By Ben T. C. Brooks
Grand Gedeh County – [August 12, 2025] – Noufou, a national from Burkina Faso, has been rearrested in the Goryeazon forest alongside 15 of his workers and taken to Zwedru for questioning.
This arrest follows his earlier imprisonment for unlawfully occupying agriculture land in the B’hai Administrative District.
Authorities reported that his latest arrest occurred after a violent clash between Noufou’s workers and a rival group led by another Burkinabé, Ali Kabore. The fight resulted in significant property damage and left three individuals with serious injuries.
The injured parties received initial treatment at the Toe Clinic but were later transferred to Côte d’Ivoire for more extensive medical attention.
A crowd gathered at the Toe Town Police Depot, eager to see Noufou, who has become a controversial figure in the area.
Local residents have accused him of engaging in unauthorized activities in the communities of Goryeazon, Nicko, and Pokor, and have consistently called for his removal.
District Commissioner Kelvin J. Kayee urged senior county officials, including the Superintendent, County Attorney, and County Inspector, to take immediate action.
“The County Authority must send them back home. Their business activities are not legitimate, and we are tired of them,” Commissioner Kayee remarked.
He noted that despite earlier orders for his departure, Noufou returned to the forest with 49 workers. Police intervened during a recent operation, apprehending him and 15 others, while some managed to escape.
Residents from affected communities had previously organized a peaceful protest and submitted a petition to the B’hai Administrative Commissioner, seeking Noufou’s removal, but he continued his activities in the forest.
