The Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, has issued a strong call for enhanced oversight and transparency in the management of funds allocated to communities from mining operations, stressing that residents must see direct benefits from the resources extracted from their lands.
The Minister made these remarks during a crucial consultative meeting held in Lunsar, which brought together paramount chiefs, local residents, representatives from mining companies, and other key stakeholders. The gathering was convened to discuss the optimal structure for managing community development funds as mandated by law.
Ambassador Lamina expressed his satisfaction at the opportunity to engage with stakeholders on strengthening community development. He recalled a previous high-level meeting in Freetown that involved the Ministries of Mines and Mineral Resources and Planning and Economic Development, alongside mining companies, to align the management of these funds with President Julius Maada Bio’s national development vision.
A pivotal outcome of that alignment, the Minister noted, was the overhaul of the country’s outdated mining policy, which dated back to 1930 and provided minimal benefit to local communities. It was replaced by the landmark 2023 Minerals Development Act, which legally requires mining companies to contribute one percent of their profits to communities within their operational areas.
“Since the law was passed, companies have complied, and this has been visible in a series of development projects across chiefdoms,” Ambassador Lamina stated. “However, there is a need for government oversight to ensure that the funds are properly utilized. That is why President Bio has directed the Ministry of Local Government to work with other ministries to develop a structure that fulfills national aspirations and ensures the 1% reflects positively on the affected communities.”
He further cautioned that without clear transparency and communication, misunderstandings could arise among residents regarding how the funds are spent. The government’s initiative aims to establish a definitive structure that connects national authorities, chiefdom leaders, and communities to guarantee accountability and educate the public on the use of the funds.
During the meeting, the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry, Alusine A. Josque, presented detailed proposals from a draft framework document titled “Proposal for a Framework for the Implementation of Community Development and Mining Districts Development Funds.” He explained that the draft reflects collaborative input from the Ministries of Local Government, Mines and Mineral Resources, Planning and Economic Development, and the mining companies themselves.
Ambassador Lamina emphasized that the meeting was purely consultative. Its primary goal was to present the draft framework and provide all stakeholders, especially the mining companies and community leaders, an opportunity to review the proposals and offer constructive feedback. He confirmed that these inputs would be vital for refining the framework before it is compiled into a formal cabinet paper for future consideration.
The initiative was met with widespread approval from the paramount chiefs, residents, and mining company representatives in attendance. They unanimously pledged to thoroughly study the draft document and submit their formal comments and recommendations through the Ministry of Local Government.
