In an effort to put proper mechanisms in motion for the appropriate utilization of Community Development Funds for the benefit of particularly affected mining communities and their inhabitants, the Ministries of Mines and Mineral Resources and Local Government and Community Affairs on Thursday February 27th, 2025 jointly organized one day engagement meeting for key stakeholders including, National Minerals Agency (NMA), Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, mining companies’ reps, Local Councils, MPs, Paramount Chiefs and other dignitaries at the Freetown City Council hall, Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown.

In his keynote speech, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Mr. Mattai described the meeting as pivotal for the future of this nation, as it geared toward developing comprehensive framework for proper use of CDC involving relevant stakeholders especially the landowners. He said the history of mining has been long and difficult, stressing the situation has to be changed especially with the new Mining Act of 2022 which made provision for license’ holder mining companies to deposit 1% of their budget into the CDC accounts, something he said was never done before. “This collaborative approach will go a long way to benefit the people,” the minister added. He noted that despite the efforts they are making, challenges still remain, emphasizing that they now want to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of these funds, through proper monitoring and implementation, regular engagement of stakeholders, develop robust tools to track CDF, focus on long term sustainability of these projects, provide required leadership among other critical issues. He therefore called on all to put hands on deck so that their effort will not go in vain.

In his statement, the Director General of National Minerals Agency, Haji Daboh said proper utilization of CDF has been a topical issue in line with local authorities and government, insisting that they now want to adequately address it for the benefit of the people, landowners especially. He said,

‘for far too long mining companies have been accused for not doing enough for the people in their operational areas due to obvious reasons. He told the audience that they must ensure that these funds are utilized accordingly for future generations.

The Chairman for Parliamentary oversight committee on mines and mineral resources Hon. Saa Lamina said the history of mining in this country was completely shattered and marred with corruption until President Bio assumed power and called for change of the native. As a result, he said, Parliament made three powerful policies to address the issues as there had not been comprehensive or detailed mining policies. Hon. Lamina made references to other countries including Botswana where he said mining is contributing about 50% to its GDP, noting that’s why government is doing everything to sanitize the sector with transparency and accountability.

The Director of Planning and Policy Research at MoDEP, Sheka Mansaray said as Planning ministry who oversees every development planning in the country, assured to monitor the implementation of the CDF for its proper use.

Minister of Local Government, Tamba Lamina in his contribution, insisted local councils are responsible for developments at local level and therefore must be used as vehicles for that purpose. He said the meeting was important because it has direct benefit for local communities.

Other speakers made salient contributions and meeting continued with technical presentations.