River Gee – Superintendent Mike T. Swengbe of River Gee County is facing mounting accusations of enabling and benefiting from the illegal operations of a foreign-owned gold mining company, Mental Switch Mining. The allegations have sparked outrage among local residents, who claim that the superintendent is complicit in exploiting workers and allowing abuses to go unchecked.
The controversy centers on complaints from former employees Sampson Allison and Oliver Wesseh, who allege that the Senegalese-owned company has subjected workers to appalling conditions, withheld wages, and operated without legal authorization. Both men accuse Superintendent Swengbe of protecting the company instead of standing up for the rights of local laborers.
Allison, who worked as Chief of Security for the company from August to October 2024, revealed he was paid only $150 per month to guard equipment worth thousands of dollars. Despite completing three months of work, he said he has not received his full wages. When he sought help from Superintendent Swengbe, he was reportedly offered only one month of back pay, which he rejected.
“I have nine dependents, all of whom are in school. I came to work so I could provide for them, but I’ve been left with nothing,” Allison lamented. “The superintendent has done nothing to help, even as we face unbearable conditions.”
Illegal Operations Exposed
Following Allison’s complaint, Labour Commissioner Solo B. Teah launched an investigation that uncovered damning evidence against the company. According to Teah, Mental Switch Mining lacks the necessary permits to operate in Liberia.
“The company has been operating illegally for months, with the full knowledge and support of Superintendent Swengbe,” Teah stated, describing the situation as a conflict of interest.
The investigation also revealed troubling reports of mistreatment. Wesseh, who worked as an equipment operator, said he sustained a broken leg in a workplace accident but was ignored by the company. “I was left to suffer without any medical support or compensation,” Wesseh said.
Labour Commissioner Teah further disclosed that the company’s manager, Papa Kaba, assaulted him during the investigation but later issued an apology.
Adding to the controversy, a phone conversation recorded by Commissioner Teah revealed that company owner Aliue Kaba, a Senegalese national, claimed his operations were authorized by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The claim has yet to be substantiated.
Superintendent Denies Allegations
Superintendent Swengbe has categorically denied all accusations of wrongdoing, calling the allegations baseless.
“I have always conducted myself with integrity and professionalism,” Swengbe said. “I am confident that a full investigation will prove these claims to be unfounded.”
However, critics argue that the superintendent’s failure to address the grievances of exploited workers raises serious questions about his leadership and commitment to the county’s well-being.
Residents Demand Accountability
The revelations have fueled public anger in River Gee, with residents demanding swift action against both the company and the superintendent. Civil society groups and community leaders are calling for the immediate suspension of the company’s operations and an independent inquiry into Swengbe’s alleged role in enabling the abuses.
“This is more than just about unpaid wages. It’s about systemic corruption and the exploitation of our people,” a local youth leader said. “We deserve leaders who protect us, not those who sell us out to foreign interests.”
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