Police Recover US$12,000 Worth of Gold from Fatal Bong Highway Crash

By Edwin N. Khakie

GBARNGA, Bong County, June 25, 2026 — The Liberia National Police (LNP) is appealing for the relatives of Josiah S. Doenunneh, one of two victims killed in a fatal road accident near the Salala checkpoint, after recovering 105.5 grams of gold valued at more than US$12,000 from his belongings.

Bong County Police Commander ACP William Johnson said officers recovered the gold, along with mobile phones and other personal effects, during a search of the crash scene following Tuesday’s accident along the Monrovia-Gbarnga Highway.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has since verified the recovered gold and estimated its street value at more than US$12,000.

According to police, the gold and all recovered personal belongings are being held at the Liberia National Police detachment in Gbarnga pending identification and verification by the deceased’s next of kin.

Authorities said the items will only be released through established legal procedures after ownership has been confirmed.

The accident involved a white Toyota Land Cruiser bearing license plate A6A0756, owned by the Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas.

Preliminary police findings indicate that the vehicle was traveling toward Monrovia when the driver reportedly lost control, causing it to veer off the road and crash into nearby bushes.

Eyewitnesses said six passengers sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment, while two men, including Doenunneh, died at the scene.

The discovery of the gold has drawn public attention because of its value and the circumstances under which it was recovered. The incident also underscores the movement of valuable minerals along Liberia’s highways and the role of law enforcement in safeguarding recovered property following accidents and other emergencies.

Police said investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing and urged anyone with information that could help identify or locate the family of Josiah S. Doenunneh to contact the Bong County Police Detachment.