IPNEWS: The speaker of the 55th legislature of Liberia and Representative of District #2 Grand Kru county, Cllr. Fonati Koffa has disclosure that ‘illicit Mining Remains A Threat To The Development of Grand Kru county’.
Speaker koffa made the disclosure over the weekend at the Grand Kru Development Association 2024 Convention held in Philadelphia,the United States of Americas.
Addressing his kinsmen at a well attended event held in Folcroft, in Philadelphia the speaker disclosure that Grand Kru county is plagued with illicit mining which has become an existential threat to the way of life in the county and Ghanaian miners first migrated to the county with dredges and now have been joined by miners from other counties to exploit the land.
Adding that “Many of you may not realize the long term consequences of this industry: floods have increased; rivers are highly polluted; but most of all our children are leaving school and running to the gold fields in search of a livelihood that will give them no future if they are lucky; and if they are not will lead to early death and destruction. If we cannot solve the illicit mining problem, our county will be a wasteland in a few years”. By: Charles B. Yates, Philadelphia, U.S.A.
SEE FULL TEXT OF SPEAKER FONATI KOFFA’S SPEECH for the Grand Kru Development Association Convention in Philadelphia
Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests, and Fellow Members of the Grand Kru Development Association,It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today in the great city of Philadelphia, a city whose history reminds us of the power of unity, vision, and commitment to shared progress.
In the spirit of this city’s legacy, I come before you to discuss how we can lift our beloved Grand Kru and the entire southeastern region of Liberia through an approach that is both sustainable and inclusive: an asset-based approach to development.The Power of Our Assets.
Too often, development conversations are framed around what is lacking. But I stand before you today to say that Grand Kru and the southeast are not defined by our challenges.
We are defined by our assets, and it is by leveraging these assets that we can create meaningful, long-term development for our region.
Let us remember that every community has resources—be they natural, human, or cultural—and it is in identifying, mobilizing, and maximizing these assets that we unlock our full potential.
So, let me highlight three key assets that we must focus on if we are to truly lift Grand Kru and the southeast as a whole.
1. Natural Resources: The Land as Our Legacy Grand Kru, and the southeast, are blessed with vast natural resources.
From rich agricultural lands to coastal areas with the potential for fishing and eco-tourism, our land holds untapped wealth.
By focusing on sustainable agriculture, investing in eco-friendly fishing techniques, and promoting tourism that celebrates our unique culture and environment, we can create industries that provide jobs, generate income, and preserve our natural heritage for future generations.Now our county is plagued with illicit mining which has become an existential threat to our way of life.
Ghanaian miners first migrated to the county with dredges and now have been joined by miners from other counties to destastatingly exploit the land.
Many of you may not realize the long term consequences of this industry: floods have increased; rivers are highly polluted; but most of all our children are leaving school and running to the gold fields in search of a livelihood that will give them no future if they are lucky; and if they are not will lead to early death and destruction. If we cannot solve the illicit mining problem, our county will be a wasteland in a few years.
2. Human Capital: Investing in Our PeopleOur greatest asset, without question, is our people. The talents, skills, and determination of the people of Grand Kru and the southeast are the building blocks of any development agenda.
It is crucial that we invest in education and vocational training, not just for our youth but for all members of our community.We must build schools, train our teachers, and ensure that the education our children receive prepares them for the future. That is why we built six schools over the last 6 years in our district.
Regrettably, we need teachers to in those schools. It is sad to put up a new school building and come back a year later and see it populated by goats and cows, only to be told that there are no teachers. Beyond formal education, we should also promote entrepreneurial initiatives and develop programs that support small and medium enterprises in agriculture, trade, and technology.
By investing in our human capital, we ensure that our people are equipped to drive the development process themselves.
3. Cultural Heritage: Preserving and Promoting Our Identity Our culture is one of our richest assets. The traditions, values, and sense of community that have been passed down through generations in Grand Kru are not just things of the past; they are our strength today. As we build toward the future, we must also safeguard our cultural heritage and identity.This can be achieved by integrating cultural programs into our schools, supporting our artists, musicians, and craftsmen, and using our rich history to promote tourism. By showcasing our culture on a national and international stage, we bring attention to Grand Kru, attracting investment and pride in who we are.But most importantly, we can take advantage of our county’s natural beauty to create a tourist industry .
Grand Kru have the most pristine and beautiful beaches and virgin lands that surround those beaches in need of hotels and guest houses for vacation and retreats and family reunions. Yes, we in government has to do our part to upgrade Grandcess Airport and rehabilitate Sasstown Airport.
We look forward to budgetary support for these ventures. Most importantly, we must be persistent in our quest for the southeast coastal highway.
The southeast caucus is determined to spend 50 million dollars a year for the next six years to pave that highway. As the budget is a political tool, this becomes an uphill battle. But with the leadership proximity we have we are positive that we can accomplish this.The coastal highway is not only good for the south east. It is also good for Liberia. Imagine the southeast sits next to the fastest growing economy in West Africa: the Ivory Coast.
With its strong cocoa industry, Ivory Coast has surpassed Liberia in rubber production. A truck leaving Monrovia to Cote Ivoire takes about 2 weeks to make the journey, which would ordinarily take 3 days if the roads were paved. This has resulted in astronomical cost of goods and services. It has made rural more dangerous and unbearable for our people.
The price of gas in Monrovia is about $3USD while the price of gas in Barclayville is $6USD.
The Importance of Partnerships.As we focus on these assets, we must remember that development is not a solo journey. We must foster partnerships—with government, international organizations, and the private sector. But just as importantly, we must partner with each other. The Grand Kru Development Association, along with other organizations and stakeholders in the southeast, must lead the way by uniting our resources, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collaboration.
Asset-Based Development: A Mindset for the Future an asset-based approach requires a shift in mindset. It asks us to see not just problems, but possibilities. To see our land not just as territory, but as a foundation for growth.
To see our people not as recipients of aid, but as agents of change. This mindset empowers us to believe in the capacity of Grand Kru to chart its own course, based on its strengths. In this regard, we can reduce our dependence on government and focus on our collective strength. No government will do for you what you are not willing to do for yourself.
Conclusion: A Call to ActionAs we gather here in Philadelphia, far from the shores of Liberia, let us not forget that we are connected to the land, the people, and the culture of Grand Kru and the southeast.
Each of us has a role to play in lifting our region. Whether through investment, skills transfer, advocacy, or simply by sharing our knowledge and networks, every effort counts.The road to development is not an easy one, but by focusing on our assets, by believing in our own strengths, and by working together, we can create a future where Grand Kru and the southeast thrive—not just for today, but for generations to come.Thank you, and may the work we do here be a beacon of hope and progress for all.
