By: Problyn J. Alpha
Honourable Sahr Kortu Momodu, the Member of Parliament representing Cluster 026 in Upper Sandor Chiefdom, Kono District, has publicly accused the Chief Executive Officer of Pan African Rare Metals Company Limited, Mr. Fasally Tarawally, of failing to fulfill the company’s corporate social responsibilities in the Sandor Chiefdom.
The MP made the statement during the surface rent payment ceremony held at the Fillie Faboe Memorial Hall on New Sembehun Road in Koidu City.
Hon. Momodu expressed concern that despite the company’s presence in the chiefdom, it has yet to fully commence operations. He said many youths and other residents have approached him with concerns regarding the company’s prolonged inactivity and lack of community engagement. These concerns, he noted, have also been shared with the Paramount Chief of Sandor Chiefdom, PC Sheku Ahmed Tejan Fasuluku Sonsiama, in hopes of finding a resolution.
“I have made several attempts to engage the CEO of Pan African Rare Metals Company Limited on the issue of commencing full operations and addressing community needs, but all efforts have been unsuccessful,” Hon. Momodu stated.
He compared the company unfavourably with F.L. Gold Mining Company, which, he said, demonstrated strong corporate social responsibility even before fully beginning operations.
According to Hon. Momodu, a similar concern raised by another Member of Parliament from Koinadugu District has reached the Speaker of Parliament. The Speaker reportedly advised that such matters be brought before the House, stressing that the failure of mining companies to meet their obligations can lead to unrest in host communities.
To mitigate the growing frustrations, Hon. Momodu said he suggested to Mr. Tarawally that part of the company’s concession be made available to youth groups for small-scale mining. He argued that this could help address the current global economic challenges impacting local residents. However, his proposal was not heeded.
The MP further lamented the company’s failure to maintain the deteriorating road network leading to the chiefdom. He pleaded with the CEO to address these concerns, emphasizing that “peace is the foundation of development.”
“The least one could expect was support for a youth-organized football match, but even that request was turned down by the company,” he added in disappointment.
In response, Abu Woody, Senior Mining Engineer at Pan African Rare Metals, who represented the CEO at the event, promised to brief Mr. Tarawally on the concerns raised by the Honourable Member for timely action.