KONOBO DISTRICT, Grand Gedeh County – The United Miners Association of Konobo District has formally petitioned the Ministry of Mines and Energy, urging Minister R. Matenckay Tingban to prevent the return of former mining agent James Tailey Jallah, citing alleged abuse of authority, poor performance, and threats against local miners.
In a letter dated December 19 and addressed to the minister, the association said it was informed by Jallah himself that he was being reassigned to Konobo District, where he previously served as mining agent for nine years. The group warned that his return would reignite tensions and erode confidence in the district’s mining administration.
“The miners of the Konobo Mining District have been informed by the former mining agent James Tailey Jallah that he is returning as agent,” the letter states. The association appealed to Minister Tingban to reassign Jallah elsewhere, arguing that his lengthy tenure brought “no improvement” to the local mining sector.
The miners further alleged that Jallah has issued threats against individuals who welcomed his removal, warning that he would “ill-treat” miners upon his return. They also accused him of discouraging miners from properly processing licenses and instead exploiting those unfamiliar with mining laws.
According to the association, Jallah allegedly promoted illicit mining activities for personal gain rather than ensuring the sector contributed to government revenue. The group claimed he collected license fees without processing the required documentation and charged Class C miners clearance fees of up to US$250—amounts they said exceed legally mandated costs.
“He encourages miners to pay their license money to him without processing their licenses,” the letter reads.
The association urged the ministry to conduct a comprehensive audit of all licenses issued during Jallah’s nine-year tenure in Konobo District, arguing that such a review would expose systemic irregularities. The miners warned that any attempt to return him to the district would be met with “serious resistance.”
“We will work with any agent except agent Jallah,” the group said, calling on the ministry to act swiftly to preserve peace and accountability in Konobo’s mining operations.
Contacted for comment early Friday, December 26, Jallah denied the allegations, questioning both their credibility and timing. Speaking by mobile phone, he said he had worked with the association for nine years without any formal complaints and wondered why the concerns were only now being raised.
“As we speak, I am on assignment as a mining agent, so I am not even aware of any plan by my bosses to reassign me anywhere else from where I am,” Jallah said, dismissing claims that he was being transferred back to Konobo. He added that while management decisions are sometimes taken without prior notice to field officers, no such discussion had been communicated to him.
“I have no idea about all of what they are talking about. These claims are untrue and should not be taken seriously,” Jallah said, adding that he would provide further clarification at a later time.
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