By James Tamba Lebbie
Efforts to mend strained relations between gold mining company, FG Gold and residents of Baomahun in Valunia Chiefdom, Bo District, gathered momentum on Friday, 10th October 2025 when the Washington DC-based Africa Faith & Justice Network (AFJN), in partnership with Radio Valunia, convened a community dialogue under the theme: “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges” at the Baomahun Court Barray in Valunia Chiefdom.
The engagement brought together traditional authorities, youth groups, religious leaders, company representatives and Civil Society actors in an overcrowded Court Barray filled with visibly concerned residents. Many of them, particularly artisanal miners, voiced frustration over what they described as unfulfilled promises and neglect by the company. At several points, speakers were interrupted as residents challenged statements they felt were inconsistent with their daily realities.
Among the grievances raised were the company’s alleged failure to honour commitments to artisanal miners, limited employment of local residents, poor road conditions, lack of medical support during emergencies (especially for pregnant women), unresolved compensation issues, reckless driving by company vehicles and inadequate consultation with local authorities. The meeting, originally planned for two and a half hours, extended to nearly four hours to accommodate the multitude of concerns.
Explaining the purpose of the meeting, AFJN Consultant, Emmanuel Brima Momoh said the initiative aimed to promote open dialogue, identify key issues and foster collaboration between FG Gold and affected communities. He urged participants to express their grievances peacefully and constructively, emphasizing that development projects should unite, not divide, communities. “This is not a courtroom,” he noted. “It is a forum for listening and finding solutions.”
Representing the landholding families from Kafuma, Kadiatu Fefegula raised concerns about poor road infrastructure, unsafe drinking water and the company’s failure to provide vehicles during medical emergencies. She reported a recent outbreak of diarrhea linked to unsafe water, alleging that the borehole provided by the company produced water with an unpleasant taste.
The Chairman of the Landholding Families, Karimu Lahai, acknowledged FG Gold’s pioneering role in confirming gold deposits in Valunia Chiefdom and noted that the company had paid $100,000 to landholding families across eight affected communities. However, he lamented that over 600 artisanal miners were displaced from the hills after the company’s entry, with promises of alternative livelihoods that remain unfulfilled. “We don’t have the power to fight the company,” he said. “All we ask for is to be recognized and treated fairly.”
Speaking on behalf of the local Member of Parliament, Commander Borbor Bayoh, the Constituency Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), assured residents that their concerns had reached the Government. While commending FG Gold for certain community contributions, he urged the company to employ more qualified locals and ensure that development benefits are inclusive. “The company and the community can coexist peacefully if people feel a sense of belonging,” he said.
Responding to the concerns, Ms. Evelyn Gyanfi-Hassan, Community Relations and Social Performance Manager at FG Gold, thanked AFJN for facilitating the dialogue and acknowledged the validity of some issues raised. She, however, expressed disappointment over what she described as misrepresentations and invited AFJN to the company’s offices to review relevant documentation.
She confirmed challenges with the Kafuma borehole but said the matter had been resolved. According to her, while full mining operations are yet to commence, about 65 percent of the company’s workforce currently comprises local residents. She added that FG Gold has prioritized displaced artisanal miners for training, employment and business opportunities.
Ms. Gyanfi-Hassan also cited several Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, including school construction, hospital renovations, road improvement and compensation payments to farmers; reportedly at rates ten times higher than Government benchmarks. She appealed for patience and understanding, assuring residents that FG Gold remains committed to addressing their concerns as it prepares to commence full mining operations by December 2026.
At the close of the meeting, participants recommended livelihood support programmes, expanded youth employment and structured engagement with artisanal miners as key steps toward rebuilding trust and ensuring peaceful coexistence in Valunia Chiefdom, Bo District.
