SLEITI signs MOU with mining companies
The Sierra Leone Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (SLEITI) Wednesday 20th signed a memorandum of understanding with mining companies and civil society organizations at a ceremony held at State House in Freetown.
The thoughtful signing of agreement between mining companies, civil society and SLEITI is a guarantee that Sierra Leone has become EITI Compliant and will assuredly follow and strengthened the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance.
The signing of the MOU by respective mining companies also signals commitment between them, government and society.
In his statement, the Director Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD), Abu Brima said as civil society they believe in the tendency of transparency and accountability.
But that the initiative is moving slowly in our society.
He maintained though that there is limited effort by government to legally endorse the EITI in Sierra Leone.
A representative from of one of the mining companies, Ibrahim Sorie, who also doubles as Koidu Holdings communication director said that the EITI helps inform the people and the world that they in the mining sector are committed to the development of this country.
The State House Chief of Staff, who also acts as SLEITI Champion, Dr. Kaifala Marah, emphasized however that the coming into action of SLEITI marks a mile stone in the history of Sierra Leone.
“Best practice seeks to ensure transparency and accountability. It also supports global partnership in the fight against the misuse of public funds, poverty and good mining policy,” Dr. Kaifala.
“The mining negotiating team has been established to give helping hands to government in the reviewing of mining companies agreements in country.”
“I have informed the ACC boss,’ he said, “The Le 1. 9 billion must be recovered from London Mining in order for government to revamp the multi stakeholder group.”
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Samura Kamara said with transparency and accountability in the mining sector, it is sure there will be an increase in revenue and GDP, which according him, will improve the quality of life of Sierra Leoneans generally.
The Minister furthered that 35 countries in Africa have adopted the process and are enjoying economic stability and steady progress in the area of development.
The Deputy Minister, Mines and Mineral Resources, Ignosi Koroma said the EITI is a clear indication of government’s commitment to issues of development.
He said much much more improvement has been made in ‘cadastre system’ to mitigate over lapping problems.
BY Ibrahim Sahid Kamara
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