By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Gento Group of Companies has officially relinquished the Kasafoni land to the Government through the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, which is a significant move that promises to enhance Sierra Leone's economic landscape. The decision was made during a successful meeting held on Thursday August 28, 2025 at the Attorney General’s Office in Freetown, where Mohamed Gento Kamara, the Chief Executive Officer of Gento Group, announced that the land is no longer in dispute and has been formally transferred to facilitate negotiations with potential investors.

Gento Kamara explained that the history of the land has been cleared of any encumbrances allowing the Government to move forward unimpeded. He emphasized the importance of this transfer, stating that it would enable the Government to attract the right investments necessary for tapping into the mineral wealth of the region. “The land is now fully in the Government's hands and I urge them to seek out suitable investors who can help develop this resource,” Gento Kamara remarked.

In conjunction with this announcement, Gento Kamara reiterated a key aspect of his vision for Sierra Leone: the need to connect the Kasafoni Iron Ore deposit with the Banana Island Transshipment Port. He believes that this infrastructure linkage is crucial for maximizing the economic potential of the region. “Connecting these two sites will create a robust logistical framework that will facilitate the export of iron ore and ultimately lead to greater economic prosperity for our country,” he stated.

During a previous engagement, Finance Minister, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, acknowledged the importance of the proposed mining project at Kasafoni. He revealed that five critical infrastructure developments have been identified as essential for opening the mines, including standard railways and upgraded ports. In light of this, Gento Group has expressed its willingness to support the establishment of these infrastructures if the Government provides the necessary backing.

“We have already demonstrated that we can provide the required infrastructure to make this project a success,” said Gento Kamara. He pointed out that utilizing existing facilities, like the Pepel Port, in which the Government holds a 20% stake in traffic rights, could be an efficient way to transport Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) without the need for constructing new ports or railways. “This approach not only saves costs but also accelerates the development process,” he added, emphasizing the need for a more streamlined ‘pit-to-port’ logistics model.

Gento Kamara has positioned himself as a strategic partner in Sierra Leone's mining sector. He underscored that his intentions are not merely financially motivated; rather, they reflect a deep-seated commitment to national development. “This is not just about making money; it’s about laying down the foundations for a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans,” he asserted. His plea for collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Mineral Wealth Fund and the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC) reflects his desire for a cooperative approach to resource management.

Government officials have responded positively to Gento Kamara's decision to hand over the land. They have described it as a wise and timely action that aligns well with the national interest. They emphasized the need for the Government to meet Kamara's demands for infrastructure development, particularly connecting the Kasafoni Iron Ore site to the Banana Island seaport through a standard railway.

Gento Kamara's proactive approach and commitment to working alongside the Government and other stakeholders have made him a beacon of hope for those looking for substantive changes in Sierra Leone’s economic landscape. Recognized as one of the few dedicated Sierra Leoneans committed to national growth, he has shown a willingness to continue contributing to the country’s development.

As discussions progress, the focus now shifts to how quickly the Government can act on Gento Group's proposals. If executed effectively, the connection between the Kasafoni Iron Ore deposit and the Banana Island port could serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization, leading to job creation and enhanced revenue for the Government.

Gento Kamara's vision for Sierra Leone hinges on a collaborative effort that prioritizes collective growth over individual profit. As both parties move forward, the potential economic boom resulting from the proper development of the Kasafoni land and surrounding infrastructure stands to reshape not only the mining sector but also the broader socio-economic fabric of Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/gento-group-officially-relinquishes-kasafoni-land-to-government-for-development/