By Emmanuella Metzger

On Thursday 16th October 2025 the National Protected Area Authority (NPPA) carried out a successful enforcement operation at Banga Farm, located near Sussex, within the western area Peninsular National Park.

During the operation, the enforcement team discovered widespread of illegal activities, including tree cutting for charcoal production, timber logging, and extensive land brushing reportedly organized by the local headman and some members of the surrounding community.

The team apprehended five individuals found engaged in charcoal burning inside the protected forest during the operation one of the team members Mr. Mohamed Conteh was brutally injured by the community members. The suspects were immediately taken to the Lumley Police Station for further investigation and legal processing.

The NPPA reiterates that the Western Area Peninsular National Park is a legally protected zone, established to preserve biodiversity, safeguard water catchment areas, and combat environmental degradation. The Authority strongly condemns any form of encroachment or exploitation of these protected lands.

Commander Alpha Marrah (SOX) NPPA representative and commander for western regional team emphasized the Authority’s continued commitment to upholding Sierra Leone’s environmental laws and promoting sustainable forest management.

“The NPPA remains steadfast in its duty to protect our national parks and forest reserves. Anyone caught engaging in illegal logging, charcoal burning, or land clearing within protected areas will face the full force of the law,” the spokesperson stated.

The Authority calls on all community leaders and residents living around protected areas to cooperate with enforcement officers and refrain from activities that endanger Sierra Leone’s natural resources.