Monrovia, Liberia- The Liberian People’s Party (LPP) has issued a strong statement alarming over an unprecedented wave of illegal gold and diamond mining sweeping all fifteen counties.
“This urgent call to action amid an unprecedented wave of illegal gold and diamond mining sweeping all fifteen counties of Liberia,” LPP release stated.
According to the LPP statement, these illicit operations—allegedly carried out by Liberians, Ghanaians, Burkinabés, and others with financial and technical backing from Chinese syndicates, are stripping our nation of finite, non-renewable resources that belong to every Liberian, present and future.
A National Security and Survival Crisis
The releases, amongst other things noted that gold and diamond prices rise as reserves dwindle; reckless extraction today mortgages tomorrow’s prosperity and could plunge Liberia—already among the world’s ten poorest nations, into extreme destitution.
Ecological devastation
The LPP, in its release highlighted that predatory miners are tearing through protected forests, poisoning rivers and streams with mercury and cyanide, destroying edible and medicinal plants, and accelerating climate change.
LPP further revealed that Ghana’s once-thriving cocoa belt, now almost completely destroyed by illegal mining, offers a grim preview of the fate that awaits Liberia if we do not act now.
Breakdown of law and order
According to the release, communities report that “government is absent” in the hinterland.
“If un-checked, the criminal networks driving illegal mining will erode state authority and push Liberia toward the chaos witnessed in places such as Haiti,” the statement added.
Time-Bound Demands on the Boakai Administration
The LPP calls on the following offices to treat illegal mining as a first-order national-security priority: Office Immediate actions required
Minister of Justice and Attorney-General Deploy joint police-court task forces; fast-track prosecutions under the Minerals & Mining Law; seek asset freezes on trafficking financiers.
National Security Advisor & National Security Agency (NSA)
Map transnational syndicates; dismantle supply chains moving conflict minerals across borders.
Minister of Mines & Energy
Impose an immediate moratorium on artisanal licences in hotspot districts; audit existing concessions; publish offenders within 60 days.
Executive Director, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Issue cease-and-desist orders in protected areas; levy maximum statutory fines; conduct emergency water-quality testing in affected rivers and streams.
County Superintendents & Local Chiefs Establish community watchdog committees; report violations directly to a national hotline.
Liberia is party to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), and regional ECOWAS protocols against predatory resource exploitation.
The government must honor these obligations or risk international censure and the loss of critical development assistance.
LPP’s Commitment
The Liberian People’s Party stands ready to work with civil society, responsible investors, and international partners to design a sustainable mining framework that preserves jobs while safeguarding the environment and future revenue.
Conclusion
President Joseph Boakai and his cabinet will be judged by how swiftly and decisively they defend Liberia’s natural resources.
Inaction is not an option. Liberia must choose between the rule of law and the rule of criminal gangs; between shared prosperity and irreversible loss.
Protect our gold and diamonds. Preserve our forests. Secure Liberia’s future now.
