By Patrick Stephen Tokpah /Bong
Authorities in Bong County have alarmed over what they describe as a hazardous and illegal mining operation in the Gbankonah Town, Wolapolu Clan, Zota Electoral District 4, resulting in the arrest of two Burkinabé nationals and confiscated several mining equipment in the County.
The discovery was made on Monday in a press conference held by Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, County Attorney Jonathan Flomo, Liberia National Police officials, and other local stakeholders.
Superintendent Norris told the media that the site appeared to be hastily assembled and was operating under extremely unsafe conditions.
She said unknown chemicals were being used in the extraction process chemicals she warned could pose severe health risks to surrounding communities.
“When we reached there, it was shocking. 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,” the Bong County Superintendent added.
She further expressed disenchantment with the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to attend the site briefing and called for an immediate investigation and strong enforcement action to shut down the operation.
Additionally, Bong County Attorney Flomo echoed her concerns and confirmed that several pieces of mining equipment including water pumps and batteries were seized and are now in police custody.
He said the suspects, Sore Bassirou and Harouna Ouedraogo were arrested during the raid.
“One of the suspects was found with an official passport, which has been confiscated and turned over to the relevant authorities for further investigation,” Flomo said.
He raised concerns about the legitimacy of the foreign nationals’ presence in Liberia.
The Bong County Attorney emphasized that he was able to make an inquiry with the immigration in the County, adding that they informed him that their records, 12 Burkinabé entered the county legally claiming to be farmers, but Flomo said their activities tell a different story in the County.
According to Atty. Flomo, their findings suggest that the Burkinabé are not involved in farming, instead they are involved in illegal mining operations in Zota Electoral District#4, Bong County.
“We believe that there are more than 12 Burkinabé that are involved in mining, and the scale of this illegal mining operation is far bigger than initially thought in the County,” Attorney Jonathan N. Flomo noted.
Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris and Attorney Jonathan N. Flomo expressed alarm over the increasing involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining, often in collaboration with Liberians, a practice that not only threatens the environment but also deprives the country of significant revenue.
Superintendent Norris and County Attorney Flomo have called for a full investigation by the Liberia National Police, the EPA, and other relevant agencies.
Moreover, after the authority’s press conference, they also invited members of the press and civil society on guarding tours to visit the site and assess the gravity of the situation for themselves.
“This is about protecting our people and our land. We are taking this seriously, and we will hold anyone involved accountable,” the duo added.
During the guarding tour members of the Civil society and the media were shocked by the operation of the Burkinabe’s illegal mining activity in Zota Electoral District#4, Bong County.
Zota Electoral District 4 is represented in the National Legislature by Representative Robert Flomo Womba.
However, when contacted regarding the level of the investigation, the Commander of the Crime Services Department of the Liberia National Police, Bong County Detachment James Kartoe said they are still investigating the suspects, noting that after the investigation findings will be made to the public through the press.
