By Hawa Dolley
MONROVIA, Sept. 9 (LINA) — Liberia could be losing as much as US$ 1.6billion from illegal mining activities, according to the Protect Our Resources Taskforce which was constituted by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr.
Authorities of the taskforce said the widespread exploitation of the country’s mineral resources is not only depriving the government of potential revenue but also threatening the environment and other natural resources.
Addressing the Ministry of Information regular press briefing on Tuesday, September 9, 2026 in Monrovia, the Head of the Protect Our Resources Taskforce, Colonel Abraham S. Kromah, said the team was established by President Joseph Boakai through an Executive Order to help strengthen the protection of Liberia’s natural resources.
Colonel Kromah disclosed that the taskforce has identified 485 excavators in Grand Cape Mount County as part of its ongoing assessment of mining activities across the country.
He said the taskforce has conducted operations across six regions of Liberia, using different approaches, including drone technology, to monitor mining activities in areas that are difficult to access.
According to him, the use of drones has enabled the taskforce to gather information and identify mining activities that may otherwise be difficult to detect.
Colonel Kromah said illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” remains a major concern for the country and requires coordinated action by relevant government institutions.
He noted that the taskforce consists of five members appointed by President Boakai and is working to provide the government with information needed to address the illegal exploitation of Liberia’s resources.
However, Colonel Kromah said limited financial resources remain one of the major challenges confronting the taskforce and affecting its ability to conduct sustained operations across the country.
He called for greater public cooperation and awareness, urging citizens to join efforts to protect Liberia’s natural resources and report activities involving illegal exploitation.
The taskforce is expected to continue its engagements and assessments as part of efforts to strengthen the protection and management of Liberia’s natural resources.