By: Eric Kanneh
JENEMANA TOWN Gola Konneh District Cape Mount– The Commissioner of Gola Konneh District, Alfred G. Varney, held a crucial meeting in Jenemana Town to discuss the status of the Laar Community Forest. Addressing the citizens, Commissioner Varney informed them that Laar Clan must work towards securing official forest status for their land.
Committee Formed for Forest Status
To facilitate this process, the commissioner urged the establishment of a five-member committee, comprising two representatives each from Jenemana Zone and Gondor Town Zone, along with one member from the Community Land Development and Management Committee (CLDMC). The committee will lead efforts to secure legal recognition for the forest.
While addressing concerns from citizens, Commissioner Varney clarified that the government is not acquiring the forest to transfer it to a company for operations. Instead, he emphasized that the citizens of Laar Clan will have the authority to negotiate with any company interested in working in the community forest.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Need for Agreement Review
During the meeting, former Superintendent of Grand Cape Mount County, Aaron Vincent, alleged that an individual identified as Alvin had received $8,000 meant for the Laar Clan Community Forest, but only $500 was allocated, while Alvin disappeared with the rest.
Cephus Folley, another concerned citizen, revealed that 60-70% of the Laar Clan Community Forest had already been allocated to Akewa Group of Companies. He noted that even farming activities within the area now fall under the company’s concession, highlighting the urgent need for a review of Akewa’s agreement.
Additionally, some eminent citizens of Laar Clan stressed that if the forest is to be given to the government, decision-making power regarding its management should remain with the locals.
Call for Legal Documentation
Assata Massaquoi, the relieving commissioner for Gola Konneh and Porkpa District, supported the call for proper documentation of the forest. She emphasized that Akewa’s concession should be clearly defined, as previous claims suggested it only extended from Keita Town to Golokoka, yet now it seems to encompass all of Gola Konneh’s community forest.
Women’s Meeting on Bea Mountain Kitchen
A second meeting was held, dedicated to the concerns of women in Laar Clan regarding employment opportunities at the Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC) kitchen.
Gboloum Foyenei Women Group Chairlady expressed appreciation to local chiefs and highlighted the suffering of women in Laar clan. She urged district and county authorities to investigate the kitchen’s workforce, questioning whether any Laar Clan women were employed there. The group aims to secure the kitchen’s operations within Laar Clan, ensuring local women have job opportunities.
Jenneh Jaspa, Chairlady of Laar Clan, voiced concerns over reports that BMMC might seek further concessions in Laar Clan. She stressed the importance of unity among the community if they want to fight for their rights. The women’s group was officially presented to Commissioner Varney during the meeting.
Call for Unity Among Women’s Groups
In his address to the women, Commissioner Alfred G. Varney emphasized that if they wanted to secure the kitchen, they must work together as one unified group rather than forming separate factions.
The meeting also saw participation from Kah-Mulbei Inc., another women’s group from Gondor Town. Its chairlady, Keima, challenged the legitimacy of other women’s groups, questioning whether they were formally registered.
Former Superintendent Aaron Vincent responded by suggesting that for unity and progress, both women’s groups should merge into one. However, disagreements arose, leading to a 30-minute dispute that temporarily halted theMeeting.
To conclude, Commissioner Varney requested both women’s groups to present their leadership structures and official documents to ensure proper coordination moving forward.
The meetings highlighted key governance and economic concerns in Laar Clan, setting the stage for further discussions on community development and resource management.
