Monrovia, April 16 -- The Ministry of Mines and Energy has issued a strong public warning, distancing itself from a fraudulent social media campaign soliciting money in the name of its leadership.

In a press release dated April 15, the Ministry described as "fake" a Facebook post urging Liberians at home and abroad to contribute funds toward the construction of a modern office building for the Liberia Geological Survey (LGS).

Authorities say the scheme is the work of "unscrupulous individuals" attempting to extort money from the public while tarnishing the reputation of Mines and Energy Minister R. Matenokay Tingban.

The Ministry cautioned citizens not to send money to a phone number-0760-401-109-circulated in the fraudulent post, whic...