MONROVIA, July 12 -- Liberia's Minister of Mines and Energy Gesler E. Murray has warned that if care is not taken, the increase in social marginalization of Liberians at various mining sites around the country could degenerate into xenophobic and reprisal actions that could trigger a degree of social unrest.

Report by Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

His comments were in response to reports about many Liberian men at mining sites complaining that their girlfriends and spouses are being taken away by illicit Ghanaian miners who have better economic benefits owing to their illicit mining activities.

At a Senate hearing Friday, he said, what is more appalling is the news that some young girls have been subjected to sexua...