– A Communication from Rep. Briggs-Mensah pushes Plenary to Action
By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The House of Representatives has mandated a Joint Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of all concession agreements across Liberia. The decision, made during Thursday’s session, follows a formal request from Bong County District #6 Representative, Moima Briggs-Mensah, who called for an in-depth assessment of existing concessions to evaluate their performance and compliance with government terms.
The Joint Committee, comprising the Contracts & Monopoly, Investment & Concession, Labor, Mines & Energy, Natural Resources & Environment, and Judiciary committees, will examine the tangible benefits of these agreements and assess the balance between investor gains and national interest. The committee is expected to report its findings to the Plenary for further action.
In her communication, Rep. Briggs-Mensah emphasized the urgent need for the review, stating that it is critical to ensure that concession agreements align with Liberia’s long-term development goals. She warned that failure to conduct such an assessment could undermine national development efforts and hinder the country’s ability to maximize the benefits of these agreements.
“It is imperative that we assess the country’s benefit from these concessions and evaluate the ratio of benefits between the investors and the nation,” Rep. Briggs-Mensah stated. “This review is essential to ensure that the terms of these agreements align with Liberia’s development goals and contribute positively to the economic, social, and environmental well-being of our citizens.”
“Agreements to Ensure National Benefits”
The lawmaker’s request comes amid growing concerns about the effectiveness of concession agreements in driving national development. Many Liberians have questioned whether these deals, often involving natural resources and large-scale investments, are truly benefiting the country or disproportionately favoring foreign investors.
Rep. Mensah urged the Plenary to treat the matter with urgency, warning that failure to do so could undermine Liberia’s progress and hinder its ability to maximize the benefits of these agreements. “The failure to address this issue could undermine our national development and hinder the country’s potential to maximize the benefits from these agreements,” she stated.
The proposed review would focus on evaluating the performance of existing concessions, their compliance with agreed terms, and their overall impact on Liberia’s development. Rep. Mensaly expressed confidence that the Legislature would address the matter efficiently and effectively.
“I trust that, with your leadership, we will be able to address this matter in a timely and efficient manner for the betterment of Liberia and its people,” she concluded.
The 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲
The House of Representatives also on Thursday announced the formation of a joint committee to conduct a comprehensive review of all concession agreements in the country.
The committee is headed by Honorable Foday E. Fahnbulleh, Representative of Bong County Electoral District #7.
According to the Chair, the committee will immediately proceed with its work as mandated by plenary. The review aims to assess the compliance and effectiveness of concession agreements to ensure they align with national development objectives and benefit the Liberian people.
As part of its responsibilities, the committee will summon various concessionaires for hearings to examine their adherence to contractual obligations, operational impact, and contributions to the Country’s economic growth.
The chairman has called on all concessionaires to fully cooperate with the committee’s review process. Failure to comply may result in legislative actions.
The House of Representatives remains committed to upholding national interests and fostering a business environment that promotes sustainable development.
Updates on the committee’s progress will be communicated to the public as it commences work.
