By Kleverson Kawa
Kenema, 15th January 2026- Lowuma village, a community of over 300 residents in Koya Chiefdom, Kenema District, has been thrown into turmoil following the discovery of alleged illegal mining activities by an unidentified Chinese company.
The village’s river and stream, long relied upon for drinking water, domestic use, and farming, have reportedly been backfilled and damaged by heavy machinery, including excavators used to mine for diamonds and gold. The river also serves as a boundary between Nyawa and Koya chiefdoms.
Town Chief Musa Dorwai confirmed that both Paramount Chief Al-Amin Kanneh, who also serves as a Member of Parliament for Kenema District, and Paramount Chief Mariama Taimeh of Nyawa and Koya chiefdoms, had informed him about the mining.
“PC Mariama Taimeh came to me and informed me about the mining. Later, we saw the Chinese men with machines already at the water side. The Chinese gave us nineteen thousand leones for our plantations they destroyed during the clearing of the road leading to the stream,” Chief Dorwai told Truth Media.
The matter was later brought to the attention of Justice Francis Banks Kamara, who convened a stakeholders’ meeting to address the issue.
Local youths voiced frustration and disappointment at the authorities for allowing the mining without community consent.
“We don’t even know the name of the company. They have not spoken to us nor employed anyone here. Let the government intervene now. We don’t want them here!” one youth said.
On 12 January 2026, officials from the National Disaster Management Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Mines Agency, along with the paramount chiefs, visited Lowuma for a community engagement. The meeting ended without resolution.
Attempts by Truth Media to speak directly with the Chinese nationals were unsuccessful. Allegations surfaced that the EPA had arrested them in Kenema, but EPA Regional Manager Ishmael Jalloh denied the claims. He clarified that the agency had instead ordered all mining activities to stop until proper procedures are followed.
As investigations continue, residents remain deeply concerned about the destruction of their water source and farmland. The lack of transparency surrounding the company’s identity and operations has fueled mistrust and calls for urgent government intervention.
