Port Loko, Karene, Bombali Districts: In a strategic move to reinforce its commitment to community engagement and inclusive development, Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG) has launched a series of courtesy visits to Paramount and Regent Chiefs across its operational chiefdoms in northern Sierra Leone.
Led by Mr. Charlie Chen, General Manager of Kingho Railway and Port (KRP), the LRMG delegation included senior staff such as Community and Security Manager Mr. Mohamed Turay and Administrator Mr. Hamaru A. Jalloh. The “Meet the Chiefs” tour spanned key chiefdoms in Port Loko, Karene, and Bombali Districts, including Kamasondo, Bakeh Loko, Maforki, Marampa, Romende, Makarie, Gbanti, and Safroko Limba.
The initiative marks a shift from conventional corporate engagement, with LRMG choosing to meet communities on their own turf rather than hosting discussions solely at company premises. Mr. Chen emphasized that the visits were designed to foster open dialogue, allowing traditional leaders to share concerns, expectations, and suggestions directly with senior management.
“As a company, we are not only focused on business but also on building stronger communities,” Mr. Chen stated. “The expansion of the Port and Rail, along with the construction of a processing plant, will contribute to national development, but it can only succeed with the full cooperation of the communities.”
Mr. Turay echoed this sentiment, noting that LRMG’s “Meet the People” approach reflects its core values of respect, sharing, and cooperation—principles that make community dialogue more inclusive and impactful.
Warm Reception and Cultural Respect
The delegation was warmly received by eight Paramount and Regent Chiefs, who praised the company’s proactive engagement and transparency. The chiefs commended LRMG’s Community and Security Department for maintaining peaceful coexistence and open lines of communication with host communities.
In keeping with cultural tradition, LRMG presented tokens of appreciation to each chief—a gesture that went beyond symbolism to reaffirm the company’s respect for traditional authority.
Insights and Commitments
The meetings provided LRMG leadership with valuable first-hand insights into the realities of life within operational communities. Mr. Chen assured the chiefs that their concerns would be carefully considered within company policy frameworks, reiterating LRMG’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by port and rail communities.
The chiefs expressed gratitude for the company’s outreach and pledged continued support for its operations, citing LRMG’s significant contributions to Sierra Leone’s GDP and national development.
Looking Ahead
In closing, Mr. Chen thanked the traditional leaders for their longstanding support since the company’s inception. He reaffirmed LRMG’s dedication to conducting business in a way that uplifts communities and contributes meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
This tour marks another milestone in LRMG’s evolving relationship with its host communities—one built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for sustainable development.