-Summons Ministry of Mines & Energy (MME) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The House of Representatives has unanimously agreed to establish an Internal Audit Department (IAD) following a resolution by Plenary to revert to a Committee of the Whole to oversee its creation.
Plenary’s decision was triggered by a communication from Representative of Maryland County, Electoral District 1, Hon. P. Mike Jury, who emphasized the urgent need for an Internal Audit Department to enhance transparency, accountability, and credibility in the financial and operational management of the House.
Hon. Jury stressed that the absence of an Internal Audit Department has raised concerns about the credibility and reputation of the House, making its establishment a critical step toward good governance and institutional integrity.
Roles of the Internal Audit Department (IAD) According to Hon. Jury, the IAD will be responsible for:
โ Establishing a financial system to ensure accountability.
โ Reviewing processes and procedures to enhance efficiency.
โ Examining financial records for accuracy and compliance.
โ Ensuring adherence to laws and regulations.
โ Assessing and mitigating risks while improving risk management strategies.
โ Advising leadership on financial and operational matters.
โ Promoting ethical standards within the institution.
โ Safeguarding assets of the House of Representatives.
โ Conducting investigations where necessary.
Hon. Jury emphasized that implementing the IAD aligns with global best practices and will help restore the dignity, prestige, and morale of the House of Representatives.
Following a thorough debate, Tuesday during the 9th day sitting of the 1st Quarter of the 2nd session, Plenary unanimously endorsed and approved the establishment of the Internal Audit Department, marking a significant milestone in the Houseโs commitment to financial accountability and institutional reform.
Meanwhil, the House of Representatives has summoned the Ministry of Mines & Energy (MME) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to appear before Plenary next Thursday to address concerns regarding mining licenses, environmental degradation, and harmful mining practices by several mining companies and class โCโ alluvial miners.
The decision followed a communication from Hon. Austin Taylor, Representative of Maryland County, Electoral District 3, who raised serious concerns about ongoing illegal mining activities that are polluting water bodies, destroying ecosystems, and endangering local communities.
Hon. Taylor highlighted that mining operations, particularly along the Gee River in Feloken, Barrobo, Maryland County, have completely polluted the waterway, rendering it unsafe for local residents. He further stressed that mining companies are using hazardous chemicals like mercury, posing a severe threat to biodiversity and human health.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the absence of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between mining companies and affected communities. The lack of clear agreements has fueled legal uncertainties, corporate neglect, and inadequate social responsibility from mining operators.
Following deliberations, Plenary passed a motion mandating the MME and EPA to appear and provide detailed explanations on the licensing and operational practices of the following companies:
1๏ธโฃ Soar Mining INC.
2๏ธโฃ Tietto Minerals (Liberia), Ltd.
3๏ธโฃ Lituo Mining Company, Ltd.
4๏ธโฃ Hummingbird Resource INC.
5๏ธโฃ Juppiter Mining Company
6๏ธโฃ Jinlong Mining Resources (Liberia) Technology INC.
7๏ธโฃ Godsent Group Ltd.
8๏ธโฃ DE Mining Company
9๏ธโฃ Duke Mining Company
The House of Representatives remains committed to ensuring that mining activities adhere to environmental laws and corporate responsibility standards, and that affected communities receive due protection and benefits.
