good governance. For further details, the public is encouraged to contact the Judiciary Communications or visit www.judiciary.gov.sl, where additional information is available or follow the Judiciary on its social media platforms.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of factual reporting in maintaining public confidence in national institutions. The Judiciary stands resolute, ready to address genuine concerns while dismissing unfounded claims that seek to undermine its credibility.

UBA Sierra Leone Extends Partnership with Drizilik to Champion Youth Financial Inclusion

Drizilik

United Bank for Africa Sierra Leone (UBA-SL) has on August 22, 2025 renewed its partnership with award-winning musician Drizilik, extending his role as the bank’s brand ambassador for another year. Drizilik, a leading figure in Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry, will continue championing UBA SL’s Leo Chatbot and NextGen Accounts, strengthening the bank’s efforts to make financial services more accessible and engaging for the country’s youth.

The collaboration, which began in May 2023, has focused on creativity, innovation and empowering young people through user-friendly banking solutions. Since its inception, the partnership has produced dynamic campaigns, including campus activations and Leo-themed events, promoting UBA SL’s digital products and financial literacy initiatives.

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with Drizilik. His creativity and influence resonate strongly with the youth market we serve through Leo and NextGen,” said Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, Managing Director and CEO of UBA SL. “This renewal is a commitment to reaching even more young people through music, movement and meaningful engagement.”

Drizilik expressed excitement about continuing the partnership. “Leo and NextGen represent the future of banking in Sierra Leone simple, smart and youth-driven. I’m thrilled to help young people view banking as part of their daily lives not just a transaction,” he said. He emphasized that the partnership comes at a crucial time as youth entrepreneurship and innovation continue to grow, making access to modern financial tools increasingly important.

The renewed agreement promises more interactive campaigns, including expanded campus tours, product activations and digital engagement initiatives, aimed at deepening UBA SL’s connection with young Sierra Leoneans.

UBA SL’s Leo Chatbot, available on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Apple Messages and Google Business Chat, allows users to transfer money, pay bills and access other banking services through a simple chat interface. The NextGen Account, designed for students, tertiary institution attendees and youth corps members aged 18 to 25, offers a modern banking experience tailored to young people’s lifestyles and aspirations.

UBA Sierra Leone, a subsidiary of the pan-African financial institution United Bank for Africa Plc, has received numerous accolades. In 2023, The Banker named it Bank of the Year, while the African Branding Agency recognized it among Sierra Leone’s Top 10 Institutions. CEO Mohamed Alhajie Samoura was ranked among the Top 5 Financial Leaders in the country.

The bank also won Climate Positive Bank of the Year at the 7th Environmental Care Awards and was honored by the African Ovation Awards for outstanding customer service and contributions to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development. Additionally, ten UBA SL executives were named among the Top 100 Emerging Leaders in Sierra Leone.

As a trailblazer in digital banking across the continent, UBA Sierra Leone remains committed to delivering secure, innovative, and youth-friendly financial services.

NP (SL) Continues Commitment to Excellence in Petroleum Supply and Customer Service

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL), one of the nation’s most successful indigenous companies, continues to stand tall as a reliable provider of high-grade petroleum products across the country. Despite the global and local challenges confronting the petroleum industry, NP (SL) has consistently maintained its mission of ensuring that Sierra Leoneans have access to quality fuel and related products at all times.

For decades, the company has cultivated a solid reputation built on efficiency, innovation and a steadfast focus on customer satisfaction. NP (SL) operates a nationwide network of well-maintained Filling Stations, giving both urban and provincial communities convenient access to petrol, diesel, lubricants and cooking gas. This reliability has made NP (SL) a household name and a trusted partner for individuals, businesses and institutions.

At the core of NP’s operations is its strong belief that access to qualitative petroleum products is not merely a business venture but a moral responsibility. By ensuring constant availability, NP has contributed meaningfully to improving standards of living while supporting Sierra Leone’s economic growth.

One of the company’s most notable innovations is the introduction of the NP Energy Pass Card, a modern cashless fuel payment system that has transformed fuel purchasing in Sierra Leone. Designed for both individuals and corporate clients, the card ensures transparency, security and convenience while reducing the risks associated with handling cash. Institutions managing fleets of vehicles particularly value this innovation, which helps monitor consumption and improve efficiency.

In addition to its strong focus on petroleum distribution, NP has been instrumental in promoting the widespread use of cooking gas. By making NP Gas accessible and affordable, the company has played a critical role in encouraging households to adopt cleaner and more sustainable cooking practices, thereby helping to combat deforestation and protect the environment.

NP’s contribution extends beyond commerce into national development. The company is one of Sierra Leone’s leading private sector employers, prioritizing local content and empowering Sierra Leoneans at every level of its operations. From pump attendants to senior Management staff, NP’s workforce reflects the company’s belief in nurturing local talent and building capacity.

