By Shallon S. Gonlor
TAPITTA, Nimba County, Liberia – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Mines and Energy, has issued a Stay Order suspending all gold mining activities along the main Tappita-Grand Gedeh County highway following a gold rush in the area.
The decision came after news of a gold discovery in Doilay Town, a small community approximately ten kilometers from Tappita City in Nimba County’s Electoral District Number Six, emerged on Friday, April 3, 2026. The announcement triggered an uncontrolled rush to the area, with citizens of all ages abandoning their daily activities to try their luck using makeshift tools such as pans, buckets, hoes, and shovels.
In response, the Ministry of Mines and Energy dispatched a technical team of mining engineers and geologists to conduct an official investigation. On Monday, April 6, 2026, the government announced the Stay Order, which is aimed at protecting vital infrastructure along the highway.
The order was finalized during a stakeholder meeting held in Doilay Town, bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Mines, the Liberia National Police, and local administrative bodies to address concerns arising from the surge in mining activities.
Speaking at the meeting, Paramount Chief Oksen Troh pledged the community’s commitment to safeguarding the road. “We will do all we can to prevent our citizens from damaging this road,” Chief Troh said. To ensure compliance with the order, a dedicated unit of police officers has been deployed to monitor the area and enforce the mining ban along the specified route.P
