Concord Times (Freetown)
2 October 2008
Paramount chief of Tunkia chiefdom, Kenema district Saturday reconciled with authorities of Gola forest programme operating in his chiefdom.
Chief Amara Goway Sama registered his disappointment with certain individuals who were spreading wicked lies about him suggesting that he was sympathetic to the mining company rather than the conservation programme.
"The media has not been helpful in strengthen our relationship. It all started when I received visitors from Freetown expressing their interest to mine at the Bagla hills in the chiefdom. I told them that former President Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabbah gave the right to Gola forest programme to operate the reserve. Even President Koroma is supporting the programme. I have no power as paramount chief to make another arrangement with a mining company to operate in the forest," he said
Chief Sama said he was misunderstood by the Gola authorities. "Some unscrupulous people went ahead to write negative stories about me with regards the operations of Gola forest. I want to make it very clear that Gola is here to stay and we will not encourage any mining company to destroy our land," he said.
He said Gola has embarked on a series of development projects since they started operations in the chiefdom.
The chief also signed a memorandum of understanding with Gola on behalf of his people.
Part of the memorandum stated: "We the people of Tonkia chiefdom met on 27th September 2008 and unanimously agreed to resolve the conflict relating to the proposed mining of the Bagla hills in the Gola forest reserve. We have preferred to move ahead with the protection of the Gola forest in the chiefdom in respect of President Ernest Koroma's decision that no mining should take place in the reserve. Also we have decided to amicably resolve the conflicts within sections of this community who on different occasions took positions on this very important matter. I here by call on all to cooperate with the Gola forest programme as it is the mandate of the government of Sierra Leone."
Gola forest area protection manager John Moriba commended the Tonkia community for the friendly relationship they demonstrated.
Moriba said it would not be in the interest of Sierra Leone and the people of Tunkia if the forest were to be cleared away by mining activities.
He said the community would benefit a lot from the Gola forest programme as the scheme would attract tourists to the area adding that packages were now ready to be distributed to the communities.
"Currently there is financial assistance for the surrounding communities and land owners. We have asked you to appoint 10 people to help put together development projects for these communities because we are giving out Le 30 million towards community development," he said.
Moriba said "that notwithstanding we have engaged in other projects to ensure that best services are rendered to communities of this reserve. Forest conservation is more profitable than mining."
Sierra Leone Peoples Party Member of Parliament Marcos Kallon pleaded with his people to treat the reserve with all seriousness.
"I have travelled extensively in most mining communities across the country. Mining is destroying the environment and some times proceeds are taken away from the community," he said.
Hon. Kallon said mining companies always promise youth of providing job opportunities for them but they hardly live up to their promises.
He encouraged the people to resolve their individual differences.
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