By: James Kollie
LOFA COUNTY –Local authorities in Lofa County have suspended the operations of Good Way Agriculture and Mining Company, a Chinese-owned firm operating near the Wologizi Mountain range in Voinjama District.
The decision comes in response to concerns raised by residents of Kpotomai and neighboring towns regarding the legality of the company’s activities.
Recently, Good Way Agriculture and Mining Company began conducting mining operations in that part of the district.
Upon receiving reports from the community, the Lofa County Administration—led by Superintendent J. Lavelah Massaquoi—dispatched a team, including police officers, to inspect the site.
During the visit, authorities discovered that the company had constructed a road leading from the town to the mining site and was using a local school building to house its workers.
Speaking to the press at the site, Superintendent Massaquoi announced the immediate suspension of all mining activities.
He stated that operations would remain halted until the company presents the necessary legal documentation from the Ministry of Lands and Mines.
Voinjama District Commissioner David Mawolo also addressed the situation, underscoring the need for all such activities to comply with legal standards.
He emphasized the importance of establishing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the company and the affected communities.
In a related development, the principal of the school in question was arrested and taken to Voinjama for questioning regarding the decision to allow the company to use the facility as worker housing.
An investigation into the matter is ongoing.
