Tonkolili/Port Loko — OJASKARA SL Limited has paid a total of NLE 1.5 million in surface rent to landowning families in the Masimera and Koya Chiefdoms in Port Loko District and the Yoni Mabanta Chiefdom in Tonkolili District, marking a key step in its compliance with Sierra Leone’s mining laws.
The payments were made during separate ceremonies in the affected chiefdoms, bringing together traditional authorities, local government officials, Members of Parliament, the National Minerals Agency, and the Office of National Security.
In Yoni Mabanta Chiefdom, landowners in the Magbafth Section received NLE 300,000 on 17th June 2026 at the chiefdom headquarters in Roruks. The payment was received by Paramount Chief Fulamasa Gbabereh on behalf of his people. Similar disbursements were made in Masimera and Koya chiefdoms to complete the NLE 1.5 million total.
The chairman of the occasion and development and planning officer for Tonkolili District Council, Abu Vandy Kondorvoh, described the payment as a significant milestone.
“This surface rent demonstrates that development opportunities are now reaching local communities,” Kondorvoh said. He urged landowners to embrace the project as a pathway to economic growth and called for peaceful cooperation to avoid disruptions that could affect employment and community development.
Environmental Consultant Mohamed Jalloh said OJASKARA SL Ltd had met all regulatory requirements to obtain its operational licence. The company, he noted, conducted public disclosure exercises and consultations with affected communities before approval was granted.
Jalloh explained that the company is currently in the resource development stage, collecting and testing geological samples to determine the quantity and quality of mineral resources. He assured residents that all procedures comply with national environmental and mining regulations.
In Yoni Mabanta, Tom Tucker, speaking on behalf of the company, said the payment reflects the company’s commitment to the law and to the communities. He dismissed rumours that the company intended to seize land by force and said consultations had secured 90% consent from family members.
“This is a win-win situation for everyone involved,” Tucker said. “When operations begin, we will continue to inform and engage the communities at every stage.”
Paramount Chief Gbabereh thanked both the company and his people for the mutual understanding. As custodian of the land, he said he ensured all stakeholders were involved and confirmed that the company had fulfilled all legal requirements. He urged OJASKARA to support youth employment and projects in education, agriculture, and health.
Representing the security sector, Local Unit Commander of the Mile 91 Police Division, Brima Bangura, called on residents to remain law-abiding and to channel grievances through legal and administrative processes. He warned that unrest could undermine development and discourage investment.
National Minerals Agency Community Affairs Manager Henry H. Kamara reaffirmed the agency’s role in monitoring compliance and protecting community interests.
“The payment of surface rent is one of several obligations companies must fulfil to support host communities,” Kamara said. “The NMA will closely monitor the company’s activities to ensure all agreements and legal provisions are implemented.”
Country Director Tom Tucker outlined potential benefits for Masimera, Yoni Mabanta, and Koya chiefdoms, including community-led development projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other social services under community development agreements.
The ceremonies concluded with renewed calls for collaboration, transparency, and peaceful coexistence as OJASKARA advances its exploration and resource development activities in the two districts.
