On June 25, 2024, a cross-section of 24 security officials from the Provincial Security Committee (PROSEC) and the District Security Committee (DISEC) visited the Lablama and Capsule communities in Valunia Chiefdom, Bo District, in response to concerns over illicit mining activities.

This visit, led by the Regional Commander, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Mr. Brima Kanneh, was prompted by a report from PC Margaret Mbayoh Gbani of Valunia Chiefdom, highlighting that the illegal mining activities were not benefiting the chiefdom. The primary objective was to address growing concerns and ensure the situation does not worsen over the next six months.

Under the leadership of AIG Brima Kanneh, the tour was attended by high-ranking officials including Local Unit Commanders (LUCs), the Bridge Commander, the Resident Minister, the Permanent Secretary (PS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), the Office of National Security (ONS), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Indigenous Peoples’ Coordinating Network (INCPN), the Paramount Chief (PC), other Chiefs, Members of Parliament (MP), PCMP, Military, and Police Officers.

The team first visited Lablama to pay courtesy to the town chief and section chief before proceeding to the Capsule mining site. The PSCoord South initiated the meeting and handed it over to the Senior District Officer (SDO), who chaired the session. The SDO emphasized that the purpose of the visit was to investigate ongoing illicit mining activities, identify sponsors of illegal operations, and address the lack of respect shown to the Paramount Chief.

PC Dr. Margaret Gbani expressed frustration with the illegal mining, noting that miners had encroached on the protected Kangari Hill forest. She highlighted the disorganization of mining activities, the lack of benefits to the chiefdom, and the export of mined gold to Europe without generating revenue for the government. She stressed the need to stop the encroachment on the protected forest immediately.

Resident Minister Mohamed Alie reiterated the government’s stance against illegal mining and urged those supporting these activities to identify themselves. He shared a list of pit owners involved in the mining activities:

  1. Chairman Moses Bayoh
  2. Mariatu Gbakima
  3. Ibrahim Kamara
  4. Global Light (Represented by Mr. Demby)
  5. Chief Nabie (section chief)
  6. Mohamed Lahai
  7. Director Moses Tiffa Bayoh
  8. Abu Abu Koroma (Resident Minister North)
  9. Mr. Abdulai
  10. Mohamed Sheriff
  11. Councilor Momodu Kamara
  12. Alhaji Kamara

 

Given the severity of the issue, it was agreed that all mining activities should cease immediately. All pit owners or their representatives were summoned to a meeting at the office of the Provincial Secretary in Bo on June 26, 2024, at 10:00 am.

The visit underscores the urgent need to address illegal mining activities in Valunia Chiefdom and protect its natural resources.