By patricia.ngevao@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) joined forces with Ghana’s Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) to host a pivotal National Policy Roundtable Dialogue on Natural Resource Governance. This gathering, held under the theme “Ending Inequalities in Sierra Leone’s Natural Resource Management,” convened stakeholders at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown on April 16th, 2024.
The event, generously supported by the Ford Foundation, drew a diverse array of participants, including representatives from government bodies, local and international civil society organizations, technical experts, community-based organizations, private investors, academia, and the media.
NMJD’s Executive Director, Abu A. Brima, underscored the indispensable role of natural resources in livelihoods and development. Highlighting the urgency of addressing deepening poverty and division, particularly in resource-extractive communities, Brima stressed the need for collective action to ensure equitable benefits for Sierra Leoneans and sustainable development.
The roundtable aimed to galvanize stakeholders to tackle inequalities inherent in natural resource management, fostering dialogue on inclusive resource governance strategies for the betterment of individuals and the nation.
Samson Salifu Danse, Executive Director of ISODEC, emphasized the imperative of addressing inequalities within Sierra Leone’s extractive industry while advocating for a sustainable energy transition. He lauded Sierra Leone’s strides in implementing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standards but emphasized the need for direct community benefits from resource extraction, particularly in regions like Kono, Koidu, and Koinadugu. Danse highlighted the necessity of transitioning to renewable energy sources to rectify historical inequalities and propel sustainable development.
Danse stressed the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure a fair transition to renewable energy, urging collaboration among government, civil society, private sector entities, and local communities. He called for collective action at regional and global levels to enhance natural resource governance and transparency.
In his keynote address, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Mattai, underscored the complexity of natural resource management and the need for sustainable, transparent governance to address Sierra Leone’s resource challenges. While acknowledging the sector’s potential for economic growth, Minister Mattai emphasized responsible decision-making to mitigate negative impacts on communities.
Advocating for balanced resource nationalism, Minister Mattai highlighted efforts to diversify the mining sector and stressed the importance of effective governance and transparency to maximize benefits while maintaining an investor-friendly environment. PSN/18/4/2024