By: Henry Gboluma | Gbarpolu Correspondent
Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County |April 8, 2026| In Gbarpolu County, Senator Botoe Kanneh, who chairs the Gbarpolu County Legislative Caucus, has publicly criticized the Ministry of Mines and Energy as well as several mining companies over ongoing problems in the local mining sector.
Speaking on Tuesday’s edition of The Daily Talk; a popular radio program on Voice of Gbarpolu, she outlined concerns that the mining activities are not delivering benefits to residents and more so, spurring development.
The Senator used the platform to address accusations that she had backed certain Burkinabé Mines near Rambo Base on Kpo Mountain in Bopolu City.
She said that when facing accusations, the proper response is to work harder for the people, and went ahead to stress that she did not support mining or the Burkinabé operations on Kpo Mountain.
The Senator however attributed the core issue to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, claiming that the Ministry issued licenses to two companies operating within the same mining area, a Liberian-backed Chinese company and Burkinabé Mines.
Senator Gbotoe also alleged that the Ministry ordered Burkinabés to back—off because the Chinese company was the first to apply.
Meanwhile, citizens from Gbarquoista in Bopolu District reportedly brought the issue to her attention, and she personally visited the area to verify the situation.
As part of her county tour, Sen. Kanneh emphasized that she regularly visits towns, villages, and mining sites to assess conditions.
Her findings indicate that mining activities are not benefiting the people of Gbarpolu.
She criticized MOUs signed with several companies, particularly in Bopolu District, for not delivering on promised community benefits.
She indicated that local residents have voiced the need for safe drinking water, health support, and other social services that they say mining firms should provide but are yet to; prompting her to step in to safeguard residents’ welfare.
She asserted that the Ministry of Mines and Energy must be held accountable for these shortcomings, and that intervention from the Ministry remains essential as the situation unfolds.
As a remedy, Senator Kanneh proposed a two-stage plan: first, a stakeholders meeting with mining communities; second, a broader assembly in Bopolu City with officials linked to the mining sector, the companies involved, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
The strong—willed Senator said that the aim is to ensure that mining operations align with the needs of Gbarpolu residents and that MOUs and environmental and social commitments are properly fulfilled.
On the other hand, during a recent reporting visits to Weasua Town in Gbarma District, local authorities stated that mining activities have not benefited their communities.
Besides, Citizens in Korninga Chiefdom, particularly around Gbeleta, also accused a Chinese company of damaging water sources and failing to meet its MOU obligations.
If implemented, the proposed stakeholder meeting would bring together mining communities, company representatives, and sector authorities to address community needs and ensure adherence to MOUs and social commitments while safeguarding environmental health in Gbarpolu.
