Million Dollar Investment for Gbinti: A.T. Bundu’s Vision for His Hometown

By Edward Kabba Sesay

In an exclusive interview, Amadu Thambadou Bundu, the Chairman and Leader of the People’s Redemption Council (PRC), revealed his plans to invest 2 million dollars in his hometown of Gbinti, located in the North East region of Sierra Leone. A.T. Bundu, a prominent businessman turned politician, is determined to uplift Gbinti from its current state of economic deprivation, a condition he describes as “visible” and in need of urgent attention.

The planned investment will cover a wide range of projects, including a rubber plantation, fish ponds, animal husbandry, cash crops, mixed farming, and factories. These initiatives will be established on 30 acres of land that has already been secured for the purpose. Bundu believes the rubber plantation, in particular, will be a game changer, providing economic relief to the people of Gbinti and helping them rise above the poverty line.

“I will not stand by and let the people of Gbinti remain in poverty,” Bundu stated. “This investment will give the citizens the opportunity to improve their livelihoods, especially since Gbinti has produced someone like me, and I cannot allow them to suffer.”

Bundu emphasized his ability to carry out these projects, noting that many of Gbinti’s sons and daughters are educated but remain jobless. His investment aims to address this issue by creating employment opportunities in the region.

Looking ahead to 2028, A.T. Bundu revealed his intention to run for President of Sierra Leone. He expressed confidence in his credentials, positioning himself as the most credible candidate based on his track record. He criticized past and present politicians for looting the country’s resources, which he says has led to ongoing underdevelopment in key areas such as roads, electricity, and housing.

“I will not be the type of President that will be looking for money—I already have it,” Bundu asserted, noting that he has been financially stable since 1985 and does not need to enrich himself at the expense of the country.

Although he declined to disclose his financial worth, Bundu shared that he has been a long-time supplier of stationery to various government and private offices in Sierra Leone. Additionally, he is the first Sierra Leonean to own a ship, the M.V. Osu, a point he claims even President Julius Maada Bio and Francis Minah, the current Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, can attest to.

Discussing his decision to own a ship, Bundu explained that Sierra Leone has been lagging in marine investment. However, he acknowledged the significant financial demands of maintaining the ship, particularly in paying its multinational crew in foreign currencies. Currently, the M.V. Osu is docked in Monrovia, Liberia, due to technical issues.

Gbinti, Bundu’s hometown, is perched on a small hill and almost surrounded by the Tongo River, making it a scenic but economically challenged area in northern Sierra Leone. With Bundu’s investment, the town is poised for transformation, which he hopes will inspire broader development in the region.