NPAA Takes 23 to Court for Deforestation and Charcoal Burning in National Protected Park
Valentine Benjamin Conteh The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) has arraigned 23 suspects before the York Magistrate Court over illegal activities in the Western Area Peninsular National Park (WAPNP).
The arrests followed patrols targeting charcoal burning, deforestation, and trespassing. In total, 41 people were detained, but only 23 were brought before Magistrate Kekura.
Two defendants, Momoh Bangura and Lamin Deinkeh, pleaded guilty to unlawful entry into a protected area and deforestation, violations under Section 7 of the Wildlife Conservation Act (1972).
The remaining 21 defendants are yet to enter pleas. The case is adjourned to 24 February 2026. All defendants have been remanded pending their next court appearance.
NPAA said the prosecutions are part of ongoing efforts to protect the park, a critical forest reserve and watershed area. Dauda Laingay Bangura, from NPAA’s Law Enforcement and Compliance Department, warned that illegal clearing and related activities would not be tolerated and called on communities to cooperate.
The authority reminded the public that some activities in protected areas require permits or approval under NPAA management plans and urged people to report illegal activities through official channels.