LOCAL NEWS
BONG COUNTY –Residents of Money Sweet Town in Electoral District #2 have formally rejected the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final report on the January 18, 2026 chemical spill involving MNG Gold, describing the findings as contradictory and lacking credibility.
In a statement released following the EPA’s report on February 7, the affected residents argued that the agency’s conclusions appear aimed at defending an earlier public declaration that the spill posed no lasting environmental or public health risk.
According to the community, that initial assurance was issued before any air, water, or soil testing had been conducted.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The residents questioned the EPA’s decision to rule out air testing, noting that a Bong County EPA representative, Madam Christina Kollie, had earlier informed community members after an on-site visit on January 19 that comprehensive air, soil, and water assessments were necessary due to the hazardous nature of the chemical, believed to be hydrochloric acid.
They also disputed the EPA’s claim that twenty trained chemical handlers nationwide are responsible for escorting hazardous materials, stating that no such personnel were present during the incident.
Instead, residents said they assisted the driver in containing the fire, while the only external response observed was the later arrival of an MNG Gold water truck.
While acknowledging that some soil samples were collected and tested in a transparent manner during the EPA’s fact-finding mission, the community raised concerns about the handling of excavated materials transported to MNG Gold’s premises.
Residents said no preliminary results from those tests were shared, describing the process as lacking openness and accountability.
Health concerns remain a central issue for the community. Residents reported that approximately 140 people have sought treatment at Manowinsue Clinic, with symptoms including skin irritation, throat itching, and diarrhea—conditions they believe are linked to exposure from the spill.
In response, the people of Money Sweet Town say they plan to engage an independent investigative body to conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment, including transparent air, water, and soil testing.
They expressed appreciation to the Bong County Legislative Caucus led by Senator Prince Moye, Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, and the United Bong Citizens Association in the Americas for their support, but insisted that only an independent investigation can restore public confidence and ensure justice for affected residents.
The community is calling on the media, civil society organizations, county authorities, and lawmakers to amplify their concerns, stressing that the incident poses serious implications for human lives, environmental safety, and public health, and requires urgent national attention.
