By: Kabinah Kaba
MONROVIA – The Joint Legislative Committee on Mineral Development Agreements (MDA) has dismissed allegations made by Nimba County Senator Nya D. Twanyen, Jr., who described their recent oversight visit to ArcelorMittal Liberia’s concession area as a “secret meeting.”
In a press statement, the Committee said its mission to Ganta was a planned and transparent inspection aimed at verifying ArcelorMittal’s compliance with its MDA obligations.
“Our visit was planned in advance and communicated with the relevant authorities,” a spokesperson clarified. “There is nothing clandestine about legislative oversight of such a significant economic entity.”
The Committee expressed disappointment over Senator Twanyen’s remarks, saying his claims misrepresent their work and undermine the Legislature’s integrity.
They stressed that oversight is essential to protect the welfare of citizens who depend on ArcelorMittal for jobs and economic stability.
Rejecting calls for hostility, the Committee highlighted ArcelorMittal’s role as Liberia’s largest private employer, with more than 5,000 jobs currently provided and an expansion project expected to create another 5,000.
While admitting that compliance issues exist, the Committee said ArcelorMittal itself has acknowledged shortfalls. “We are committed to addressing these lapses while maximizing benefits for local communities,” they assured.
Calling for unity, the lawmakers urged Senator Twanyen to work with them constructively. “We need to resolve the issues surrounding ArcelorMittal’s MDA for the good of our people,” the statement read.
Senator Twanyen, in an earlier post, accused ArcelorMittal of wooing legislators with luxury tours while failing to honor its agreement.
He warned that unless the people of Nimba and Liberia benefit as outlined in the MDA, lawmakers risk legal action or non-renewal of the deal.
He further alleged discrepancies in the company’s reported investment figures, claiming ArcelorMittal admitted under oath that its plant is worth $250 million instead of $1.4 billion.
In response, the Joint Committee reaffirmed its commitment to diligent oversight, pledging to ensure that Liberia’s natural resources are managed responsibly and in the best interest of its citizens.
