Bong Mines Police Trapped For Logistics

Police in the former German-run iron ore-mining town of Bong Mines in Lower Bong County have complained that logistical problems pose severe difficulties in adequately performing their duties of protecting life and property. A police officer at the Bong Mines police station, who asked for anonymity for fear of being marginalized, told New Democrat over the weekend that officers assigned in Fuamah District were facing serious problems due to the lack of vehicles and other logistics needed for their effective operation as law enforcement personnel. The officer informed our reporter that policemen are having difficulties in protecting people living in towns and villages that are in 2-3 hours walking distance outside the perimeter of Bong Mines. “The situation is really embarrassing to us,” the police officer complained, adding: “As I speak to you…we don’t have a single vehicle to go and arrest crime suspects. Most of the time we have to walk far distances to arrest alleged criminals, which is very difficult for us.” Perhaps, due to the problem, several Bong Mines residents alleged that some police officers in the area often charge complainants between LD150 and LD500 seeking against from criminal suspects. The chair of the community policing in Fuamah District, Mr. Tamba Ketor, affirmed the plight police officers assigned in Bong Mines, saying: “Indeed the information obtained is true.” He told our reporter: “We alarmed former Police Boss, Munah Sieh of this situation, but the condition still remains. There is no vehicle in this district for the police. There are only few motorbikes which are not sufficient to fight crime in a district with five big clans…and we want the government, through our Rep., Corpu G. Barclay, to help us address this matter.” Our reporter was told that barely 7 police officers currently assigned in Bong Mines including Fuamah District comprising five large clans where more than 14,000 people reside. But the information was not yet substantiated.