Barclayville City, Grand Kru County – April 14, 2025 – Grand Kru County is intensifying its fight against the pervasive issue of illicit mining, a practice local leaders say is significantly impeding economic growth and causing substantial environmental damage. Senator Albert Tugbe Chie, the county’s former Senate Pro Tempore, underscored the unwavering commitment of the Grand Kru Legislative Caucus and local authorities to tackle this problem head-on during a recent community dialogue held in Barclayville City.
Senator Chie minced no words in describing illegal mining as a major obstacle to Grand Kru’s development, hindering its ability to generate crucial revenue. He stressed that a successful campaign against these activities necessitates the unified effort of every citizen, working in tandem with relevant authorities to ensure the effective implementation of measures designed to eradicate the practice.
“This is a collective fight,” Senator Chie declared. “Illicit mining is not only robbing us of vital development funds, but it is also actively destroying our precious environment and polluting the water sources we depend on.” He emphasized the “ARREST Agenda,” the government’s strategic roadmap for national development, asserting that illicit mining directly opposes its core objectives.
The Grand Kru Legislative Caucus’s heightened resolve comes in response to numerous complaints from concerned residents detailing the alarming environmental degradation and the depletion of essential water resources directly linked to illegal mining operations. Senator Chie also expressed concern over the fact that many citizens, either knowingly or unknowingly, facilitate these illegal activities by granting miners access to their communities without informing the appropriate local authorities.
“We as leaders cannot achieve this alone. The government’s success in tackling illegal mining hinges on the active and responsible involvement of all citizens,” Senator Chie stated emphatically, highlighting the immense potential of the legitimate mining sector to serve as a significant source of revenue for the county’s progress.
Senator Chie revealed a startling statistic: approximately thirty-five machines are reportedly engaged in illegal mining activities across Grand Kru County. This alarming figure, he noted, has compelled the Caucus to summon relevant mining authorities for a thorough questioning upon his return to the capital, Monrovia. Furthermore, he directly linked the deteriorating road conditions in various parts of the county to the destructive impact of these illegal mining machines.
In a stern reminder to the community, Senator Chie reiterated the strict prohibition on the use of draglines for mining due to the severe and lasting water pollution and extensive land damage they inflict. He passionately urged citizens to actively cooperate with authorities by reporting or even apprehending any equipment involved in illegal operations, assuring them that such actions would have the full backing of the County Legislative Caucus.
Looking ahead, Senator Chie called upon local authorities to significantly strengthen their monitoring systems and to work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Justice. This coordinated effort, he emphasized, should focus on the swift arrest of illicit miners, the immediate seizure of their equipment, and the diligent recovery of any stolen gold discovered during enforcement operations.
The unified stance taken by Grand Kru’s leaders signals a determined effort to reclaim control over their natural resources, protect their environment, and pave the way for sustainable economic development for the benefit of all its citizens.
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