Development Secretary Ambrose James Assures Magbirie PAPs of Government’s Commitment to Fair Resettlement Process
Magbirie, Marampa Chiefdom, Port Loko District, 13th August 2026: The Development Secretary, Ambrose James, led the National Steering Committee (NSC) of the National Development Induced Resettlement Directorate (NDIRD) on a monitoring mission to Magbirie Village in Marampa Chiefdom, Port Loko District following a monitoring mission in Baomahun FG Gold mining Company in Bo District.
The mission formed part of the Committee’s routine monitoring activities to independently engage affected persons and communities (PAPs) and assess the resettlement process associated, while ensuring compliance with the National Development Induced Resettlement Act, 2023.
During the engagement, the NSC met with the Chiefdom Speaker, Town Chief, community elders and residents, who shared concerns regarding the impact of mining operations on their livelihoods and community.
Key concerns raised included crop compensation, physical resettlement, outdated crop valuation rates, youth employment opportunities, and other issues which residents believe require urgent attention.
Responding to the concerns, Development Secretary Ambrose James assured the community that their grievances had been duly noted and would receive appropriate attention. He urged residents to remain calm and patient as the Ministry continues to engage the mining company and other relevant stakeholders to address the issues raised.
He further reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring that development-induced resettlement processes are undertaken in a transparent, fair, lawful and socially responsible manner, with the rights, livelihoods and welfare of affected persons and communities duly protected.
Members of the National Steering Committee also emphasised the importance of due diligence, fairness and strict adherence to established procedures, particularly in relation to land and crop compensation, environmental protection, social safeguards, gender considerations and the protection of children.
The monitoring mission underscores Government’s continued efforts, through MoPED and the NDIRD, to strengthen the coordination and oversight of development-induced resettlement activities across the country while promoting responsible investment and sustainable community development.
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