The Forestry Development Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government (MOLG) and local leaders of Konobo District, has launched an investigation into reports of illegal mining and farming activities within the Grebo-Krahn National Park (GKNP).
The probe followed information received by FDA Managing Director, Rudolph J. Merab Sr., who immediately dispatched a verification team led by Mr. E. Ekema Witherspoon, Consultant on Forest Governance, and Mr. Jerry Yonmah, Technical Manager for Conservation. The MOLG was represented by Assistant Minister Williams Jallah, Minister of Culture and Tradition.
Community Tensions and Cultural Barriers
During the verification exercise, FDA personnel reported being obstructed by local leaders who invoked traditional practices to prevent rangers from entering the park. Chiefs admitted that “devils” were placed outside as a symbolic barrier, citing grievances that FDA rangers had allegedly brushed cocoa farms near the park. The situation escalated when FDA staff and national security officers were briefly held hostage, with demands for livestock and other items before their release. Regional Forester Madam Yei Neagor and Chief Park Warden Mr. Charles Tarweh clarified that FDA rangers had not interfered with community cocoa farms, but rather discovered Burkinabé settlers cultivating cocoa and coffee inside the protected area.
Evidence gathered revealed over fifty tents established within GKNP, in violation of conservation laws that prohibit farming in national parks.
Illegal Mining Allegations
Local leaders acknowledged that a mining company had previously attempted operations in the park but was resisted by the community. Two companies — Environmental Mining Group and DONG Mining Company — were named as having sought entry.
Community representatives stressed that they rejected the companies’ presence, affirming that mining is prohibited in GKNP.
Stakeholder Engagement
The meeting in Billibo Town was attended by Senator Thomas YayaNimley, Superintendent Alex C. Grant, and the Konobo District Commissioner. Senator Nimley urged citizens to safeguard the forest and resist external actors seeking to exploit protected areas. He noted discrepancies between community claims that farming occurred outside the park and FDA’s evidence showing activities within GKNP boundaries.
Assistant Minister Williams Jallah cautioned against misuse of cultural practices to obstruct lawful authority. He reminded citizens that grievances must be addressed through administrative channels — via the Superintendent or Senator — rather than through traditional sanctions. He referenced a precedent in Sinoe County where cultural practices were suspended for three years due to misuse, warning that similar measures could be imposed if violent obstruction continues.
Call for Unity and Development Prospects
Consultant E. Ekema Witherspoon condemned the unlawful detention of FDA staff and security personnel, stressing that communities must not take the law into their own hands. He appealed for unity and cooperation between citizens and the FDA, highlighting that peaceful collaboration is essential for forest governance.
Mr. Witherspoon also announced that the long‑awaited road project linking Konobo District to Boa is set to begin with support from the German government through the KFW project. The project, expected to launch in September 2026 in Monrovia and Ziah Town, Grand Gedeh County, will provide employment opportunities and improve access for local communities.
Broader Significance
The investigation underscores Liberia’s ongoing challenge of balancing conservation with community livelihoods. The Grebo‑Krahn National Park, a cornerstone of Liberia’s biodiversity protection efforts, faces mounting threats from illegal mining and farming.
