The Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Climate Change, chaired by Hon. Yusuf Mackery, has urged for stronger environmental governance following successful conclusion of a nine-day oversight visit to selected mining, agricultural, and industrial establishments in Sierra Leone’s Eastern and Southern Regions.
The oversight exercise, conducted from 7 to 15 June 2026, was undertaken pursuant to Sections 93(3)–93(6) and 95 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991, as well as Standing Order 73(7) of Parliament. The visit aimed to assess environmental compliance, review corporate environmental obligations, and evaluate the implementation of community development commitments by companies operating within the regions.
The companies visited during the exercise included Lizard Earth, Goldtree, Punjab Trading Centre, Sierra Diamond Ventures, Dayoub, Bennimix Food Company, Global Lite, FG Gold, Foison Resources Limited, Sierra Rutile Limited, Jong Minerals Limited, and Eldorado Resources Company.
Addressing company representatives and stakeholders, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Yusuf Mackery, underscored Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight.
“We are here as your representatives, not to witch-hunt anyone, but to fulfil our constitutional mandate. Parliament has three key functions: representation, lawmaking, and oversight. Under Section 93(3) of the Constitution, we are empowered to investigate Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as companies operating under the Ministry of Environment. We can conduct spot checks and require the production of documents or the attendance of witnesses where necessary. When Parliament sits under Section 95, it exercises powers similar to those of the High Court. While Government welcomes investment that benefits our people, such investment must comply with our laws and respect our communities and environment,” Hon. Mackery stated.
During the exercise, the Committee observed that several companies were operating without valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licences issued by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). In some cases, companies had paid renewal fees but experienced delays in the processing and issuance of licences, creating uncertainty within the regulatory framework.
The Committee also noted delays in the implementation of Community Environmental Development Action Plans (CEDAPs) at several operational sites. Many host communities reported limited awareness of the contents, timelines, and obligations outlined in these plans, thereby reducing public participation and accountability.
Additionally, companies operating under “Care and Maintenance” arrangements had significantly scaled down their activities, leading to delays in fulfilling community obligations and implementing agreed development projects. This situation has created uncertainty among host communities regarding employment opportunities, environmental monitoring, and community development initiatives.
To strengthen environmental governance and community participation, the Committee recommended that all companies publish simplified versions of their CEDAPs at chiefdom headquarters and organize biannual community review meetings.
The Committee further recommended that the EPA and Parliament jointly develop binding implementation schedules for CEDAPs, including penalties for unjustified delays in execution.
It also proposed that ten percent of annual EIA licence fees be ring-fenced to support independent community monitoring of environmental and development commitments.
The Committee called on the Ministry of Labour and the EPA to conduct regular audits of companies’ local recruitment records and publish annual reports indicating the percentage of Sierra Leoneans occupying management positions.
For companies operating under Care and Maintenance status, the Committee recommended the submission of a Community Protection Plan to the EPA within fourteen days. Such plans should address environmental monitoring, site security, and minimum social obligations to affected communities.
The Committee further emphasized that companies under Care and Maintenance should not be exempt from EIA licence renewals, land rehabilitation responsibilities, or the implementation of priority Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, particularly in the areas of water supply, healthcare, and community safety.
Finally, the Committee recommended that Parliament consider amending the EPA Act to provide a clear legal definition of “Care and Maintenance” and outline the continuing obligations of companies operating under that status.
The oversight exercise reflects Parliament’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability, responsible investment, and the protection of host communities while ensuring that companies operating in Sierra Leone comply with national laws and international best practices.
The delegation comprised Members of Parliament from both the Government and Opposition Benches, Paramount Chief Members of Parliament, the Committee Clerk, Parliamentary staff, officials of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), and members of the media. EPA Regional Managers provided technical support throughout the inspections and stakeholder engagements