Freetown, June 3, 2026 — The Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources, chaired by Deputy Majority Leader II Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, on Wednesday held a day-long engagement with Marampa Mines and the Maforki Chiefdom Community Development Committee (CDC) at Committee Room One, Parliament Building.
Hon. Lamina emphasized Parliament’s oversight role in ensuring mining benefits host communities, citing Sections 97 and 107 of the Constitution and the Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2022. He noted that the law mandates 1% of mining revenue for communities and 20% of royalties for districts, commending President Julius Maada Bio for his commitment to community development.
CDC Chairman Mr. Foday S. Kabia reported significant progress in several sectors:
- Education: 1,028 scholarships awarded to tertiary and vocational students; stipends for 90 teachers across 20 schools; 1,000 pieces of school furniture supplied.
- Agriculture: Two tractors, two power tillers, a combine harvester, and other equipment acquired to support Feed Salone; budget approved for youth farms.
- Energy: 729 houses in 21 villages fitted with solar lights; Lunsar town electrified.
- Infrastructure: Lunsar Clock Tower nearing completion; 70 houses rehabilitated; two community centres built.
Kabia highlighted several challenges facing the CDC:
- Late disbursement of Community Development Fund.
- Approval delays by Marampa Mines for Steering Committee projects.
- Operational funding gaps, with staff unpaid for two months.
- Company control over fund transfers to the CDC account.
He stressed that Section 143(4) of the Act gives communities—not mining companies—the right to manage the fund, urging Parliament’s intervention.
Chiefdom Perspectives
Paramount Chief Bai Forki Fainka II of Maforki Chiefdom called for an independent CDA agreement, arguing that Marampa Chiefdom currently dominates CDC decisions.
Responding, Paramount Chief Bai Koblo Queen II of Marampa Chiefdom noted his chiefdom hosts 90% of Marampa Mines’ land and said he shares 25% of CDC funds with Maforki Chiefdom, acknowledging its impact from mining operations.
The Committee pledged to engage Marampa Mines on the concerns raised and report back to Parliament.