By: Julius Konton
Residents of Benben Town in Todee District, Montserrado County, hailed Assistant Minister of Mines Carlos Edison Tingban for his swift intervention in finally ending their longstanding dispute.
Residents within the area have finally received great relief from Tingban’s conflict resolution skills.
The conflict, which lasted for months, led to tension and bitter exchanges, loss of life, and uncertainty amongst the locals, but said troubling times are now history due to the timing and impactful Intervention of the Assistant Mines and Energy boss.
Among other things, Assistant Minister Tingban’s latest move has again demonstrated his exceptional ability to lead, mediate, and inspire progress within the mining sector.
Branded as a lasting solution, Tingban and the team’s mediation effort marks a turning point for Ben-Ben Town due to its nature of peace, bringing a divided community, which also demonstrated the power of collaboration and compassion.
The ability to mediate, empathize, and implement practical solutions in the area,
Now, see a transition into a new chapter of cooperative governance, as the town can look forward to a future of stability, growth, and unity.
Before arriving at such an accomplishment, Assistant Minister Tingban, accompanied by a team of skilled technicians from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, arrived in Benben Town with a mission to, among other things, convey and implement a permanent solution and guide the community toward peaceful coexistence.
Tingban in conversation with the local emphasized unity and the power of collective action for the improvement of the residents’ lives.
Flanked by his colleagues, Tingban’s words resonated deeply, as the town people gathered to hear the Ministry’s resolution.
It can be recalled that the Ministry embarked on a comprehensive assessment of the situation when the Deputy Minister for Operations, the Director of Mines, and technicians listened attentively to community members explaining the roots of the dispute.
During the mediation effort, it was discovered that the groups had presented licenses claiming ownership of the mining site, and the tension between them escalated over time, culminating in the loss of lives.
Demonstrating firm leadership ability, while acknowledging the realities with boldness, the Assistant Mines and Energy Minister called on the locals to peacefully coexist while addressing the audience.
“If you cannot agree to live together in peaceful harmony, you as a people cannot solve this problem,” he warned the residents of Benben Town.
Tingban’s statement was a call to action, reminding them that the lasting solution last within them as locals, as Minister Tingban’s approach was marked by sincerity and determination.
At the same time, He encouraged them to take responsibility for their future.
“Nobody can solve this problem for you; only you, the residents, can solve your problem.” We can talk about everything here today and leave from here, but you people have to live peacefully together,” he re-emphasized.
Among other things, Mr. Tingban’s words were both empowering and touching, reminding the community of the immense opportunity their mining site held for positive impact.
One of the most striking moments came when Mr. Tingban reflected on the loss of life in Benben Town. “The other day, I heard that someone died. This is not a good story about you people,” he said solemnly.
His heartfelt comment underscored the urgency of finding a resolution, not just for the economic benefits of mining but for the well-being and safety of the community. “What you have here is supposed to impact your lives positively and benefit this town,” he reminded them.
Among other things, the Ministry’s solution was carefully crafted to address the core issues of the dispute while promoting fairness and inclusivity.
During the mediation, it was also determined that the two licenses showing ownership would remain constant, ensuring that neither group felt disenfranchised.
The Assistant Minister clarified, “Nobody has or will take it, nor has it been encroached.”
The assurance was crucial in rebuilding trust among the community members.
Furthermore, He announced that the mining site in question did not belong to any individual or group but was, in fact, government property.
The decision shifted the focus from ownership disputes to collaborative governance.
Moreover, He proposed a system that would allow the community to have a say in the site’s management.
Richard Kollie, a respected figure who had previously worked in the area, was tasked with suggesting the name of an individual for documentation.
Similarly, the community was asked to nominate one representative. These names would be sent to the Ministry for proper documentation, ensuring transparency and accountability. “No one man will own that place,” Asst. Min. Tingban stated firmly.
The Assistant Minister’s vision went beyond resolving the immediate conflict.
His plan aimed to empower the community and foster economic growth.
“We want to help you as community people so that you can be able to improve your lives, even though the place belongs to the Government,” he explained.
