African Minerals awarded ‘Best Company in Salone’ at Sierra Leone COC Annual Dinner
The Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (COC) has recognized African Minerals SL Ltd (AML) as the best company in Sierra Leone at the Chamber’s annual dinner and dance held at the Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen, Freetown on Saturday March 1st. (Photo: President Koroma congratulates African Mineral’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Gibril Moseray Fadika)
Master of Ceremony, Mr. Andrew Kelli, while reading the citation, said AML has provided unparalleled corporate leadership in the development and mining of its world class iron ore deposit and its related rail and port infrastructure.
“Initial production figures and further expansion plans have indicated that the company is capable of meeting its contemplated future production target of 35 Mtpa of high grade product. As the largest employer in Sierra Leone`s private sector employing close to 7,000 people, 80% of whom are Sierra Leoneans, AML is also set to become the largest contributor to the country`s GDP. The company’s presence has also brought other investors and services in the marine, logistics, IT and other sectors into Sierra Leone, with the resultant increase in jobs and tax revenues.
“AML is also well accomplished in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility. It is regarded as a premier contributor to philanthropic causes and has shown a commitment to improving the communities in which it operates.
This award is given to African Minerals SL Ltd in recognition of its unparalleled corporate leadership demonstrated in successfully developing a world class mine, its outstanding contribution to the economic and social life of its employees and communities in which it operates, its immense contribution to the country’s economy and for setting a stellar example in implementing its corporate social responsibility scheme.
The Chamber, cognizant of the unique part played in the country`s Industry sector by African Minerals SL Ltd delights to record her grateful regard and to express her best wishes to African Minerals SL Ltd for the future.”
African Minerals Executive Chairman, Mr. Gibril Moseray Fadika and management staff pose with the award
Receiving the award, AML Executive Chairman, Mr. Gibril Moseray Fadika, said he is delighted for recognition of his company’s contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.
Mr. Fadika stressed that AML will continue to do great things in the area of corporate social responsibility. He said the company provided US$3 million funding for the rehabilitation of the Magburaka Technical Institute and is now funding the construction of the first fly-over in the country in Pepel.
He assured all that AML will continue to do more for Sierra Leone.
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma was the Guest of Honour at the annual dinner and dance. He hailed African Minerals for their operations and tremendous contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.
President Koroma said his government has done more for the private sector than any other government before him, by moving the private sector forward through the creation of sound policies and ensuring a safe environment for business.
He said his government has embarked on building roads to ease movement of goods and persons, and meeting the energy challenges with zeal ‘never before experienced in the history of Sierra Leone’.
Furthermore, President Koroma maintained that his government has supported the Bank of Sierra Leone to improve on its regulatory framework to ensure that the financial sector is vibrant and sound enough to promote private sector activities that boost economic growth and employment. He said the exchange rate in the country has been stable and the new regulation by the Bank of Sierra Leone in enforcing the use of the local currency will ensure the development of the country`s gross domestic product.
The President implored members of the private sector to join hands with the Government of Sierra Leone in improving trade in the country for sustainable economic development.
Meanwhile, the President of the Sierra Leone COC, Industry and Agriculture, Mrs. Gladys Strasser-King, commended what she described as ‘the phenomenal strides’ made by His Excellency in infrastructural development, especially nationwide road construction, and other complementary initiatives including energy provision, the Free Health Care scheme, increased agricultural production, improvement of the status of women, the youth and the disabled under the umbrella of the Agenda for Prosperity.
Mrs. Gladys Strasser-King confessed that the private sector is faced with challenges, citing the problem of road networking linking transportation system to the Queen Elizabeth II Quay and the full implementation of the local content policy for better employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.
She announced that the Sierra Leone COC will partner with the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) to fight against corruption in the country as this will protect businesses in Sierra Leone from financial fraud.
By Abdul Hassan Fackie
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