Growing tensions have surfaced in Kinjor and its surrounding towns as a respected landowner, Dr. Gbendy Karmoh Edwin Zodua, has accused the Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC) of unlawfully occupying the Marvoh family’s property and turning a blind eye to the development needs of affected communities. Dr. Zoedua, a well-known community advocate, claims that Bea Mountain continues to operate on land owned by Marvoh family for generations without any formal legal authorization or compensation. He said that repeated efforts to engage the company through official letters, meetings, and community dialogues have been ignored by management.
The outspoken advocate described Bea Mountain’s actions as a gross violation of property rights and a sign of deep disrespect toward local citizens. He further alleged that the company has marginalized Grand Cape Mount residents in its employment process, stating that many qualified locals are often denied job opportunities in favor of outsiders. According to Dr. Zodua, the company’s promises of community development have not translated into real improvements in the lives of the people of Kinjor. He highlighted the lack of clean drinking water, electricity, and basic social services, saying these conditions expose the company’s failure to live up to its corporate social responsibilities.
He also lamented the deplorable state of the Kinjor Clinic, which remains poorly equipped and lacks essential medical supplies. He disclosed that patients including pregnant women are frequently forced to raise money for fuel to power the community ambulance to Monrovia’s JFK Hospital for treatment. Environmental concerns were also raised. Dr. Zodua accused the company of disposing chemical waste irresponsibly, leading to possible water contamination in Kinjor and nearby areas. He noted that the once-clear water has turned murky and foul-smelling, with residents now suffering from skin infections, stomach pains, and other health-related complications believed to stem from mining activities.
As Head of the Council of Elders, Dr. Zoduah condemned the situation as unacceptable and called on Bea Mountain to take immediate responsibility for the environmental and social harm allegedly caused by its operations. He also appealed to the Government of Liberia, civil society groups, and the media to intervene to protect the rights and welfare of the affected population. Dr. Zoedua emphasized that Liberia’s natural wealth should benefit local communities and urged national leaders to hold mining companies accountable for their actions in Grand Cape Mount County.
