By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
Nimba County, Liberia – Shock and grief have gripped residents of Ganta City and Gbao Bunplay Town in Nimba County following the tragic deaths of two men in separate drowning incidents. The fatalities, which occurred on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, have raised concerns about safety and the dangers associated with sand mining and river activities in the region.
In Ganta City’s LPRC Zone #8 community, a 43-year-old man identified as Sam Nuah drowned in a sand mining pit. The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. while Nuah was working at the site. His lifeless body was recovered at 4:40 p.m. and handed over to a 15-member jury team, which included health practitioners, security personnel, community leaders, and family members, to determine the cause of death.
N. Jerry Klee, a medical practitioner and administrator at Power House Clinic who was part of the investigation team, confirmed Nuah’s death. He reported that while there was blood visible on the deceased’s mouth and forehead, there were no signs of foul play or significant injuries suggesting external force. Following the investigation, Nuah’s body was released to his family for burial.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has since invited individuals present at the scene for further questioning. The incident has sparked fear and speculation among residents, with some attributing the drowning to the depth of the sand pit, while others suspect unnatural causes.
Sand mining, particularly illegal and unscientific practices, has long been a concern in Liberia due to its environmental impact and the risks it poses to workers. Hundreds of unrecorded deaths occur annually in sand mining operations, leaving behind devastated families and highlighting the need for stricter regulations and safety measures.
Second Drowning in Gbao Bunplay Town
In a separate incident, a man believed to be in his mid-30s, identified as Dahn Morris, drowned in the Weh River in Gbao Bunplay Town, Electoral District #7. Eyewitnesses reported that Morris had left his house to bathe in the river when the tragedy occurred. Sources indicated that Morris was an epilepsy patient and may have suffered a seizure while in the water, leading to his drowning.
Residents discovered Morris’s body and informed the town chief, who subsequently alerted the Liberia National Police. A 15-member coroner’s jury was convened, and after an investigation, it was determined that there was no foul play. Morris’s body was handed over to his family, and his remains have since been buried.
The back-to-back drowning incidents have reignited calls for increased safety measures and public awareness, particularly in areas prone to such tragedies. Residents in Ganta City have expressed concerns over the dangers posed by unregulated sand mining pits, which often lack proper safety protocols. Similarly, communities near rivers are urging for greater awareness of the risks associated with water activities, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.
Local authorities and environmental advocates are urging the government to take immediate action to regulate sand mining operations and ensure the safety of workers. They are also calling for community education programs to raise awareness about water safety and the dangers of unsupervised river activities.
