LOCAL NEWS
YEKEPA – ArcelorMittal Liberia has begun land clearing activities in Yekepa Township as part of ongoing infrastructure expansion efforts tied to its obligations under the amended Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with the Government of Liberia.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The exercise forms part of the company’s broader township restoration and infrastructure development plans aimed at restoring Yekepa to its pre-war layout while creating space for key projects linked to ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operational expansion.
In collaboration with Liberia’s Ministry of Public Works, ArcelorMittal Liberia began identifying and marking unauthorized structures in Yekepa Township in early February 2026.
The process was followed by a series of public awareness announcements on local radio stations, informing residents that demolition of unauthorized structures and the removal of non-company property from concession areas would commence on May 7, 2026.
According to the company, the initiative is necessary to pave the way for critical infrastructure projects and support the implementation of commitments under the MDA.
However, despite repeated notices and awareness campaigns, some individuals have reportedly continued constructing structures and cultivating farms within concession boundaries.
Speaking to residents found clearing land and planting crops in areas earmarked for development, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Local Government Relations Manager, Lance Gbagonyon, said the company is focused on reclaiming and utilizing its legally designated concession land.
“ArcelorMittal Liberia’s new MDA calls for action, and restoration of Yekepa Township to its pre-war status is one of those actions,” Gbagonyon said. “People have often said AML is not doing anything, but now that the company is moving to implement projects, some individuals are creating additional challenges by illegally occupying concession land.”
He warned that individuals who knowingly establish farms or construct buildings within concession areas should not expect compensation or resettlement benefits.
“Everyone, including AML employees who may have erected buildings or opened farms in concession areas, will not receive compensation. Government has made its position clear on this matter,” he emphasized.
Gbagonyon further disclosed that ArcelorMittal Liberia does not have a dedicated budget for resettling individuals who knowingly occupied or developed portions of concession land.
“There is no budget line for resettlement of people who knowingly built houses or created farms on company land. Therefore, AML cannot guarantee compensation or resettlement for persons intentionally making gardens or constructing structures in areas already earmarked for clearing and development,” he added.
Residents occupying or using concession land without authorization are being urged to discontinue such activities, vacate affected areas, and cooperate with authorities to avoid losses resulting from demolition and land reclamation operations.
ArcelorMittal Liberia says it remains committed to implementing its expansion and infrastructure projects responsibly while ensuring compliance with concession agreements and supporting Liberia’s national development priorities.
