Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued Executive Order No. 167 establishing a National Taskforce to Combat Illicit Mining Activities, highlighting his Administration’s strides aimed at protecting Liberia’s natural resources, preserving the environment, and ensuring that the country’s mineral wealth benefits all Liberians.
The Executive Order creates the “Protect Our Resources Taskforce”, a multi-agency body mandated to immediately halt and prohibit all unlawful mining activities across Liberia.
The Taskforce will investigate illegal mining operations, confiscate equipment used in illicit activities, facilitate the arrest and prosecution of violators, and work closely with relevant security institutions to enforce the country’s mining and environmental laws.
The Executive Order follows growing concerns over the widespread environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, including river diversion, dredging of waterways, deforestation, destruction of wetlands and farmlands, contamination of freshwater sources, and the unlawful use of hazardous substances such as mercury and cyanide. These activities have also contributed to significant revenue losses, undermined the rule of law, fueled smuggling, and threatened the livelihoods of communities across the country.
The President emphasized that Liberia’s mineral resources are national assets that must be managed responsibly for the benefit of present and future generations.
Accordingly, the Taskforce has been directed to adopt a coordinated, intelligence-driven approach that combines law enforcement, environmental protection, community engagement, and institutional collaboration.
Mr. Abraham Kromah has been appointed to chair the Taskforce, alongside members Ashford Peal, Prince Mulbah, Tarnue Kesselly, and Charles Johnson. Other members of the Task Force will be representatives of the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as liaison officers from the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Liberia National Police.
The Executive Order further calls on the Armed Forces of Liberia, the Liberia National Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia Immigration Service, local government authorities, traditional leaders, and citizens to support the national effort by reporting illegal mining activities and preventing unauthorized operations within their respective jurisdictions.
To promote transparency and accountability, the Taskforce will maintain a public registry of enforcement actions, confiscated equipment, and prosecutions, while submitting quarterly reports to the Office of the President detailing its activities, environmental remediation efforts, and community engagement outcomes.
Executive Order No. 167 takes immediate effect and shall remain in force for one year, subject to renewal or amendment based on the effectiveness of its implementation.
The President urges all citizens, mining operators, and local authorities to cooperate fully with the Taskforce as the Government intensifies efforts to safeguard Liberia’s natural resources, protect the environment, and promote sustainable national development.
