Africa-Press – Liberia. Lawmakers touring ArcelorMittal Liberia’s concession have been defending their visit at the concession area.
The Joint Legislative Committee on Mineral Development Agreements (MDA) has strongly rejected allegations of clandestine dealings with ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), stating that their recent oversight visit is well within their statutory duty to inspect the company’s operations and compliance with the Mineral Development Agreement.
The committee made the statement in response to a social media post by Senator Nya D. Twanyen, Jr. of Nimba County, who alleged that over 25 lawmakers were in the county for a “secret meeting” with AML representatives.
In a press statement released on September 20, 2025, from Ganta, where the committee had convened as part of an official oversight mission, the lawmakers strongly refuted the claims, stating there is “nothing clandestine” about elected officials verifying compliance with an agreement critical to the nation’s economy and citizens.
“This morning, as we prepared to depart for the concession site to inspect and verify ArcelorMittal’s operations, we became aware of a damning social media post by Senator Twanyen,” the statement read. “His post paints our visit as a ‘secret meeting’ and implies wrongdoing, which we categorically reject.”
The committee emphasized that their visit was neither secret nor unauthorized but instead communicated and coordinated in advance with the appropriate authorities.
They described Senator Twanyen’s characterization as deeply troubling, stating that it not only misrepresented their oversight trip but also cast aspersions on their integrity and commitment to public service.
“By posting such allegations without basis, our colleague has launched a reckless campaign of misinformation and political agitation,” said the statement, co-signed by Committee Chairman Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa and Co-Chair Senator Simeon B. Taylor.
They stressed that the oversight mission was a fact-finding endeavor, not a luxury tour, and that members of the Legislature have a constitutional responsibility to verify whether AML is living up to its commitments under the MDA.
Addressing broader insinuations in Senator Twanyen’s remarks, the committee rejected the idea that lawmakers must take a hostile or adversarial stance toward AML, Liberia’s largest private investor and employer.
The senators noted that AML currently provides over 5,000 jobs across Liberia, with many more projected under the company’s Phase II expansion plan.
“Thousands of our citizens depend on AML for their livelihoods, from miners to scholarship students to small business owners,” the statement said. “It would be irresponsible to vilify one of the few companies that continues to invest, train, and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s development.”
The committee affirmed its commitment to holding AML accountable but emphasized that engagement must be done through “firm, constructive oversight, not destructive confrontation.”
Quoting President Joseph Boakai, who recently commissioned AML’s new iron ore concentrator, the committee reiterated:
“There will always be issues with concessions, but we must sit around the table and solve them through dialogue. Liberia’s image must be protected.”
The lawmakers accused Senator Twanyen of grandstanding for political gain, warning that such rhetoric undermines legislative unity and Liberia’s investment climate.
We refuse to sabotage the livelihoods of over five thousand Liberians just to perform political theatrics, they stated. “We can demand compliance without scaring away investors or triggering a crisis.”
The committee further called on Senator Twanyen to recall that transparency, due process, and unity are foundational to effective legislative oversight. They also encouraged him to engage through the appropriate forums rather than social media attacks.
The legislators acknowledged ongoing issues with AML’s compliance. During a recent Senate hearing, AML’s own management admitted to failing to meet several key obligations under the MDA, including commitments related to infrastructure and community development.
“We are aware of allegations that certain promised facilities, like modern health centers for local communities, have yet to materialize after nearly two decades,” the committee noted.
However, they cautioned against using such failures as justification for acrimony or vengeance, saying yes, AML must be held to account, but that does not require them to engage in reckless, inflammatory behavior. They said. “We choose solution-oriented leadership that fixes problems, not rhetoric that escalates them.”
The Joint Committee appealed to all members of the Legislature to stand united in advocating for better outcomes from Liberia’s concession agreements.
“At this critical juncture, we must not let internal division weaken our negotiating position or harm Liberia’s image,” the statement added. “Let’s work together to ensure AML delivers for our people.”
The senators also urged Senator Twanyen to join their efforts as a “fellow representative of the people,” calling for face-to-face dialogue and mutual respect rather than divisive online accusations.
“Let us debate strategies, yes, but let us do so constructively, respectfully, and in the interest of the Liberian people,” the statement continued. “Now is the time to close ranks and speak with one voice.”
Concluding their statement, the committee reiterated its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and development, stating that it is in Nimba, on the ground, because it is serious about hearing from local communities and seeing for itself what AML has delivered, and what it hasn’t.
They said. “Our people deserve results, not drama.”
The committee pledged to report its findings transparently and take appropriate legislative action, using the law, not social media posts, as itsguide.
The challenges with the AML concession are not insurmountable. With unity and focus, we can ensure AML rectifies its failures and accelerates its contributions to Liberia’s development, the lawmakers further stated.
ArcelorMittal Liberia, one of the country’s largest foreign investors, signed its first Mineral Development Agreement in 2005. The agreement has since been amended and remains under scrutiny for issues including the use of the community development fund, environmental commitments, and infrastructure delivery.
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