To ensure that the conflict that plunged the entire Kono last December does not repeat itself, the government has set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the cause of that fracas.
The commission, headed by J.B. Jenkins-Johnston, is to commence sittings today in Kono, Koidu town.
Speaking to Awoko the public relations officer, Mohamed B. Mansaray said the aim of the commission was to thoroughly investigate and unearth the cause of the conflict between the company, Koidu Holdings, and the community people.
Mr Mansaray said statements could be obtained from members of the public, the company’s employees and the staff of the company as well.
He said, “the commission’s mandate is to look into the issue and not to pass judgment on anyone. After Kono the commission will continue its work in Freetown”.
The PRO however urged all those who had vital information with regards to the December 13th incident to come forward so as to help speed up the commission’s work.
Reaching the chairman of the Affected Property Owners’ Association (A.P.O.A) at his residence for comments, he said he was ready to testify to the commission.Mr Kai David Boma however reiterated that he had already compiled a six-page document which he was going to submit to the commission. “We have had enough from ex-President Kabbah and his Mines Minister,” he noted, adding that the reason why the company had never taken them seriously was that neither the former president nor the former Mines minister had ever told them the truth. He complained about cheap accommodation and lack of basic facilities at the new re-settlement site.
Chairman Boma said he and colleagues had had a lot of molestations, and that this time they had been waiting to voice out their views.
However, the company’s public relations officer, Ibrahim Sorie had confirmed that staff of the company might be willing to appear before the commission but depending on the category of staff needed by the commission.