By: Saidu Jalloh
Minister of Finance, Ahmed Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, has addressed the growing controversy surrounding the Kasafoni land lease agreement involving the Government of Sierra Leone and businessman Mohamed Gento KamaraSpeaking at the government’s weekly press briefing held at the Miatta Conference Center, Youyi Building, on August 26, 2025, Bangura clarified that under the Mining Act of 2022, the government reserves the right to participate in commercial mining activities. He emphasized that the state had already entered into an agreement to commence mining operations in Kasafoni prior to Gento’s involvement.The Minister said the clarification was necessary in response to increasing public concerns and to reaffirm the government’s legal authority in managing mining agreements.
“I need to clarify this because Gento has been making public statements that are damaging the image, credibility, and diplomatic reputation of the country,” Bangura stated.
He reiterated that the government had made its position clear to Kamara that the state has a vested interest in mining at Kasafoni on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone. He dismissed any suggestion that the issue is politically motivated.
“No single individual can build a country or a community. Gento has tried to politicize this issue, but it is not political,” Bangura maintained. Outlining the government’s broader vision for the mining sector, the Minister announced plans to increase state participation, with a long-term objective of nationalizing the industry.
“Most countries generate significant revenue from mining. We cannot continue to watch our minerals benefit a few individuals. For years, billions of dollars’ worth of minerals have left this country while the government received only cents. That has to change we are taking charge now,” he declared.
Bangura revealed that over the past six years, Sierra Leone generated over $4 billion from mining, yet only 5 percent of that revenue was deposited into the Consolidated Fund. In 2024 alone, the sector generated $1.5 billion, of which just $60 million reached the state coffers. “We must be smarter in doing business. If we manage this sector properly, the government can generate far more revenue,” he added. The Minister also disclosed that following a recent national geophysical survey, the government had established the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development Management Corporation. The purpose of this entity is to enable the state to participate more actively in mining operations and to recover losses previously incurred due to mismanagement of the sector.
In conclusion, Bangura affirmed that the government will mobilize capital and partner with credible investors to sustain mining activities, ensuring that the sector contributes meaningfully to national development.