Philadelphia, USA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has introduced that his administration will undertake a complete overview of all mining concessions in Liberia, with the objective of making certain that the nation derives higher advantages from its huge mineral sources.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Talking at a city corridor engagement with diaspora Liberians in Pennsylvania, United States of America on Sunday, September 28, 2025, President Boakai mentioned the overview course of will likely be guided by each nationwide pursuits and worldwide authorized obligations. His remark was in response to a query posed to him by an viewers.
“We’re going to overview all of our mining concessions, and we have already got a timeline to try this. Mining is kind of an costly enterprise, particularly for sure sources like iron ore. However there are areas, like gold mining, that Liberians themselves may tackle,” the Liberian chief disclosed.
President Boakai lamented the tens of millions of {dollars} the nation loses yearly by “unhealthy mining firms” and concession agreements that don’t absolutely serve Liberia’s curiosity.
He burdened, nevertheless, that the federal government can not arbitrarily cancel present licenses resulting from binding worldwide agreements.
“We can not simply come and cancel all of the licenses, however now we have a chance to overview them, to make them go well with our personal situations, and guarantee that we’re internationally compliant whereas making certain that Liberians profit.”
The President pointed to what he described as a troubling pattern amongst concessionaires, the place firms report losses regionally whereas recording earnings overseas.
“Most of them declare losses in Liberia, however they make earnings of their exterior holdings. We all know that. As soon as we are able to deal with this, the alternatives will open for Liberians to take part,” he mentioned.
The Liberian chief govt assured the general public that whereas the federal government stays dedicated to respecting present concession rights, his administration’s overview course of will prioritize transparency, equity, and Liberia’s financial development.
The mining sector, which has been lengthy considered one of many cornerstones of Liberia’s financial system, has been engulfed by sharp criticism over alleged unfair offers, poor neighborhood advantages, and restricted participation by Liberians.
Hinged on his inaugural assertion ‘No enterprise as ordinary,’ the President’s newest assertion stands in affirmation of that declaration, maybe, with the intent of resetting the sector according to its “ARREST Agenda,” the federal government’s improvement plan.
On the similar time, President Boakai has known as on Liberians at dwelling and overseas to take possession of their nation’s improvement, stressing that true nation-building requires sacrifice, reconciliation, and a collective sense of accountability.
He mirrored on Liberia’s painful civil warfare previous, which claimed an estimated 250,000 lives, whereas honoring nations that contributed peacekeepers to finish the battle.
The President emphasised that Liberia should not neglect its historical past however as a substitute use it as a stepping stone to rebuild.
“We should all the time bear in mind these we misplaced, those that fought for peace, and the buddies who stood with us,” President Boakai mentioned. However remembering will not be the tip. We should take accountability for our nation. This is the reason we’re establishing a Diaspora Fee, to harness abilities, abilities, and investments from Liberians overseas.”
He additional urged Liberians within the diaspora to view their homeland as a spot of alternative moderately than a burden.
“You may’t declare to be a Liberian whenever you don’t take accountability for its development. That is your nation. We should rebuild it collectively,” he burdened, pointing to initiatives to rehabilitate deserted properties, increase tourism, and entice funding.
The Liberian chief then re-emphasized his key message of unity by reminding Liberians at dwelling and overseas that nation-building will not be the accountability of the federal government alone, however of all residents.
