November 25, 2021
“Effective and efficient policing depends on how well you know the area and people you are dealing with” says the Regional Commander North East AIG G. M. T. Tommy. He made this statement whilst engaging the Kingho Mining Company at the Tonkolili Mines site. On the 23rd November 2021, the Regional Commander led a team comprising the deputy Regional Commander North East, CSP L. M. Koroma, Regional operations officer. Augustine Kabia, the officer commanding Bumbuna Police station, ASP Conteh, the media North East team and other ranks.
The purpose of the visit was a familiarized one and security assessment. The Kingho Mining Company management described the visit of the Regional Commander and team as a step of motivation and confidence. The management highlighted issues with the locals that are engage in artisanal and illicit mining activities within the precinct of the company’s area. This, according to the Deputy General Manager Kunchen Gon, poses a security threat and risk, more so during the company’s blasting exercises. The compliance Mining Engineer, attached to National Minerals Agency, Alfred D. Taylor, briefed the Regional Commander and team, the steps the company and him, have taken to engage the locals and the chiefdom authorities regarding the issue. However, by December 2021 the locals pleaded to have washed their gravels and will leave the area.
The Regional Commander assured the Kingho Mining Company management of his security support. The Regional Commander further said, effectiveness of the mining is rested in the police, and the police will uphold that. The police is always ready to give support to ensure that your investment is protected, alongside their personal and physical. On the issue of workers piling pressure on the company, and sometime disturb the mining operations as said by the General Manager, the Regional Commander said, “Protest, Demonstration, Strikes are permitted, provided you follow the due process of the law. But, riotous conduct not permitted”. This, he told the management, more so Emmanuel Freeman the union man, so that he can educate his membership.
The Regional Commander and team equally engaged the Speaker of Dansogoia chiefdom, Michael Y. Kallon, chiefdom chair lady Isatu Sesay and chiefdom stakeholders. The issue of the locals, disturbing the mining company also came up. The chiefdom authorities spoke on the engagement with the mining company for December ultimatum for the locals to leave the mining area.
The Regional Commander and team continued the familiarization tour, at the Bumbuna Hydro Electric Dam. The team was well received by the Personnel manager, and other senior workers of the Dam, who took the Regional Commander and team, to a satisfied conducted tour of the dam site, control room, turbine room and ground floor of the electrical installation.
The regent chief commended the military and police for a well-coordinated security operation in the chiefdom.
The Regional Commander pleaded for community cooperation for successful policing.
Similar visit is expected anytime soon in other areas of responsibilities.