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A weekend hiking trip turned unsettling for many visitors to Mount Sugarloaf, as reports emerged of hikers being harassed and forced to pay unofficial fees by individuals claiming to be from nearby communities.
Mountain Online Television Reports that the incidents, coupled with growing concerns over deforestation in the area, have sparked calls for urgent government intervention.
Multiple eyewitnesses described being stopped by groups of men at key entry points to the mountain early Sunday morning. The individuals demanded cash payments before allowing access to the trails, without offering any official documentation or explanation for the fees.
“I’ve been hiking here for years, but today was different,” one hiker recounted. “They blocked the path and said I had to pay them directly — not for any official permit, just money to get through. It felt threatening.”
The situation has heightened fears not only about personal safety for tourists and locals but also about the sustainability of one of the Western Area’s most treasured natural landmarks. Conservationists warn that the mountain’s ecosystem is under increasing threat due to unchecked deforestation.
Environmental groups have observed a marked increase in tree cutting and land clearing in recent months, further endangering the fragile terrain and wildlife.
“This kind of unregulated exploitation — both environmental and social — is deeply worrying,” said a spokesperson for a local conservation organization. “We need urgent action from the authorities to stop illegal deforestation and ensure safe public access.”
At the time of publication, attempts to reach local council authorities and law enforcement for comment had not been successful. It remains unclear whether those demanding money are acting independently or under the backing of community leaders.
The incidents come at a time when Sierra Leone is striving to promote eco-tourism and environmental conservation as part of its broader development goals. However, the developments at Mount Sugarloaf suggest a growing disconnect between policy intentions and on-the-ground realities.
Concerned citizens are now urging government institutions, including the Ministry of Tourism, the Forestry Division, and local councils, to investigate the harassment allegations and take decisive steps to curb the environmental degradation threatening the mountain.
