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The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) has arrested a Ghanaian national involved in illegal dredge mining within the Outamba Kilimi National Park (OKNP), marking a significant advancement in the fight against environmental crimes in Sierra Leone.
This operation, supported by the EU-funded Outamba Kilimi Park Support (OKKPS) Project, underscores NPAA’s commitment to preserving the country’s biodiversity. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was detained during a routine patrol, highlighting the NPAA’s efforts to combat activities that threaten the park’s delicate ecosystems.
Dredge mining, a severely damaging practice, is prohibited in protected areas like OKNP due to its risk to habitats and wildlife. Mr. Dauda L. Bangura, NPAA’s Law Enforcement Manager, emphasized the importance of enforcing environmental laws to protect these areas and praised the NPAA’s patrol teams for their dedication. The suspect is currently under investigation, and swift legal action is anticipated. This incident reinforces the NPAA’s commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding Sierra Leone’s natural resources.
Illegal mining, particularly dredge mining, is a major threat to the ecological balance in protected areas. The arrest sends a clear message that NPAA, in collaboration with partners like the OKKPS Project, will not tolerate environmental violations. As investigations continue, NPAA remains committed to working with law enforcement, local communities, and international partners to combat environmental crimes and promote responsible stewardship of Sierra Leone’s natural heritage.
This decisive action highlights NPAA’s resolve to protect the country’s biodiversity and maintain the sanctity of its protected areas for future generations.
This is just so sad for our country. Foreigners will come and mine illegally in the provinces to go and enrich themselves, while our citizens run around in the capital blaming the government for their self imposed poverty, saying “tin tranger,” “we dey suffer.”