—Write Legislative Caucus
Environmental Eyes Consultancy and Advocacy Firm Inc. (EECAF), Executive Director, Matthew Sieh Wisseh, who is also a son of Grand Kru County has risen concern for a more stronger protection of Grand Kru County’s environment, land resources, and the well-being of its citizens, particularly those in mining-affected communities.
In a statement issued in Monrovia, Environmental Eyes Consultancy and Advocacy Firm Inc. (EECAF), Executive Director, Matthew Sieh Wisseh, stated that following recent environmental field assessments and community consultations by the Environmental Protection Agency-(EPA) in May 2025, has revealed an alarming environmental degradation and land damage of Grand Kru county caused by a number of mining companies and operators in Grand Kru County.
Matthew Sieh Wisseh, named the MK Group , Babygirl Creek Mining, GMGC Mining Company and Scott Investment.
EECAF also stated that the findings reveals that those companies are operating under conditions that are inconsistent with Liberia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law-(Part II,Section 5), the Mining and Minerals Law, and international standards for sustainable development.
“Their activities have led to serious environmental damage, especially in rural communities, with long-term consequences if immediate actions are not taken. “ Mr. Matthew Sieh Wisseh, EECAF Executive Director noted.
According to Mr. Wesseh, Key Findings of Environmental Violations Identified major infractions, including Operation Without Valid Environmental Permits.
The EECAF release further states that Companies such as MK Group and Babygirl Creek Mining are conducting extractive activities in areas like Gbaken Town and Dwehken without the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval or valid EPA environmental permits.
On Water Pollution and River Diversion, The Dugbo Creek—a critical water source for local communities—has been polluted by mining sludge, while river diversion activities by some companies have disrupted natural water flow and aquatic life, especially around Philadelphia and the Forpoh region.
other eares the findlings considered is the Deforestation and Habitat Destruction. Under this,
Large swaths of forest land are being cleared without reforestation or biodiversity conservation
plans, contributing to the loss of wildlife, soil erosion, and increased climate vulnerability.
for Land Degradation and Unrehabilitated Mining Pits, the findings reveals Open pits are being left without reclamation or proper land restoration measures, posing
hazards to human and animal life and making arable land unfit for farming.
Disregard for Community Rights and Livelihoods:
Affected residents report no prior consultation, no benefit-sharing agreements, and no
involvement in decisions affecting their land, water, and livelihoods.
Touching on the Environmental and Social Impacts, EECAF Identified gross environmental harms are not only a breach of national law but are contributing to: Loss of farmlands and food insecurity , Contamination of drinking water sources, Displacement of traditional livelihoods (fishing, farming, ) , Increased risk of waterborne diseases , Decreased ecosystem resilience, and Growing tensions between companies and local communities
“The environmental footprint of these illegal or poorly unregulated mining activities threatens the long term development prospects of Grand Kru County and undermines the government’s RESCUE Agenda for Prosperity and Development.
Recommendations for Immediate Legislative Action:
The Environmental Eyes Consultancy and Advocacy Firm Inc-(EECAF) recommends on
behalf of the affected communities and in the interest of environmental justice, the Immediate Suspension of Non-Compliant Mining Operations.
Additionally, Mr. Matthew Sieh Wisseh, EECAF, request the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Mines and Energy to halt operations of companies operating without valid permits; Convene an Emergency Caucus Hearing on Environmental Compliance by
Inviting EPA, FDA, Ministry of Mines, and affected community leaders to provide testimony and
data on the environmental situation in Grand Kru; Legislate Mandatory Site Rehabilitation Requirements by ensuring that mining companies are legally obligated to reclaim degraded land and restore ecological function post-extraction; Enforce Community Benefit and Consultation Frameworks by requiring all mining companies operating in the county establish formal, transparent, and enforceable Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs); Demand Full Publication of Environmental Assessments and Monitoring Reports, by ensuring all EIAs, audit reports, and permits related to mining in Grand Kru are made public for community scrutiny; Strengthen Local Oversight and Environmental Monitoring Capacity by allocating budgetary support for the creation of a County Environmental Watchdog Committee involving local citizens, CSOs, and youth leaders, and bring about decisive intervention, as direct representatives of the people, the Grand Kru Legislative Caucus holding the moral and constitutional responsibility to act in defense of your constituents’ land, water, and health.
