By Jamesetta D. Williams
MONROVIA—Chairman of the National Taskforce to Combat Illicit Mining Activities, Col. Abraham S. Kromah, has outlined the composition and operational responsibilities of the taskforce, emphasizing a coordinated security and technical approach to protecting Liberia’s natural resources.
Col. Kromah made the disclosure on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information in Monrovia, where he briefed journalists on the government’s efforts to address illicit mining activities across the country.
He described the establishment of the taskforce as a “monumental day” for Liberia, saying the initiative reflects President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources.
According to Col. Kromah, the taskforce brings together professional security operatives and key government institutions with responsibilities in mining, environmental protection, investigation and enforcement.
He identified Charles Johnson as being responsible for the administration of the taskforce, while Arthur Peal is responsible for operations. He also named Tami Kessley as a member of the taskforce and said Mr. Tewet Sherman, who was not present, is responsible for investigations and intelligence.
Col. Kromah said the taskforce is not intended to function solely as a security body, but rather as a coordinated mechanism involving institutions with specialized responsibilities.
“This taskforce is actually a combination—a very crafty combination—by His Excellency to bring to bear professional security operatives,” he said.
He explained that the Ministry of Mines and Energy will play a key role in matters relating to the country’s cadastral and evaluation systems, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will address environmental concerns associated with illicit mining.
The EPA, he said, will be responsible for examining environmental laws, assessing the degradation of communities and evaluating other environmental consequences associated with mining activities.
Col. Kromah further disclosed that members of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) have been incorporated into the taskforce under Executive Order 167.
He said the AFL will serve as a tactical response component, particularly in situations requiring additional security intervention.
“We heard of people coming from all around the place to invade our country… on these mining activities,” Col. Kromah said, adding that the AFL is prepared to respond to such situations.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) and specialized units, including the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and Police Support Unit (PSU), will also support the taskforce.
According to the taskforce chairman, the police units will assist in responding to serious security situations and maintaining crowd control where necessary.
He stressed that the government’s strategy is not limited to security enforcement, but also places emphasis on the technical and environmental responsibilities of the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Col. Kromah said the taskforce will continue to work with the various institutions represented to protect Liberia’s natural resources and strengthen efforts against illicit mining activities.
He added that the respective roles of the institutions forming part of the taskforce would be further delineated as the operation progresses.
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