In Gbarnga, Bong County, Liberia, two Burkinabè nationals are facing legal repercussions for their alleged involvement in illicit mining activities. Following a preliminary investigation conducted by the Bong County police, the two individuals have been charged with Fraud, Criminal Conspiracy, and Theft of Property, offenses that contravene Sections 15.80, 20.4, and 15.51 of the Liberian Revised Penal Law. They have been transferred to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga to await further legal proceedings. The charges stem from their suspected participation in illegal gold mining operations within the Gbarkoneh area of Zota District. Superintendent of Police James Kartoe, head of the Crime Services Department at the Bong County Police Detachment, confirmed the charges, emphasizing that the investigation revealed clear violations of Liberian law.
The police investigation, as detailed in the charge sheet, reveals a complex network of individuals involved in the illegal mining operation. One of the accused, Ouedrago Harouna, confessed to entering Bong County in December 2024 with twelve other individuals for the purpose of gold mining. He claimed that their activities were sanctioned by the village chief of Bleh Village following negotiations. This arrangement allegedly involved a payment of US$1,000 to an individual identified only as Paul, suspected to be a mining agent, granting them permission to mine from January to June 2025. The police are actively pursuing further investigations to identify and prosecute all individuals connected to this unlawful mining operation.
The case highlights the growing concern over illegal mining activities in Bong County. On May 6, 2025, local authorities, including Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, County Attorney Jonathan Flomo, Liberian National Police officers, and other officials, raided a precarious and illicit mining camp in Gbankoneh. This operation resulted in the apprehension of several foreign nationals, believed to be from Burkina Faso. The discovered mining site was characterized as a makeshift operation with significant safety hazards, raising concerns about potential environmental damage and health risks to the surrounding communities.
Superintendent Norris publicly addressed the situation during a press briefing in Gbarnga, describing the unstable nature of the mining site and expressing alarm over the suspected use of unidentified chemicals in the mining process. This raises serious concerns about the potential contamination of local water sources and the health of residents in nearby communities. The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and greater efforts to combat illegal mining activities in the region. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to holding all those responsible for this illegal operation accountable.
This case exemplifies the challenges faced by Liberian authorities in regulating mining activities and preventing illicit operations. The involvement of foreign nationals, the alleged collusion with local authorities, and the disregard for environmental and safety regulations underscore the complexity of the issue. The ongoing investigation is crucial not only for bringing the perpetrators to justice but also for understanding the broader network facilitating illegal mining and implementing effective strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The actions taken by the Bong County authorities signify a commitment to addressing the problem of illegal mining. The arrests, charges, and ongoing investigation demonstrate a concerted effort to enforce existing laws and regulations. However, the case also highlights the need for sustained vigilance and proactive measures to combat illegal mining. This includes strengthening local capacity for monitoring and enforcement, enhancing community engagement, and promoting sustainable mining practices that prioritize environmental protection and community wellbeing. The successful prosecution of this case will serve as a deterrent and send a strong message that illegal mining activities will not be tolerated in Bong County.
