Liberia: Bong County Lawmakers Arcelormittal Amendment Talks Draw Sparse Crowd

In a move billed as a critical step toward inclusive decision-making on Liberia's largest mining concession, the Bong County Legislative Caucus on Wednesday launched a citizens' engagement in Electoral District #1 to discuss ArcelorMittal Liberia's proposed Third Amendment to its 25-year Mineral Development Agreement but the exercise opened to a noticeably thin audience.

Led by Senator Prince Kermue Moye, the engagement is intended to give residents a platform to scrutinize the economic, social, and environmental implications of the proposed amendment, which could reshape the future of mining operations and community benefits in Bong County and beyond. Lawmakers described the forum as a listening exercise designed to capture public sentiment before any final legislative endorsement.

Participants were invited to question legislators, offer comments, and submit recommendations on issues ranging from employment opportunities and revenue sharing to land use, environmental safeguards, and community development commitments tied to the amendment. Caucus members emphasized that citizen input would weigh heavily as the Legislature considers changes to the long-standing concession.

Lawmakers insist the process reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that concessions of national importance must be grounded in public consent. "This engagement is about hearing from the people most affected," a caucus member said, stressing that community voices are essential to informed lawmaking.

The forum drew several key stakeholders, including Representative Prince K. Koinah, traditional leaders, community representatives, and civil society actors, who underscored the need for clarity and enforceable benefits for host communities under any revised agreement.

Yet, despite the high stakes surrounding ArcelorMittal's operations in Bong County, citizen turnout remained low, an outcome that sparked concern among observers and organizers alike. Questions were raised about public awareness, outreach strategies, timing, and whether consultation fatigue or skepticism has dampened participation in governance processes.

So, citizens warn that limited attendance could weaken the credibility and impact of the consultation if broader community engagement is not achieved. The caucus says the engagement will continue as it gathers feedback to inform its position on the proposed amendment, even as calls grow for intensified outreach to ensure the people's voices are fully represented in a decision with far-reaching consequences.

Read the original article on New Dawn.