By: Emmanuel Ballah – emmanuelballah764@gmil.com
Bong County, Liberia – One Burkinabé national has been arrested and twelve others remain at large following an attempt by the Liberia National Police and local authorities to apprehend a group allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in Gbarkonah, Zota District.
The individuals are suspected of mining black sand without proper authorization. According to reports, the group was discovered operating an illicit mining site, prompting a raid by the Bong County detachment of the Liberia National Police on Monday. The suspects reportedly fled upon detecting the presence of law enforcement and local officials.
The group’s alleged ringleader, Bassirou Sore, was apprehended on Sunday during a joint security operation in Gbarkonah. Police have since seized mining equipment and chemical substances believed to be used in the illegal operation.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris expressed serious concern about the incident and vowed to ramp up security measures to remove illegal miners from the area.
“We will go after them and ensure that the lives of our people are safe,” Norris declared. She emphasized that the crackdown seeks to protect not only the county’s natural resources but also the health of residents. She cited a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warning of hazardous chemicals used in the mining process.
“It’s wrong for people to just enter the county and start mining illegally. The EPA has informed me that the chemicals being used are hazardous and pose serious health risks to humans,” she added.
Superintendent Norris confirmed that Sore is currently in custody at the Gbarnga Central Police Station. She voiced concern over the environmental damage caused by unregulated mining, particularly the risk of contaminating local water sources.
In a strong warning, Norris also urged Liberians not to aid the illegal miners, cautioning that anyone found assisting them would face legal consequences.
Meanwhile, Bong County Attorney Jonathan Flomo told reporters that immigration authorities believe the Burkinabé nationals may have entered Liberia legally. However, he clarified that their participation in mining activities without the appropriate permits is a clear violation of Liberian law.
“Their presence in the country may be legal, but their operations in the mining sector here in Bong County are certainly not,” Flomo stated.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
