By Amin Kef Sesay
From the 20th to the 22nd November 2020 the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, her Deputy, William I. K. Robinson, the Acting British High Commissioner, Alistair White, the Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh, the General Manager National Tourists Board (NTB), Fatmata A. Kroma and Sierra Leone Conservation Society President ,Charles Showers and team paid a three-day working visit to the Gola Rainforest National Park in Kenema District.
Historically, the National Park was discovered in 1926 by seven great Gola Paramount Chiefs and their subjects who were residing around such chiefdoms as Koya, Tunkia, Gaura, Makpele, Nomo, Barrie, and Malema.
The visit, according to the Ministry, was intended to explore, expand and strengthen the good working relationship between the Ministry, NTB officials and the Rainforest Park’s staff.
Addressing the people of Lalehun Village, Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt expressed gratitude to the Gola people who have always been in charge of protecting the National Park since 1926 to date.
She informed the people that the rationale for the visit was to see all historic places such as the Ancient site of the Gola Founders, Piearthartise Colony-1 site and View Point site.
“We are also here to assess the status of the various Eco-lodges built in Lalehun, Belebu, Sileti and other villages within the Gola Rainforest Vicinity,” she intimated adding that the assessment would be followed by stakeholders’ engagement to look at the situation and see what needs to be done to improve one of Mano River Union’s most precious tourism assets.
Dr. Pratt assured the locals that the Government is still thinking of them and has plans to improve the road network and other facilities of the different Eco-lodges.
According to her such will market the Park, making it accessible to visitors. She furthered that her Ministry wants to diversify the Tourism sector, making it more attractive for tourists, more economy-driven, with jobs provided for the locals, promote their culture, and above all ensure its sustainability.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the Acting British High Commissioner and his delegates for joining her on the assessment visit to the memorable Park.
At the Rainforest’s Regional office the Minister informed the Rainforest’s administrative wing that her team purposely called at the office to inspect and assess its various departments, operations, challenges, successes made, and to map out strategies on how the Ministry and the National Tourist Board could provide technical advice and support where necessary for it to conform to expected standards.
Brima B. Damba, the Community Development Officer for the Gola Rainforest in Belebu, said the Village is one of the major tourist destinations, but over the years they have been faced with enormous obstacles which have affected them to an extent that it could even take them a year or two without having any tourist.
He mentioned key challenges of poor road network, insufficient facilities to augment the Eco-Lodges, no electricity facilities among others.
Damba pleaded with the Ministry to come to their rescue by providing all logistical support needed to keep the Eco-lodges running, rehabilitate the road heading to their village, help promote their cultural heritage, provide an alternative means for their livelihoods; since, as he said, they have been restricted from tampering with the Gola Rainforests.
William I. K. Robinson, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, told the people of Lalehun, Belebu, and Sileti that all their concerns raised in connection with the challenges facing the Gola Rainforest have been noted adding that the Ministry will work closely with other line Ministries, Departments and Agencies to address the felt needs that will make their community more accessible to potential and genuine tourists, who may want to invest hugely in the said sector.
The Acting British High Commissioner, Alistair White, in his statement, commended the community people for honouring all restrictions set by the Government to protect and conserve the Gola Rainforest National Park. He assured them of extending their concerns and immediate needs to the British High Commissioner for further consideration and actions.
President of Conservation Society Sierra Leone , Charles Showers, and a Tourist Guide of the Park, Mohamed Lumeh, led the visiting team to other attraction sites of the Park.
Other stakeholders including the Director of Tourism Mr. Mohamed Jalloh, and Head of NTB Ms. Fatmata A. Kroma, made meaningful contributions towards the purpose of the tour.
