By: James Myking Suah
GRAND KRU – Grand Kru County Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa has submitted a formal communication to the Plenary of the Liberian Senate, calling for a probe into Atlantic Resources Liberia Limited for its continued failure to meet its logging concession obligations in Grand Kru County.
In his communication, Senator Bartekwa urged the Senate to take appropriate legislative action by terminating the contract between the Government of Liberia—on behalf of the people of Grand Kru County—and Atlantic Resources Liberia Limited.
He recalled that the agreement, signed in 2009, granted the company rights to conduct commercial logging activities in designated forest areas of the county. However, he noted that since the agreement’s execution, the company has consistently failed to fulfill its commitments.
The Senator further pointed out that Atlantic Resources has not operated in the concession area since 2016, effectively abandoning the site.
This, he said, has led to the deterioration and closure of key access roads in the Dorbor, Forpoh, and Buah Statutory Districts.
“The company’s prolonged inaction demonstrates a clear lack of interest and a diminished commitment to operate in Grand Kru County,” Senator Bartekwa stated. He added that despite numerous communications, stakeholder meetings, and efforts by county authorities to re-engage the company, all attempts to revive operations have failed.
“The people of Grand Kru County have waited patiently for more than a decade for the promises of this concession to materialize,” he said. “If the company is no longer interested in conducting business in our county, then the agreement should be formally canceled. Let other credible and serious investors come in and utilize these resources for the benefit of the people and the country at large.”
Senator Bartekwa concluded his appeal by urging the Senate to act in the interest of the affected communities and ensure that concession agreements are not allowed to remain dormant to the detriment of the population.
Following his presentation, the Senate Plenary overwhelmingly agreed to refer the matter to its Committees on Judiciary, Concessions, Investment, and Agriculture.
The Joint Committee has been mandated to review the status of the Atlantic Resources concession agreement, assess the company’s level of compliance, investigate the claims of abandonment, and report its findings within two weeks.
