MINES & YOUTH MINISTRIES HOLD CONSULTATIVE DIALOGUE
The Minister of Mines & Mineral Resources, the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and one of the Presidential Advisers, Ambassador Bond Wurie, yesterday 27th February, 2021 held a consultative dialogue with indigenes of Kamasondo in Pepel Island, Lokomasama Chiefdom, Port Loko District.
The purpose of the meeting was to resolve an impasse between the Kamasondo Action Group for Development (KAGD) and Kingho Mining Company, on receipt of a letter of complaint from the Deputy Regional Vice-Chairman of the Northwest Region.
During the dialogue, the Minister of Mines, Hon. Timothy Kabbah, via phone spoke appreciated the people and also thanked the Kamasondo Action group for creating a platform for the community to dialogue on issues that affect them. He promised that his Ministry will work side by side with the community and Kingho Mining to resolve the issues and address all concerns raised.
Addressing the youths and people of Kamasondo, the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Lusine Kallon applauded their show of discipline by maintaining peace, and constructively engaging the relevant stakeholders to resolve the impasse.
He said their commitment and willingness will send a clear message that young people are always committed to maintaining peace in time of conflicting challenges.
Dilating on the impasse between the people and Kingho Mining, the Deputy Youth Minister stated that the New Direction Government is committed to ensuring that young people benefit from the activities of mining companies as enshrined in the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009. He went on to say that the government’s effort in attracting investment is to ensure that jobs are provided for young people, both skilled and unskilled.
“We are here to create the enabling platform for all genuine companies but we are also serious in ensuring that those companies, especially mining companies operate within the ambit of the law by fully adhering to best practices including environmental laws,” Minister Kallon said.
He further noted that creating jobs for young people will empower them to give back to their society, adding that the Company must have a non-discriminatory approach towards creating opportunities for all, and implored them to employ women as well.
Special Adviser to the President, Ambassador Bond Wurie, appreciated the effort of the K.A.G.D group for bringing the people together to engage in a peaceful dialogue. He stated that a committee comprising representatives from the seven (7) chiefdoms will be established to serve as a quorum for continued engagement and dialogue for a lasting resolution.
In summing up, the Deputy Youth Minister re-emphasised on the key role of the community youth groups. He said they should see themselves as stakeholders in their respective communities and therefore should be part of committees that can ignite sustainable change.
He said they should embrace peace as without peace there will be no development in the entire Chiefdom.
He spoke about His Excellency President Bio’s commitment to promoting peace and creating an enabling environment for development across the youth sector.