September 16, 2021
By: Morlai GBLA (Kambia)
Rokupr wharf is a wharf located at the lower Magbema chiefdom Kambia district Northwest Region, this wharf lies at the Great Scarcies River on the Northwest to Guinea and Southeast to Freetown.
Over the years Rokupr town has been one of the liveliest towns in Kambia district because many of the indigenes living there are traders, fishermen, farmers whilst others are engaged in other economic activities.
Rokupr wharf is notorious for illegal transportation of boards, Palm oil and locally produced Rice to the neighboring country Guinea this has been few of challenges over the years under mining the progress of the country.
Our findings states that a single boat will carry more than one thousand boards to Guinea three times per week which is equivalent to twelve thousand pieces of boards on monthly basis which is a huge loss to the district in terms of revenue generation of the state.
A-Z observed that as the illegal activities continue to mount, attached government personnel ranging from security forces, S/Leone Maritimes Authority and others present has been felt but they have failed to enforced their roles and responsibilities which has negative effects on the district.
Sgt Kamara a security personnel attached to the wharf said sometimes timber dealers do tender clearance documents from the headquarter which is a bit difficult for them to challenge as junior officers.
Kamara also confirmed that the transportation of boards to Guinea is not a new thing and such business activities is been under taken by indigenes of Rokupr town, he concluded.
The government and its regulatory agencies must look into the daily happenings at Rokupr wharf.