OJASAKRA SL Limited on Wednesday 21 October, 2026, paid NLe1.5 million in surface rent to three chiefdoms in the Masimra area of Port Loko District, as traditional authorities, government representatives and community stakeholders called for responsible mining, local employment and increased investment in community development.
Of the total amount, Masimra Chiefdom received NLe743, 000, while Masimra Yonni and Koya chiefdoms are also entitled to their respective shares of the surface rent.
The payment ceremony formed part of efforts to strengthen relations between the mining company and its host communities, address past misunderstandings and discuss the way forward for the company’s proposed mining operations.
NMA Urges Transparency and Accountability
Speaking on behalf of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), Mr. Kamara, who also serves as Community Affairs Manager, commended Paramount Chief Bai Simera Naise Kapen III for his leadership and engagement with the company.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring that mining activities benefit the government, landowners and host communities.
Mr. Kamara reminded the company of its obligations, including the payment of applicable licence fees and surface rent. He also called for transparency, accountability and continued consultation among mining companies, traditional authorities and community stakeholders.
Technical Director of OJASAKRA SL Limited, Brima Conteh, called for stronger collaboration between the company, government and local communities, stressing that mining activities should contribute to economic growth and improve residents’ livelihoods.
Conteh acknowledged the patience and cooperation of community members, noting that proper consultation with landowners and affected families was essential to preventing disputes over land ownership and family plantations.
He said the company remained committed to engaging stakeholders and coordinating its activities to ensure peaceful relations and mutually beneficial outcomes.
Company Apologises, Plans Nine-Kilometre Road
County Director of OJASAKRA SL Limited, Tom Tucker, thanked the Paramount Chief and community stakeholders for attending the ceremony. He also apologised for previous misunderstandings and poor communication between the company and stakeholders.
Tucker assured the gathering that the company was working to improve communication and build stronger relationships with the host communities.
He explained that the company had initially approached the area with the intention of commencing mining operations but later recognised the need for proper exploration, mineral sampling and assessment to establish the quality and commercial viability of the deposits.
He said the company was continuing its investigations to determine the best way forward and attract the investment required to support viable mining operations.
As part of its development plans, Tucker disclosed that the company had formally written to the Paramount Chief regarding a proposed nine-kilometre road linking the mining site to the main highway.
He explained that the road would improve access to the site and facilitate the transportation of minerals when mining operations commence.
However, he noted that the company was seeking the necessary support and authorisation from the relevant authorities, including the two Paramount Chiefs and the government.
Tucker thanked the traditional authorities and community members for their continued support, expressing hope that cooperation and the necessary approvals would enable the company to advance its plans.
Paramount Chief Calls for Jobs and Community Benefits
In his keynote address, Paramount Chief Bai Simera Naise Kapen III urged OJASAKRA SL Limited to prioritise local employment, education, infrastructure and other community development initiatives.
He stressed that young people and other residents should have opportunities to benefit from the company’s operations through employment and related business activities.
The Paramount Chief also emphasised the importance of corporate social responsibility, calling on the company to support development projects that address the needs of host communities.
He encouraged residents to maintain constructive engagement with the company and communicate their concerns through traditional authorities, Members of Parliament, local council representatives and other relevant institutions.
He further stressed that transparency, accountability and mutual understanding were essential to maintaining peaceful relations between the company and communities affected by its operations.
MP Praises Paramount Chief’s Leadership
Hon. Memunatu Jalloh of Port Loko District praised the Paramount Chief for his leadership, patience and commitment to consulting community stakeholders before making decisions affecting his people.
She commended the chief for maintaining dialogue and listening to different views, describing consultation as an important aspect of responsible traditional leadership.
Jalloh acknowledged the concerns and uncertainty experienced by community members but urged them to remain patient and continue engaging constructively with the relevant authorities.
She expressed hope that continued dialogue would lead to progress in the coming year, encouraging all parties to work together to resolve outstanding concerns.
Council Chairman Emphasises Development
For his part, Port Loko District Council Chairman Idress Musa Kanu called for mining operations to deliver tangible benefits through job creation, corporate social responsibility, education and infrastructure development.
Kanu said mining companies had a responsibility to support host communities through programmes that improve livelihoods and create opportunities for future generations.
He also highlighted the importance of accountability in managing locally generated revenue, noting that funds could be pooled to finance development projects, including the construction of schools in different communities across the district.
He urged residents to cooperate with the company while using established channels to communicate their concerns and expectations through their representatives and relevant authorities.
The council chairman stressed that development resources should benefit the wider district rather than a few individuals.
Police Call for Community Cooperation
Meanwhile, Local Unit Commander (LUC) Inspector Conteh called on residents and community stakeholders to cooperate with the police in maintaining law and order.
He emphasised the importance of strong relationships between the police, traditional authorities, headmen and other community stakeholders, noting that effective policing depended on public cooperation.
Inspector Conteh urged residents to respect the law, avoid unnecessary confrontations with police officers carrying out their lawful duties and report concerns through appropriate channels.
He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to working with community leaders to promote peace, security and respect for the law.
The stakeholder engagement ended with calls for continued cooperation among OJASAKRA SL Limited, the National Minerals Agency, traditional authorities, local council representatives, security personnel and community members to promote responsible mining and sustainable development across the host communities.
