MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Grand Cape Mount County Senator Dabah Varpilah wants the renegotiation of the 25-year Restated Mineral Development Agreement between the Liberian Government and Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC).
According to Senator Varpilah, the current agreement contains significant gaps that fail to adequately protect the interests of the county and its people.
Speaking on ELBC radio on Thursday, August 6, 20206, in Paynesville City, she noted that the agreement should be revised to include clearer and legally binding obligations, requiring the company to make greater investments in the long-term development of Grand Cape Mount County.
She emphasized that BMMC should establish and fully equip a technical and vocational training center to provide local youth with the practical skills needed to qualify for employment opportunities within the Mining Sector.
The Senator also proposed that BMMC support scholarship programs for students from Grand Cape Mount County, particularly in fields such as mining and engineering, medicine, and other technical professions.
Senator Varpilah said,” Investments in education and human capacity development would ensure that the county continues to benefit even after mining operations come to an end”.
Addressing healthcare concerns, Senator Varpilah linked the county’s high maternal mortality rate to the shortage of qualified health professionals. She argued that BMMC should contribute to strengthening the local health system by supporting the training and development of healthcare workers.
She further compared the BMMC agreement with that of ArcelorMittal Liberia, noting that AML’s agreement includes clearly defined commitments such as training centers, community development projects, and other social investments. She maintained that similar obligations should be explicitly included in the BMMC agreement.
The Senator said she is prepared to champion efforts to renegotiate the agreement, adding that Liberia has previously revised agreements with significant shortcomings.
She cited the renegotiation of the country’s telecommunications agreement as an example of how contracts can be improved to better serve the national interest.
Reflecting on the circumstances under which the original agreement was signed, Senator Varpilah explained that Liberia was emerging from years of civil conflict, and the government’s priority at the time was attracting investment and creating jobs.
She argued that with changing conditions and improved national stability, it is now appropriate to seek stronger benefits for host communities.
The Grand Cape Mount County Senator also praised the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for ongoing development initiatives in the county and across Liberia.
The Grand Cape Mount County Senator highlighted projects including the construction of the Medina–Robertsport Road, progress on the Montserrado–Bomi–Bo Waterside Road corridor, the deployment of yellow machines to rehabilitate feeder roads, and the renovation of health facilities.
By: Masiame Konneh