By: Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
On Thursday, July 3, 2025, Honourable Paramount Chief Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III, representing Tonkolili District, tabled a public petition in Parliament on behalf of the tribal authorities and people of Dansogoia, Sambaia, and Diang Chiefdoms. The petition calls for the acceptance and recognition of a collective decision by the communities to enter into a lease agreement with the Gento Group of Companies, an indigenous Sierra Leonean firm.
In his address, the Paramount Chief stated, “Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members of Parliament, I rise today in my capacity as Paramount Chief and Lead Petitioner to formally present the prayers contained in the public petition submitted to the office of the Clerk, in accordance with Standing Order 17.”
He emphasized that the petition, supported by a broad coalition of concerned citizens and rightful landowners, is grounded in the constitutional rights of the people to express grievances through their elected representatives.
Chief Jalloh highlighted several key requests within the petition:
- Acceptance of the Collective Decision: The petition urges Parliament and the Government of Sierra Leone to respect the unanimous resolve of the three chiefdoms to engage in a lease agreement with Gento Group of Companies.
- Nullification of Regulations: It calls for Parliament to declare null and void the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (Allocated Minerals and Mineral-Related Assets) Regulations, 2024 Statutory Instrument No. 11 of 2024.
- Investigation Request: The petition requests that the Public Petitions Committee investigate the SLMMDC’s engagement with the landowners.
- Special Hearing: It also seeks a special hearing involving stakeholders and community members regarding the Kasafoni Iron Ore Deposit.
Chief Jalloh appealed to the Rt. Hon. Speaker and Members of Parliament not to view the petition as a motion against the Government but as an opportunity to address Chiefdom concerns through legitimate and democratic means.
“I respectfully submit this petition for your consideration and pray that the House acts with wisdom, fairness, and urgency,” he concluded.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Jawah Sesay of Tonkolili District. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, who also chairs the Public Petition Committee, has scheduled a meeting on Monday at 2:00 PM for the committee to discuss the matter.
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