September 2, 2021
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) in the Southern Region has on the 30th August 2021, conducted a swift operation on illegal mining activities at Pejeh and Kabondeh Chiefdoms in Pujehun District respectively.
The activity was part of EPA`s compliance and monitoring mechanism to effectively manage and protect the environment.
The increase in illegal mining activities in the Region have caused serious pollution of water and the use of other related substances that have severe health implications for people in those communities.
According to the Acting Regional Manager of the Environmental Protection Agency South, Mr Joseph Gbassa, he indicated that foreign nationals were actively engaged in mining activities along the Wanje river with dredge machines without an Environmental Impact Assessment License which contravenes section 23 of the Environment Protection Agency Act of 2008 and its amendment in 2010.
He further expressed dismay about the unwillingness of some local authorities to cooperate with the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the environment for all.
‘It is evident that these foreigners are hosted by some community members to destroy the environment without any good for the community”, he added.
However, the team engaged the locals on their responsibilities and the need to work with the Agency to protect the environment for the benefits of all.
Meanwhile, two foreign nationals namely: Jonathan Dickson who claimed to be a Liberian and Mick Mensa a Ghanaian citizen were arrested as others fled the scene of crime. Both suspects are helping the Police with the investigation.