By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
The Resident Minister for the Southern Region, Chief John Abu, has clarified the purpose of his recent working visit to Sri Lanka and reassured the public of the government’s commitment to addressing reported illegal secret society activities in parts of the region.
Chief Abu made these remarks during a press conference held on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, at the Office of the Resident Minister South, where he engaged a cross-section of media practitioners on emerging security and development issues.
Addressing security matters, the Resident Minister spoke on isolated reports of illegal activities allegedly linked to the Poro secret society in certain communities. He disclosed that the reported incidents were mainly recorded in Lugbu Chiefdom, Bo District, and Jong Chiefdom, Bonthe District.
According to him, these activities have created discomfort and anxiety among residents, particularly in communities hosting foreigners and potential investors. He assured citizens and the international community that the Government of Sierra Leone is fully aware of the situation and is taking the necessary steps to address it.
“The government will not tolerate any unlawful activity that threatens peace, community safety, or investor confidence,” Chief Abu stated.
He emphasized that appropriate measures will be instituted to curb such practices and to ensure the protection of lives, property, and investments across the Southern Region.
Clarifying the purpose of his week-long working visit to Sri Lanka, Chief Abu explained that the trip was aimed at engaging potential investors and development partners to promote private sector-led growth, attract foreign direct investment, and support sustainable economic development in Sierra Leone.
He noted that discussions focused on strategic sectors critical to national development, including agriculture, mining, infrastructure, water supply, and sanitation all priority areas aligned with the government’s development agenda.
Chief Abu disclosed that he held several high-level meetings with private investors, companies, and institutions in Sri Lanka, describing the outcomes as highly encouraging. He said many investors expressed strong interest and readiness to visit Sierra Leone to explore concrete investment opportunities.
“Throughout my engagements, I emphasized the strong commitment of the Government of Sierra Leone to supporting private sector development and attracting foreign direct investment as key drivers of economic growth,” he said.
“I also underscored the importance of investments that align with His Excellency the President’s national development agenda and the Five Big Game Changers, particularly agriculture, human capital development, infrastructure, and job creation.”
Highlighting some of the outcomes of the visit, the Resident Minister revealed that EOAS Organic Limited, a Sri Lankan company involved in the production of organic spices, herbs, and fruits, has expressed strong interest in visiting Sierra Leone to explore investment opportunities.
He also disclosed that Goldex Global, a mining company trading in gold and diamonds across several African countries, has indicated interest in expanding its operations to Sierra Leone.
In addition, the International Chamber of Commerce, which has the capacity to identify and mobilize credible investors globally, has expressed interest in doing business in Sierra Leone.
Chief Abu concluded by stating that the working visit to Sri Lanka was undertaken following an invitation from Dr. Sayuru G. Samarasundera, a Sri Lankan investor already actively engaged in business activities in Sierra Leone. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a safe, stable, and investor-friendly environment across the country.