Rep. Koffa Fires Back at Threat to Reelection

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives has rebuked individuals who are criticizing the decision of the Grand Kru Legislative Caucus to halt illegal mining activities in the county.


Cllr. Fonati Koffa added that he stands by the caucus’ decision and, as acting chair, he wrote the letter, thinking about the next generations, not reelection.


He added the caucus comes as illegal mining activities in Grand Kru County had destroyed the environment and depleted the natural resource with no benefit to the county.


“A politician has his eye on the next election. A statesman has an eye for the next generation. It’s the generation we must protect. I stand unapologetically with the caucus decision -- win, lose or draw,” said Rep. Koffa of Grand Kru County District #2.


The criticisms come after the Grand Kru Caucus wrote Mines and Energy Minister, Gessler W. Murray, to impose a temporary moratorium on all mining activities in the county amid illicit gold mining.


Rep. Koffa said the influx of “illegal miners” in the county has reached a higher height and needs to be changed, and that many of the foreigners invading the forest and the mining sector in his county are Ghanaians, Nigerians, and Ivoirians.


Rep. Koffa added that the incapacity of the country’s security to man the borders is one of the contributing factors to the influx of illegal aliens in Grand Kru. “You have foreigners and aliens coming in at different points,” he says, adding that they invade the county and bring in dredging machines to get gold out of Liberian waters.


The mining sector in Grand Kru, which should help develop the county and contribute to government revenue, is suffering from illegal mining activities, which deprive the government of lawful revenue.


The Grand Kru lawmaker further said that he did not get elected to run for re-election but to make decisions and representations.