From Mining to Minds: CTC Invests in Education
A new dawn has arrived for education in Maforki Chiefdom, Port Loko District, following the commissioning of a newly constructed and fully furnished 12-classroom block at Jeremiah School, Rogbereh Junction, Port Loko District. The facility, complete with a teachers’ office and modern school furniture, was built by CTC Mining (SL) Limited as part of its Community Development Action Plan (CDAP).
The commissioning ceremony on Saturday, September 20, 2025, was graced by senior Government officials, traditional authorities, politicians, education stakeholders and community members. The event was not only a celebration of the school’s completion but also a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and the future of education in the district.
Delivering his welcome address, Paramount Chief, Bai Forki Fianka II, described CTC Mining as the most compliant company in the district regarding CDAP and corporate social responsibility (CSR). He stressed that the company had distinguished itself by allowing communities to identify their needs rather than imposing projects.
“CTC Mining does not dictate what we should have. Instead, we tell them what we want and they implement projects that truly serve the needs of Maforki Chiefdom,” PC Bai Forki Fianka II explained. He further highlighted that the company’s development initiatives are visible across the chiefdom, reflecting a genuine partnership with both the local authorities and the people.
He expressed gratitude to CTC for transforming Jeremiah School into a modern educational facility which he described as a legacy that would positively impact generations to come.
Adding his voice, Hon. Abdul Latif Sesay, the All People’s Congress (APC) Member of Parliament for the area, applauded CTC for employing indigenes of Port Loko and for rehabilitating educational infrastructure in the district. He pointed out that the initiative was consistent with the Government’s local content policy, which prioritizes jobs and opportunities for Sierra Leoneans in host communities.
Veteran politician and Presidential Spokesman, Dr. Alpha Kanu, praised the project for aligning with President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship Free Quality School Education (FQSE) programme. He emphasized that quality education is the foundation of national development.
“Education is the key to a successful life. Investment in schools and learning materials is an investment in the future of any nation,” Dr. Alpha Kanu said, while lauding the leadership of CTC’s CEO, Hisham Mackie, for his vision and steadfast support of Maforki Chiefdom.
Resident Minister Northwest, Ambassador Dr. Umaru Bond Wurie, described CTC as a “reliable, dependable and law-abiding company” that fulfills its promises to communities. He commended the school’s construction and urged parents to ensure that their children, particularly girls, attend school to benefit from the new facility and President Bio’s Free Quality School Education initiative.
“President Bio has placed education at the heart of national development. This school is proof that when Government and the private sector work together, our communities grow stronger,” Minister Umaru Bond Wurie noted.
In his keynote speech, the Chief Executive Officer of CTC Mining, Hisham Mackie, expressed delight at the completion of the project. He dedicated the new building to the children and people of Maforki Chiefdom, assuring them of the company’s long-term presence in Port Loko District. “This project is a dream come true,” Hisham Mackie said. “Education is the backbone of sustainable development. By investing in schools and learning materials, we are investing in the future leaders of Maforki Chiefdom and Sierra Leone.”
He also pledged to establish a scholarship scheme for girls pursuing science subjects, reinforcing the company’s commitment to gender empowerment in education. Hisham Mackie thanked President Bio for prioritizing human capital development and recognized the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Mattai, for his leadership in strengthening the mining sector.
The event reached its climax with the distribution of assorted learning materials to pupils of Jeremiah School. Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Minerals Agency (NMA), Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education all joined in praising CTC for the successful delivery of the project.
Principal of Jeremiah School, Gibrilla Sidikie Kamara, expressed deep gratitude to the company and promised to uphold discipline, academic excellence and proper maintenance of the new facility.
The official ribbon-cutting was performed by CEO Hisham Mackie, who formally handed over the school to Paramount Chief Bai Forki Fianka II through Minister Bond Wurie, symbolizing CTC’s enduring partnership with the community. Earlier, Dr. David Koroma delivered an opening statement on behalf of the company.
For the people of Maforki Chiefdom, the new school is more than just a building; it is a symbol of hope, partnership and progress. With this landmark project, CTC Mining (SL) Limited has not only cemented its reputation as a reliable development partner but also contributed meaningfully to shaping the future of education in Port Loko District and beyond.