Enhancing Transparency and Combating Misinformation in the Black Johnson Fish Harbour Project

The Government of Sierra Leone is actively involved in the development of the Black Johnson Fish Harbour, a strategic national initiative aimed at enhancing economic growth and improving food security. Despite extensive public education efforts, the project has encountered significant opposition and the spread of misinformation. In response, the government is strengthening its public education campaign, emphasizing the thorough processes undertaken to ensure legal compliance, environmental protection, and equitable stakeholder engagement.

A key component of these efforts is the project's comprehensive environmental approvals. A complete Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been conducted, and three public disclosure sessions were organized in the Western Area Rural District, underscoring a commitment to transparency and public participation in environmental matters.

Extensive stakeholder engagement has been fundamental to the project since 2019. This includes numerous town hall meetings, ongoing community consultations, and public presentations to local residents and stakeholders in Black Johnson. All individuals with land claims were encouraged to present their documentation. Importantly, those without formal land papers but with verifiable long-term occupation (over 21 years), validated by community leaders, were also considered and compensated in a transparent and fair manner.

Moreover, the land acquisition process for the 250-acre site has adhered to legal standards. Eighty acres were already government-owned, while the remaining 170 acres were acquired through stringent legal procedures. Out of over 200 initial claims, only 21 were validated after due diligence by the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Lands. Of these, 17 have received full cash and land compensation. The remaining four verified claimants have their compensation held in a secure account, pending the completion of their legal requirements.

The Black Johnson Fish Harbour is a project founded on facts, transparency, and opportunity, not propaganda. The government remains committed to ensuring that the public is fully informed about the project's benefits and the meticulous processes undertaken to realize this crucial national development.