The resilience of NP (SL) has also stood out during times of global fuel price volatility and supply chain disruptions. Customers have repeatedly commended the company’s consistency and integrity in ensuring supply, reinforcing its status as a dependable partner in meeting the country’s energy needs.

Furthermore, NP has maintained a strong corporate social responsibility profile, supporting community development initiatives in education, health and environmental sustainability. Those interventions highlight its broader commitment to uplifting the lives of Sierra Leoneans.

Today, NP (SL) Ltd is widely recognized as a symbol of national pride, an indigenous company that has not only thrived in a competitive sector dominated by multinational corporations but also set the standard for innovation, customer care and service delivery.

Looking ahead, NP (SL) remains committed to investing in technology, infrastructure and human capital to meet Sierra Leone’s growing energy demands. With its proven track record and customer-focused vision, NP is poised to continue fueling the nation’s progress ensuring that Sierra Leoneans always have access to high-grade petroleum products.

RCBank Expands Footprint with New Waterloo Branch, Boosting Financial Access

Waterloo residents and businesses no longer have to make the long and often difficult journey into Freetown to access banking services, following the official opening of a new Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) branch in the bustling Western Area Rural District headquarters on Tuesday, 19th August 2025.

The fully functional branch is set to provide customers with a wide range of innovative products and services, marking what many community members have described as a landmark development in an area with a fast-growing population but limited access to formal financial institutions.

The Waterloo branch opening comes just a month after RCBank launched another branch at Cline Town in eastern Freetown, underscoring its reputation as the fastest-growing financial institution in Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the event, Director of Banking Supervision at the Bank of Sierra Leone, Sajoh Bah, hailed the expansion drive, describing RCBank as a “trailblazer in the development of Sierra Leone’s banking industry.” He urged residents to support the institution, emphasizing its status as a truly indigenous bank committed to national development.

Managing Director of RCBank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, reaffirmed his team’s commitment to growth and market leadership. He encouraged the Waterloo community to embrace the bank, noting its strong focus on people-centered services.

The historic ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including RCBank Board Chairman, John Sumaila, Board member Rev. Archer Campbell, representatives from the Armed Forces Training Center (AFTC) and officials from the Western Area Rural District Council.

With the new branch, RCBank continues to deepen financial inclusion and bring essential services closer to communities across Sierra Leone.

Orange Foundation Awards Winning Schools in Wiki Challenge for African Schools

By Sia Lucy Kannah

The Orange Foundation Sierra Leone has awarded three winning schools €2,500 each for their exceptional performance in the 2025 Wiki Challenge for African Schools. The award ceremony was held on 14 August 2025 at the ODC Event Center on Hill Station.

The Wiki Challenge for African Schools is a multi-national writing competition designed for pupils aged 8–15. It encourages them to write and publish articles on Vikidia, the children’s version of Wikipedia, focusing on locally relevant topics that promote both creativity and learning.

Finnah Mariama Steven, Head of Coding at Orange Foundation, explained that this is the second edition of the competition in Sierra Leone. She noted that the country became the first English-speaking nation to participate internationally in 2024, gaining recognition for its contributions. “This year, seven schools took part and participation requires schools to first receive Orange digital school kits,” she said.

One of the winners, Dele Preparatory School, which also emerged as the 2024 international champion, expressed appreciation for the initiative. Speaking on behalf of the school, Philicia J. Samu said: “Winning this competition has motivated us to do more. The prize money will be used to purchase a school bus.”

In his remarks, Orange Sierra Leone CEO, Sekou Amadou Bah, commended the creativity of the pupils and the wider impact of the Foundation’s programs. “Over the past years, Orange Foundation has donated 39 digital school kits, reaching more than 39,000 pupils nationwide,” he stated. He emphasized that the challenge empowers children to tell stories about their culture, history and communities through digital platforms.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, congratulated the winners and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence. “Your hard work, dedication and passion for learning have brought you this far. Each essay reflects not just individual talent but also the collective hope and potential of our future leaders. The future is bright and it is in your hands,” he said. He also praised Orange Sierra Leone for its exemplary role in corporate social responsibility.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates, the awarding of cheques to the winning schools and group photographs to mark the occasion.

Buy Right, Stay Safe: SV Electrical is the Trusted Source for Authentic RR Cables

Electrical safety is not something to take for granted. Across Sierra Leone, countless homes and businesses depend on the quality of the electrical cables installed in their walls and machines. Yet recent incidents in Freetown and Waterloo have revealed the alarming spread of counterfeit electrical products in the market—products that not only undermine trusted brands like RR Cables but also put lives, investments, and communities at risk.

