By: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr. |Gbarpolu Correspondent
Gokala Town, Bopolu District |March 25, 2026| Community leaders in Gungbaya Chiefdom have launched a renewed push to compel BAO CHICO Mining Company to live up to the terms of the 2022 MDA with the Liberian government.
After months of promises and stalled actions, community leaders and residents are calling for concrete steps, with the Gungbaya Development Council suspending operations until key obligations are honored.
At a gathering organized on March 21, 2026, in Gokala Town, residents voiced frustration over what they describe as a pattern of delay and inaction by the mining firm, signaling that the company may not resume operations until concrete actions are taken.
“If they want to work, let them do 50% of their obligations,” said Amada W. Moore, Youth Secretary General of the Gungbaya Chiefdom, speaking on behalf of the Chiefdom. Moore named the construction of a Vocational School and the relocation of residents as immediate priorities.
Ma Fatu Sheriff, the Chiefdom Chairlady, echoed the sentiment, stating, “The Company is not helping us. We the women will work together with our Council for this company to be removed from here.”
Clan and town leaders joined the call for government intervention, with several chiefs urging a change of company if BAO CHICO cannot fulfill the agreement.
One clan chief, Boakai Gbelly, argued that if the mountain is left to BAO CHICO “after seven years,” it will be exhausted without benefiting the community.
Francis Chowooe, a clan chief, expressed disappointment that health facilities have not been built. He said up to today, this company is not thinking about hiring a safety officer. “Let the Company do what is in the MDA,” he insisted, warning that the government should bring a different company if BAO CHICO fails to comply.
Varney Diannah criticized the company for knowingly refusing to fulfill what they signed, accusing BAO CHICO of prioritizing resources overseas over the local community. “This Company will not help us. They just want to carry out iron ore to China to benefit and leave us in poverty,” he said.
The meeting also highlighted safety concerns, with Semala Dukuly remarking on police presence and blasting activities that affect local livestock and livelihoods.
Another Elder, Bama Jallah labeled BAO CHICO as a “Liar Company” for failing to deliver on commitments.
Despite the growing frustration, Morris Haward, Dean Elder of the Chiefdom, asked whether all attendees agreed that BAO CHICO should leave. The consensus was a firm “Yes,” underscoring that the MDA’s implementation remains the primary point of contention.
In responding to the crowd, BAO CHICO’s HR Sylvester Jallah, acknowledged the discussion’s constructive nature and suggested there remains room for dialogue.
Edwin Darjue, BAO CHICO’s Liaison Officer, explained that keeping operations paused at a 50% compliance level is intended as a constructive compromise and pledged to relay concerns to management.
To appease the citizens a little, Darjue also presented a $12,000 check to the Gungbaya Development Council for construction and rehabilitation of three drill-hand pumps, and noted the company’s involvement with a US$5,000 from the Company, now working with Health Ministry to make the Bomboma Clinic functional.
The Bomboma Clinic, built by NOCAL in 2017, has remained unused since turnover, with residents calling for its immediate operationalization while the company proceeds with broader health facility construction.
The community points to several MDA provisions that remain unaddressed:
Section 9.1: No health, safety, and relocation support infrastructure.
Section 9.3(a)–(b): No housing and amenities for contractors.
Section 10(a): No 24-hour medical facility.
Section 11.2(a): No vocational school and training for Liberians.
This is why, the Gungbaya’s leadership and residents said that the suspension of BAO CHICO’s operations will stand until these obligations are fulfilled and a credible remediation plan is presented.
