By Prince J Musa in Kenema
The National Protective Area Authority (NPAA) has arrested people suspected of involvement in illegal mining. Steven B. Lahai, Ibrahim S. Nyokor, Mohamed Lahai, Lamin Sesay, Mamie Moinya ,Stubs Kamara and Juma Kelleh all residents of Kenema have been detained by the Police.
The arrests were done by a Joint team of NPAA Personnel on the 27th November, 2023. Regional Coordinator East of NPAA, Bockarie Kowa confirmed to Politico of the arrests and that the men were being investigated.
He noted that there has been a lot of blame on NPAA for not doing much to protect the forest, but said they have instituted new strategies to curb some of the illegal activities within the forested areas.
“We will do all what it takes to crack down on illegal miners in the reserved forests of Kambui,’’ he said.
He said there are allegations against some NPAA staff of having connived with eight illegal miners to undertake unauthorised mining activities. He assured that the institution’s management will ensure the alleged workers are brought to book.
The NPAA Regional Coordinator affirmed that the forest is under serious threat from illegal mining of gold and other activities, which has affected the SALWACO gravity water system which is under major challenge. He said the Kambui forest is in a dangerous state and if robust action was not instituted the people of Kenema will face serious drought.
He further assured the public that NPAA will continue to work with other sister institutions in executing their operations within the Kambui forest and called on all to support them to protect it.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (01/12/23)
