By Sallieu S. Kanu
In a historic move for the Sambaia Chiefdom, three chiefdoms and their representatives have formally signed a land lease agreement with Gento Group, granting the local investor the right to operate and invest in Kasafoni Land, located in the north of Tonkolili District.
During a grand homecoming ceremony for Paramount Chief Member of Parliament Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III in Bendugu Town, Hon. Jawa Sesay highlighted the significance of the agreement, emphasizing the importance of local ownership and direct benefits for the chiefdom’s residents. The event was attended by prominent businessman and philanthropist Mohamed Gento Kamara, who received overwhelming support from the community.
Hon. Sesay expressed gratitude for Gento Group’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth, stating that previous engagements with Kingho Mining had failed to deliver promised benefits, such as employment opportunities in the security sector. He praised Gento Kamara’s initiative and reassured residents that the new agreement would ensure tangible results.
“The Kasafoni Land belongs to the Sambaia Chiefdom people, and after consulting our ancestors, we are convinced that Gento Kamara is the right investor for our land. We trust him, and we know he will deliver on his promises,” Hon. Sesay affirmed.
He further emphasized President Julius Maada Bio’s directive that no mining license would be issued without a proper land lease agreement with local communities. Against this backdrop, he made it clear that the chiefdom was not willing to collaborate with any investor other than Gento Kamara.
Residents and local authorities welcomed the agreement, expressing optimism that Gento Group’s investment in the region would bring much-needed development, including road construction and enhanced economic opportunities.
The ceremony also marked a new chapter for the chiefdom with the swearing-in of Paramount Chief Member of Parliament Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III, the first Koranko native to represent Tonkolili District in Parliament.
With this new partnership, the Sambaia Chiefdom looks forward to a future of increased local investment, community-driven development, and economic prosperity.