By Nukanah Kollie/kollienukanah94@gmail.com
GBANKONAH, BONG COUNTY — Authorities in Bong County have dismantled what they describe as a dangerous and illegal gold mining operation in the Gbankonah area of District #4, leading to the arrest of two suspected ringleaders believed to be from Burkina Faso.
The illegal operation was uncovered during a joint assessment tour led by Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, County Attorney Jonathan Flomo, Bong County Police Commander Farsu V. Sheriff, and other key stakeholders. The mining site, which appeared to be hastily established, was reportedly using unregulated and toxic chemicals in the extraction process, raising serious environmental and health concerns.
Speaking during a press conference in Gbarnga on Monday, May 5 in Gbarnga, Superintendent Norris described the scene as alarming. “When we reached there, it was shocking,” Norris said. “The chemicals being used are extremely dangerous. They can paralyze or even kill our people. We cannot continue to let this happen just because someone wants to make quick money.”
She also criticized the absence of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the operation and called for an immediate and thorough investigation. Civil society groups and the media were invited to visit the site to witness the severity of the situation firsthand.
Bong County Police Commander Farsu V. Sheriff confirmed that the Liberia National Police played a central role in the raid, following credible intelligence about illegal activities in the area.“As a state security agency, it’s our duty to support operations like these, especially when they involve crimes that directly affect our communities,” Sheriff stated.
According to Commander Sheriff, the team encountered a group of young men engaged in unauthorized gold mining. Samples of chemicals found on-site were collected and turned over for testing, with preliminary findings indicating they were hazardous.
Sheriff further noted that nearly all the individuals involved were foreign nationals, primarily from Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali. “We confirmed this based on the language spoken mostly Frenchand through identity checks,” he said. “Most lacked valid immigration documents or work permits.”
County Attorney Jonathan Flomo disclosed that several pieces of mining equipment, including water pumps and batteries, were seized and are now in police custody. Two individuals believed to be key figures in the operation were arrested.
The suspects have been identified as: Harouna Ouedraogo, 44, of the Mourie tribe, a Burkinabé national and resident of Millionaire Quarter Community in Gbarnga and Barchezu Sorie, 42, also of the Mourie tribe, a Burkinabé national residing in Bleh Village, Bong County.
Flomo revealed that one of the suspects was found in possession of an official passport, which has since been turned over to the authorities for further investigation. “Our findings suggest this was not farming, as these individuals initially claimed upon entering the country,” Flomo explained. “We believe more than twelve people are involved, and the scale of this illegal mining is far more extensive than previously thought.”
Officials have expressed growing concern over the increasing trend of illegal mining operations involving foreign nationals often operating in collusion with local Liberians. These activities not only degrade the environment but also result in significant losses in government revenue.
Superintendent Norris, County Attorney Flomo, and Commander Sheriff all called for a full investigation involving the Liberia National Police, EPA, Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the Liberia Immigration Service. “This is about protecting our people and our land,” Norris emphasized. “We are taking this matter seriously and will hold everyone involved accountable.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with more developments expected in the coming days.