Just days ago, police in Freetown arrested a Chinese businessman after seizing large consignments of suspected counterfeit RR cables. In a related case, another trader, Mohamed Barrie of Waterloo, was taken into custody when officers uncovered similar fake goods at his business premises. Both matters remain under investigation, but these events highlight the growing threat posed by counterfeit electrical cables across the country.

Experts have repeatedly warned that these imitation cables may look like the genuine RR brand, but they are manufactured with substandard materials. Unlike the authentic product, counterfeit versions cannot safely handle electrical loads. They heat up quickly, spark under pressure, and can easily trigger fire outbreaks—destroying homes, businesses, and sometimes even costing lives. The dangers are real, and so is the urgent need for consumers to remain vigilant.

This is where SV Electrical, the exclusive authorized importer and distributor of genuine RR cables in Sierra Leone since 2019, steps in to protect the public. With a proven track record of delivering high-quality electrical products, SV Electrical has positioned itself as the only trusted source for authentic RR cables in the country.

The company operates from just two official outlets:

  • Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown
  • Hastings Junction

Any RR cables sold outside these outlets are not genuine and therefore pose enormous risks. SV Electrical continues to remind customers that no savings or shortcuts are worth endangering lives and property.

Speaking on behalf of the company, a representative explained: “When customers buy RR cables directly from SV Electrical, they are not only paying for a product but also for peace of mind, reliability, and safety. Counterfeit products cannot guarantee performance. Genuine RR cables, on the other hand, are tested, certified, and trusted worldwide.”

SV Electrical’s commitment goes beyond business—it is about safeguarding communities. With every roll of authentic RR cable sold, the company ensures that electricians, contractors, and families have access to materials that meet international standards of quality and safety.

Authorities have also thrown their weight behind this campaign for consumer safety. Law enforcement has vowed to pursue and prosecute anyone caught importing, distributing, or selling counterfeit electrical products. Yet, officials emphasize that consumer vigilance remains key. The market for fake goods only thrives when buyers fail to check the source.

That is why SV Electrical is doubling down on public awareness:

  • Always check the source of your cables.
  • Insist on authenticity.
  • Remember: genuine RR cables are only available at SV Electrical’s two outlets.

Counterfeit cables are more than a business problem; they are a direct assault on safety and national development. Every fire outbreak caused by substandard products sets families back, disrupts businesses, and weakens confidence in the market. By choosing genuine RR cables, consumers are not just protecting themselves but also contributing to the fight against dangerous counterfeit products.

The message is simple but powerful: Stay alert. Buy genuine. Stay safe. With SV Electrical and RR Cables, Sierra Leoneans can be assured of quality, reliability, and most importantly—peace of mind.

Njala University Student Develops Eco-Friendly Whiteboard Cleaning Solution

Alieu Sannoh

A young innovator at Njala University has taken a bold step toward solving a problem that many students and lecturers face daily. Alieu Sannoh, a second-year Biostatistics and Epidemiology student at the School of Public Health, College of Medical Sciences, has developed an eco-friendly whiteboard cleaning solution designed to restore stained boards and make classroom learning more effective.

Sannoh said the idea came to him during his first year at the university when he noticed that many of the whiteboards were permanently stained, making it difficult for lecturers to write and for students to follow lessons clearly. “In class one day, I thought of creating something that could clean these stains,” he explained. “From there, I started working on a whiteboard cleaner, but I also have plans for other products like sanitizers, toilet and bathroom cleaners, and multi-purpose disinfectants.”

He has since branded his innovation under the name ClExpert, which he envisions as a line of affordable, eco-friendly cleaning products that could help reduce the country’s reliance on expensive imported goods. Beyond cleaning whiteboards, the product can also be used on mirrors, glass, desks, kitchen counters, and freezers.

Looking to the future, Sannoh hopes to expand ClExpert into a fully-fledged company within the next five years. “Most of the cleaning products in Sierra Leone are imported and expensive. I want to provide something affordable, eco-friendly, and locally made that everyone can use,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that his biggest challenge remains access to chemicals and production materials, appealing to individuals, institutions, and the government for support to expand his innovation.

Born on April 27, 2003, in Largoh, Bo District, Sannoh is the youngest of three siblings and has faced significant personal challenges, including the loss of two siblings. Despite these hardships, he has remained focused on his education and innovation journey. He began his schooling at UMC Primary School in Largoh before moving to Freetown, where he attended Methodist Boys High School, and later enrolled at Njala University.

Professor Rashid Ansumana, Dean of the School of Community Health Sciences (now the College of Medical Sciences), praised Sannoh’s ingenuity. He emphasized that it is the duty of the university administration, government, and stakeholders to nurture student-led innovations that contribute positively to society.

Sannoh’s future projects under the ClExpert brand include hand sanitizers, eco-friendly toilet and bathroom cleaners, floor and tile cleaners, car interior and dashboard sprays, insect-repelling cleaning products, and multipurpose disinfectant solutions.

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