By Mariama Bundu
The Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Climate Change, as part of its oversight responsibility, on Monday, 8th June 2026, conducted an inspection and engagement visit to two companies, Lizard Earth and Goldtree, in Jawei Chiefdom, Daru, Kailahun District, to assess their compliance with Sierra Leone’s environmental laws and regulations.
The visit forms part of the Committee’s constitutional mandate to scrutinize the activities of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as private sector operators, to ensure adherence to environmental standards, community engagement, and sustainable development practices.
Speaking at the engagement session, the Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Yusuf Mackery, emphasized that the Committee was in the district not for intimidation or “witch-hunting,” but to carry out its legislative and oversight responsibilities on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone.
He reminded the companies that Parliament has three cardinal responsibilities: representation, lawmaking, and oversight. According to him, Members of Parliament represent all citizens due to the limited number of parliamentary seats, make laws that reflect national aspirations, and ensure strict oversight of MDAs and relevant institutions.
“We are here as your representatives. We are not here to witch-hunt anyone, but to fulfill our constitutional mandate,” he stated.
Honourable Mackery further explained that the Committee operates under Section 93 of the Constitution, which empowers Parliament to establish committees and authorizes them to probe the activities, administration, and operations of MDAs and other relevant bodies. He added that the Committee also has the authority to demand documents and summon witnesses where necessary in the course of its work.
He noted that the Committee works closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its regional offices to ensure compliance with environmental guidelines, including Community Development Action Plans (CDAPs), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments, and land-use and reclamation standards.
The Chairman also stressed the importance of community engagement, stating that companies operating in local areas must ensure transparency and effective communication with their host communities.
The first session of the engagement was held with representatives of Lizard Earth, where the Founder and Managing Director, Daniel Scholler, provided an overview of the company’s operations, environmental practices, and community engagement strategies.
Mr. Scholler explained the company’s activities and responded to initial concerns raised by the Committee regarding environmental protection measures and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Members of the Committee subsequently engaged the management in detailed questioning, seeking clarification on operational procedures, environmental safeguards, and documentation relating to compliance with EPA requirements.
The Committee also requested the submission of relevant documents to support the company’s claims of adherence to environmental standards.
The second session was chaired by the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee, Honourable Mariama Munia Zombo, who led Members of Parliament in engaging the management of Goldtree.
During the session, the company’s Outgrower Manager, Mr. Benefit S.K. Osai, presented an overview of Goldtree’s operations, particularly its engagement with local farmers and its environmental management practices.
Members of Parliament questioned the company on several issues, including environmental compliance, community relations, and sustainability practices. The Committee further requested supporting documents to verify compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
The oversight visit to Kailahun District forms part of a broader national effort by Parliament to strengthen environmental governance, enhance corporate accountability, and promote responsible investment practices in Sierra Leone.
